Auto or Sport Auto (Techtronic whatever you call it) are slowwwwwww, but not just for the Protege, most factory autos or Sport autos are slower then the manual (Not including some serious high end transmitions, like BMW's for instance where the Auto with manual mode, the manual mode even heal toe shifts through the electronics (With no clutch) and alot more.)
I raced a Turbo Shadow (But it was a Auto) with my N/A Mildly modded Protege 2.0L LX and DISTROYED him, it was funny. I also gave a Accent a 3 second head start in the 1/8 mile and still passed him before the line (That was funny, he left I just sat there picked my teeth, then took off)
And when at the track Mazda3 2.3's with Auto/Manual mode refuse to race me (Well thats with good right, Ive eaten all the Mazda3's Ive raced so far (Got one on Vid), and pissed off a few M3 owners on the streets too.
The launch is a Big factor. With Manual you can rev to anywhere you want and Dump the clutch at the green light & Slip the clutch to get the best traction. Reving up in N and jamming her into D at green doesnt quite compare, nor does Reving it in N then tapping up on the sport shifter to have the transmition put it in D.
I even beat a modded Sport Intrepid (Auto) and missed my 2-3 shift during the race (I was too far ahead from my launch he couldnt catch up).
I dont know what my 0-60mph is, BUT I have the race against the Mazda3 2.3 Clocked at 1/8 in 10.16, not sure how fast I was going But I was in third gear, second gear tops off arround 60mph so I was definatly going faster then 60mph.
I could estimate its a high 6 to mid 7 seconds, with the curent mods I got on. In the Next few weeks headers, motor mounts, & a short shifter + bushings are going in. Im 100% certain I can do the 1/8 in under 10 seconds after that.
