That's what the "-" paddle is for, use it all the time...

From a practicality standpoint, I think AT long ago surpassed MT. Traditional MT is just a fun novelty.

Yep, even as far back as the early 50s - :)


humfrz

Nope don't agree that the ATs from the 50s surpassed MTs. Convenience maybe but not necessarily practicability such as heavy loads, launch, and even mileage. Two and three speed ATs were easy to use but did virtually nothing well. It wasn't really until the computerized controls and the more gears this allowed came along that ATs came into a realm where they can actually perform better (and therefore more practical) than MTs for most tasks. I read in a trade mag (yep real paper) not long ago that even new transport trucks are now running about 60% AT. That was almost impossible to consider just a few years ago since there just were not ATs that were up to the task.

Manual. I've never driven a MT car and ALWAYS wanted to drive one. So I figured why not start with an FRS...

Best decision ever...

Excellent choice for a first.

Just don't let your left heel touch the floor.

German. Canyon Aeroad SLX 9.0.

Only steel frame I have is a langster steel, hed3 up front, 404 firecrest at the back custom built with a philwood hub at my parents place in Santa Clara. Chrome dropbars and white grips ftw.

#modernhipster

I chose the manual because I had never driven a manual car, and it seemed like fun.
One of the best choices I've made so far, for sure.

Well considering I have owned 4 of these cars in total (2 auto's, 2 standards) I might as well share my opinion on it.

The A/T is definitely slower - off the line, like over a second slower. You will either love the paddles or dislike them, but the transmission itself is super responsive and fast. There is a lack of the same options aftermarket when it comes to headers/exhaust - I would imagine even with exhaust/header/intake/tune the A/T is probably still slower off the line then a stock MT due to gearing differences and inability to launch. If you had an A/T and changed the final drive it would probably help it immensely - but that's a lot of work.

The fact is the car doesn't have much power - you want to maximize as much as you can get out of this car. The MT in this car is amazing and perfect to learn on - I learned on it myself. In my opinion there is no reason to not get the MT - it's cheaper, arguably more fun, upgraded, and faster.

This is coming from somebody who actually liked the AT version of the car. Having owned and driven both though you can't go wrong with either overall - it's just now especially with the upgraded MT version of this car I really don't see a reason why anybody would buy the AT unless maybe medical reasons.

I chose an AT because I like to be able to drink my coffee or Coke without having to put it down to shift. Too many spills before!
Plus, I’ve had many manual transmissions in other cars, so it’s simply not that important to me anymore. I use the paddles all the time to down shifts, then I really like how’s it goes back to Drive on its own. When I’m on a twisty mountain road, I use sport mode and paddles...best of both worlds!
If you enjoy manual, good for you. Glad we still have this option, not available any more with many manufacturers. But I don’t believe you will find a MT anymore in Formula One racing and even many drifting cars are running AT’s. I also have to say that this AT is completely different as other AT’s I’ve driven. Feels like a dual clutch automatic, but much better.
Ah yes...let me take another sip of my coffee while I drive around!

I bought this car to drive fast, not to drink coffee in. :bellyroll: