Which do you prefer - manual transmission or automatic?
(2011-04-25 14:30:38) 1. Says: Personally, I like the control of the manual transmission. Besides, I just don't feel like I'm actually driving unless I'm shifting through the gears. And it's fun... :p But not in traffic.2. Says: If I'm driving my regular, old Ford Explorer, then I'll take the automatic (which I don't even think they come in manual, do they? but for the sake of this answer...)However, if it was a jaguar or corvette, or a car that you could really DRIVE and really DRIVE (did I already say that?) then I would want manual.
My husband (boyfriend at the time) had a corvette and it was a manual. It was a 1968. I had a manual transmission mustang II at the time and figured I could definitely handle the 'vette. Oh brother...the clutches were not even close!! Well he let me take the car one night, just down the road, and when I didn't return after about 15 minutes, he came looking for me. I didn't know how to put the car in reverse and was stuck in someone's driveway - who kept looking out her window to see who was in the driveway!!! SOOO embarassing. However, after that, I learned how to drive it and we took it on the highway and I never had so much fun driving a car before or since. I won't say I was going 100 mph, but the car was!!!
I totally agree, braceface - you are really driving a car with a manual transmission. However, for traffic, manual all the way.3. Says: Really depends on the car in your case. I would never buy a sporty car with an automatic transmission. Auto has better resale only with certain cars. For example, an automatic WRX has a lower resale value than a manual WRX. Keep in mind that manual cars are also normally cheaper to purchase initially.
I personally would go for a manual car, but I don't have much traffic in my area, and I normally drive on roads with 50+mph limits.4. Says: But probably because it gives me something to do and gives me the illusion that I am actually in control of something. Also I like being able to drop into a lower gear if I need to accelerate quickly, I have overdrive in our automatic car but it just isn't the same.
I hear you in traffic, but I've been doing it so long now I often forget that I'm working the gear and the clutch, it's almost second nature, but that took a while.
I also realize that some people just don't like manual transmissions. My wife can drive my car but prefers hers (an automatic) I have come to learn that that is okay.5. Says: I drove a manual for years, and was perfectly happy with it. Except in traffic.
When in traffic, my clutch leg gets tired. I hate the feeling like I'm burning out the clutch by using it so often and only half-engaging it much of the time. I try to drive more smoothly and evenly, but an automatic car creeps better than a manual does.
I'm very happy right now with my Honda Fit Sport automatic. It's got shifters that let me downshift when I'm about to pass. You can do the same thing with stomping the pedal but it's not as smooth. And I can keep it in low gear when I need to engine brake.
I very much miss the ability to put in the clutch when I want to slow down just a little. When I'm coming to a light I'll put the clutch in and coast to the light. I may not have to hit the brake at all. That's very energy-efficient, and my 1992 manual got better gas mileage than my 2007 automatic because I could drive it more efficiently.
But I don't miss it when I'm in traffic.6. Says: I drove manual transmission for 8 years. Then I bought automatic. The reason being that my area is very congested and there is lot of traffic. Rarely are roads traffic free, during the day. With so much stop and go traffic, manual transmission is no more fun. Shifting to first gear and then again putting on neutral and stopping. Followed by shifting to first gear again, etc etc. Its no fun. Automatic transmission is better in heavy traffic that's stop and go7. Says: Automatic- Will have a much better resale value and automatic is much more easier to re-sale.
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Troof.
Automatics cost more and will resale for more....but, that is a given.
I'm not sure why people think they have better control with a manual trans, though. Chipped or not, my F150 will shift right where it needs to EVERY time. ALL THE TIME. A human arm won't do that.
No, my F150 is NOT boring to drive and I drove automatics for...a cool decade before I touched an automatic.
But, a bad knee here and there and H-town traffic says auto trans is the way. Not hating on autos, but that's technology for you. I'd settled for one of those "manumatics" if I didn't have to look at a Chrysler product for one.
Yes, if...make that when...I buy a Mustang convertible after my next job if finished, it will probably be an auto trans, too. Fun driving in H-town doesn't call for pumping away at first gwar in 5 MPH traffic jams.8. Says: I really don't like to drive all that much and as a result, I prefer an automatic. Less hassle in traffic and just generally less involved.
I kind of doubt that you have any more control with a manual transmission, but it is a lot more fun if you like to drive. It gets down to personal preference and the type of driving that you intend to be doing.9. Says: I prefer and i drive manual cars....but like you said ; in traffic...the clutch releasing is hard and so automatic is preferrable......but the actual driving is done when manual cars are driven...the thrill got from driving manual cars is great.....but, in your situation; Automatic cars are better.....10. Says: Since I don't know how to drive a stick, I prefer an automatic. It's been promised to me by several friends and my mom that they would teach me. However, I'm deathly afraid of ripping someone transmission out of their car, that I prefer my automatic!11. Says: I'd rather pay attention to the road than have to pay attention to what gear I'm in. I think automatic is safer (because you can focus on the road) and more efficient. I would never buy a manual.12. Says: with automatic driving become easy and effortless. it also sucks the fun out of driving. i'd say manual is a lot more fun13. Says: Automatic- Will have a much better resale value and automatic is much more easier to re-sale.14. Says: not fun going from first to second stop first to second stop etc15. Says: Manual. automatic i easier but you don't have same control as manual. Tag: Which do you prefer - manual transmission or automatic?