So on my test drive I was in 3rd gear doing about 40mph and I punched the accelator and not much happened. What did I do wrong? Does it require a downshift at all times to rapidly speed up?

 

For hard acceleration, 2nd gear seems right at that speed. You have to remember that all gears aren't created equal.

 

for me personally, if the rpm's are at the 3000+ mark i'm able to accelerate relatively well for street conditions and keeping errything legal

 

If you are cruisin around town talking to the passenger and not paying attention to much then the car has sufficient gittyup&go to do whatever you want without having to think about it or worry about what gear you are in. Think of it as a Miata then. I say that because in every low rpm instance my S is as fast or faster as my Miata.

But for maximum grunt you need to let the beast loose! The beast, and it's voracious appetitie for gas, is caged until VTEC. The difference between the 2 modes is so dramatic that people begin to think you don't have any power off VTEC. When you compare it to other cars you see that isn't true. You have a car that would satisfy your grandmother and will also satisfy you when she's not in the car.

So at 40 you should have been in 2nd. All cars have their sweet spots or rpm ranges they perform best

 

Topspin, I can't remember... Is your car broken in yet?

 

Topspin628 Posted on May 13 2006, 03:24 PM
Are you sure it was in 3rd?
At that speed in 3rd it should accelerate nicely, not the same as in 2nd, but certainly not as you discribed.
Manual states for normal driving to shift from 3rd to 4th at that speed.
Btw.. test drive? Did you buy it allready?

 

the car starts to sound and move like it should around 4000k+ rpm. ever heard people say the S has no torque? the car has 6 gears...take your time getting there!