Manual transmission driven cars all pretty much act like what you described, its basically engine braking. Since you are new, I'd chalk it up to you being new and over time you will become much smoother.

Engine Braking:

The video is kind of hokey but you'll get the point.

Not sure what to make out of the AC running and rough shifting...I feel no noticeable difference AC or No AC.

 

at 12 mph you can be in 2nd gear without stalling in low rpm for a smoother ride then coming to stop drop it to neutral like if your coming to a stop sign then start from 1st-2nd again around 10+mph you still should be better off in 2nd if you want a smoother ride around the parking lot

 

Letting off the gas in 1st gear without disengaging the clutch is almost always a bucking bronco session. Completely normal.

Rev it through 1st, and then shift to second. First is not a cruising gear.

 

^^^ what Scotty said
And unless I'm at a complete stop, I don't use 1st gear. Much smoother to use 2nd if you're rolling at any speed. I often take slow corners in my neighborhood in 3rd. The Si's gearing allows for it.

 

I notice a huge difference in shifting when the AC is on. I can feel the compressor kick on and off over and over, and the throttle response changes, accordingly. I hate driving with the AC on. Not to mention, it feels like you're towing something. It's not so bad if you have it on max AC so the compressor stays on. But yeah...


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

If you find it hard to drive slowly in first gear, shift into second. If you feather the gas while in first gear you can avoid the bucking but once you let off the gas expect the car to jerk some.

I can notice a small difference with AC on in my Si. It was way more noticeable in my old 05 Se. I would always turn AC off while trying to get up to highway speed in my old car. Having 86 more HP in my current car helps with acceleration and isn't as noticeable.

You'll get better with practice. I learned on an old brown 4-door Tercel hatchback. It was very forgiving. Your Si will be fairly forgiving too and the shifts are smoother than many other cars.

 

This car shifts very smoothly unless its scorching hot out and the A/C compressor keeps kicking on, then it shifts like a subaru.

I wouldn't make a habit of starting in 2nd, you're almost doubling your clutch wear doing that.

 

I wouldn't make a habit of starting in 2nd, you're almost doubling your clutch wear doing that.

The only time I start on 2nd gear is if I'm on a slow roll.

 

hey rajivcrao, to really get a feel for how the car shifts, try driving bare footed. it is amazing the feed back you will get................