Car Advice: Auto or Manual?

[NetCadet]

Hi Guys,

Another question for you guys...what's the verdict on Auto or Manual transmissions?

I know standard transmissions are cheaper and faster, but how are they in winter? I live in Alberta and it's not unheard of to have six months of it through the year.
Also, how does gas mileage compare?

Thanks!

 

[Migroo]

Auto

Pros: Faster for an inexperienced driver, easier (not my opinion though)
Cons: Saps power, (torque converter is not as effiecient), lower MPG etc

Manual
Pros: Faster for an experienced driver, you can choose your gear..., driving enjoyment (ala heel and toe), more efficient - higher MPG + better acceleration, you have more control.
Cons: you have to shift..., if you cant be bothered to hone your technique then it wont be as smooth as auto.

 

[khtm]

I have a standard car and I LOVE driving standard. (replace "standard" with "manual" if that's your fancy)

The only time I would rather be driving an auto is when I'm stuck in some lame-ass traffic jam. That's when your clutch really feels the pain.


-khtm-

 

[Migroo]

agreed with khtm.

I dont actually mind having to shift when driving in traffic, the thing that gets me is that clutch wear goes haywire.
If you do a lot of miles in traffic, and you slip the clutch a lot, the your clutch wont last as long as one used in a variety of conditions.

 

[BCYL]

definitely manual... it puts the fun back in driving...

then again, it also depends on your area... if there's lots of traffic or you get stuck in traffic all the time, you might wanna get an auto instead... this will save you much pain in the long run...

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Hmm, sounds like the only solution for you is a $50,000 Mercedes, Lexus, or Infiniti with that "TouchShift" trans.

 

[Migroo]

Those auto's that pretend to be manual are NOT the real thing. Nothing beats high revving into a 90 degree corner (I live in the UK) and heel-toeing from third to second gear, then having to carefully apply the power, as otherwise you'll lose the rear end...

only proper MANUAL cars can drift: Toyota Corolla AE86 drifting

 

[ace31216]

pick auto if you plan to drive and commute alot. Manual if you race

 

[Hayabusa Rider]

My Passat wagon is a manual. Had a Saturn when I lived in VT, so I know winter is suck. If you have traction control in your car you'll be ok. For me manual = driving and auto = riding. I now live in the Boston area, so traffic is a daily grind. Shifting doesn't bother me, although your milage may vary

 

[kt]

<< Hmm, sounds like the only solution for you is a $50,000 Mercedes, Lexus, or Infiniti with that "TouchShift" trans. >>


$50k? You can get a BMW 3 series with the steptronic trans for ~$35k.

 

[StageLeft]

MANUAL!!! Definitely...preferably residing within a nissan.

 

[LethalWolfe]

Manuals only have 2 big draw backs 1. They suck @ss in heavy traffic (I live in LA and I'd never buy a stick as my main car) 2. Yer SOL if you break a leg


Lethal

 

[Migroo]

<< 2. Yer SOL if you break a leg >>



You are also stuck if you have an auto and break the wrong leg...

 

[Jerboy]

Automatic transmission

Pros:

Virtually impossible to stall

You don't have clutch and shifter to baby-sit everytime you come to stop, pulling from stop or when traffic speed changes significantly

Modern AT has locking torque converter and gets fuel economy comprable to manual

availability is great in North America

Cons
Repair is expensive

Does not give you as much performance manual

engine braking isn't as efficient as manual



Manual transmission


Pros

The gear is chosen solely on your judgement

Better acceleration due to direct linking

Cheaper to fix

Cons

Loyal PITA in stop and go situation and parallel parking on incline

Poor shifting can get you into an accident and it happens. Example: shifting into low gear while taking a curve on wet road will brake your drive wheels, which in turn can cause skidding, ESPECIALLY with rear wheel drive cars. Example two: you may roll back into a car behind you.

You can never expect to have a free-hand , but freeway.

Your son, husband, wife, friend or whoever may not be able to drive your car

 

[StageLeft]

You failed to mention that a manual is also cheaper up front and better on gas (a bit)

 

[Cyberian]

<< Manual transmission


Pros

The gear is chosen solely on your judgement

Better acceleration due to direct linking

Cheaper to fix

Cons

Loyal PITA in stop and go situation and parallel parking on incline

Poor shifting can get you into an accident and it happens. Example: shifting into low gear while taking a curve on wet road will brake your drive wheels, which in turn can cause skidding, ESPECIALLY with rear wheel drive cars. Example two: you may roll back into a car behind you.

You can never expect to have a free-hand , but freeway.

Your son, husband, wife, friend or whoever may not be able to drive your car >>


I always considered this to be a "Pro" in a manual.

 

[Migroo]

<< Example: shifting into low gear while taking a curve on wet road will brake your drive wheels, which in turn can cause skidding, ESPECIALLY with rear wheel drive cars. >>



Not unless you drive properly and use the heel-toe technique, which blips the revs of the engine, to the revs (if you are good) that the engine would be at if it were already in the gear you are about to engage. The result is no engine braking, as the engine side of the clutch is rotating at the same speed as the drive wheel side of the clutch.

 

[LethalWolfe]

<<

<< 2. Yer SOL if you break a leg >>



You are also stuck if you have an auto and break the wrong leg... >>




I've had to drive w/my left foot before. Not easy, but do-able.

Lethal

 

[mithrandir2001]

<< I know standard transmissions are cheaper and faster, but how are they in winter? I live in Alberta and it's not unheard of to have six months of it through the year. >>


Excellent! When the roads are covered with ice/snow you can start out in 2nd gear so that you don't easily spin the tires. Also, you can downshift to engage engine braking...slow the car down without hitting the brake. You can also shift late so that the car doesn't get away from you. A manual transmission can be a godsend in the snow, if you don't have traction control or 4x4.

 

[DesignDawg]

<< Also, you can downshift to engage engine braking...slow the car down without hitting the brake. >>



That's actually MUCH more dangerous in snow or ice than actual braking.

Brakes=stopping force spread among 4 tires.
Engine braking= stopping force spread between 2 (drive) tires.

Ricky
DesignDawg

 

[m2kewl]

I vote for manual - it plain rocks. Drove manual all my life (except when I took the driving test).

 

[fastz28]

If you want to drive - manual; if you want to steer - auto.

 

[LAUST]

Automatic transmission

 

[vi edit]

IMHO, manuals only produce better times in small 4 cyls and the smaller 6 cyls. Once you get up into big V8's, the performance margin between the two rapidly diminishes.

Also, with the advent of CVT transmissions, autos are starting to yield better milage and better acceleration.