Is the manual transmission a good choice for an everyday driver?

[LSxJunkie]

I did it for 5 years. Drove into Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens countless times. Loved it. Wish I still had a stick car.

[Turdinator]

Originally Posted by dori.

The stock clutch in this car is soft so you should have no problem in traffic

This...

[Rossman]

Originally Posted by shishand

Ah i just hate to have a new car has a guinea pig for learning manual haha but you guy guys make it sound like the easiest standard car there is!

It's pretty darn easy, but definitely leave on the driving aids (Traction Control/VSC), it's real easy to light this car up and that can end poorly if you aren't expecting it.

[FRSjeff]

I drove a manual all through high school and college and many years beyond with NO regrets! I think there are three categories: 1. certain cars should be automatics 2. some can go either way 3. some must be manual. The fr-s is definitely a category 3.

[czar07]

Another shameless bump for manual. it really is bloody awesome. The throttle response with the stick is so much better.

[Turdinator]

I have no doubt a PDK, Manumatic or well sorted auto like in the 86 can be quicker but this car isn't about speed for me, its about fun and this is where the manual will always beat a self-shifter.

[driftartist]

I dont Believe in at

[BigRedDog]

^^ well said sir

[midenginebias]

Originally Posted by avp1

The only auto transmission appropriate for a sport car is one with dual clutch, like you can find in Audi and some other cars. There you practically have regular mechanical transmission with clutch controlled by computer. Our BRZ/FRS cars have conventional auto transmission with hydraulic torque converter. Thus it inherits all limitations of that technology. Conventional auto transmission only makes sense if you have large reserve of torque, which our cars obviously do not provide. That is why manual is the only reasonable option for my BRZ. I do not mind having auto in my truck with 4 litres V6 though.

Disagree. I've driven low mileage DSGs gone "bad" while the manufacturer said it was normal. When I say low mileage, I mean lower mileage A4s, GTis, etc.

I prefer this automatic because the transmission is based on a stronger engine platform from the IS-F.

I also disagree that great torque is necessary for an automatic. Each gear is already a torque multiplier and the car is lightweight enough.

Now, while I freely admit that I dislike that there are so many automatic transmission cars in the world, they have real world practicality AND race world practicality as well.

Manual driving adds a level of challenge and enhances driver skill over time.

Automatic driving flatters the driver's current skills.

Admittedly, if I won the lotto, I'd have an FR-S in manual (and modify) and a BRZ Limited in Auto (as my GT car).

I just dislike the impression that may be given out that the automatic is a terrible choice. It isn't. A driver wins in either scenario, especially when the automatic is nowhere near as bad as a Maserati's paddle shifter, an Aston Martin's automatic, or a worn out DSG from Audi or VW.

Answer to the original question. Yes, the manual transmission is good for an everyday driver. Short throw, accurate, light clutch.

Traffic is a funny thing. When I use an automatic, I get more annoyed because my attention is targeted on the traffic and not being able to do much about it.

When I use a manual, not only am I more efficient utilizing less brakes, but I cut into gaps easier to actually move through the traffic, even if it's tedious and slow. At least I can be proactive about getting to my destination.

[shishand]

u guys think i should jump into the manual wagon? never even touched a manual before haha where i live, my apartments are average wealth while the whole fucking city is rich as fuck and asian.. i have no access to a manual to try out.. fuck Irvine haha anyone live close by?

[midenginebias]

I do, and I have an easy car to learn on with just about 100% clutch life left. ... Hm.

[Mango22]

One advantage of getting the AT is that you can give the MT driver the one finger salute as you pass them coming out of apex, as panic washes over their face and they grind the clutch, frantically searching for the right gear. Sorry but I couldn't help myself. Seriously though, I hate the manual versus auto dikk-swinging debate that the responses always turns into.

Get the car setup you see yourself enjoying the most, long term. For some its MT, for others its this particular AT. I test drove a MT and didn't care for the clutch weight or catch point. The short shifter was okay but kinda notchy and nothing special (to me).

I ended up ordering the AT without getting a chance to test drive it but from what I extensively read about the AT, I felt it was gonna be worth getting. I figured if I didn't like the AT when it arrived, I'd just pass on my order and reluctantly put in another order for the MT.

Now having spent some road time with the AT, I'm effing love it. I pretty much keep it in sport mode and the rev matching / gear holding is strong and the power is constant. There is a harmony of handling and power control in the AT version. I don't feel I'm missing out on the driving experience because of the choice I made; it is engaging and visceral and I feel very connected to the car. Don't be swayed by peer pressure when making your decision and don't be fooled, this AT is very, very good in this car.

[shishand]

Originally Posted by midenginebias

I do, and I have an easy car to learn on with just about 100% clutch life left. ... Hm.

dude my man lol

[shishand]

Originally Posted by Mango22

One advantage of getting the AT is that you can give the MT driver the one finger salute as you pass them coming out of apex, as panic washes over their face and they grind the clutch, frantically searching for the right gear. Sorry but I couldn't help myself. Seriously though, I hate the manual versus auto dikk-swinging debate that the responses always turns into.

Get the car setup you see yourself enjoying the most, long term. For some its MT, for others its this particular AT. I test drove a MT and didn't care for the clutch weight or catch point. The short shifter was okay but kinda notchy and nothing special (to me).

I ended up ordering the AT without getting a chance to test drive it but from what I extensively read about the AT, I felt it was gonna be worth getting. I figured if I didn't like the AT when it arrived, I'd just pass on my order and reluctantly put in another order for the MT.

Now having spent some road time with the AT, I'm effing love it. I pretty much keep it in sport mode and the rev matching / gear holding is strong and the power is constant. There is a harmony of handling and power control in the AT version. I don't feel I'm missing out on the driving experience because of the choice I made; it is engaging and visceral and I feel very connected to the car. Don't be swayed by peer pressure when making your decision and don't be fooled, this AT is very, very good in this car.

ur honestly the first person to like the AT in this thread lol finally some relieve hahahaha