Manual or Automatic?

[Grant Lamontagne]

I've always preferred a standard transmission for many different reasons, and never really did get used to the auto, even though that's about all I've been driving for the last few years.  What does everyone else have, and what's the preference?

I've also been under the notion that Europe is dominated by standards, almost to the same extent that North America is dominated by automatics- is that still true?

Def

[Leatherman123]

Well, all of my vehicles have been automatic.. So, it would have to be an automatic!!! I almost bought a standard but I looked right past it!

[duckman1975]

You can save more fuel if you use manual transmission properly.

[crls1]

Automatic is the only thing i had so far, so i voted automatic.

Carlos

[Biru]

I'm driving a straight from having driven an auto since young adulthood. In my own personal experience, I hope I NEVER see a straight again. I'm a fountain Diet Coke addict, and trying to juggle the cup and shift is a major pain.

Peace out, Bill.

[NeitherExtreme]

I've been driving manuel ever since I've been driving. And to tell the truth, I'm about tired of it... I voted Auto.

[NutSAK]

Three of the four vehicles I currently own are manuals.  I think that shows my preference fairly well.

The only time I prefer an automatic is when I'm rock crawling.

I have a hard time finding used vehicles with manual transmissions.  I would say that at least this part of Northern America is dominated by autos.

[ducktapehero]

I like auto's. With an auto you can have a drink, grope your girl, eat pork rinds and smoke a lot easier.

[I'm Still Bison]

Manuals are fun outside an urban area..in town,though,always shifting..blecchhh

[ringzero]

I've always preferred a standard transmission for many different reasons, and never really did get used to the auto, even though that's about all I've been driving for the last few years.  What does everyone else have, and what's the preference?

Over the years I've owned a fair number of vehicles, but have never owned one with an automatic.

Always preferred the manual's better gas milage, greater reliability and longevity, easy jump starts, and its ability to downshift for curves and hills.

Another advantage: in an emergency - say the fuel pump vapor locks and you stall on tracks at a railroad crossing - it's possible to move a manual shift vehicle using the starter motor.

Supposedly autos have gotten better over the years - more efficient, more reliable, more durable than they used to be.

If most of my driving was urban stop and go, then I might consider buying a commuter car with a modern auto.

.

[prime77]

All I have ever driven are automatics.

[jock1]

I can't comment as I have only ever driven manual transmission

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

I always used to ride a manual, I like having the extra control over the engine (plus feeding gears is fun if your going some ) you can't use much engine breaking in an auto, and given our weather sometimes you just don't want to touch the brakes

[Benner]

No comparison IMO, it has got to be manual.  Half the fun of driving is taken away with an auto and I would never own one.

For those who haven't driven a manual, you really are missing out.

[Roadie]

I've also been under the notion that Europe is dominated by standards, almost to the same extent that North America is dominated by automatics- is that still true?

Def

I would say that still holds true in the UK at least, there are more automatics than there was a few years ago though.

[Dtrain]

I prefer a manual myself.I feel that I get better fuel mileage utilizing proggressive shifting.I also feel that in inclement weather/snow i have more control on just how much torque I put to the pavement.,y wife is an "Automatic" person.Of all the vehicles I have owned all,except one have been manual transmissions,including one pick-up with three on the tree.

Dtrain

[jzmtl]

Manual for me. I don't mind the constant shifting even in urban area, unless it's rush hour... It gives me more control of which gear to use, either engine brake down hill, or coasting in neutral to redlight etc.

[NutSAK]

Manual for me. I don't mind the constant shifting even in urban area, unless it's rush hour... It gives me more control of which gear to use, either engine brake down hill, or coasting in neutral to redlight etc.

Did you know that, in a fuel injected vehicle, you will use more fuel idling in neutral to a red light than you will if you leave it in gear with your foot off the gas?

The reason is that computer controlled, fuel-injected vehicles will shut off the injectors completely if your foot is off the gas and the gear you have selected is keeping the engine rpms above idle (e.g. compression braking).  If you're out of gear and coasting, you have to burn fuel to keep the engine at idle.

