Manual vs Auto

[mrmcdonaldduck]

Which is better?

I think auto, for the simple reason is that you wont really need a manual car unless its a car that does a lot of work, e.g tractor or bus. Auto is fine for city driving, and although not as good on the open road as a manual, it is quite capable, and much easier to use.

Manuals are more for racing and working, not for everyday driving.

[Commander Thor]

Automatic.
Easier.
Generally safer (Lets you focus more on driving, and less on "Ok I need to shift.... NOW!").

[Scarface]

Well first of all- Automatic transmition takes a lot more maintenance when it's time for a tune up. Though it's definitely a plus that you don't have to worry about changing gears at the right moment, it just has a lot more problems than a manual in my opinion. As a manual transmition just requires emptying and cleaning.

Manual- Of course there will be issues with it if you don't switch gears at the right time and you're grinding gears. Or holding the clutch too long. Though they can accelerate fast sometimes (depending on model of car)

Though if I had to choose for a suburban city I would take automatic hands down. Though if I was in more open territory than I would definitely go with manual as it would be a lot easier and gas efficient.

[Perseus]

Automatic since I can't drive a manual to save my life. :P

[blue_bear94]

i much rather manual autos get too boring

[skinny_white_boy]

I like both but I think I'd prefer auto more cause manual can get a but annoying for a long trip or whatever. But I would love to learn stick someday and buy my dream car with stick perhaps. But for now I'm all auto.

[Sage]

I prefer manuals as I think it's a valuable skill to learn. If you only learn auto, then you're limiting the sorts of vehicles you can drive.

[Ender]

Automatic since I can't drive a manual to save my life. :P

This about sums it up for me.

[Fruit_Tart.]

hmmm? i would perfer an auto just because i don't know how to drive a manual. if someone would teach me how to drive one of those then i'd get a manual, but yeahh i don't think that'll happen.

[dbrkk]

Manual, hands down. Auto takes pretty much all the fun out of driving. Plus, it gives you more control of the vehicle, and if you know what you're doing, you can do all sorts of things. BTW- when you get good enough at driving stick, you don't really need to think about when to shift. It just becomes second nature.

[Church]

I rather have a 3 speed manual if I was drag racing but I rather have auto for everyday use, just easier and more convient

[JackOfClubs]

Personally, I prefer manual. I know I can't drive (legally, until November), but with a manual you get more control over the car, and it requires more concentration, which is a good thing. I hope that my first car will be a manual.

[scuba steve]

Which is better?

I think auto, for the simple reason is that you wont really need a manual car unless its a car that does a lot of work, e.g tractor or bus. Auto is fine for city driving, and although not as good on the open road as a manual, it is quite capable, and much easier to use.

Manuals are more for racing and working, not for everyday driving.

Manual is more energy effeciant so i'll stick with it

P.S is manual what they mean when Americans say "It's been a while since i drove stick?"

[Perseus]

Manual is more energy effeciant so i'll stick with it

P.S is manual what they mean when Americans say "It's been a while since i drove stick?"

Yeah. Stick shift and such. :P

[Tiberius]

Which is better?

I think auto, for the simple reason is that you wont really need a manual car unless its a car that does a lot of work, e.g tractor or bus. Auto is fine for city driving, and although not as good on the open road as a manual, it is quite capable, and much easier to use.

Manuals are more for racing and working, not for everyday driving.

It's not easier to use. I hate automatics with a burning passion. They are the dumbest pieces of shit that you can option on a car.
Reasons why automatics suck
1. It tries to "think" for me. i.e It
2. Doesn't shift when I want it to.
3. Can produce really jerky shifts.
4. Going up a hill in a 4cyl is always a painful screaming match against the car.
5. Having to hold the break all the time is more annoying than a clutch pedal

Reasons why manuals are better:
1. I know best and get to change gear when I want.
2. I can shift from 5th to 3rd to go up a hill rather than fall back down it.
3. I don't have to use the break all the freakin time.
4. My shifts are always very smooth.
5. I can over-take someone on the highway much faster.
6. They are easy to maintain.
7. You get better gas mileage.
8. You learn MUCH better control over the car.

BTW, it doesn't suddenly flash through your brain that you HAVE TO SHIFT NOW. It is more something that you do without thinking. You just do it at a certain point. It rarely crosses my mind that I have to shift.

[artex]

i have had both 1 thing my dad wanted me and my sister to learn is how to drive a stick (manual) its fun and i can see how people get tired of it i think sports cars are more fun tho... with a stick tho alot of cars now that are autos have paddle shifting too or gated shifting so thats cool i think todays autos are very efficient too

[Perseus]

Chris, why does it matter when you shift? This is me being ignorant on cars, btw. :P

[Gumleaf]

i'm learning in an auto and will be driving an auto. auto's are easy because then you just have to focus on your general driving.

