optionray

Anyone ever try starting off in 2nd gear (automatic/manual mode). Curious what kind of time/speed loss/gain you might encounter in the quarter or half mile.
Thanks in advance.

PryOpenUr3rdEye

I believe you do get quicker acceleration by starting in 2nd.

bigsapper

All other things being equal, you will always have quicker acceleration with a lower gear.

B Chas

My Mercedes CLK 550 has sport and comfort settings. The sport starts in 1st, comfort in 2nd.

I agree, for the same reason we downshift for acceleration, a lower gear is better. From the scientific viewpoint of just the seat of my pants.

Eff A Ford

Not if you know how to launch properly

Bill Baird

When I autocross, I'll often start in 2nd gear. At the drag strip, I don't do that.

vbdenny

As much torque as these puppies produce, probably easily start in 3rd or 4th.

Hopper12

Done it a few times in our GS just for kicks. Of course it starts out no problem because there is plenty of torque and 2nd gear isn't all that tall anyway. But if I was going purely for the fastest time 0-60 or 1/4 in our GS, starting in 2nd will likely never do it because it's not so traction limited if I'm on a decent surface. A Z on a marginal surface or with colder temperatures might be a different outcome.