Hey guys, been a while since I've been on here, but since I totalled my 95 GLE and just purchased a 97 5 Speed, I figured I'd get back on the site. Just a simple question though (since I can't seach for previous threads right now), how much better is a 5 Speed SE than the auto GLE? I remember in the past hearing about people are much happier with their 5 speeds, but are they really that much faster or what? Just give me a little insight here!

 

How fast the manual accelerates depends on the driver.

I like my 5 speed better, not becuase I accelerate faster, rather because I like the control, especially when you want to pass someone. Also, 5 speeds in snow are much better than automatics IMO.

 

5spd is much faster, once you learn how to drive it.

 

They’re faster, more fun to drive when not in traffic, and in most cases better on gas. Unless they completely get rid of the whole idea of a manual transmission, I will always own manual equipped car.

 

Even in traffic they're not bad...you probably will see a lower gas economy though, as many orger's have noticed. The VQ engine is just such a smooth engine, you find yourself not wanting to keep it at a reasonable rpm -- why we get worse gas economy. Also, 5th gear is short, so when cruising at say 80, you'll be doing morethan 3k rpm's compared to overdrive.
on the SE's handling characteristics -- the difference may not be as subtle since you haven't driven your GLE in a while, but body roll is reduced significantly.

 

To me the 5 speed gives you better control and also with acceleration especially when passing other cars, going up inclines and other things. To me the 5 speed gets off the line quicker than an auto.