What do you drive - MT or AT?

[SSchifko]

AT because I live in a high traffic area and didn't want to put up with the clutching.
If anyone local wants to let me drive their manual, maybe I will start kicking myself.

[Moto-P]

Hi,

Unless one is physically handicapped, one should never use the excuse of "not being able to do something" as a reason to not do it at all by deleting a feature for another, if you are aspiring to become proficient at driving in any way.

I think an AT is a great choice, with convenience of having automatic shifting and a very capable and responsive race track capability in manual mode of the paddle/stick AT that's as good as one on the FRS/BRZ.
For reasons of duty fitting a reason for purchase, as a road car and part time track car, it has been an awesome combination.

However, I am a 26 year veteran of motorsports, and fairly proficient at tracks and competition car use, and though I do not race professionally, I have been in the past. I do utilize a manual to the full extent that I know. The reason for my purchase of the AT was not because I can't heel and toe, but more that I don't need to heel and toe in traffic where I spend 90% of the time in Los Angeles, and to make available to more people, the wonderful FRS experience. And the fact that I have access now, and plan to buy in the future the MT FRS as well.

If you do not practice, no skills will be developed and you will lack it for as long as you postpone the learning process.

So I think you have every right to choose an AT here, and I can attest it is a great machine too. But if your goal is to keep advancing in dynamic driving and proficiency in being a capable driver, I suggest you do choose a manual and keep going, if you are going to not have access to another car that you can drive a stick.

That's my opinion.

[yormaX]

@Moto-P

Well said. I love reading your posts!

[LSxJunkie]

http://jalopnik.com/5940410/once-aga...l-transmission

One more reason to drive stick.

[Texas BRZ]

Originally Posted by LSxJunkie

http://jalopnik.com/5940410/once-aga...l-transmission

One more reason to drive stick.

Hahahehe... That was funny, yet good to know... Save the manuals, indeed!

[TSY]

Originally Posted by LSxJunkie

http://jalopnik.com/5940410/once-aga...l-transmission

One more reason to drive stick.

Great post.

But it's possible there won't be MTs in 5-10 years. I'm teaching my kids how to drive stick before they no longer exist! (of course, if they don't exist why bother?)

Just think, MTs might go the way of Cassette tapes, VHS, or LPs!

[LSxJunkie]

Originally Posted by TSY

Great post.

But it's possible there won't be MTs in 5-10 years. I'm teaching my kids how to drive stick before they no longer exist! (of course, if they don't exist why bother?)

Just think, MTs might go the way of Cassette tapes, VHS, or LPs!

Buy used. It's not like you won't be able to buy a 2012 stick car in 2022.

[KRAZYK]

Originally Posted by TSY

Great post.

But it's possible there won't be MTs in 5-10 years. I'm teaching my kids how to drive stick before they no longer exist! (of course, if they don't exist why bother?)

Just think, MTs might go the way of Cassette tapes, VHS, or LPs!

True.. but the driving enthusiast will still find a way.. if it means driving a 10 year old car - or taking that new 2024 model and doing a AT to MT conversion.. it'll happen haha.

[switchkick]

AT since everyone was saying paddle shifters are amazing on the track

[jarviz]

Originally Posted by switchkick

AT since everyone was saying paddle shifters are amazing on the track

still can't be as fun as actually shifting a knob and using a clutch. I have no doubt that the paddle shifters work great and deliver as expected, but can anybody actually say they enjoy paddle shifting?

[switchkick]

Originally Posted by jarviz

still can't be as fun as actually shifting a knob and using a clutch. I have no doubt that the paddle shifters work great and deliver as expected, but can anybody actually say they enjoy paddle shifting?

You are absolutely right, paddle shifters are less enjoyable but get the job done very well. Plus its my daily driver so AT has its perks.

[russv]

Originally Posted by jarviz

still can't be as fun as actually shifting a knob and using a clutch. I have no doubt that the paddle shifters work great and deliver as expected, but can anybody actually say they enjoy paddle shifting?

I do!

[TSY]

Originally Posted by LSxJunkie

Buy used. It's not like you won't be able to buy a 2012 stick car in 2022.

Yup, there are still people who collect LPs! There will be plenty of people collecting old sports cars.

I'm hoping to have a collectable 2013 Subaru BRZ in 2030! By then we probably won't even be driving anymore- the cars will drive themselves.

The debates won't be MT vs AT, it will be driving yourself vs Autodrive mode!

[Splat]

Originally Posted by jarviz

still can't be as fun as actually shifting a knob and using a clutch. I have no doubt that the paddle shifters work great and deliver as expected, but can anybody actually say they enjoy paddle shifting?

Yes, I can say I enjoy it... it is not as fun as I used to do slamming hurst shifters running quarter mile tracks, but--- I do control the REVS and that is what it is about...it is not the actual shifting method..