Automatic or Manual (driving poll)

[drake]

So, to the people that drive, do you drive a vehicle with an automatic transmission or a manual?

Which is better? Why?

[DinoDoc]

What if you can drive both? Manual is better anyway because it gets better gas milage.

[drake]

Well if you have the option to drive both, which do you prefer?

My first car was an auto, but after going stick on my second, I'll never go back (until I'm an old man perhaps )

I just don't feel like I'm really driving with an auto.....not as enjoyable.

[Garth Vader]

Auto. I am lazy. I drive a small enough car that it already gets kick ass mileage.

[SlowwHand]

I drive a standard shift Toyota Tacoma with a V-6. It romps, but manuals are a pain in the ass.
And if I drive an automatic now, I can't keep my feet working right, especially at stops.

[drake]

Why are they a pain in the ass sloww? (I also have a small pickup - ranger- only 4 cylinders tho )

I get all messed up driving auto now too

[Eli]

We have automatic. But I'm going to learn on manual.

[Zkribbler]

My previous car was manual, and after being stuck more than once on the freeway in 2-3 hour traffic jams with my clutch leg about ready to fall off, I vowed to get an automatic on my next car.

However, my new Miata is so much fun to drive I test drove it with an automatic, and I said, nah, this car needs a manual.

[SlowwHand]

Originally posted by drake
Why are they a pain in the ass sloww? (I also have a small pickup - ranger- only 4 cylinders tho )

I get all messed up driving auto now too

In the city, it's just a pain.
To say nothing of squirrels.
Just last week I was coming down my street and one of them ran out in front of me.
I hit the brakes with both feet, squealed to a stop and my truck died.
Neighbor lady comes running out the front door to see what was the problem.
You seen the commercial with the 2 squirrels high fiving each other? Exactly.

[Eroberer]

I like manuals because I feel more connected with the car. I can't stand having a car shift for me when I don't want it to. I'd rather shift early or late as the situation requires.

Also, I am very quick to shift to neutral and put my feet wherever. I do not think traffic is bad at all.

Sloww, if what happened to you happened to me in an automatic, I'd be panicked kicking around for a clutch.

Edit: There should also be an option for a "manumatic," which are actually making it into everything from Bentley's to Dodge Status's (IIRC). It's an automatic setup with the option to shift gears, which is horrible and should die. There are also "continuously variable transmissions," which are as easy as automatics to drive with the same or better fuel economy of manuals. These aren't bad, but still doesn't make me want to give up the stick.

[Provost Harrison]

Originally posted by SlowwHand


In the city, it's just a pain.
To say nothing of squirrels.
Just last week I was coming down my street and one of them ran out in front of me.
I hit the brakes with both feet, squealed to a stop and my truck died.
Neighbor lady comes running out the front door to see what was the problem.
You seen the commercial with the 2 squirrels high fiving each other? Exactly.

That's called stalling Sloww, try using the clutch

I am quite used to driving a manual, quite like it actually, although autos are easy enough. I don't see any real need.

[Saras]

Steptronic roolz, you technologically backward yanks

[Ecthy]

as for the clutch leg in traffic jams - you can always "clutch out" as in having no gear in so you don't need the clutch when standing for longer than a minute... I drive in the city myself, without a problem. manual, of course

[drake]

Yes, when braking, keeping one foot on the clutch is good usually

I live in the city with stop and go traffic every day...and I still wouldnt go back

[Dr Strangelove]

I own a manual shift car, I too feel that I have more control or "connection" with a manual shift vehicle than with one that has an automatic transmission, but most people apparently prefer the automatic. When I bought my latest car last year I had to look long and hard to find one with a manual transmission. I suspect that by the time I need a new car it will be virtually impossible to buy one with a manual transmisssion.

It is no longer true that manual transmissions offer significantly better gas mileage than automatics.