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Comments
And I think, (correct me anyone) transmission repairs are fewer and cheaper compared to the more touchy auto.
I felt acceleration was better with stick in the X when shopping both....this could be an illusion, but it made a difference in my mind.
I think it does rev higher though as Xcanuk mentioned.
I have never liked manuals on the trail. Clutch slippage happens pretty quickly on the trail, and to me, it sucks to have to navigate a trail and worry about shifting, but that's just me.
It's mostly personal preference, but as far as reliability, except for Ford, most auto tranmissions today are very good if not equal to or better than manuals.
Why are 90% of Jeep Wranglers 5speed?? That is certainly a respected off-road vehicle...
(by the way- I am not being sarcastic- I've had Wranglers and when shopping I've noticed that most are 5's)
A:
more fun
better mpg
better control
off road advantages (see better control, start in gear, ...)
more fun
less maintenance
less expensive
stronger (can be built up more with less problems)
more fun
jeep guys aren't wimps (just kidding)
I'm not saying 5 speeds suck at all. They defintely have their place. I was more referring to auto's being "touchy" (which I took took to mean less reliable). I've driven both out on the trail and happen to personally like autos better.
But that's for my own personal reasons.
Like I said, it is all going to come down to a persons preference. It's totally subjective.
The obvious "bonus" to the auto is towing capacity, but like I said, if you're a person who doesn't tow anything then it's not a factor to begin with. The manual is cheaper, butif $$ isn't a consideration, then that's not a factor either.
Just my .02 cents. I couldn't really recommend one over the other. "Stick with what you're used to" would be my only suggestion.
I have a manual, and I tow.
Why is auto better for towing? I don't get it. I would think a direct connection, rather than fluid, would be stonger, more economical, and longer living.
Not being "funny" here, just trying to get an answer.
Thanks.
Most vehicles have a higher rated towing capacity with auto transmissions. The X in particular is rated at 5,000 lbs vs. 3,500 lbs. I think the main reason being clutch wear and tear. And also gearing. The auto tranny has a torque convertor. Below the stall-speed, the fluid is in "shear", and the convertor performs a "torque-multiplying" function. So, rather than a first-gear of 2.5:1 (for example), the auto tranny's convertor makes this more like a 5:1 first gear. Significantly lower than the Xterra manual-tranny.
There are domestic truck manual transmissions with "granny" gears, featuring 5.6:1, 6:1 or even 7:1 first gears. It's rare that you can use these on the street, but towing or getting a heavy load moving is one great use for them.
In the case of the Xterra, I think it's simply the lower effective gearing offered by the automatic.
And it's harder in general on the manual with all the added strain. It's not that you can't tow with a manual, just not as much.
I did not know that.
What about longevity? Especially for towing, say 1500#? I would think all that "shearing" might not be too good for fluid life and therefore, tranny life.
??
:-)
After a few fiascos with clutches on some pretty nasty trails, I switched to automatics and haven't regretted it. Like I said tho, it's all what you're most comfortable with.
i would just worry that the new pipes would leak or cause leaks. is it a DIY or something a pro should do. thanks guys
Tony
design of the xterra-- the '02 x and liberty are following current design trends so are not copying each other but more are products of a trend right now. if anything, i think the xterra owes alot to the land rover discovery. thematically they are similar from the angled roof, odd-shaped rear window and "boxy" design--i just think the xterra took it to a whole new level and did something completely fresh.
if you want to see where jeep 'copied' the design from, look at the old Korando. they had that round headlight design for a few years befre jeep (although the korando is basically a wrangler copy) that is EXACTLY the liberty front end. jeep tried to sue for copyright infringement before the intro of the liberty--dont know how that went.
I also heard that it should not be used at high speeds, at least not for very long.
My primary concern is winter driving on highways & secondary roads. In fact, the snow is the only reason I am considering a 4x4. In this respect, I understand that a compact SUV like the Escape would perform better since it is FWD with rear-wheel assistance when needed. However, I much prefer the X-terra's styling, reputation and solidity, and I don't mind that it drives more like a truck.
So here is my question:
Is it possible to safely (for the vehicle) use the 4x4 at highway speeds, for long drives?
If you browse back this didscussion was very thoroughly covered.
The X is not an all wheel or a full time 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Warning, the X is a truck and not a tank. The 4Wd gives security, but once you hit ice, you are not any better off.. if anything, worse due to the height. ( Its the main reason you see so many suv in a ditch at the first storm )
When I went to the dealership this past week to test drive the new 02 X, I saw the "Shock Blue." Let's just say it's name is appropriate. I thought it was UGLY. Although you have to take into account your environment. I'm in Central FL and not everywhere is like central FL.
