Acura RSX Type-S & beginning to learn on a stick?

[Ryan.]

I am 17 years old and I am a beginner and in the process of learning how to drive a manual transmission. I thought I could take a big step forward by looking to buy a 5 or 6-speed manual car. While here recently I have been learning on one of my friend's 1991 5-speed S10.

Well I really like the 6-speed Acura RSX Type-S (w/ 210 HP) or the 5-speed base version (w/ 160 HP). But I've heard from other people here on Yahoo! Answers that if I'm a beginner, I shouldn't buy or even learn on a vehicle with more than 200 HP. Is this true?
Also, does it make a difference for me (a beginner), whether I learn on a 6-speed or 5-speed transmission?

Can anyone tell me if this is a good or OK car to learn on?

Thank You.
10 points to Best Answer!
=D

 

[Fuzzpaw]

first off, kudos for deciding to learn manual. more people should.

i disagree with people who say more capable cars arent good to learn on. cars dont have "one speed". whatever you drive, you should drive it responsibly, so whether you have a 200hp rsx or a 90hp geo shouldnt make a difference. unless you are reckless and decide to abuse the available power before you learn how to properly handle the car.

i do agree that a beginer should master a 5 speed before driving a 6 speed. that extra position will take getting used to, and an error durring a downshift on the freeway for example ( getting lost in the shift gate, and going into a gear too low) could ruin your transmission or motor.

as for a numeric horsepower recomendation, thats not really relevant. i understand the idea, but the concern would be the speed of the car. which is dependent on the power to weight ratio, not just the power alone. ( a 200hp civic will be alot faster than a 200hp suv ) and i also agree with winnie, 160hp isnt so far from 210 that it would make such a drastic difference.

i would say go for the 6 speed rsx anyway if you want it. the best way to learn is to go and do it.