Why do people like manual transmissions?

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
... Besides, those cars would instantly have to be excluded from my search for a good low mileage used model.

If there's one thing I want to see implemented on AutoTrader, it's a "transmission" drop-down.

Edit - Dot CA, I'm Canadian.

- M4H

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
... Besides, those cars would instantly have to be excluded from my search for a good low mileage used model.

If there's one thing I want to see implemented on AutoTrader, it's a "transmission" drop-down.

- M4H

There is one under Advanced.

 

[DougK62]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
... Besides, those cars would instantly have to be excluded from my search for a good low mileage used model.

If there's one thing I want to see implemented on AutoTrader, it's a "transmission" drop-down.

- M4H

They have that - just use the advanced search.

 

[Ilikepiedoyou]

safer clutch pedal = traction control

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
what's the big F'in deal? So you save a mile or two per gallon on gas. Most people here that can afford a nice car with a manual don't need to worry about money. And automatic transmissions are so advanced now that you barely get any extra gas mileage out of them. I know some people think they're funner....but why? You move a stick a few times on a car ride and that makes it funner? Shouldn't you be paying complete attention to the road...I can't think of a single objective reason why ANYONE should or would want to drive a manual instead of an automatic

I had the same attitude until I learned how to drive stick a few years ago. Driving stick is no fun unless you have a good teacher and a no-quit attitude. It took me a LONG time to figure out how to get out of first gear smoothly. As far as reasons go, you hit the main ones on the head already - more control, better gas mileage, and more fun. Automatic is far easier, but it's like playing a video game. Press the "go" button, turn left or right. Driving a car with a manual transmission really puts you in touch with the car. You control the speed and shift points exactly. You have better control in the snow. You can go faster and stop faster. You feel more of the machine when you drive stick.

Once you master it, it's a whole different driving experience. The only people I know who don't like stick are people who gave up when learning. And not to stereotype, but most women seem like prefer automatic (especially those who have kids in the backseat). It's kind of one of those "don't knock it till you try it" things, or rather "don't knock it until you've mastered it" Oh, and stick stinks if you're in heavy stop-and-go traffic all the time. I switched back to an automatic a couple years ago after I started a new job and had a 2-hour commute in heavy traffic.

Accipiter22, have you ever driven stick? If so, did you learn stick until you mastered it and then made the decision that you didn't like it?

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
There is one under Advanced.

Originally posted by: DougK62
They have that - just use the advanced search.

Should have specified "Dot CA"

- M4H

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
... Besides, those cars would instantly have to be excluded from my search for a good low mileage used model.

If there's one thing I want to see implemented on AutoTrader, it's a "transmission" drop-down.

- M4H

There is one under Advanced.

What I meant by that was there would be even fewer manual transmission cars for me to choose from...See, if they make 5000 cars a year and 1000 of them are automatics then I'd only have 4000 manuals to possibly look at on the used market. Now if they make 5000 manual only versions I'd theoretically have 5000 cars to choose from.

Although, I suspect they wouldn't sell many auto versions of that car anyway even if they did offer them.

 

[Aikouka]

Eh, the only reason I'd choose an auto over a manual is because I want to be lazy. I'm pondering trading my car in for something that I see as more reliable and thinking about picking up a WRX STi (moderately cheap AWD fast car) and the only thing that pushes me toward an auto (WRX Limited instead of STi.. same stats on the car, just Limited is the prissy version) over the manual is that I'm a lazy SOB. I've driven manual cars in the past and I did have a better overall experience with them and even in my automatic, I still tend to keep my right hand on the shifter . I yearn for the control!

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: OVerLoRDI
I would argue that driving stick makes you a more alert and better driver. When driving an automatic its a put your foot down and go experience, pretty zombifying if you ask me. When driving stick you need to be more awake and in control of the car, and if you screw up you are greeted with that wonderful grinding gears noise. Also you become a lot more alert as to what speed you are going since you will be able to say, "hey I'm in third gear the engine is roughly this loud I must be going about 40", without diverting attention from the road. You are better connected to the car and gives you more control.

I think everyone should be required to learn how to drive stick. My bmw 540i is a stick, I don't regret it ever, nothing like down shifting to 4th while going 80 and quickly flying up to 100.

I would agree with that point. It's easier to drift off in an automatic because it's doing all the work. With a stick, you really have to pay attention or else your gears will start whining at you, although like Jahee said, it comes naturally after you learn it. You always know roughly what speed you're going in stick because there is only a certain speed range each gear will work properly at before you feel and hear it. It definitely helps keep you more awake, like after a long day at work - moving your arm for the shifter, moving your feet for the clutch and gas, it keeps you involved in the driving process whereas an automatic lacks that.

