Manuel vs automatic transmission?

[sci3]

Which one is better for a sports car?
What if one has to deal with traffic everyday?

[brianhj]

Oh boy here we go

[Efferalgan]

Coke or Pepsi?

[shiumai]

Originally Posted by sci3

Which one is better for a sports car?

Manual

Originally Posted by sci3

What if one has to deal with traffic everyday?

Auto

[skuts?]

Sports car = Manual

MiniVan = Automatic

[Fizz]

I'd say Manuel.....although Basil crack me up too!

[FR-S Matt]

If you're in traffic every day and driving a daily driver, get a Toyota Camry hybrid and get an automatic.

If you're wanting a sports car, and not in traffic every day and want to use it as a daily driver, get a manual.

Manual transmission will teach you more about your car than you ever imagined and give you more control over it. It will also make you a much better driver overall. The fun factor is MUCH higher with a manual.

Automatic's have less power (proven in plenty of dynos due to the lower gear ratios) than the manuals. That right there is a huge turn off to go automatic imo.

Paddle shifters are retarded, another reason to go manual.

[wheelhaus]

This has been argued to death. High end/exotic "automatics" are going the way of the video game, where you get instant rev-matched shifts and programmable behavior. This is a real benefit because it really can allow you to be faster/smoother, because you can eliminate some of the cumbersome human element, removing one hand, moving both legs, etc. So in the way of automotive advancement, yes the high end "automatics" are better.

On the other hand, a good ol' stick shift is still the king of pure driving enjoyment. It may not be the most efficient, or the most comfortable, but the labor of rowing each gear and having a precise, direct connection to the vehicle's behavior is what allows you to have a closer connection to the machine. This is what pure enthusiasts enjoy the most whether the car is fast or slow- is how much feedback do you feel, how precise is the machine, and how much fun is it to actually drive and explore its limits.

The 86 on the other hand, has a well tuned slushbox. It's a traditional automatic, so it's far from a "high end" box, but it does it's job well enough to be fun. The ratios it's stuck with can't exploit the engine's rev range quite as well as it needs, which is why the manual is a bit faster, but it's the best option if you want a fun car to drive that's easy in traffic.

[s2d4]

Originally Posted by FR-S Matt

Automatic's have less power (proven in plenty of dynos due to the lower gear ratios) than the manuals. That right there is a huge turn off to go automatic imo.

Ahh, so higher ratio equals more power, no wonder fudging gear ratio on the dyno gives more power!!

[ray7792]

I've had my Auto BRZ for about a 1.5 years now, in the beginning I enjoyed it and whatnot...However, right now I can honestly say that I am bored of the those silly paddle shifters and not having a clutch.

I'm in NYC traffic quite often and have been in a manual and of course automatic and it isn't that big of a deal. It is sitting in traffic that is bad, some extra foot work doesn't add much to how shitty it is. Don't let that thought be the deciding factor..please.

The auto is very lovely for driving with the gf, holding hands, etc. Means that she, friends, and family who don't know stick can drive it as well. Saved me once as a buddy drove me back when I was a little drunk.

Mileage...depends on how you drive, I got about the same MPG as my friend with a manual BRZ.

Auto is a little more practical, but as others have said...so is a damn camry. Get the manual

[FR-S Matt]

Originally Posted by ray7792

I've had my Auto BRZ for about a 1.5 years now, in the beginning I enjoyed it and whatnot...However, right now I can honestly say that I am bored of the those silly paddle shifters and not having a clutch.

I'm in NYC traffic quite often and have been in a manual and of course automatic and it isn't that big of a deal. It is sitting in traffic that is bad, some extra foot work doesn't add much to how shitty it is. Don't let that thought be the deciding factor..please.

The auto is very lovely for driving with the gf, holding hands, etc. Means that she, friends, and family who don't know stick can drive it as well. Saved me once as a buddy drove me back when I was a little drunk.

Mileage...depends on how you drive, I got about the same MPG as my friend with a manual BRZ.

Auto is a little more practical, but as others have said...so is a damn camry. Get the manual

Well put.

[J_kennington]

Both make the same power... just at a different time.

And I'm not even going to comment on the personal opinions expressed.

In the end, you drive what YOU want to. Not what someone else on this forums wants you to. Make your decision after driving both.

[Churg]

I had an Auto. Switched to a Manual. I also drive 130 miles a day, through LA, so I experience quite a bit of traffic.

The Auto was fun for a bit, but I found myself getting bored on my highway drives, and doing AutoX was not the same. I drove a manual afterwards (my first time actually driving a manual car, only previous experience is with motorcycles) and I fell in love. You feel more connected to the car, as others have said, and unless you swap out the clutch and flywheel, this thing is not bad at all driving in traffic. Plus, if you are looking to mod your car, you have many more options with a manual than an auto.

Just a few reasons I switched over. They are both fun, though. Either way you'll enjoy it.

[J_kennington]

Originally Posted by Churg

Plus, if you are looking to mod your car, you have many more options with a manual than an auto.

Such as? Everything that can be done to a manual, can also be done to an auto. With the exception of a "quick shifter".