Manual or Automatic? Why?

[MuseChaser]

I drive stick for a couple reasons, and am the first to admit that my reasons may very well not be valid or even accurate for other people's desires and driving styles.


1. I am a bit of a control freak. No transmission is going to tell me what gear I should be in. Yes, I know you can select what gear you wish to be in w/ paddles or whatever on an AT. However, you can't control the way the transfer to that gear feels like you can with a clutch.
2. On slippery/snowy/icy roads, I have more control (see first point) with a clutch and MT than I do with an AT. Period. Others may not feel like they do. I do. A large part of my yearly driving is on "bad" roads... I like them... except when I can't see. That stinks.

3. When I drive a manual car, I am DRIVING. In an automatic vehicle, I am riding and steering. When stuck in traffic on a hot day, I'd rather be in a big, quiet AT vehicle with great air conditioning and a good sound system, since I'm not driving anyway. Otherwise, I'd rather drive. To me, that means controling the car, not giving the car a task ("Hal, select third gear and shift to it, please") and letting the car drive.



No judgements as to which is "better," which anyone should drive to prove their manhood/womanhood, which shows higher intelligence... that stuff is just stupid. Drive what you like.. it's all good. I like manual, and for me, it's better.

[Ultramaroon]

I just had the shocking realization that I can no longer say I've never owned an automatic.

I inherited my mom's Legacy wagon.

Ever supportive, Mrs. Ultra reminded me that I can still say I've never bought an automatic.

[Impureclient]

Let's just settle this here and now.
It's no secret that people drive manual transmissions because they need something that resembles a dong in their hands at all times.
Just own it, bros. It's 2018 and there's no need to stay in that closet.

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Impureclient

Let's just settle this here and now.
It's no secret that people drive manual transmissions because they need something that resembles a dong in their hands at all times.
Just own it, bros. It's 2018 and there's no need to stay in that closet.

So much for your theory.

The difference for me is, that it takes my whole hand to shift my MT, not just my thumb and forefinger -


humfrz

[86MLR]

Me, Manual

Because it's more engaging, there's nothing better, in my mnd, than rowing up and down gears through the twisties.

My missus, auto, because she just drives A to B in traffic.

In saying that, I really need to get the Ecutek for it's rev match, my heal/toe skills are pretty poor and inconsistent.

[Ultramaroon]

This argument will continue as long as there are people left who can't admit that no matter how good AT gets, MT will always be cooler.

[86geek]

Life's Short! Who cares if one drives auto or manual! As long as you're happy with either one that's all that matters right! If you're not happy then shit its on you!

[86MLR]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

This argument will continue as long as there are people left who can't admit that no matter how good AT gets, MT will always be cooler.

Don't get me wrong, "some" autos now days are brilliant, they are nothing like the old slush boxes of yesteryear, and the autos in the big ticket cars are insanely good, look at Ferrari, Nissan GTR and the like.

As for reliability and maintenance, give me a manual.

I've got a few mates that have had big issues with their auto Golfs though, and it has cost them a bucket of cash to get them fixed.

But in the end, this is a post about personal preference and nothing more.

How is the reliability and maintenance for the autos used in the twins? I know no one who has one for reference.

From the reviews I've seen they say it is s good box, but the same reviews say get the manual.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Ever supportive, Mrs. Ultra reminded me that I can still say I've never bought an automatic.

Well, she is way cooler than you.

[Leonardo]

I miss my S2000 when I think about MTs.

[Sapphireho]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

I miss my S2000 when I think about MTs.

I've never once missed it.

[MuseChaser]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

This argument will continue as long as there are people left who can't admit that no matter how good AT gets, MT will always be cooler.

Let ">" indicate "cooler than"
Let "{}" indicate the set of operators

Then, by the reflexive properties of mathematics,

If MT > AT,

then {MT} > {AT}

Proving conclusively that MT drivers are, mathematically proven, cooler than AT drivers.

However, the controlling variables defining the groups {AT} and {MT} must be examined before relying on this seemingly fundamental axiom.

The subset of {MT} that is defined by P(0)sR, joining the set due solely to MT>AT rather than the inherent physical and mechanical properties of MT, serve to negate any positive "coolness" properties (H2O*0degC) gained by the undeniable attraction of MT and H2O*0degC. Similarly, the subset of {AT} joining that set for the many self-evident pragmatic arguments regardless of the lack of H2O*0degC, defined by dGAS, inescapably increase the small amount of H2O*0degC present in {AT} to the benefit of the entire set.

Ignoring all other variables, we can then state that:

{MT}*H2O*0degC - P(0)sR/H2O*0degC = {AT}/H2O*0degC + dGAS*H2O*0degC

In layman's terms, the axiom can be stated as follows:
"The coolness factor of manual transmission and the drivers thereof, minus the uncoolness of those who drive it only because they think it's cool, is approximately equal to the coolness factor of automatic transmission boosted by those who drive it for solid personal reasons without caring about public perception of coolness."

I'll take questions after class.

[Aluma007]

Originally Posted by 86MLR

Don't get me wrong, "some" autos now days are brilliant, they are nothing like the old slush boxes of yesteryear, and the autos in the big ticket cars are insanely good, look at Ferrari, Nissan GTR and the like.

As for reliability and maintenance, give me a manual.

I've got a few mates that have had big issues with their auto Golfs though, and it has cost them a bucket of cash to get them fixed.

But in the end, this is a post about personal preference and nothing more.

How is the reliability and maintenance for the autos used in the twins? I know no one who has one for reference.

From the reviews I've seen they say it is s good box, but the same reviews say get the manual.

Haven't had a problem with the AT, but I did drive the Ts and I absolutely hated that manual. It was worse than the 2012 wrx sedan manual, and that's probably the worst of the manuals I've ever driven...well, maybe the 99 forester was a bit worse, but not by much. My favorite has always been the Si's manual...absolutely.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

I miss my S2000 when I think about MTs.

I don't fit in them.