[phily08]

I like auto.They are more reasonable for city life.I would only use manual for racing.

[red_dragon]

Auto

[Sogeking]

Auto since i don't know how to drive manuals. :P But i would like to learn how to some day...

[Tiberius]

Chris, why does it matter when you shift? This is me being ignorant on cars, btw. :P


Because there happen to be a LOT of hills and twisty roads where I live and peddling around in a four cylinder, you like to have some grunt to either go up the hill at the speed you started or two have some fun going around the corners. Automatics just never seem to shift when I want them to.

[Zephyr]

Manual is the way to go, it's what I first learned to drive in and it's what I've always driven. Automatics make me feel lazy and I pay less attention when I drive them. The more nifty things are shifting down to gain speed, shifting down to help stop if your brakes are out, shifting down for hills or for snow on the road, quicker takeoffs, better gas mileage and there's nothing like revving the engine up a and skipping over gears ;)

[Patchy]

Been learning to drive in a manual and love it. Drove a automatic once and the gear changes were really sloppy and I felt I didn't have as much power behind me.

Also most if not almost all young people in the UK drive manuals they are much cheaper to get. However in the UK if you learn/do your test in a automatic you get a special license that only allows you to drive automatics - Which bad but the car insurance is cheaper.

[minicoopkart]

well where i live, there are 2 factors for auto and manual. The city is a nightmare during traffic, but living here, you become an expert in driving stick, and since the city is surrounded by steep mountains, to go out of the city, which is a lot, automatic is horrible for passing cars (and you need to pass cars since there's always slow drives and old trucks driving in the mountain) if it has the D,1,2,3 kind of automatic. So manual is better here unless you find a car with tiptronic

[Deathwingo0o]

Tiptronic is for Benz only, my friend.

[minicoopkart]

not true. Many other car brands, including mazda volkswagan and peugeot have tiptronic

[JackOfClubs]

Virtually every car manufacturer puts an automated manual on their cars. VW calls it tip tronic, but the name varies based on the car. I can't think of a modern car (other than Lincoln Town Cars and the such) that have automatics that don't have a feature like that. Except for Chevy's autos.

[minicoopkart]

yea, like where i live not everybody buys new cars when the engine is almost dead and stuff since its cheaper to repair it than buy a new car. So there are a lot of cars here 10-20 years old, some older, and have manual. But i know chevys and some cars dont have dont have automated manual's, but since its another country besides america, there are much more wider variety in cars here

[norfolksouthern]

Manual is much better

[hexane]

manual

[Alfred Pennyworth]

Personally, I'd prefer a manual, but it'd be a major pain in the ass where we live, as there are lots of stoplights on a very hilly road that I'd be taking to school, and in the winter in a rwd car with no traction control and a manual, that would be my definition of hell for a new driver, so i guess for practicality wise i have to say auto, but manual is always so much more fun, since you get to pick when you shift and all.

[Abigballofdust]

Well, I want my first car to be manual, then later on, we might as well think of an auto.
Since I plan on getting a 2008+ car I might be lucky because modern cars have this start aid that keeps your car steady until you press the accelerator and start moving so Alfred's definition of hell would more/less fail in my case.

[Invincible]

Hey hey there, where the hell is Selespeed? It deserves a class of its own :D
Selespeed is like a clutchless manual with a robotised automatic mode. It can drive in full auto when I'm lazy or a manual without a clutch :)

Yes I know Autos are hideous when your car is slightly underpowered and such. My first car, an automatic 1.4 didn't particularly like some of the roads round here.

On weekends and occasionally I take out our manual if I'm heading the open roads or the highway, it's epic fun, and great as a weekend car but not something I'd like to have as my one and only daily car D:

[Slippy]

Manual all the way! People who say auto's are better because you can pay full attention to the driving is rubbish. It takes no attention away from driving when changing gear, and with an auto you have to guess when it's going to change, with a manual you know you're in the right gear for the road ahead.

[LoveAna]

Manual, all the way!
Cheaper, cooler. you can then drive an auto after a manual. It's always better to know both!
Be one of the minority to learn to drive manual these days!

[Slippy]

Manual, all the way!
Cheaper, cooler. you can then drive an auto after a manual. It's always better to know both!
Be one of the minority to learn to drive manual these days!

In England you're in the minority if you drive an auto, they're nothing like as common as they are over there :)

[Kaius]

I prefer Manual. If you only learn to drive Auto you're seriously restricted to what cars you can drive cause there are more manual than auto (From what i've noticed). With Manual though you can practically drive any car (Well, within reason).

