This is exactly why I only drive manuals when I can (not really ever a choice with rentals in the US) and it's getting worse with more gears in transmissions. W

This is exactly why I only drive manuals when I can (not really ever a choice with rentals in the US) and it's getting worse with more gears in transmissions. With 4 speed torque converters, you'd generally mash in the gas on the freeway and it'd drop to 2nd from 4th w/ torque converter lock-up. With 6spd torque converter automatics, even the nicer faster-shifting ZF stuff, it'll drop to 4th first, then as you continue pushing the throttle in, to 3rd, then immediately try to go back to 5th or 6th as you've now backed off the throttle due to the car trying much harder than you wanted to accelerate. I really don't know how people drive, let alone enjoy, cars with automatics these days. Paddle shift with dual-clutch autos might be loads better, but they don't generally have those on cheap rentals, so I haven't had much time to play with one.