Of course you could argue that you can't coast as far in gear as you can in neutral, but you can coast a pretty good distance in fifth (or top) gear at low rpms above idle.  There is very little compression braking happening in that instance, and the mechanical losses through the gearbox are also minimal.

[edap617]

Talking about cars,  I like manual.
But guns, I like automatic.

[jzmtl]

Did you know that, in a fuel injected vehicle, you will use more fuel idling in neutral to a red light than you will if you leave it in gear with your foot off the gas?

The reason is that computer controlled, fuel-injected vehicles will shut off the injectors completely if your foot is off the gas and the gear you have selected is keeping the engine rpms above idle (e.g. compression braking).  If you're out of gear and coasting, you have to burn fuel to keep the engine at idle.

Of course you could argue that you can't coast as far in gear as you can in neutral, but you can coast a pretty good distance in fifth (or top) gear at low rpms above idle.  There is very little compression braking happening in that instance, and the mechanical losses through the gearbox are also minimal.

I've heard about this before, but all I can find it's only the very new engines that's capable of this. My engine's design about as ancient as they come, so I doubt it can. 

[NutSAK]

Are you talking about the 4.0l?.  I have one in my Cherokee (2000), and mine shuts off the injectors.  The design of the engine doesn't matter, it's the engine management system that matters.

If you want to prove it, all you have to do is switch off the ignition when in gear, foot off the gas.  You shouldn't feel any difference whether it's on or off.

[jzmtl]

Yep the 4.0. Mine's a 2000 too, so they should be identical. Never actually paid attention thou, I'll have to watch it next time.

[ducktapehero]

Half the fun of driving is taken away with an auto and I would never own one.

This may be true but stick or not there just ain't no way a Ford Focus station wagon is gonna be fun.  But it's got lots of room for groceries and beer, it's good on gas and it starts every time. Plus I have to admit, the factory stereo is pretty impressive. It'll thump pretty good.

[Dtrain]

Half the fun of driving is taken away with an auto and I would never own one.

This may be true but stick or not there just ain't no way a Ford Focus station wagon is gonna be fun.  But it's got lots of room for groceries and beer, it's good on gas and it starts every time. Plus I have to admit, the factory stereo is pretty impressive. It'll thump pretty good.

You should send an E-mail to Xzibit on "Pimp My Ride" I bet West Coast Customs could make it fun.

Dtrain

[ducktapehero]

This may be true but stick or not there just ain't no way a Ford Focus station wagon is gonna be fun.

You should send an E-mail to Xzibit on "Pimp My Ride" I bet West Coast Customs could make it fun.

That'd be OK if they left it discrete looking. I don't want anything flashy. If I want something with a bit more zoom zoom I'll jump in the wife's car. She has a 1998 Ford Taurus with the 200hp DOHC Duratec engine. It's not a muscle car by any means but it'll fly down the highway pretty good. I'm hoping to get something more exciting for my next car.

[Smitty44]

If its a truck or sports car,I prefer manual,if its a family car,I prefer automatic!!!

[Grant Lamontagne]

Looks like I opened up a good can of worms with this one!

I have to say I'm a bit surprised- I'd assumed that in a forum full of tool carrying manly-men that just about everyone would have said MANUAL, pounded their chests, grunted a little bit and pounded back another beer!   

Good arguments for both sides though!

Eddie- when it comes to guns, I much prefer manual.  I like throwing bullets at people!  It may not have the same range but it confuses the hell out of people!

Def

[inkster]

Automatic here in the city.  Or I wouldn't be able to eat, drink, shave, smoke, talk and text on the phone with all the lights and traffic.

 

[Dtrain]

Automatic here in the city.  Or I wouldn't be able to eat, drink, shave, smoke, talk and text on the phone with all the lights and traffic.

 

It's drivers like you that bring so much Delight,Joy,and Mirth to our day while operating a Class 8 Vehicle.There is nothing better than hitting the airhorn at just the right time and wach the the fun LOL 

Just teasing Guys....

I save my Airhorn for FlyByes at the Golf Course.

Dtrain

[J-sews]

.....I save my Airhorn for FlyByes at the Golf Course.

Dtrain

Hehe, I thought I was the only one who did that!