[JackOfClubs]

If you only learn to drive Auto you're seriously restricted to what cars you can drive cause there are more manual than auto (From what i've noticed)
While I know this is true for Europe, in America many cars are not even offered with a manual option. Even the new Golf doesn't have a manual option, it only comes in 6 speed auto. (Well the GTI comes with a 6 speed manual standard). Honestly, and sadly, here, manual is usually an option, if that, that would require the dealership to have the car made; they probably wouldn't have it on the lot.

[XMADDXMIKEX]

MANUAL! FTW! you can get more power out of a manual, because you can shift when you want you can also get more gas mileage from one. but if i lived in the city id say automatic shifting would get innoying

[Janitor3]

When I'm out bashing around the bush with mates then I'll defiantly go manual when normal driving auto it's so much easier

[TopGear]

Stick all the way, never going to auto

[Sith Lord 13]

I live in NYC. Automatic, please and thank you. I'd go nuts with the constant shifting.

[Jenna.]

Automatic.
Easier.
Generally safer (Lets you focus more on driving, and less on "Ok I need to shift.... NOW!").

This. Haha I've only attempted to drive a stick once. I won't ever try again for a long time; I didn't like it at all. It's hard enough focusing on driving an automatic with all the idiots on the road where I live...I don't need to have something else to worry about too.

[Continuum]

My dad always tells me to always pick a manual car. While it's easier to do auto, the skill you get from learning how to drive manual is often invaluable. If you only learn automatic, you'll have a hard time with manual; whilst you can drive both if you drive manual primarily.

Of course, it's my dad. And traffic runs quite different here. XD

[PonY]

Anyone know how to shift a car without the clutch?


Ha, I do. My father is a truck driver, or rather, was. He is a Mechanic and Inspector now. He showed me how to do it. It is actually easier thanyou think. Of course after you learn how to do it. It is all about the RPM's But every car will be differant. The Clutch is different in models. Mine, for example has a racing clutch, wich means I need more RPM's Plus, with the gearing I have as well it is easier for me to throw it out of and into gear.
With my other car, the one I drive all the time. It needs alot of force to get it out of and into gear.

I never want a automatic car. Or truck, I Think, they are completely usless. Just makes driving boring. Ha.

[Silentsilver]

Well ive had more experience than i want driving and repairing em :/ i would say manual for sure, a manual transmission is a heck of a lot easier to maintain and repair if it goes out your looking at 900 vs 2500 to rebuild an auto trans i mean yeah constantly kicking in the clutch might be a pain while in traffic but it saves you gas and your wallet will thank you :P

[just-another-guy]

i drive a stick now and i love it. its a 5 speed with a 2.4L vtec and i have just as much get up and go as my dads v6 lexus es 330

[ndguy245]

Auto is much eaiser

[smalltowngirl9189]

Auto cause its easier.
Manual cause it's easier when racing...

[Nickster]

I don't really have a favorite. It seems like the cars that I like are all manuals. So I guess manuals.

[josh93]

Auto for me. Its just simple to drive and iam not abel to do to my left leg.

[mrmcdonaldduck]

Hmmm, i recently just had my first lesson on a manual, and now i get how to drive a manual, i might just change sides. :P

[CrashingWaves]

Manual, hell of a lot more fun I think, and as a retort to what someone said earlier, I don't think about when I shift its just instinctual as the engine revs up, and I can focus just as much on the road but can't do anything about the distractions. The only thing that is great about automatics though is driving in traffic.

[Mike321]

Manual for me, most of the cars in the UK are manual anyway.

[goat]

Go with the auto (unless your just into shifting) The modern 5+ speed autos will beet a stick in performance and MPG unless you always shift just like you should and often do better on the Highway because the torqu converter lets them put higher gearong in the differential. Back on the old days the torque converter didn't lock and slipped on the highway so a stick got better mpg. Not any more though

[Ihaveleftforever]

Auto because easier haha manual is for drivers with that notch of more skill than auto haha but the people do both then dang there talented :D

[PAfarmerkid]

I like manuals better, Im used to a manual, I learned on a manual in a semi, and Im used to driving manual with a tractor. When I get a truck soon Im hoping to get a manual, since the Dodges autos suck and the manuals hold more power with a double clutch and since I will be pulling it a manual is sooo much better.

[Kohta]

Manual because they save gas, you can get more power out of them, and they are more fun to drive.
If you think manuals are hard to drive then you are just lazy.

[Benny.]

I prefer auto's really, and although both my parents have auto cars, they're making me take the manual license and have a manual first car :/

[Zazu]

Seeing as the standard is manual transmission in the UK, I have a manual car for personal use at the moment.

I've driven vehicles with automatic transmission at work though and ill admit they are a LOT easier to drive when going at speed / driving in general.

