automatic OR manual?

[lemans23]

Manual, nothing else compares. Although I wouldn't mind a TRUE paddle shift gear box (VW/Audi DSG for example).

[Conundrum]

Originally Posted by Chan

It should also be noted, in theory, antyhing with a clutch is slower than anything without a clutch. You'll probably notice that most that many cars are going away from a "true" manual and going with SMG instead.

Technically you're wrong...sure a built-up auto tranny will perform wonders, but your "out of the factory" AT is always slower, as it doesn't have an actual mechanical connection between engine and transmission, as your typical auto uses a torque converter to get the power to the wheels. (yes yes I know about lockout torque converters...but most production cars only have that feature when they are cruising at freeway speeds). This is why you can dyno a MT and AT car (both same besides the tranny) and the MT always puts more power down to the wheels as less is lost in the drivetrain.

Now, SMGs, DSGs, etc, all still have clutches. Difference is, in computer controlled manuals like that the ECU/PCM controls the clutch for you...but they still have one. If I ever wanted a car that didn't have a stick it would have to be a real SMG...not a manually controlled AT like most cars are these days on the market. DSG is an interesting tech, but imo its horrible for road cars...because it has to cook one clutch while engaging the other, it ends up burning at every change. I forget where I read it, but apparently on DSG street cars clutch replacement is part of the standard maintenance of the car . Now on F1 cars, who cares, because DSG shifts faster and engines and trannys only have to live 1-2 races anyhow as far as I know.

[Dave KG]

Manual only for me - I hate automatics with a passion!! Even on a daily commute I cant stand auto boxes, changing up when they should be changing down and so yawn inducingly boring... I can see the advantage to an auto perhapd, when stuck in a traffic queue and you dont want to be pumping the clutch in stop start traffic, but I dont mind that personally and driving a manual I find enjoyable and fun... Not to mention the fact that manuals are quicker, and more fuel efficient generally speaking.

[mikebai1990]

When stuck in traffic and driving a manual, the driver can try to leave some extra distance behind the car in the front, so that they can keep a constant speed without having to come to a full stop for no reason, and having to use the clutch to get the car going again. This goes for automatic drivers as well. The desire to tailgate and rush to enclose every single gap causes this stop-go traffic, which wastes gas, unneeded use of brakes, higher chance of collision, annoyed passengers (like me ), etc...

Do you guys think that driving a manual reduces the chance of falling asleep at the wheel? Of course, falling asleep usually occurs on the highway, and driving on the highway usually involves staying in gear, so I guess it wouldn't be too different, except for when you are passing a car in front of you, and you do a double clutch downshift

[paul34]

yes I do. My mind would also seriously wander and I'd actually start getting tired back when I drove autos :

If you're too tired in a manual, the car will reflect you (the way it should be), and you'll end up stalling/missing a shift/griding. Something will happen to alert you...

[Kyle 87]

I've been driving for a few years now and it was in an auto. Last week I started learning manual on my first 5 speed and while I still have some hard shifts, and stall it from time to time, it is a lot more fun to drive.

I had one of my worst experiences driving yesterday outside our Walmart, stalled about 5 times at a really crowded intersection
. I think I'll stay a little more out of the city/holiday traffic until I get a better handle on this. heh.

Kyle

[BigAl3]

*bump*.....

[jtford95]

I like the stick shift. It is much easier to control in the snow. I've been driving it so long it is second nature. I don't even think about it.

[Yal]

^Ditto here. I learnt to drive in Europe and Africa so stick shift is second nature to me. I love the control. Unfortunately my wife grew up here and I live in the NY, so no stick for me

I think the USA should adopt stick shifts for anyone between the ages of 16 and 21. When you are learning how to drive you can't really "cheat" with a stick shift, you always have to concentrate, you always have to evaluate traffic and road conditions in order to anticipate downshifts and holding a cellphone to your ear can only be done by true stick experts. I bet teenage deaths would be curtailed significantly.

[bholtmeier]

manual ftmfw

[EclassBenz]

a manual may be hard at first, but when you get good, it is much more rewarding

[_Toast_]

i will never WANT to buy an automatic again.