Let me just say that I love the "Just Blue" but this new concept of "SHOCK" is too much for me.
Just throwing out my thoughts.
BEN
By the way, I have decided for sure to wait and go with the 2002. I know I'm sacrificing a lot but I liek it more and I'm in nor financial situation to buy NOW anyway. Oh Well...guess I'll be waiting a few more months. How long 'till they start coming down on the MSRP for the 02's????
http://www.mouseparty.com/xterra/02.nissan.xterra.f34.500.jpg
Here are pix of my '01
http://www.mouseparty.com/xterra/new/
I put black leather in and it looks cool in the door panels etc. It is as nice on inside as out.
Also- with the 01 you have room with the $$ to upgrade tires too. I think you can see them on my pix.
But I must say, the 02 is sweet, and wouldn't need the dash kit.
The X uses a part time 4wd system. After initially engaging the 4wd at a slow speed you can then switch in and out of 4wd at highway speeds as needed, provided you haven't gone in reverse and unlocked the hubs. Many 4wd vehicles use this system and it works fine, especially off-road. The Escape and the other cute-utes are no better off than regular car when it comes to heavy snow.
Also, the Escape lacks a 4wd low gear which the X has. This can only be used at slow speeds (like 15mph and under), but is great for "crawling" your way out of mud, deep snow, etc.
It all depends on your needs, and the weather conditions in your area. The cute-utes are fine for their intended purpose (added traction on slick or slightly snow covered roads). Heavy snow or mud, you want to go with a "real" 4wd system.
It's like the Khaki, all tan no depth. All blue- no metallic flake.
I personally wouldn't get it- because I just might not feel that BRIGHT and noticeable all the time.
But that is no knock to the color.
1. full plastic front bumper- now its all plastic, i like the metal of the 00-01.
2. weaker leaf springs (or should i say one less leaf per pack)
3. relocation of the turn signals to a delicate area right next to the wheels! its more efficient, clean and purposeful next to the headlight.
otherwise, it looks great.
they are much safer for the majority of drivers out there for the majority of driving situations.
for example, if it is raining outside people will not switch on 4wd (city driving). awd/ft4wd is utterly unflappable by oil slicks, slippery situations,etc.
the thing about switching on 4hi when you see a slick spot coming up assumes that you actually see it coming. now if that were always possible, there wouldn't be any accidents.
now i know this stuff isnt always true and situations differ. for off road driving, nothing beats a 4wd system with hi/lo transfer case (like the xterra) but if youre sole purpose in getting 4wd is to be safer ON road, then there are better options out there.
now, as for a better suv? good luck 'cause the xterra is the best all-around pkg out there. there are only 3 things that matter to me: reliability, daily useability, style. no other suv can match it...well, i like the 4runner too (just too pricey for what it is).
The full-time 4x4 was one thing I liked about my Jeep Grand Cherokee.
But I'll take the X anyday.
Care to explain in more detail?
A locker on the other hand is for locking the wheels and going up hills, rocks, etc. Keep in mind with a locker (as nice as they are) your ability to turn is severely limited, as is your speed and mileage. A locker isn't meant to drive with on the road really so keep that in mind.
Why do you think most old muscle and race cars have lockers or posi? Better grip.
I'm no expert, but here are a few transmissions alternatives that I know of:
- viscous coupling: basically a differential with some oil filled device that will distribute the torque where it's needed (i.e. the wheel with the most traction). I believe that basically, the oil acts like a clutch when one wheel spins faster than the other and locks the differential (correct me if I'm wrong). That's the system used by Audi. It's mechanical and works great.
- electronic traction control: Mercedez uses a reversed ABS system. Basically, the computer will brake the wheel that spins (i.e. no traction) to redistribute the torque through the differential to the wheel with traction. Advantage: transmission is lighter and freer (3 straight differentials instead of the viscous coupler which is heavier). Acura uses discs (like a clutch) on each half of the differential. A computer then decides what wheel needs to be engaged and when. From what I read, works great, but seems rather complicated of a solution to me (IMHO).
Regarding the comment about deep snow, I'd like to know how deep it has to be before you need a 4WD, in your opinion. My experience with a Subaru (AWD) in 6 - 8 inches of heavy Tahoe snow was just fine. Maybe, being Californian, 6-8 inches seem rather deep while it may be a dusting somewhere else :-) My point though is that AWD is fine for most snow conditions that people will encounter ON the road, because most roads would be closed when it gets so deep that only a 4WD would go through. Truth is, 4WD is only useful for off-roaders who gonna go in deep mud and such. Other than that, AWD is superior to everyday driving condition.
http://www.4x4now.com/bb0297.htm