Auto or Stick?

[70cuda88]

I did a quick search and didnt find one like it.

Whats your opinion on driving a manual trani versus an automatic

mainly, do you think a manual is more fun? or you like to focus on driving so would you want an auto.

the reason for this thread is im thinking about manually driven cars and wondered if i would get tired of a stick, or if i would enjoy it. so personal opinions accepted!

[magracer]

Automatics are a definite no-no in my book, and the few tiptronics I've driven are not uo to task. It's a miracle to get a good downshift. Yet to try a DSG or a proper manu-matic which probably would change my mind.

[rev440]

In a daily driver I think it would get old. In a performance car that is a street car a manual is the way to go. Now if I was going to race the car to make money off it or take it to the drag strip a auto is the way to go. They are much more consistent and in most situations run a faster 1/4 if set up correctly. I think a stick would be to much to worry about in the snow. But a good manual car is always a good time.

[coolieman1220]

well i beleive this is the first year ever that auto's outsold manuals worldwide. my first car to buy is gonna be stick. but here in NYC traffic the auto would be nicer. eventually as said before stick gets old but the true sports car would be stick. the manumatic SMG stuff feels too much like GT4 you know. so. but driving with the tiptronic nice. especially in the G35, it doesn't shift if you don't tell it to. it'll just redline. and it won't downshift early to blow ur engine. only problem is no rev matching!

[johnnynumfiv]

I'll take the slush box for everyday driving and drag racing. For fun cars and autox, manual please.

[taz_rocks_miami]

I enjoy manual transmitions much more than auto boxes, they bore me as a matter of fact. DSG boxes are fun too, but not as satisfying as a proper manual. If you're gonna drive in heavy traffic every day, consider the slush box. Specialy if yure not sure if you would enjoy drivng a manual on a daily basis.

[jcp123]

I like both, I don't think I could vote for just one.

[whiteballz]

Mainly, do you think a manual is more fun?

Yes.

Or you like to focus on driving so would you want an auto.

Autos make me fall asleep, theyre boring, and definately do not make you focus more on driving (IMHO). plus, manuals you have more control over what the car is doing.

[Cotterik]

tiptronic is a gimick but its fun to use on race day. otherwise theres no way to drive other than a manual gearbox. it gives you the full experience of driving. only fat businessmen or women should drive automatics. thats what i think anyway

[70cuda88]

thats not sexest at all cotterik, haha though.

i think i would enjoy a manual, so thanks a ton for the opinions.

[Fleet 500]

I've always preferred automatics. I like the fact that you can shift them manually if you're in the mood to do that, or let it shift automatically.
I put a shift kit in my '66 Dodge Dart GT V-8 and had a lot of fun hearing the tires chirp (screech) from 1st to 2nd gear.
A bonus is that the cars I drive had well-built automatic transmissions (that would be the Mopar Torqueflite and G.M Turbo-Hydramatic 400).

[speedy_2]

This question has been asked millions of times. And there's always the typical answers. Such as, "only fat businessmen or women should drive automatics." Or, "Manuals are the BeSt EvAr!!!!!!!111."

It all depends on the needs/wants of the driver. As, well as the application, drivers style of driving, etc. And then there's the Car itself. Is it even available with a choice?? Some cars offer ONLY Autos.

Even in the world of racing, a manual or auto is chosen on application. A drag car is most likely not going to have a manual. They're way harder to launch properly and they're less consistent. Someone who does Autox, probably wouldn't want an auto since the down shifts would be terrible.

Then there's the Daily Driver. If you live in a highly congested area, a stick might become bothersome depending on your liking towards it. I know I was sick of driving a 5 speed in San Diego. Not to mention, a workout on a stock clutch. If you live in a more rural area it can be quite enjoyable since you'll be able to drive the occasional "country road."

Base your choice on stuff like this and not people saying, "Stick is better because it's funner!!!!LOL!!"

[Fleet 500]

Now, nobody take this seriously because practically the whole book is tongue-in-cheek.

From the book, "Real Men Don't Eat Quiche." (1982)

"Real men do not drive stick shifts. They're secure enough to let their gears be shifted automatically."

And here is a "quiz" from the same book:
Q. How many Real Men does it take to change a light bulb?
A. None. Real Men aren't afraid of the dark.

[drakkie]

Well I have been trained from day one to drive a stick shift. Never been thought really, I just figured it out myself way before driving lessons. My teacher said Iwas the first one that shifted/clutched perfect in the first lesson...

Anyway I find that the disadvantages of a automatic outweigh it's advantages. Especially the fuel consumption and the "rolling" at the traffic light are annoying to me.

Stick shifts are much more precise IMO and fun. It takes me less than a second to shift, so it is practically unnoticable for the passengers.. (my dad takes 10 seconds or something, which is really uncomfortable).

For city driving a auto box is perhaos handier, but a manual works perfectly too..

I guess it is mainly a matter of what you are used to..

[Matra et Alpine]

The main issue with a manual in heavy traffic is how heavy the clutch is and how severe the bite.

You can barely drive a classic rally car like Escort or Mini in town traffic as it takes a LOT of pressure to push the clutch and it works like a switch with VERY little slip available.

The clutch bite isn't an issue with other cars and very easy to drive BUT I've driven some cars that have had heavy clutches and can make the left knee hurt after 30 mins of stop/start. Others have been so light in operation it was unnoticable

So..... depends on the car !!!!

But for fun and control then manual is the best and less things to break