Dave Plowman (News) ( snipped-for-privacy@davenoise.co.uk) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying :
I beg to differ.
For a three speed auto, you want one of a VERY deep pocket, shares in BP, or another gear.
Funnily, the Marina 1.8 auto (3 speed) was pretty good. If you have a decent power to weight ratio a 3 speed can be ok - after all they were the norm for many a year on large cars.
Of course a 5 or more speed modern electronically controlled box is miles better.
Yes, but the Mini is in a transverse configuration hence losses through the drop gears, the Marina is RWD.
When you look back, some of the quickest cars ever built used a two speed auto (and drum brakes) And can still outrun hothatches in a straight line, admittedly they had a huge engine.
mrcheerful
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