Help!!!What would you prefer: auto or manual?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Tromatic

I wish it had three-in-the tree. And the AT means I never have to set the bong or martini down to shift.

I experienced this first hand about a month ago. Driving in one of the busiest shopping areas in the Atlanta suburbs cruising in my Suburban and following behind an 86 that was just all over his lane and the one left/right of him.

When I pulled up close enough and could look down it turned out that "the dude" was having a difficult time keeping his joint lit. He had the joint in one hand, a six inch flame in the other, and was trying to drive/shift all at the same time. An AT would have been useful for him.

Should have called the cops...but for that once I was glad to be in the Suburban rather than the FR-S just to avoid the asshattery by association that would have occurred.

[stevesnj]

I am going with a manual. I like the purity aspect of this car as a sports car just like Tada was inspired by also. Personally I like the connection and feel to the engine a manual can deliver. I haven't had a manual sports car ever and had a Tacoma in a manual and loved it. Good to get back to it.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Eric_86

Hi guys, Im doing a research study on automatic vs manual transmission and if you can help me answer the survey questions and vote on auto/manual. i appreciate your help.

1. which type is transmission you prefer? and why?
2. If you purchase another vehicle in the future, what type of transmission would you go for?

Poll needs an "it depends" option. Not all of us make binary decisions about things.

I drove both the MT and the AT before making up my mind. Had the AT not been as good as it is I would have gotten the MT. There were a whole lot of decision points that went into me selecting the AT but the tech used in it was the tie breaker.

As far as the MT making you more "connected" to the car, well, I don't get it (and others, don't waste your time trying to explain it to me, neither of us will change our minds). I am very proficient at driving a manual transmission, but it does not make me feel more "connected" in the 86.

I suppose to really be connected you would need to also remove the power steering, power brakes, fly-by-wire throttle and other "assist" devices that work better/faster than I can manually. Then you can be really connected!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

As far as the MT making you more "connected" to the car, well, I don't get it (and others, don't waste your time trying to explain it to me, neither of us will change our minds). I am very proficient at driving a manual transmission, but it does not make me feel more "connected" in the 86.

Most "connected" car made, right down to manually cranking to start.
And if that crank handle connects after starting you will truly become one with your car.

[stevesnj]

_____ I test drove an AT FR-S last summer and it was very enjoyable but like underwear, it's a personal choice...

Major connection to a car :P

[Sarlacc]

You don't get really "connected" as long as you have artificial propulsion.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Sarlacc

You don't get really "connected" as long as you have artificial propulsion.

Dude needs to go NOS!

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Most "connected" car made, right down to manually cranking to start.
And if that crank handle connects after starting you will truly become one with your car.

The bent crank gives you a mechanical advantage on the start. You need to turn that bad boy with a straight rod.

[nick_318is]

1. Manual, you're far more involved with the driving experience and to me that makes it more fun. I tell the car when to shift rather than it making a decision for me. Plus knowing how to heel toe is a cool skill to have.

2. Manual, I love the involvement I hope some options for manual transmissions will stick around but I'm afraid they will disappear.

Your research from this sight may be biased as people driving these cars are more likely to be performance oriented and have a higher percentage of manuals uptake than the general population. The poll shows 80% manual, when in reality US consumers are buying 5% or less of their cars with a stick.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Dude needs to go NOS!

Or maybe a couple of slices of this...



Washed down with this..

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

The bent crank gives you a mechanical advantage on the start. You need to turn that bad boy with a straight rod.

[Tromatic]

I do miss the ability to do easy burnouts. However, not having the ability to do easy burnouts is probably a very good thing, at least for me. I learned to drive in a Rambler, and this is the first AT car I've ever owned and I'm quite sure I'm not missing out on any fun.

[Deep Six]

Always fun to see debates rage over an issue of personal preference. To each their own, I would not want this car with an auto but neither would I want a manual on my Durango.

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by Deep Six

Always fun to see debates rage over an issue of personal preference. To each their own, I would not want this car with an auto but neither would I want a manual on my Durango.

Actually for a MT vs AT discussion this is really very tame! We haven't had to referee a name calling battle once and that is impressive for this topic!