Driving a manual in town stresses me the heck out. Im paranoid of stalling it or catching the wrong gear. I start concentrating on monitoring the shifting so much I end up less attentive. Then if I do screw up, I start getting angry at it and its all down hill from there. Clutch-dump and gear grind city.
automatic or stick
- Thread starter morris
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MT all day.
On a side note,
Paddle shifters will NEVER offer that same feeling as a true MT car. I'm sadden that many exotic car manufacturers don't offer a MT gear box anymore.
On a side note,
Paddle shifters will NEVER offer that same feeling as a true MT car. I'm sadden that many exotic car manufacturers don't offer a MT gear box anymore.
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Driving a manual in town stresses me the heck out. Im paranoid of stalling it or catching the wrong gear. I start concentrating on monitoring the shifting so much I end up less attentive. Then if I do screw up, I start getting angry at it and its all down hill from there. Clutch-dump and gear grind city.
Which car are you driving? Sounds like its not in good shape or you're learning to drive a twin stick crash box...
I guess if your not a walk/talk/chew gum at the same time person then a manual isn't for you. I find city traffic isn't really an issue and you don't have to shift that much, its ok to hold a gear at 3000 rpm for a half block, and you can pull 2nd gear from 1200 rpm at light throttle. The engine couldn't care less.
Driving a manual in town stresses me the heck out. Im paranoid of stalling it or catching the wrong gear. I start concentrating on monitoring the shifting so much I end up less attentive. Then if I do screw up, I start getting angry at it and its all down hill from there. Clutch-dump and gear grind city.
Which car are you driving? Sounds like its not in good shape or you're learning to drive a twin stick crash box...
I guess if your not a walk/talk/chew gum at the same time person then a manual isn't for you. I find city traffic isn't really an issue and you don't have to shift that much, its ok to hold a gear at 3000 rpm for a half block, and you can pull 2nd gear from 1200 rpm at light throttle. The engine couldn't care less.
MT give you a driving experience you can not get with a AT, CV, or SMT. A MT puts you in control of the car and can make a good car a blast to drive.
All the cars that I drive daily are MT and I live in the city. If you have trouble driving a MT in traffic (and hate it) then you are either inexperienced with a MT or prefer to lazy way out with a AT.
There are a lot of advantages of a MT:
Your in control of the car
Being able to select what gear you want when = faster car than AT
More reliable
Cheaper maintenance over the life of the vehicle
Makes you a more attentive driver
In the snow it is easier to get traction
More Fun
I think fdcg27 said it correctly that you either like to drive or you don't. MT make driving more fun. Sure other transmissions are catching up and surpassing MT in some ways but they do not have the feel that a MT has.
For me a MT is better because I love to drive, but for someone who sees driving as a means only to get from A to B then a AT is a better choice. But also the way I see it is we are on a car enthusiast site, and as car enthusiast we like our cars and enjoy driving, so why not make driving more fun.
All the cars that I drive daily are MT and I live in the city. If you have trouble driving a MT in traffic (and hate it) then you are either inexperienced with a MT or prefer to lazy way out with a AT.
There are a lot of advantages of a MT:
Your in control of the car
Being able to select what gear you want when = faster car than AT
More reliable
Cheaper maintenance over the life of the vehicle
Makes you a more attentive driver
In the snow it is easier to get traction
More Fun
I think fdcg27 said it correctly that you either like to drive or you don't. MT make driving more fun. Sure other transmissions are catching up and surpassing MT in some ways but they do not have the feel that a MT has.
For me a MT is better because I love to drive, but for someone who sees driving as a means only to get from A to B then a AT is a better choice. But also the way I see it is we are on a car enthusiast site, and as car enthusiast we like our cars and enjoy driving, so why not make driving more fun.
It's so nice of the MT crowd to share their OPINIONS with all of us.
Those who automatically assume a manual is more cost effective may wish to note that there is a deduction made at sale/trade in for a manual trans. And if you're not an experienced driver the manual can require dramatically expensive repairs as well.
We own a couple of go fast streeters that are sticks, and we have some more sedate autobox cars as well.
They both have their high points and their low points.
But I'm not going to presume upon anyone and tell them they can't drive just because they have an auto!
To each his own.
Those who automatically assume a manual is more cost effective may wish to note that there is a deduction made at sale/trade in for a manual trans. And if you're not an experienced driver the manual can require dramatically expensive repairs as well.
We own a couple of go fast streeters that are sticks, and we have some more sedate autobox cars as well.
They both have their high points and their low points.
But I'm not going to presume upon anyone and tell them they can't drive just because they have an auto!
To each his own.
