Can someone describe the different characteristics of manual transmissions?

PostGrungeJunky

New member
And how they translate to in real life driving?

I would like a manual transmission on my next car (something fast and fun, probably a hot hatch). I have never driven one in my life and would like to learn. That said, every car review has an opinion on a car's transmission quality. Reviewers say the Civic Si has very precise with short throws and is great to use.

Some shifters are described as notchy, balky, rubbery, vague, easy to miss a gear, etc. What do those terms mean in actual use?

Also reviews describe the clutch. Some are described as heavy, tricky engagement point, etc.

Can these "bad" qualities in a gearbox be a deal breaker on a car such as Mazdaspeed3 or a WRX? I really don't know what all those descriptors mean in practice. Since I'm new, I probably won't notice...

THANKS!
 
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