Dogleg Transmission Cars: A Guide

What is a Dogleg Transmission?

A dogleg transmission is a type of manual transmission that has a first gear that is positioned to the left and below the other gears. This gives the transmission a distinctive “dogleg” shape when viewed from above.

Dogleg transmissions were originally designed for racing cars, where the driver needs to be able to shift quickly and easily from first gear to second gear. However, they have also been used in some production cars, such as the Porsche 911 and the Mazda Miata.

Advantages of Dogleg Transmissions

There are several advantages to using a dogleg transmission:

• Quicker Shifting: The dogleg design makes it easier to shift from first gear to second gear without having to move the shift lever too far. This can be a significant advantage in racing, where every millisecond counts.
• Reduced Fatigue: The dogleg design also reduces fatigue for the driver, as they do not have to move their arm as far to shift gears.
• More Control: The dogleg design gives the driver more control over the car, as they can more easily feel the position of the shift lever.

Disadvantages of Dogleg Transmissions

There are also some disadvantages to using a dogleg transmission:

• Can be Difficult to Learn: Dogleg transmissions can be difficult to learn to drive, as the shift pattern is different from that of a traditional transmission.
• May Not Be Suitable for All Cars: Dogleg transmissions are not suitable for all cars, as they can make it difficult to shift gears in tight spaces.
• Can Be More Expensive: Dogleg transmissions can be more expensive than traditional transmissions.

Conclusion

Dogleg transmissions offer several advantages over traditional transmissions, including quicker shifting, reduced fatigue, and more control. However, they can also be difficult to learn to drive and may not be suitable for all cars. If you are considering buying a car with a dogleg transmission, be sure to test drive it first to make sure that it is a good fit for you.