NationStates Jolt Archive

Which main type of transmission do you prefer -- manual or automatic?

Please vote and discuss.

I know there are automatic transmissions now with which some manual shifting (or manual effect) can be done... i'd class those as automatic transmissions because you don't HAVE to shift all the time.

Manual all the way..Nothing is better than pulling up to a stop light and just zooming away when it turns green..I love shifting..ahh the joyous occassion! I miss my manual car..too bad i had to go and blow a head gasket.

..too bad i had to go and blow a head gasket.

Is that some way of saying mental breakdown?

Let me think. I have to choose between a simple, effective, well tested, reliable transmission system, over which I have complete control, and a complicated, unfathomable automated system which reduces the power to the road, that fails too often and over which I have no control. Difficult choice this one. I think I will go for the . . . um. . . maybe. . . should I . . .

Manual of course.

Manuals are a nice touch, but you need to know how to shift effectively otherwise its grinding noise is annoying. The ease of an automatic also attracts me, but I have no preferance. Shifting a manual though does make many people feel in more control of the car and make it more enjoyable. XD

Manual.

I've driven a car with one of those electronic gearboxes where you can choose between automatic, manual stick or manual sequential, and manual 4tw.

Aside from proper control in cornering and acceleration, the main argument for me is this-
Dead battery and a manual tranny requires only a gentle slop to be on my way. Automatic I have to start flaggin' fools down (or whip out my jump starter, which every motorist should carry...)

Aside from proper control in cornering and acceleration, the main argument for me is this-
Dead battery and a manual tranny requires only a gentle slop to be on my way. Manual I have to start flaggin' fools down (or whip out my jump starter, which every motorist should carry...)

Did you mean to say manual both times?

If I actually have some room to drive and I can use the car then Manual transmission because there is absolutely nothing better than having the pure power of an unbelievable car in the palm of your hands. However, if I'm driving around town or I'm going to be driving for hours and hours, or if I'm tired Automatic transmission because it is just easier. Although, that is why I buy the cars that are automatic but have the opportunity to become manual, but I do own some older cars that I restored and are manual.

When you're buying used cars and don't have much choice because of spending limits, it's hard as hell to buy a manual in the States.

Is that some way of saying mental breakdown?


:p i wish...at least then it wouldn't have cost as much...it was more to fix the car than what the car itself was worth..

Did you mean to say manual both times?
D'oh! No, no I didn't. I'll fix that now...

Nothing is better than pulling up to a stop light and just zooming away when it turns green-Zilam
agreed:)
i hate Automatics they dont shift when you need them to! and any way driving a manual is so much more fun:cool:

besides its really annoying going from a manual to an automatic,when you go to start the car you automaticaly try and put your foot on the cluch only to find its not there:(

Automatic. People drive badly enough as it is, anything which limits the ability of humans to make driving mistakes is probably a good thing.

What the fuck is it with you people and your "automatics suck" bias?

For starters, you can get them tuned to be more efficient than manual transmissions. That alone shatters most of your blind arguments about transmissions.

Also, it's a lot easier to focus on the wheel and the road when you don't have to constantly shift. Now, I admit that it is fun to shift in some situations, but it's usually a heavy annoyance, especially with older cars that have stiff clutches.

I say automatic, because it's excellent when it's tuned correctly.

I like automatic. I'm too busy paying attention to the assholes swerving into my lane to worry about shifting.

manual. SO much more fun to cruise around in

..Also, it's a lot easier to focus on the wheel and the road when you don't have to constantly shift. Now, I admit that it is fun to shift in some situations, but it's usually a heavy annoyance, especially with older cars that have stiff clutches.

for me it helps me consetrat more on driving if iam driving a manual, because i have to pay attention so that i dont stall or run the RPM's to high. if iam driving an automatic iam more likely to zone and quit paying attention.

What the fuck is it with you people and your "automatics suck" bias?
Personal preference y'know. It is not a bias any more that yours is.

What the fuck is it with you people and your "automatics suck" bias?

For starters, you can get them tuned to be more efficient than manual transmissions. That alone shatters most of your blind arguments about transmissions.

Also, it's a lot easier to focus on the wheel and the road when you don't have to constantly shift. Now, I admit that it is fun to shift in some situations, but it's usually a heavy annoyance, especially with older cars that have stiff clutches.

