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YACT: why do modern automatic shifters have that zig-zag pattern?
- Thread starter StevenYoo
- Start date
sniperruff
Lifer
so you won't accdentially knock it into reverse at 70mph.
Well, I've noticed that there are two different kinds of "ornaments" One's with either a "zig-zag" pattern (a la Mercedes Benz) and ones with a straigh line, but, with a button on the gear stick (a la the first Lexus GS 300, if I'm not mistaken).
Both have the same purpose: to keep your car in gear.
With the simple straight line method, it would be too easy to move the gear stick, and therefore there is a button on the gear stick that should literally lock the gear stick so that it won't move into a dangerous position while moving at a high speed (in Lexus, you can move D -> N, R -> N without pressing the button, but the reverse of those require the button being pressed).
With the "zig-zag" though, it's just really there to give you a feel of where the stick is at (D would be the left most position, and N is just above that to the left, and one more up and to the left should be R. P has a curve between the itself and the R so that it can not be shifted there automatically, it would have to be forced there (at least in Mercedes Benz it's like this). The only thing I don't understand about the "zig-zag" is that there is no security, i.e.: it can be moved just be moving it, and therefore can be shifted into neutral from either D or R at high speeds at any time.
😕
Both have the same purpose: to keep your car in gear.
With the simple straight line method, it would be too easy to move the gear stick, and therefore there is a button on the gear stick that should literally lock the gear stick so that it won't move into a dangerous position while moving at a high speed (in Lexus, you can move D -> N, R -> N without pressing the button, but the reverse of those require the button being pressed).
With the "zig-zag" though, it's just really there to give you a feel of where the stick is at (D would be the left most position, and N is just above that to the left, and one more up and to the left should be R. P has a curve between the itself and the R so that it can not be shifted there automatically, it would have to be forced there (at least in Mercedes Benz it's like this). The only thing I don't understand about the "zig-zag" is that there is no security, i.e.: it can be moved just be moving it, and therefore can be shifted into neutral from either D or R at high speeds at any time.
😕
RaynorWolfcastle
Diamond Member
I agree, manual is more fun to drive MT cars, but in this day in age the "automatic manuals" shift faster than any human.
i think it's a sort of a tactile function.
In my mom's benz, you need to do pull the lever backwards and to the right, around the bend and against the left hand side (i think). back when i had the "dildo-matic" in the SC400, it was press the button and pull it back until it stops, but not too far or you get into the "2". of course that doesn't happen, i mean, when you own the car, you get used to it and it's extremely trivial. oh, and for aesthetics.
In my mom's benz, you need to do pull the lever backwards and to the right, around the bend and against the left hand side (i think). back when i had the "dildo-matic" in the SC400, it was press the button and pull it back until it stops, but not too far or you get into the "2". of course that doesn't happen, i mean, when you own the car, you get used to it and it's extremely trivial. oh, and for aesthetics.
JulesMaximus
No Lifer
No, it's because Mercedes started it (IIRC) and then the Japanese thought it was cool and copied it. I think the button lockout thing is the accurate reason though.
The only reason I ever consider an auto trans is because of my wife who cannot drive a stick. I much prefer a manual transmission and for about 10 years that's all I had. My first car was a stick which is what I learned to drive on.
NutBucket
Lifer
Uh, the auto trans in the Mazdas are not even CLOSE to the BMW and Ferrari auto manuals. The main difference, the BM and Ferrari boxes are actual manual transmissions with a clutch that is actuated electronically. The Mazda boxes are just auto trannys with torque converters and clutch packs that allow you to choose the shifts. Its an inherently slower design unless you start messing with shift kits and such.
As for that E55 comment, I just hate how so many people that drive those cars drive them so damned slowly. Fvck, you spent an extra 20k or whatever for the supercharger, MAKE USE OF IT!!!!!
randomlinh
Lifer
I was thinking the same. When I went to test drive, I started w/ the auto since I hadn't driven stick in a while. Definitely some lag in there. But hey, the 3 is essentially sold as an ecobox of sorts.. sorta.. heh.
they spent the 20k to showboat how much money they spent, not to drive fast.
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