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Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
It's so nice of the MT crowd to share their OPINIONS with all of us.
Give them some slack. When learning to drive a manual transmission is one of a person's major life accomplishments, it's understandable that they would look down their noses at others who don't value their accomplishment.
It's so nice of the MT crowd to share their OPINIONS with all of us.
Give them some slack. When learning to drive a manual transmission is one of a person's major life accomplishments, it's understandable that they would look down their noses at others who don't value their accomplishment.
I learned on a manual, but some cases where there are multiple drivers of varying skills for shifting, an auto will live longer given proper maintenance. Auto vs manual cost of repair is close these days given both taken to shop.
I am not sure that there are any better Manual vs Auto other than the obvious facts (for my car anyway):
Manual is only lighter by 20 lbs
Both are rated same EPA fuel economy
Auto usually $1K more.
More and more cars are throttle by wire, depending on how intuitive the ECU is, making manual shifting more cumbersome.
I am not sure that there are any better Manual vs Auto other than the obvious facts (for my car anyway):
Manual is only lighter by 20 lbs
Both are rated same EPA fuel economy
Auto usually $1K more.
More and more cars are throttle by wire, depending on how intuitive the ECU is, making manual shifting more cumbersome.
I have experience driving off road with both. I like the 7.05:1 first gear in my manual vs an auto. I like starting or stopping in gear. I like the simplicity and not having to worry about overheating my tranny. The auto has a torque converter that multiplies torque, many buggies I run with run autos, especially if they have rear steer. The auto lets you drive without the need to shift, especially on hills.
It comes down to personal preference, which means the question of which is better is going to be based on opinion.
It comes down to personal preference, which means the question of which is better is going to be based on opinion.
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Driving a manual in town stresses me the heck out. Im paranoid of stalling it or catching the wrong gear. I start concentrating on monitoring the shifting so much I end up less attentive. Then if I do screw up, I start getting angry at it and its all down hill from there. Clutch-dump and gear grind city.
Which car are you driving? Sounds like its not in good shape or you're learning to drive a twin stick crash box...
I guess if your not a walk/talk/chew gum at the same time person then a manual isn't for you. I find city traffic isn't really an issue and you don't have to shift that much, its ok to hold a gear at 3000 rpm for a half block, and you can pull 2nd gear from 1200 rpm at light throttle. The engine couldn't care less.
1994 Saturn SC2 1.9L DOHC
It actually shifts great. It got a new clutch maybe 10k ago and has a fill of Amsoil Syncromesh lube.
My main problem is starting out, more so on a hill, and then shifting across. Like from 2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th. I dont really know where its going and like I said, Im paranoid, so Ive caught myself looking at the shifter.
Id just rather spend the $400 and have the computer reprogrammed to shift how I like rather than deal with that everyday.
Originally Posted By: Colt45ws
Driving a manual in town stresses me the heck out. Im paranoid of stalling it or catching the wrong gear. I start concentrating on monitoring the shifting so much I end up less attentive. Then if I do screw up, I start getting angry at it and its all down hill from there. Clutch-dump and gear grind city.
Which car are you driving? Sounds like its not in good shape or you're learning to drive a twin stick crash box...
I guess if your not a walk/talk/chew gum at the same time person then a manual isn't for you. I find city traffic isn't really an issue and you don't have to shift that much, its ok to hold a gear at 3000 rpm for a half block, and you can pull 2nd gear from 1200 rpm at light throttle. The engine couldn't care less.
1994 Saturn SC2 1.9L DOHC
It actually shifts great. It got a new clutch maybe 10k ago and has a fill of Amsoil Syncromesh lube.
My main problem is starting out, more so on a hill, and then shifting across. Like from 2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th. I dont really know where its going and like I said, Im paranoid, so Ive caught myself looking at the shifter.
Id just rather spend the $400 and have the computer reprogrammed to shift how I like rather than deal with that everyday.
It sounds like the springs on the shifter have weakened with age. The shifter lever should self centre strong enough so its a decent pull towards you to get 1st or 2nd and a push away to get 5th and 3 or 4 is just up or down with a couple fingers. I found it was good to visualize an old ferrari gated shifter when I started driving a manual so I knew where the shifter was going.
I like MT's, always have. I would like to have a modern, fast car that was light enough to have manual steering and a cable clutch and maybe even non-power brakes. The closest thing to that was my old '85 911 Carrerra Targa. Today I don't think that exists.
Two of my three vehicles are manual, one auto. The auto is nice when hauling around other people. The only time I don't like the manual is when I am in the city, on the phone or eating and driving. The MT makes me give up at least one of those.