I say automatic, because it's excellent when it's tuned correctly.
I space out when I'm driving automatic.

The only true benefit of automatics is that it doesn't block certain actions being performed whilst driving. And that could be lethal;)

Meh, I don't like automatics. The only non-manual system I'd consider right now is the Ferrari F1-style system they have now. It's said to be pretty close to perfect, both in inner-city traffic and on the track.

When you're buying used cars and don't have much choice because of spending limits, it's hard as hell to buy a manual in the States.
And its as hard as hell to buy an automatic in Poland.

What about my dad's car? You have to change gears, but it takes care of the clutch for you.

Anyways, I picked automatic. Standard is something of a hassle if you have no place to drive fast.

Personally, I prefer an automatic for various reasons...

1. It easier to switch from reverse to drive, just slide the shift back.
2. No complicated crap while I am driving.
3. I'd rather have that right hand on the steering wheel. (Honestly, I've trained myself to drive with only one of my hands just in case I break one.)
4. The security of knowing that when you park, the chances are, you will stay parked. (Gear in Park + Emergency Brake)

I have an Autostick on the Chrysler (4 speed automatic that is shiftable), and a manual on the bike. :)
(Ah... if only I can afford that BMW K1200GT...)

Which main type of transmission do you prefer -- manual or automatic?

Please vote and discuss.

I know there are automatic transmissions now with which some manual shifting (or manual effect) can be done... i'd class those as automatic transmissions because you don't HAVE to shift all the time.
There should have been a both/other

I love in a clasic car or rod to have a manual

But in my truck manuals are a pain in the ASS when trying to haul a load when not on a paved road

That or ever sunk a manual into a swamp? I did ... its not plesent what trying to rock free will do to a clutch

Manual. By a long way.

I like manual. Why?

- It's fun
- More control
- More power
- Helps you pay more attention

I learned to drive on a manual, and learned to love it when I got to drive my sister's '01 Eclipse, which actually had a NICE transmission (vs. the shitty one on the Saturn I learned on). But then when it came time to get a car, it was pretty damn hard to find a manual that met my other criteria, so I ended up getting an automatic. Now it takes me a while to get used to a stick when I have to drive one. But once I'm used to it again, I still prefer manual. The main thing that bothers me about my automatic is that it doesn't always shift when I want it to. It's good about downshifting when I want to accellerate to pass someone or something, but sometimes when I'm speeding up to 60 it'll stay in a lower gear way longer than I'd like it to, so I have to back up on the gas for a second to convince it that I don't REALLY need to be at 4500 rpm.

Well voted auto I guess sense it is my current driver

There should have been a both/other

I love in a clasic car or rod to have a manual

But in my truck manuals are a pain in the ASS when trying to haul a load when not on a paved road

That or ever sunk a manual into a swamp? I did ... its not plesent what trying to rock free will do to a clutch

thats one thing that i have never had trouble with, its just bummpy but thats usualy do to the suspension(at least it is in my truck*shrugg*)

thats one thing that i have never had trouble with, its just bummpy but thats usualy do to the suspension(at least it is in my truck*shrugg*)
When ya get a 15k cattle trailer behind you from the far pasture ... its a little bit more then something like a snowmobile trailer or something

When ya get a 15k cattle trailer behind you from the far pasture ... its a little bit more then something like a snowmobile trailer or something
lol true true. flat bed with 5 ton of hay with another ton in the bed. a lot less smelly than cows too. now taking that same rig over 20 miles of washboard :headbang:,not fun.
a full 4 horse stock trailer is probably about as smooth as a 15k cattle trailer;)

lol true true. flat bed with 5 ton of hay with another ton in the bed. a lot less smelly than cows too. now taking that same rig over 20 miles of washboard :headbang:,not fun.
a full 4 horse stock trailer is probably about as smooth as a 15k cattle trailer;)
I bet

I mean it can be done I am not saying that but it aint neerly as nice

like I said before I can see how car lovers like it ... hell I do as well
BUT when it is in one of the big rigs you and me use what is the advantage?

