What do you drive - MT or AT?

[mit_peid]

After reading through this entire thread, I have come to realize the people who described their case for the AT are a lot more eloquent and convincing compared to the people who cannot let go of their MT's (just because it is all they've ever known). The MT crew have resorted to name calling and simple-minded "it is like this because it is like this" argument. There comes a time and place when machine can do things almost as good as us, and I think we are there. The AT is not a replacement for the MT, but who cares. I have a deposit down on a white FR-S AT coming in next week and have been losing sleep over if I should go AT or MT. After reading through this thread, considering my needs of a DD and living in Los Angeles, I don't think I'd have any problems (or lack of fun) driving around a FR-S AT.

[KGFRS86]

Originally Posted by mit_peid

After reading through this entire thread, I have come to realize the people who described their case for the AT are a lot more eloquent and convincing compared to the people who cannot let go of their MT's (just because it is all they've ever known). The MT crew have resorted to name calling and simple-minded "it is like this because it is like this" argument. There comes a time and place when machine can do things almost as good as us, and I think we are there. The AT is not a replacement for the MT, but who cares. I have a deposit down on a white FR-S AT coming in next week and have been losing sleep over if I should go AT or MT. After reading through this thread, considering my needs of a DD and living in Los Angeles, I don't think I'd have any problems (or lack of fun) driving around a FR-S AT.

As an FR-S AT owner in Los Angeles who deals with the traffic two hours a day, you won't regret going AT.

[HotLava]

Originally Posted by KyleGato

As an FR-S AT owner in Los Angeles who deals with the traffic two hours a day, you won't regret going AT.

As another AT owner in Los Angeles, I second that opinion.

[Laika]

Originally Posted by mit_peid

After reading through this entire thread, I have come to realize the people who described their case for the AT are a lot more eloquent and convincing compared to the people who cannot let go of their MT's (just because it is all they've ever known). The MT crew have resorted to name calling and simple-minded "it is like this because it is like this" argument. There comes a time and place when machine can do things almost as good as us, and I think we are there. The AT is not a replacement for the MT, but who cares. I have a deposit down on a white FR-S AT coming in next week and have been losing sleep over if I should go AT or MT. After reading through this thread, considering my needs of a DD and living in Los Angeles, I don't think I'd have any problems (or lack of fun) driving around a FR-S AT.

As an MT owner I think you're 100% right on this. No it's not right to judge people based on their decision but there's nothing wrong with either AT or MT guys explaining why they chose what they chose.

Regarding the bolded part, I agree but I don't....It's not about being better or worse, for the MT guys it's the more visceral feeling you get out of a standard transmission. Same thing with drive by wire. Drive by wire can save fuel better than a real throttle with my foot actuating it but that doesn't mean it's necessarily better from the perspective of an enthusiast that wants the most visceral feeling possible.

I love my MT but I'd really like to try out an AT. I wouldn't switch but I just want to try so I can experience the hype, everyone seems very impressed with it.

[Gixxersixxerman]

Originally Posted by mit_peid

After reading through this entire thread, I have come to realize the people who described their case for the AT are a lot more eloquent and convincing compared to the people who cannot let go of their MT's (just because it is all they've ever known). The MT crew have resorted to name calling and simple-minded "it is like this because it is like this" argument. There comes a time and place when machine can do things almost as good as us, and I think we are there. The AT is not a replacement for the MT, but who cares. I have a deposit down on a white FR-S AT coming in next week and have been losing sleep over if I should go AT or MT. After reading through this thread, considering my needs of a DD and living in Los Angeles, I don't think I'd have any problems (or lack of fun) driving around a FR-S AT.

I love my car.. I have no buyers remorse or anything... That said.. If they had the 6mt on the lot... That's what would be in the garage.. I wish the auto didn't have the torque converter.. I wish it was a DSG.. But it is what it is.. I've got 48 mpg as the highest on a 115 mile stretch.. Mainly because its coming down off the mountain.. I average 38-39 with my intake now on flat ground.. 30 around the city because of stop and wait... And wait some more.. I love how much faster a 6mt car goes.. It is a bit more fun.. I can get my car to do donuts all day if I want to.. I can't drift it to save my life... That's more me then anything and I know this.. Just no place to practice having that kind of fun... Being my dd, I have no regrets..