As for a test that proves which one is better, it is impossible to prove unless strict requirements are set.
Two of my three vehicles are manual, one auto. The auto is nice when hauling around other people. The only time I don't like the manual is when I am in the city, on the phone or eating and driving. The MT makes me give up at least one of those.
As for a test that proves which one is better, it is impossible to prove unless strict requirements are set.
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Never owned an automatic...
It's all a matter of preference..though sometimes, with living in Colorado's high-country, I do feel the manual gives you more control of easier down-shifts, etc without feeling like you're over-burdening the auto tranny.
However...for one that likes an auto, I doubt it has anything to do with the fact that they don't know how to drive....has anyone ever thought that perhaps those with automatics may have REASON for their choice; i.e bad hips, knees, lower back pain, kids in the car, etc.?
I for one LOVE driving a 5-spd car, I HATE driving a 5-spd truck - reason?? I'm short for one, for another I have a bad schiatic nerve on my left leg that literally sends me into tears just with a casual drive if I have to overstretch that leg for any reason....with the automatic, I don't have to use that leg period!
I hate those opinions of 5-spd drivers believing auto drivers don't know how to drive just based off them owning an automatic.
The shear act of *driving* alone, this day and age is a challenge irregardless what transmission you're using; and IMHO, so many people are throttle happy at the drop of a green light, the last thing one needs to do is let off the clutch too soon.
I learned how to drive on 5-spd, and my nephew will learn how to drive a 5-spd as well, but for his first learning, it will be in an automatic....the kid's going to have enough on his hands with traffic speeding along at a gazzilion miles an hour....everyone's ALWAYS in a hurry, driving alone is a challenge.
However...for one that likes an auto, I doubt it has anything to do with the fact that they don't know how to drive....has anyone ever thought that perhaps those with automatics may have REASON for their choice; i.e bad hips, knees, lower back pain, kids in the car, etc.?
I for one LOVE driving a 5-spd car, I HATE driving a 5-spd truck - reason?? I'm short for one, for another I have a bad schiatic nerve on my left leg that literally sends me into tears just with a casual drive if I have to overstretch that leg for any reason....with the automatic, I don't have to use that leg period!
I hate those opinions of 5-spd drivers believing auto drivers don't know how to drive just based off them owning an automatic.
The shear act of *driving* alone, this day and age is a challenge irregardless what transmission you're using; and IMHO, so many people are throttle happy at the drop of a green light, the last thing one needs to do is let off the clutch too soon.
I learned how to drive on 5-spd, and my nephew will learn how to drive a 5-spd as well, but for his first learning, it will be in an automatic....the kid's going to have enough on his hands with traffic speeding along at a gazzilion miles an hour....everyone's ALWAYS in a hurry, driving alone is a challenge.
Originally Posted By: CBR.worm
I like MT's, always have. I would like to have a modern, fast car that was light enough to have manual steering and a cable clutch and maybe even non-power brakes. The closest thing to that was my old '85 911 Carrerra Targa. Today I don't think that exists.
Two of my three vehicles are manual, one auto. The auto is nice when hauling around other people. The only time I don't like the manual is when I am in the city, on the phone or eating and driving. The MT makes me give up at least one of those.
As for a test that proves which one is better, it is impossible to prove unless strict requirements are set.
I had two cars (Aspire and RX7) with manual steering and they've been my top two cars in terms of of driving experience. Learned to drive on that Mazda and could bark 3rd, but it had skinny 14s. I think the more options you get on a car (and automatic is usally and option) the more problems you'll have.
Generally, I think an automatic transmission will last as long as a clutch will. Big rigs run unsyncronized manuals and they last quite a while. I got 7mpg when I drove and I talked to someone and he said he averages 9mpg with the new no engine heaters. 9mpg at 80,000 pounds is much better than the 15mpg tops a super duty automatic truck gets carrying no load at all. I dont know if it even gets 15mpg. Probably under 10mpg when loaded with 10-15k pounds. Its really amazing how efficient an 18 wheeler is. Shifting them is even more satisfying than a car since you really have to rev=match.
I like MT's, always have. I would like to have a modern, fast car that was light enough to have manual steering and a cable clutch and maybe even non-power brakes. The closest thing to that was my old '85 911 Carrerra Targa. Today I don't think that exists.
Two of my three vehicles are manual, one auto. The auto is nice when hauling around other people. The only time I don't like the manual is when I am in the city, on the phone or eating and driving. The MT makes me give up at least one of those.
As for a test that proves which one is better, it is impossible to prove unless strict requirements are set.
