Offlist comment from a friend: Subject: RE: [OT] Automatic is more fuel efficient than manual? To: RussellMc don=92t know what the foregoing was referring to other than the hint given by the subject header, but a) the synchro is indeed for bringing the two shafts to the right speed, using friction. b) I can and do still drive a car with a crash box, but it gets harder as we all get made softer by the modern automobile c) I have seen manufacturer claims that their autos of a certain model will be more economical on some standard driving cycle than the equivalent manual. My comments are a. the auto version is invariably geared much =93taller=94 than the manual because the manual version never has enough gears, so b. with the right gearing and engine response decided by designers having one eye to that fuel efficiency test, the auto can prevail c. Otherwise not. d. although it is perhaps dangerous to generalise from the particular, I drive a few Mondeos for (more than) a few km. The manual version consistently gets better fuel economy by a worthwhile amount than the autos, and the difference widens with increasing urban running. regards John --=20 http://www.piclist.com PIC/SX FAQ & list archive View/change your membership options at http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/piclist .