[Draco-REX]

I prefer manual because there is a level of involvement with the car that just isn't there with an AT, even with paddle shifters. It goes beyond kicking a pedal and moving a stick around. Getting the timing right, feeling the synchros mesh, blending the clutch engagement with power, blpping the throttle, and nailing the perfect heel-toe double-clutch downshift are things that I enjoy and just aren't available with an AT. To me, this car is about the driving experience and the joy it brings me, even on a day-to-day basis on the way to work and back.

I've driven cars with slushboxes (nothing near as good as the 86 AT, granted) and I missed the simple act of having a clutch pedal to toy with. I owned a 1998 Lincoln Mark VIII and I sold it for a Corolla with a stick and loved every minute. For me, there is just a visceral component to driving a MT that I can't get from an auto. It's not about what's "proper" or "real". It's about how the car makes me feel by involving me in the whole process of driving it.

That said, I also believe that a pure competition track car is better with "flappy paddles". There's so much more involved in nailing the best lap, that having a computer handle the gear changes is a welcome improvement. So if I were building a track car, I'd go for an auto box. (Not so sure about the gear choices in the 86 AT though. I would likely go to a shorter final drive)

This is not trying to make a case of one over the other. Different people have different needs and different priorities. For myself, shifting is like breathing, so I don't mind rowing my own gears. But others will choose differently. I don't think badly of them for their choice, I just wish they enjoyed the level of involvement I do.

[Wattage]

This is my first manual car, I've been driving automatics for about 10 years (I'm 27).

I just happened to be in the market for a new car, this car seemed really awesome, and I had this gnawing feeling I would regret not getting it with a manual transmission. The cheaper price didn't hurt any.

I'm not gonna hate on anyone for getting an AT though, to each their own.

[Spd229]

I picked the automatic partially out of curiosity as to how well it operates. While I do sometimes wonder if I would have had more fun in a manual, I seem to forget that once I actually start to drive and realize what a blast this thing is.

They've done a good job of making this car drive, regardless of transmission. So much so that is really is what these last 12 pages have shown us; it's completely up to the individual's taste. This car delivers a pure driving experience either way.

I do think I'll eventually buy a manual just to have alongside the automatic though, unless some other car steals the show before then.

[White Shadow]

Originally Posted by mit_peid

After reading through this entire thread, I have come to realize the people who described their case for the AT are a lot more eloquent and convincing compared to the people who cannot let go of their MT's (just because it is all they've ever known). The MT crew have resorted to name calling and simple-minded "it is like this because it is like this" argument. There comes a time and place when machine can do things almost as good as us, and I think we are there. The AT is not a replacement for the MT, but who cares. I have a deposit down on a white FR-S AT coming in next week and have been losing sleep over if I should go AT or MT. After reading through this thread, considering my needs of a DD and living in Los Angeles, I don't think I'd have any problems (or lack of fun) driving around a FR-S AT.

So are you saying that you're leaning towards the AT simply because you feel that AT drivers are more eloquent in their argument for AT cars and MT drivers are simple-minded dolts?

Or did you just add that part for the hell of it?

BTW, you should really understand that 99.99% of MT drivers have driven AT cars before, so a MT car is definitely not "all they've ever known" and at the same time, there are PLENTY of AT drivers that haven't ever been behind the wheel of a MT car. So using your own logic against you, I think it's safe to say that there are more MT drivers who are speaking from experience on both sides of the argument. How's that for logic? Makes a lot of sense to me!

[White Shadow]

Originally Posted by Laika

.... for the MT guys it's the more visceral feeling you get out of a standard transmission.....

I've always said that if you have to explain it to someone, they'll probably never understand.

[White Shadow]

Originally Posted by coyote

Manual, because I have two functional legs. Can't think of any other reason why you wouldn't.

Best post in this entire thread!

[White Shadow]

Originally Posted by SuperDave

haha i think you guys are being facetious with all this talk about road head, i almost got into an accident when i got some once. that's some stupid shit! i'd rather just pull over and enjoy myself!

I had an old girlfriend who used to get off on doing the road head thing. It was awesome, but I always had a fear in the back of my mind of getting into an accident and losing my johnson to her perfectly arranged teeth.

[StOpNG0x]

This is my first MT car and I have to say, it is a lot more fun, to say the least.

[86BRZ]

MT- discourage my wife drive my car.