It's also good to learn stick in case of an emergency, like if you have to take your friend to the hospital but he only has a manual car for you to drive.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Kaido

Originally posted by: Accipiter22
what's the big F'in deal? So you save a mile or two per gallon on gas. Most people here that can afford a nice car with a manual don't need to worry about money. And automatic transmissions are so advanced now that you barely get any extra gas mileage out of them. I know some people think they're funner....but why? You move a stick a few times on a car ride and that makes it funner? Shouldn't you be paying complete attention to the road...I can't think of a single objective reason why ANYONE should or would want to drive a manual instead of an automatic

I had the same attitude until I learned how to drive stick a few years ago. Driving stick is no fun unless you have a good teacher and a no-quit attitude. It took me a LONG time to figure out how to get out of first gear smoothly. As far as reasons go, you hit the main ones on the head already - more control, better gas mileage, and more fun. Automatic is far easier, but it's like playing a video game. Press the "go" button, turn left or right. Driving a car with a manual transmission really puts you in touch with the car. You control the speed and shift points exactly. You have better control in the snow. You can go faster and stop faster. You feel more of the machine when you drive stick.

Once you master it, it's a whole different driving experience. The only people I know who don't like stick are people who gave up when learning. And not to stereotype, but most women seem like prefer automatic (especially those who have kids in the backseat). It's kind of one of those "don't knock it till you try it" things, or rather "don't knock it until you've mastered it" Oh, and stick stinks if you're in heavy stop-and-go traffic all the time. I switched back to an automatic a couple years ago after I started a new job and had a 2-hour commute in heavy traffic.

Accipiter22, have you ever driven stick? If so, did you learn stick until you mastered it and then made the decision that you didn't like it?

See, I had no choice. My first car was a 4spd manual so if I wanted to drive I pretty much had to learn how to drive a stick. I remember going out with my younger brother in the car right after I bought it (well, my Mom paid for it...it was cheap and seemed to be a good reliable and safe car for a teen) anyway, I came to an intersection where I had to stop. I swear I stalled that damned car 20 times before I could get it to move through that intersection.

Still, I wouldn't trade those experiences for anything. It's a good skill to have and it is very rewarding to be able to hop into any car and be able to drive it proficiently.

Besides, look at all the performance cars you'll never be able to drive because you don't know how to drive a stick!!!

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Ehhh give me the best of both worlds.... DSG.

QFT. Every car ever period needs to come with a DSG type transmission. Audi/VW got the picture, everyone else needs to! It's also the only transmission other than an auto I'd ever ponder getting in a car, I've got a 90 minute commute every morning in p!ss poor traffic, and I can't stand the thought of "shift into first, second, clutch/coast to a stop, back in first, coast some more." If I had to drive a stick in rush hour traffic, I'd just leave it in neutral, get out of the car, and push.
On another note, I :heart: the CVT in my Altima. Floor it, and it just sticks to the highest RPM point in the engine's powerband, and STAYS THERE . Or, you can throw it into the manual shift mode, which tries to make it behave like a normal transmission, you know, one with gears, and it'll always downshift one gear from where a normal slushbox would have it; works great for passing people.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Ehhh give me the best of both worlds.... DSG.

QFT. Every car ever period needs to come with a DSG type transmission. Audi/VW got the picture, everyone else needs to! It's also the only transmission other than an auto I'd ever ponder getting in a car, I've got a 90 minute commute every morning in p!ss poor traffic, and I can't stand the thought of "shift into first, second, clutch/coast to a stop, back in first, coast some more." If I had to drive a stick in rush hour traffic, I'd just leave it in neutral, get out of the car, and push.
On another note, I :heart: the CVT in my Altima. Floor it, and it just sticks to the highest RPM point in the engine's powerband, and STAYS THERE . Or, you can throw it into the manual shift mode, which tries to make it behave like a normal transmission, you know, one with gears, and it'll always downshift one gear from where a normal slushbox would have it; works great for passing people.

:thumbsdown: The only thing slushier than an automatic transmission is a CVT. It's fine for an SUV like the Murano I guess but for a supposedly performance oriented sedan they are worse than an automatic IMO. I don't think I could get used to one.

 

[randay]

shift points.

 

[ViviTheMage]

Originally posted by: Kalvin00
you must be a woman

and for the record i hate automatics with a passion. i will shift when i want to goddamnit

QFT!!!

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: MercenaryForHire

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
There is one under Advanced.

Originally posted by: DougK62
They have that - just use the advanced search.

Should have specified "Dot CA"

- M4H

They must not want to confuse you guys.

 

[jjones]

You get more of a driving experience with manual transmission, more of a feel for the car. Driving is pretty boring stuff for the most part and an automatic adds to that boredom. But that's just me and I find driving a stick more fun. Some people prefer automatics. I don't care, you drive what you want and I'll drive what I want.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: jjones
You get more of a driving experience with manual transmission, more of a feel for the car. Driving is pretty boring stuff for the most part and an automatic adds to that boredom. But that's just me and I find driving a stick more fun. Some people prefer automatics. I don't care, you drive what you want and I'll drive what I want.

