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I test drove both a 6i 5spd and a 6s auto before ordering my 6s 5spd and here are a few things I noticed:
1. Steering is excellent on both with a defined "center" and quick and linear response.
2. The 2.3 motor sounded better than I expected and while not what I would call fast, it was very entertaining to drive.
3. I do not like the auto with sportshift one bit. It takes WAY too long to change gears on upshifts, and if it doesn't think you should downshift it won't let you.
4. Both cars were very stable at 100-110 mph.
5. Both cars cornered very flat and were well damped with little or no oscillation. Both were very nimble feeling like much smaller and lighter cars.
6. Both cars rotate the rear end VERY well for a 4 door FWD vehicle. Using either lift off throttle or trail brake.
7. Both cars remained suprisingly neutral up to their limits where they both exhibit understeer. Mild 0n the 6s and moderate on the 6i. This suprised me because I thought the extra weight of the 6s would cause it to understeer more, but it seemed to grab better where the 6i would actually push and slide the front tires under heavy cornering. Could be the tires..? I didn't look to see if they were the same or not.
8. Both cars had very good brakes.
9. The 6i 5spd was louder and growled more than the 6s auto. Is this a the same on the 6s 5spd? I hope not.
10. The 5sp of the 6i was nice...light, smooth and just a little notchy.
11. The clutch on the 6i 5spd was light but the engagement zone seemed to be odd to me at first... perhaps I would get used to it over time.
Well that's my thoughts. I love this car and I think I'm going to be very pleased with my 6s 5spd if it ever comes...:sarc
Jon
1. Steering is excellent on both with a defined "center" and quick and linear response.
2. The 2.3 motor sounded better than I expected and while not what I would call fast, it was very entertaining to drive.
3. I do not like the auto with sportshift one bit. It takes WAY too long to change gears on upshifts, and if it doesn't think you should downshift it won't let you.
4. Both cars were very stable at 100-110 mph.
5. Both cars cornered very flat and were well damped with little or no oscillation. Both were very nimble feeling like much smaller and lighter cars.
6. Both cars rotate the rear end VERY well for a 4 door FWD vehicle. Using either lift off throttle or trail brake.
7. Both cars remained suprisingly neutral up to their limits where they both exhibit understeer. Mild 0n the 6s and moderate on the 6i. This suprised me because I thought the extra weight of the 6s would cause it to understeer more, but it seemed to grab better where the 6i would actually push and slide the front tires under heavy cornering. Could be the tires..? I didn't look to see if they were the same or not.
8. Both cars had very good brakes.
9. The 6i 5spd was louder and growled more than the 6s auto. Is this a the same on the 6s 5spd? I hope not.
10. The 5sp of the 6i was nice...light, smooth and just a little notchy.
11. The clutch on the 6i 5spd was light but the engagement zone seemed to be odd to me at first... perhaps I would get used to it over time.
Well that's my thoughts. I love this car and I think I'm going to be very pleased with my 6s 5spd if it ever comes...:sarc
Jon
I've go t a 6s manual on order... waiting... waiting... 