I mean in car it is the pleasure and the ability to controll

But you dont need nor want that most of the time in the truck

So you have all the costs and hardly any of the benifits

I personally would preffer a good ol alison transmission if I am going to be doing that sort of stuff on a daily basis

I bet
I mean it can be done I am not saying that but it aint neerly as nice
like I said before I can see how car lovers like it ... hell I do as well
BUT when it is in one of the big rigs you and me use what is the advantage?
I mean in car it is the pleasure and the ability to controll
But you dont need nor want that most of the time in the truck
So you have all the costs and hardly any of the benifits
I personally would preffer a good ol alison transmission if I am going to be doing that sort of stuff on a daily basis

i would say that the advantage is being able to actualy use your engine when you need to.
the truck i drive is not huge- a 1996 dodge ram v10- but when i have to pull friends out of the ditch and pull old fence exc. i cant immagen having to put up with an automatic.
when i haul my horses on the interstate i some times with that i did have a automatic but thats not too often.
but most of the time its just to and from school so a manual is fiine- one of the joys of living in a small town, no stop and go traffic.

Manual every time.

I love driving a car, even a shit car, to the best of my ability. Letting the car change gears isn't driving to the best of my ability.

And I love changing gears. There's just something about it...it's like an extra mechanical connection with the car itself; it makes you feel more like you're driving it and controlling it.

If you know what I mean.

Yeah, I love driving. Fast. Even shit cars.

As long as their manual.

i would say that the advantage is being able to actualy use your engine when you need to.
the truck i drive is not huge- a 1996 dodge ram v10- but when i have to pull friends out of the ditch and pull old fence exc. i cant immagen having to put up with an automatic.
when i haul my horses on the interstate i some times with that i did have a automatic but thats not too often.
but most of the time its just to and from school so a manual is fiine- one of the joys of living in a small town, no stop and go traffic.
Where as we used to own a manual chev 3500 manual and just recently swapped it for a 04 chev 3500 auto

I will never go back to manual for that size truck
Ever

Same goes for my jeep ... my new auto is head and shoulders better then the old manual

When ya are puting her up a 60 degree slope over rocks manual blows

Manual, without question. Much more fun to drive, more control.

I hate the way autos change gear while you're going through corners, upsetting the balance of the car & forcing you to brake to slow the car down. With a manual, you can hold it in gear, at a speed you choose, then punch it out the exit of the corner.

Also, you can't use engine braking in an auto to the same extent. An auto will keep surging forward, whereas the manual will start slowing the car down.

Plus, a slick manual 'box is a thing of joy. :)

Autos are for girls. ;)

Where as we used to own a manual chev 3500 manual and just recently swapped it for a 04 chev 3500 auto

I will never go back to manual for that size truck
Ever

Same goes for my jeep ... my new auto is head and shoulders better then the old manual

When ya are puting her up a 60 degree slope over rocks manual blows

for a truck that big i can see why.

lol, o but dont you miss stalling half why up when you slip off the clutch?:p

Personally, I prefer an automatic for various reasons...

1. It easier to switch from reverse to drive, just slide the shift back.
2. No complicated crap while I am driving.
3. I'd rather have that right hand on the steering wheel. (Honestly, I've trained myself to drive with only one of my hands just in case I break one.)
4. The security of knowing that when you park, the chances are, you will stay parked. (Gear in Park + Emergency Brake)

You can do that with a manual too. Leave it in gear & put on the handbrake. Same thing.

http://dropd.com/issue/78/CD/TeaParty/cover.jpg

for a truck that big i can see why.

lol, o but dont you miss stalling half why up when you slip off the clutch?:p
Lol I was good 99 percent of the time

ACtualy the hardest with the manual is when you had to do a winch assisted drive or a recover ... that was intresting

Flat hill climes no prob with the manual ... large rock or like I said the winching .. .

when you have been taught how to drive a manual and you have driven a manual since you started driving, it is really weird to get in an automatic transmission car

when you have been taught how to drive a manual and you have driven a manual since you started driving, it is really weird to get in an automatic transmission car
Lol yeah I spent some time resting my hand on the shift lever to stop myself from reaching for it

But needed to do it to be practical lol

Manual forever.

Just bought a Honda Accord manual trans a month ago. It is a hoot to drive compared to the auto. I did not even consider buying an auto.

Read somewhere that buy an auto if driving is a chore and buy a manual if driving is a passion....well driving is a passion to me...:cool:

Manual forever.

