Originally Posted By: JHZR2
It is highly dependent upon the gearing and clutch. Ive found that the Japanese cars, though they can make some very light and smooth shifters, often have very high clutch points and poor gearing that makes 1st and 2nd gear not necessarily usable.
On the contrary, my BMWs (318i included) are beyond easy to drive in traffic. Easy clutches, gearing ratios that allow first and second gear to be usable in crawling traffic, not a sky high RPM at 5 MPH, nor a lug and stall, etc...
I agree that it's dependent on gearing, clutch and torque.
I just put a clutch in a 93 Chevy C3500- had the NV4500 and the 6.5 diesel (turbo waste gate was stuck open so no boost) and it was supremely driveable. You didn't use 1st and second was just a matter of letting the clutch out. you could easily use just 4th and 5th in many situations that didn't actually require stopping- like city streets and side streets. Also 90's Nissan trucks with the 2.4/5sp were an awesome combo. Super driveable, almost like the diesel truck. Pretty much doesn't care about the gear and speed combo.
A good driver should be able to manage a manual in pretty much any condition.
