Question for the car guys: Manual or Auto?

[Biggles of 266]

I drive a manual, but the rest of my mates drive automatics. My last car-less friend is looking to buy himself one, but which to recommend?

What are the pros and cons of changing gears yourself, versus having the car do it for you?

Thanks,
Biggles

 

[guitman69]

The major difference is of course the ease of driving the vehicle. Especially if you live in a hilly area.

I think drivinga manual is more fun! It feels like I'm doing more.

Now if your talking performance, a manual wins hands down. With a manual transmission, the engine is connected directly through to the drive shaft. In an automatic, the engine and transmission are separated by a device called the tourqe converter. In here you have two fans, one connected to the engine, and the other the drive shaft, in a pan filled with a heavy oil. As the engine fans spins, it moves the oil, wich turns the other fan. This is done to avoid having to use the clutch when shifting gears.

Because of the way a manual is set up, you get more of the engines power to the drive wheels.

I just wish I could drive a stick again.

 

[JoBelle]

Not much to add that wasn't in that last response.

Personally, I like my stick. It's MUCH better than riding around in a marshmellow with a steering wheel. 😛

Joby

 

[Biggles of 266]

I drove an auto for the first time the other day, and it was so weird! Not to mention boring, what the hell are you supposed to do with your free hand (left hand in this country)?

Biggles

 

[Biggles of 266]

oh yeah, and thanks for the tech. info guitman, I've never heard that stuff before 🙂

 

[amk714]

I drove an auto for the first time the other day, and it was so weird! Not to mention boring, what the hell are you supposed to do with your free hand (left hand in this country)?

I always drive with two hands on the steering wheel. Though it's not usually necessary, I do it out of habit and safety. I also find that it's easier to turn the steering wheel that way and keep control of the car, especially at high speeds. I used to drive with only one hand on the wheel, so I can do it if I want to, but ever since I forced myself to use both hands, I've never looked back. 🙂

P.S. I'm strictly an automatic kind of guy. To me, a manual is something you read. 😛

 

[BigJim]

Personally I'd get bored if I could'nt have something to change gears with. I think I'd forever be tromping on the brake too hard too, because I'd be used to using the clutch that hard.

 

[tkrexx]

I started with a 1970 Chevelle w/a 350 & automatic tranny...Pass anything on the road except a gas station. In '79 I bought a brand new Mustang (You old farts remember when they changed styles? THAT year.) with a 4 speed. Bark 'em in 3 gears. Before that I was scared of a manual, cuz the only exposure I had was my Grandad's fossilized pickup (Which I'd LOVE to have now...) that ground a pound with every shift of that ol' 3-on-the-tree. Anyway, I fell quickly in love with that girl-magnet red 'Stang, even tho there was no make-out room in it...I think all young men like the control and performance of a manual...kinda like birds puffin' up their chests and rufflin' their feathers...

Now we have a '93 escort (Looks like a secret service car) with an auto, a '03 Jeep SUV with auto ('Cuz Mama has to have that auto...AND that SUV...)and we bought a slick black '90 Nissan pickup for my son, who refuses to touch it...'Cuz it's a 5-speed. NONE of the guys in his class drive manuals!! Can you believe that?? What the hell happened to the '70's??

At my age, I should be ashamed having so much fun driving my pickup to work.

Rxx

 

[obticklr]

auto or manual

I grew up driving a '65 chevy with a 3 on the tree. I still won't even entertain the thought of driving a auto. Basically, I'd rather eat worms than drive an automatic!

 

[Moses25]

Driving automatic or manual?

Depends on which car you buy...

I once owned a Toyota Camry, and had lots of trouble with it's automatic transmission, so upon purchasing my next vehicle, I made sure that it was manually operated.

However, since the car I purchased is an econobox - and yes, I've had no probs with it's transmission after 10 years of driving, but has it really made my driving experience more favourable? Hardly.

So, if your friend is planning on purchasing a pretty powerful car with a smaller chassis than most cars, then definitely get manual. I once took a ride in a friend's Porshe 928 S4...automatic. Why?!? Maybe it so his grandmother could drive it or sumpin'.

Anyhoo, hope this helps, Biggles.

Cheers.

 

[QBWeaver]

For ease of driving, go with an automatic. If you ever get into traffic during rush hour, you'll understand.

But for power and fun, go with a manual. My little golf is a blast with the 5 speed. I got to drive a Cooper S last week. That car made my VW look huge but the car is roomy inside and it has 6 gears for me to play with. Boy oh Boy was that fun to drive! We don't see too many of them here in the US but the new introduction of them is starting to bring more and more of them out onto the streets. They still look like they should have a big wind up key on the top.

 

[red indian]

Blimey catch up a bit lads!!!!

....In my view autos are so good now that I cant see why they are not more popular, but what I would say is dont get one with a small engine,guitman is right about the torque converter soaking up a little more power than a conventional gear box, so make sure you plenty of ponies under the bonnet (hood to you septics!)


Before my "road to damascuss" convertion to autos I had driven stick shifts only, but due to health problems I was forced to change to auto and now I wonder why i did not do it years ago!!!

I am not impressed with all this drivell about stick shifts being the real, genuine driving experience, and how it puts you in touch with the car better, blimey!!! give me a break who are you guys? Micheal Schumacer?????

 

[amk714]

Re: Blimey catch up a bit lads!!!!

I am not impressed with all this drivell about stick shifts being the real, genuine driving experience, and how it puts you in touch with the car better, blimey!!! give me a break who are you guys? Micheal Schumacer?????

Cheers to that, red! Give me an auto any day over a manual (transmission). 😀

P.S. If I'm guilty of "hijacking" Biggle's thread, please delete this post. 😉

 

[QBWeaver]

Well I'm no Schumaher but I am into racing! LOL

And my son does race a Sports Racer and Michael Andretti's 1982 Tiga (Formula Atlantic)

 

[Alex Warfield]

I own a 2000 Dodge Neon, automatic all the way. The only time I ever drove a stick was when I was moving trucks on the lot at Uhaul. Wasn't hard, but I never had the desire to drive them on the road.