I had two cars (Aspire and RX7) with manual steering and they've been my top two cars in terms of of driving experience. Learned to drive on that Mazda and could bark 3rd, but it had skinny 14s. I think the more options you get on a car (and automatic is usally and option) the more problems you'll have.
Generally, I think an automatic transmission will last as long as a clutch will. Big rigs run unsyncronized manuals and they last quite a while. I got 7mpg when I drove and I talked to someone and he said he averages 9mpg with the new no engine heaters. 9mpg at 80,000 pounds is much better than the 15mpg tops a super duty automatic truck gets carrying no load at all. I dont know if it even gets 15mpg. Probably under 10mpg when loaded with 10-15k pounds. Its really amazing how efficient an 18 wheeler is. Shifting them is even more satisfying than a car since you really have to rev=match.
as allways my friends on this site have the best ideas one could find. my self i like autos 1.cause i dont do much towing 2. i dont like pushing a pedal all the time. 3. the newer a/t are very good. thanks for your help.
I'm sticking to the auto=city driving stick=mostly highway without alot of stop and go. Granted some manuals are easier to drive in city that others. My Ranger was a absolute nightmare with it's low gearing. The Festiva I'm driving can be pain but the Aspire was alot easier.. gearing difference.
I was stick for a long time, but getting older and with a few back problems I am auto from now on out.
I do miss rowing through the gears every now and then.
Okay.. I buy all my cars used (some very used), but I've never owned a manual that, at some point, didn't need a $500-1,000 clutch job.
I've never replaced an automatic tranny.
Now, that could change at any moment..our Windstar has 151k on it. But I hate to admit, the transmission is the best piece on the van! No [censored]!
This is not to say they've all been flawless. My automatic SHO shifted like [censored] at times. But it always shifted and never took a dump on me. Guess I've been lucky. Good maintenance perhaps?
Okay.. I buy all my cars used (some very used), but I've never owned a manual that, at some point, didn't need a $500-1,000 clutch job.
I've never replaced an automatic tranny.
Now, that could change at any moment..our Windstar has 151k on it. But I hate to admit, the transmission is the best piece on the van! No [censored]!
This is not to say they've all been flawless. My automatic SHO shifted like [censored] at times. But it always shifted and never took a dump on me. Guess I've been lucky. Good maintenance perhaps?
Originally Posted By: JHZR2
... MT is better. it also forces the driver to appreciate physics, making them a better driver....
I'm just not getting this.
I reviewed Newton's three laws of motion again, and see no reason to believe that transmission choice makes any difference in their application.
It looks to me like one either understands motion or not. What am I missing?
... MT is better. it also forces the driver to appreciate physics, making them a better driver....
I'm just not getting this.
I reviewed Newton's three laws of motion again, and see no reason to believe that transmission choice makes any difference in their application.
It looks to me like one either understands motion or not. What am I missing?
In Europe manual transmissions outsell automatics. The average engine and car size is also much smaller. Diesels also are more popular. What that means is........... Well there are lots of reasons and all can be interpreted differently.
Question: Does a manual transmission make the driver more or less likely to use a cell phone or eat etc while driving?
I have both full manual 6spd (2 seater turbo convertible), automatic (mini van/truck), semi-automatic (atv) and synchronized manual (dirt bike). Depending on the day/mood I like all of them. Heading into a sand berm and dropping the clutch in 2nd or 3rd on a 450cc motocross bike is amazing, sitting in traffic with a full size truck and an automatic is very relaxing, downshifting and coming out of a corner with a little bit of oversteer is bliss.
I do feel that a person should learn to drive a manual to pass a driver’s test. It's part of understanding how a car/transmission works. The more you know the better informed driving decision you can make.
Just like a short paragraph on lubrication facts would be nice in a drivers test.
"Should you ever check the engine and/or transmission fluid levels or air pressure in your tires ?"
If you answer no, you lose a point.
Question: Does a manual transmission make the driver more or less likely to use a cell phone or eat etc while driving?
I have both full manual 6spd (2 seater turbo convertible), automatic (mini van/truck), semi-automatic (atv) and synchronized manual (dirt bike). Depending on the day/mood I like all of them. Heading into a sand berm and dropping the clutch in 2nd or 3rd on a 450cc motocross bike is amazing, sitting in traffic with a full size truck and an automatic is very relaxing, downshifting and coming out of a corner with a little bit of oversteer is bliss.
I do feel that a person should learn to drive a manual to pass a driver’s test. It's part of understanding how a car/transmission works. The more you know the better informed driving decision you can make.
Just like a short paragraph on lubrication facts would be nice in a drivers test.
"Should you ever check the engine and/or transmission fluid levels or air pressure in your tires ?"
If you answer no, you lose a point.
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