Gear Changing 5480May be a slightly different technique (was taught to me as a "constant rev change") when changing down, but I was taught to lock accelerator foot in position, clutch down, select neutral, release and...
I have now been driving autos for around ten years and I has spout driven
That may be your experience, but personally I don't think autos have an overwhelming advantage over cars with manual boxes.
I been regularly driving both for over 20 years, and whilst I'd agree that an auto is easier to drive in a town or in stop start traffic situations, I don't find it a 'pain in the backside' to drive a manual in those circumstances, and for everyday motoring, I don't find changing gear particularly onerous or tiring.
At present I have a 5 series BM auto, an SD1 3500cc Vitesse auto, and a manual Toyota Celica GT4 turbo. They are totally different cars to drive, but IMO the fact that two are autos and the other a manual, is the least of the differences between them. IMO each have an appropriate g-box for the type of car they are.
Oh, and not all 3 speed auto boxes were poor performers. The 3 speed GM 180 auto box in my '85 SD1 is quite comparable with the 5 speed auto box in the BM. Obviously it hangs onto the intermediate gears longer, but changes are smooth, and it's quite responsive to throttle openings. If anything, kickdown gives a quicker d-change than the BM. Mike.
