Dave Plowman (News) wrote:

There is little comparison between autos of old and the best modern ones.

Up until about 40 years ago, they were commonly three speed with a torque
convertor. This slowed the same car down over a manual, and increased the
fuel consumption. Only really reasonably satisfactory in a large engined
car.

There are basically two types today. The same idea epicyclic box with
torque converter but many more ratios. 8 not being uncommon. With the
power lossy TC locked out for much of the time - really just used for
moving off from rest. All computer controlled.

The second one is a robotised manual synchromesh box with a conventional
but automatic clutch. The most efficient in terms of MPG and performance.
The better versions of this idea use effectively two gearboxes and
clutches. One gearbox has the odd gears, the other the even. And changing
between say 1st to 2nd is done by swapping the clutches. When the car is
in 2nd gear, the other box has selected 3rd, and the process repeated.
This arrangement can give a virtually seamless power flow under pretty
well all conditions.

My first automatic was a 2009 Mondeo which I believe had a torque
converter, and I am now running a 2016 Mondeo which I think is
the twin clutch type, and has flappy paddles, should I choose to
use them, which is pretty seldom.

Both simply worked, gave me sufficient performance for my needs,
and they were both pretty smooth in operation. I guess the only
time I really get my foot hard to the floor is towing the caravan
onto a slip road.

Chris
--
Chris J Dixon Nottingham UK
@ChrisJDixon1

Plant amazing Acers.