Just bought a Honda Accord manual trans a month ago. It is a hoot to drive compared to the auto. I did not even consider buying an auto.

Read somewhere that buy an auto if driving is a chore and buy a manual if driving is a passion....well driving is a passion to me...:cool:
Ammend to that
Buy an auto if driving offroad is a passion

depends, when I was younger, I liked my 5 speed, but then again, I had a muscle car (of sorts)

now, it's kinda like this "if I wanted to move my feet that much I would go dancing"

although....I learned on a standard transmission, and my children will also, I feel it's important to have a basic knowledge of how to drive a stick in case you ever get into a situation where you have to ( and I have more than once)

Ammend to that
Buy an auto if driving offroad is a passion

yeah i loathe auto but i probably have to agree with that. those old toyotas that you only find in places like africa are incredible though...

Personally, I prefer an automatic for various reasons...

1. It easier to switch from reverse to drive, just slide the shift back.

in my car all i have to do is push the stick down and to the far left and up, not that complicated.

2. No complicated crap while I am driving.

once you have driven a manual for more then a week, it becomes second nature, when i get in an automatic i tend to still try to shift


3. I'd rather have that right hand on the steering wheel. (Honestly, I've trained myself to drive with only one of my hands just in case I break one.)


i guess you have a point there


4. The security of knowing that when you park, the chances are, you will stay parked. (Gear in Park + Emergency Brake)


if you are stopped you can leave your car in gear and even if you have your handbreak off, your car isnt going anywhere easily

yeah i loathe auto but i probably have to agree with that. those old toyotas that you only find in places like africa are incredible though...
Yeah

ANd not saying you cant do it with a manual

Like I said I did it for a few years

But in the end it was impractical unless you could strait asscent, otherwise ya better have an extra clutch on hand trying to rock climb with 38 inch Super Swamper TSL's at a 50 degree slope

Personally, I prefer an automatic for various reasons...

1. It easier to switch from reverse to drive, just slide the shift back.
2. No complicated crap while I am driving.
3. I'd rather have that right hand on the steering wheel. (Honestly, I've trained myself to drive with only one of my hands just in case I break one.)
4. The security of knowing that when you park, the chances are, you will stay parked. (Gear in Park + Emergency Brake)

1. I don't find it any difficulty in switching to reverse....infact I hate that pressing that knob in autos for switching.

2. Not complicated at all. In fact, it gives me more control. Plus I can jumpstart if I battery fails.

3. I drive with just one hand all the time. I can even hold the road with my knees....:p

4. Boonytopia answered that. Infact, if in case brakes fail, I can slow down the car by shifting down or in worst case scenario, shift from 5 to 1 in case of failure at high speed. Gearbox would jam and vehicle would stop...

I don't really care per se, as I harbor no illusions about being Niki Lauda.

Though when I buy a new car, I always get a stick because I have scottish blood, and am therefore a cheapskate.

When you drive a manual, you're driving. When you drive an automatic, you're steering. That's the difference for me.

When you drive a manual, you're driving. When you drive an automatic, you're steering. That's the difference for me.
yep. With kids in the car however, steering is just about enough for me. I still miss my manual, and sometimes my left foot gets bored. :(

I suppose that my next car purchase (if I have any choice at all) should be a manual transmission, I forgot about the whole push start thing. That has saved me a few times in the past.

1. I don't find it any difficulty in switching to reverse....infact I hate that pressing that knob in autos for switching.In my car, I don't have to press the button to switch from reverse to drive. I just pull it back.

2. Not complicated at all. In fact, it gives me more control. Plus I can jumpstart if I battery fails.Control meaning you can change gears. I honestly don't care about that. I'd rather let the car figure all that out and leave me to weaving in and out of traffic. And for the whole thing about being able to accelerate faster, she does pretty well.


3. I drive with just one hand all the time. I can even hold the road with my knees....:p Meh, I have an '87 Chevy Camaro. I can't get my knees up that high or even past the steering wheel.

4. Boonytopia answered that. Infact, if in case brakes fail, I can slow down the car by shifting down or in worst case scenario, shift from 5 to 1 in case of failure at high speed. Gearbox would jam and vehicle would stop...No, no, I am talking about parking.

In my car, I don't have to press the button to switch from reverse to drive. I just pull it back.

