automatic OR manual? - Page 3

rjstaaf · 02-02-06, 10:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Denzil

Automatics can't get you out of jams or certain situations in traffic where a manual transmission can. Downshift and you're ok! Oh and did I mention that manual transmission cars are more gas-conservative?

I think you are thinking of an underpowered car with an auto. That I agree would not be fun to drive.

Regardless of traffic conditions I can either drop it out of OD or punch the throttle and the tranny will downshift itself and I have all the power I need.

While I agree that most manufacturer's post higher epa ratings for their manual cars vs auto cars I seriously doubt that happens in the real world unless you drive the manual like Grandma.

Porkanbeans · 02-02-06, 11:07

Don't worry about the traffic thing. Once you get used to the stick, driving it is like clockwork. Another advantage I see in manuals is that they prevent people from talking on their cell phone (unless they have a headset) or eating, doing makeup, etc while driving. Plus, they're just plain more enjoyable to drive.

Pontman43 · 02-02-06, 11:14

Quoting a sig from another thread "Automatics win races...Manuals amuse high school kids." LOL I have an auto in my car, but enjoy driving a manual, maybe because I'm a high school kid. lol

G35stilez · 02-02-06, 11:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pontman43

"Automatics win races...Manuals amuse high school kids."

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. What kind of races is this person running? If you wanted to say that something wins races, the most probable thing would be AWD, not an automatic tranny...jeez.

Prometheus · 02-02-06, 11:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjstaaf

I think you are thinking of an underpowered car with an auto. That I agree would not be fun to drive.

Regardless of traffic conditions I can either drop it out of OD or punch the throttle and the tranny will downshift itself and I have all the power I need.

While I agree that most manufacturer's post higher epa ratings for their manual cars vs auto cars I seriously doubt that happens in the real world unless you drive the manual like Grandma.

I dont know, my friend and I have identical cars, except hers is an auto and mine is a stick. Drive 200 miles to school, 200 back on weekends we go home. Mine consistently gets better gas mileage (3-4 more) and I definately do NOT drive like a granny. Probably insignificant in the long run as both get over 35 mpg on the highway, but still, I'll take it.

twitch · 02-02-06, 12:12

I like a manual transmission. I feel more in touch while driving it.

bren wrx · 02-02-06, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSRstilez

That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard. What kind of races is this person running? If you wanted to say that something wins races, the most probable thing would be AWD, not an automatic tranny...jeez.

a properly setup automatic (high stall, reinforced, geared correctly, lsd) at HIGH power levels will out do a manual in a drag launch because they can leave the line softer and put more traction down but they will trap lower in the 1/4, outside of that a manual will be an advantage

outside of that from rolling acceleration they will lack usually to the way they are geared

and the typical downer when you have a fast car and someone comes up and goes......nevermind its automatic and walks away

Pontman43 · 02-02-06, 01:05

[quote=bren wrx]a properly setup automatic (high stall, reinforced, geared correctly, lsd) at HIGH power levels will out do a manual in a drag launch because they can leave the line softer and put more traction down but they will trap lower in the 1/4, outside of that a manual will be an advantage

[quote]
That was his point, Sean. Autos are run in damn near every drag car for a reason.

JDookie · 02-02-06, 01:27

If you really want to get specific, race cars have "clutchless" manuals. I don't think you'll ever see a "race car" with the letter "D" on their shifter, so don't think of it as an automatic by any means. I have an automatic in my race car, and it used to be a manual as a street car (a very long time ago). Once I got past a certain point, the manual just became a handicap. I now have a 3 speed automatic with a reverse manual valve body and 4500 stall. This is as far away from your traditional automatic as you can get, but it still doesn't have a clutch.

I know this isn't at all what the original topic was about, but I just wanted to elaborate a little on that.

Knockwurst · 02-02-06, 01:35

I’ve been a long-time manual enthusiast . . . then came Audi DSG

drewski59 · 02-02-06, 02:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daragh

A high tech Tiptronic is the pick of the bunch. The best of both world's. Only the Prestige European and Japanese manufactured vehicles seem to know how to engineer them to a level which is compatible with enthusiastic driving. Mercedes probably have the best automatic at the moment, even though they have dumbed down in other areas of engineering & build quality, all in the name of profit. Volkswagen & Audi's DSG is also an interesting proposition.

The one thing about an automatic is that if you buy one, you seldom go back to a manual. They tend to refine people's driving behaviour while instilling a strong preference for quality civilised motoring. May be its laziness, but autos are much more practical on our increasingly crowded roads. Just buy a good one. No slushmatics !

I agree that automatics have come great distances technology-wise as of late, especially the German Tiptronics, namely the Porsche and Audi boxes.

I've heard nothing but great things about DSG, which lets you shift faster than an F1 driver!!

I haven't driven a manual in awhile, but I remember it being hard to learn in Seattle(with the hills), but I'll contemplate it with my next car, especially if I get a I4 in a Civic Si or VW GTI...

There are benefits to both!

jchetty · 02-02-06, 02:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjstaaf

I believe it is machismo more than anything else regardless of whether we chose to admit it or not. I have owned both and while it is definitely fun shifting your own gears it can also get old if you do a lot of commuting like I do. I think a lot of people generalize as well. Some have had an experience with an auto in a certain make and assume all autos in all makes perform the same way which is certainly not true. Even with an auto my Mustang is a blast to drive. Fluid changes are almost as easy as changing the engine oil...

im a fellow mustang lover..and i know from experience, a higher stall converter and shift kit and your just as fast/faster than manuals...but have u ever changed tranny fluid on a car that the filter must come out to...i do all the maintence on my car as many autopians probaly do..thats no fun....add to the that that in auto's, the tranny fluid gets routed thru the bottom of the radiator so a flush is better, which means i would have to take it to shop and lets them get it all non-autopian like

.....my uncles driveways has a lil stain from us dropping his tranny pan