[ShyGuyInChicago]

I would choose automatic because that is all I have driven.

[samshan]

since i live in a city, i learned on an automatic and will continue to drive auto for a little while. but i think i would like to learn how to drive a manual some time, because it's a good skill to have (ex. if you have to drive a different car for some reason). they seem fun to drive too. but for now i'm sticking with auto.

[Quahog]

Automatic. You don't have to keep changing gears, and that gets annoying, if you never drove stick shift before.

[ikhasgkfjh]

I like Manual, but I prefer Automatic its less distracting.

[Etzim]

Ok thats totally not true on manuals, you dont have to focus on shifting it becomes second nature and generally manuals are way better and safer. You can control the gears for slowing down and driving to get out of the way. They keep you from falling asleep and you can drive in higher gears at lower speeds to get better gas mileage. Autos are more of a distraction i believe. Make up talking on the phone not paying attention blah blah. Manuals are hella fun to drive too.

[Name]

Manual is more fun, but gets tiring... but the upside for manual is you can get distracted with a cell phone or a sandwich =)

[Fourth Dimension]

I Like Stick but auto is so much easier

[Commander Thor]

Ok thats totally not true on manuals, you dont have to focus on shifting it becomes second nature and generally manuals are way better and safer.
Second nature? Sure. But it still requires your attention on something else besides the road & things around you, even if it is just for a split second.
You can control the gears for slowing down and driving to get out of the way.
Most (If not all) autos allow you to manually switch to a lower gear, most allow you to switch to 1st & 2nd, some SUVs & trucks allow 1st, 2nd & 3rd.
Also, an auto can generally switch gears faster, and switch to a correct gear for the power needed, to get out of the way of something.
They keep you from falling asleep and you can drive in higher gears at lower speeds to get better gas mileage.
The conditions that present themselves will exist in both an auto & manual.
Most sleep related accidents occur on the highway, there isn't much of a need to switch gears on a highway, so having a manual won't help you, as you probably won't be shifting much.
If you're city driving, the stopping & constant turning will keep you awake all the same as having that added task of shifting gears. (Which in the first quote, you say it becomes second nature, so how would something you supposedly don't have to think about keep you awake?)
Also, last I checked, the automatic versions of vehicles get /better/ gas mileage than their manual counterparts.
Autos are more of a distraction i believe. Make up talking on the phone not paying attention blah blah. Manuals are hella fun to drive too.

The distractions exist in both types of transmissions, btw.
People are going to talk/text on their phones, put make up on, eat, ect regardless of whether they're in an auto or manual car.
In fact, in that regard, auto may actually be /safer/ as people don't have to try & free up a hand to shift.

[Infidelitas]

I hope i dont offend anyone, but americans seem to prefer autos, dunno i could be wrong. Anyway, auto is rubbish full stop! Going up a hil at 80kph it cant make up its mind whether it wants to be in third or fourth. Guarenteed my 2.0 zetec 5sp will beat anyother 2.0L automatic anyday. I can go up really steep hills in 5th in my car doing 80kph at half throttle

[Raynes]

If you had asked me this whilst learning to drive a manual, I'd have told you automatic. Now, I'm driving a '96 F-150 stick, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If I have a choice, I'll choose manual on any vehicle I drive. I like having something to do behind the wheel that can keep me awake.

[shorty]

definitely automatic! :yeah:

[Bimmerhead]

Its all on personal preference and the area you live in. Manuals are faster of the line, get better gas mileage and waaay more reliable than an automatic. BUT! they can be so freaking annoying when in stop and go traffic if you live in a city or any kind of congested area. Manuals are also a lot better for drifting! Personally my current 7 Series is an auto and I wouldnt have it any other way. Its a luxo cruiser and it wouldnt make sense to drop a manual in it. But if I had an M5 I wouldnt even consider the SMG auto I would go with the 6 speed!

[ramgoat647]

Well they both have pros and cons.

Auto is good for city driving, as you said. With auto you are not worried with changing gears up and down when you are hitting every red light. Although, if y like to think you are a race car, auto doesn't pick up as fast as manual. That aside, manual does have a different feel and keeps the driver interactive with driving and is cheaper when buying a car. I do prefer auto, though. Just to learn at least.

[TheMatrix]

Well they both have pros and cons.

Auto is good for city driving, as you said. With auto you are not worried with changing gears up and down when you are hitting every red light. Although, if y like to think you are a race car, auto doesn't pick up as fast as manual. That aside, manual does have a different feel and keeps the driver interactive with driving and is cheaper when buying a car. I do prefer auto, though. Just to learn at least.
Please don't bump old threads. A quick glance at the last post date would reveal that we last posted here over a year ago.
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