Control meaning you can change gears. I honestly don't care about that. I'd rather let the car figure all that out and leave me to weaving in and out of traffic. And for the whole thing about being able to accelerate faster, she does pretty well.


Meh, I have an '87 Chevy Camaro. I can't get my knees up that high or even past the steering wheel.

No, no, I am talking about parking.

Yes, if you park a manual car, you just leave it in gear & put the handbrake on. It won't go anywhere, it's the same thing as putting an auto in park.

in my car all i have to do is push the stick down and to the far left and up, not that complicated.Put it this way, I avoid any sort of multitasking in a car because I have a fear of screwing up and because I just plain suck at multitasking in a car. My limit is having a soda and perhaps, a hamburger. Anything else I avoid.

once you have driven a manual for more then a week, it becomes second nature, when i get in an automatic i tend to still try to shiftI've never tried a manual, but my mother is planning on getting a manual truck and I plan on learning how to drive it so I know how just in case of an emergency.

if you are stopped you can leave your car in gear and even if you have your handbreak off, your car isnt going anywhere easilyDoesn't that mess up the transmission though?

Yes, if you park a manual car, you just leave it in gear & put the handbrake on. It won't go anywhere, it's the same thing as putting an auto in park.Ohhh....I didn't know that. I just remember my family flipping out when I used to disengage the handbrake in the parked truck when I was much younger.

Doesn't that mess up the transmission though?
Even less of a chanse of that then with an auto

Ohhh....I didn't know that. I just remember my family flipping out when I used to disengage the handbrake in the parked truck when I was much younger.

Just remember to put it in neutral when you start it up again, or you'll kangaroo hop into whatever's in front of you (or behind if you left it in reverse).

Just remember to put it in neutral when you start it up again, or you'll kangaroo hop into whatever's in front of you (or behind if you left it in reverse).

Cars in the US won't start unless the clutch is depressed.

Cars in the US won't start unless the clutch is depressed.
Yeah but one should rely on safty devices only when nessisary

Cars in the US won't start unless the clutch is depressed.

No worries then! :)

I'll have to remember that if I ever drive a manual in the US. Otherwise I'll sit there thinking the bloody starter motor is buggered, or something like that.

In my car, I don't have to press the button to switch from reverse to drive. I just pull it back.

Really? I seen that knob that you press while shifting in auto in so many cars, that I thought it is kinda mandatory design feature..


Control meaning you can change gears. I honestly don't care about that.

There's more to it. In a crunchy overtaking situation, I have the option of shifting down one gear and using that extra torque to accelerate and overtake. Granted, it is a small thing..but I like to have that option when I am in the mood to do that...

And for the whole thing about being able to accelerate faster, she does pretty well.

A good driver can accelerate faster in a manual than in an auto. The torque converter of an auto eats some torque. Plus you get a wee bit extra mileage in manual...I get 30 in my Accord .a mile more than my friends Accord auto..we both drive the same route, same time..

Yeah but one should rely on safty devices only when nessisary

That's true.

But it gets you in the habit of always depressing the clutch anyway. Which is a good thing.

That's true.

But it gets you in the habit of always depressing the clutch anyway. Which is a good thing.
Yup agreed thats what I was geting at

That way if it ever failed you are still good

Or if you are in another vehicle

Really? I seen that knob that you press while shifting in auto in so many cars, that I thought it is kinda mandatory design feature...I have to press it to switch it from drive to park but I don't need to from reverse to drive.

No worries then! :)

I'll have to remember that if I ever drive a manual in the US. Otherwise I'll sit there thinking the bloody starter motor is buggered, or something like that.

Actually, when I first moved to the US, that happened to me. I couldn't figure out what was wrong until someone told me. D'oh.

Actually, when I first moved to the US, that happened to me. I couldn't figure out what was wrong until someone told me. D'oh.

Lol. Same here.:D

NG,

But I have seen people pressing that knob even when shifting to reverse (or to the other auto options). I don't think they realise that they don't have to do that.:p

Lol. Same here.:D

NG,

But I have seen people pressing that knob even when shifting to reverse (or to the other auto options). I don't think they realise that they don't have to do that.:pI think you're right. All the cars that I've driven with the shift in the center console can do that, but yet no one ever does try it. I found it by accident myself...