I guarantee you that you will not be bored sitting in my passenger seat.

Nothing spices up a morning commute like a little fear.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124

Originally posted by: PaulNEPats
Ehhh give me the best of both worlds.... DSG.

QFT. Every car ever period needs to come with a DSG type transmission. Audi/VW got the picture, everyone else needs to! It's also the only transmission other than an auto I'd ever ponder getting in a car, I've got a 90 minute commute every morning in p!ss poor traffic, and I can't stand the thought of "shift into first, second, clutch/coast to a stop, back in first, coast some more." If I had to drive a stick in rush hour traffic, I'd just leave it in neutral, get out of the car, and push.
On another note, I :heart: the CVT in my Altima. Floor it, and it just sticks to the highest RPM point in the engine's powerband, and STAYS THERE . Or, you can throw it into the manual shift mode, which tries to make it behave like a normal transmission, you know, one with gears, and it'll always downshift one gear from where a normal slushbox would have it; works great for passing people.

:thumbsdown: The only thing slushier than an automatic transmission is a CVT. It's fine for an SUV like the Murano I guess but for a supposedly performance oriented sedan they are worse than an automatic IMO. I don't think I could get used to one.

Drive one, then comment. I said the same thing.
And don't go in expecting it to drive like the Elise either

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
Drive one, then comment. I said the same thing.
And don't go in expecting it to drive like the Elise either

I'm curious, is the fact that the Altima sticks to higher RPMs because of the variable valve timing rather than the CVT? In my search for a replacement car, I looked at the Altima today and I'm actually kind of leaning toward it. I like the idea of a comfortable ride, but I've always loved a speedy car that has great handling as well. But just configuring an Altima makes it look like a nice car to drive . I remember when I worked in Virginia at Datatel, my manager had a Nissan Maxima and it was such a nice car when it came to mid-range luxury.

Since it seems that you own one, any words that could sway my opinion a bit toward one or the other?

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
Drive one, then comment. I said the same thing.
And don't go in expecting it to drive like the Elise either

I'm curious, is the fact that the Altima sticks to higher RPMs because of the variable valve timing rather than the CVT? In my search for a replacement car, I looked at the Altima today and I'm actually kind of leaning toward it. I like the idea of a comfortable ride, but I've always loved a speedy car that has great handling as well. But just configuring an Altima makes it look like a nice car to drive . I remember when I worked in Virginia at Datatel, my manager had a Nissan Maxima and it was such a nice car when it came to mid-range luxury.

Since it seems that you own one, any words that could sway my opinion a bit toward one or the other?

One or the other, like Altima vs. Maxima, or one or the other, Altima vs. other mid-size sedan.
If you want we can have a nice gigantic PM conversation about the Altima, believe me, I don't mind talking about it

 

[Blazin Trav]

Because girls like it when I drive stick.
It's also worlds more fun to drive a manual than an automatic IMO.

 

[Aikouka]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
One or the other, like Altima vs. Maxima, or one or the other, Altima vs. other mid-size sedan.
If you want we can have a nice gigantic PM conversation about the Altima, believe me, I don't mind talking about it

Well, Altima vs Maxima didn't seem like much of a huge difference when I added in the fancy doo-dad options. It's more like the Maxima just came with some of them by default and maybe had some fancier interior styling. I'm kind of looking between a small performance car (such as a Subaru WRX) and a small mid-range luxury car (such as the Nissan Altima with the fancy options). One thing to note though, since I'm fairly tall, my wording of the Altima as "small" might seem a bit odd.

One thing that'd personally sway me more toward the Altima side of things would be the fact that I'm moving out of PA closer to my job. PA, albeit has crappier roads, but the roads are windier and more fun to drive with a car that can handle the turns. But since I'd be moving out in the city... there'd really be no areas to have fun at in a car like the WRX STi (or any other performance-oriented car). Unless I decided to visit one of the local autocross events or something like that. So really the only thing I'd need the car for would be comfort of driving on the highway and the local roads.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: Aikouka

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
One or the other, like Altima vs. Maxima, or one or the other, Altima vs. other mid-size sedan.
If you want we can have a nice gigantic PM conversation about the Altima, believe me, I don't mind talking about it

Well, Altima vs Maxima didn't seem like much of a huge difference when I added in the fancy doo-dad options. It's more like the Maxima just came with some of them by default and maybe had some fancier interior styling. I'm kind of looking between a small performance car (such as a Subaru WRX) and a small mid-range luxury car (such as the Nissan Altima with the fancy options). One thing to note though, since I'm fairly tall, my wording of the Altima as "small" might seem a bit odd.

One thing that'd personally sway me more toward the Altima side of things would be the fact that I'm moving out of PA closer to my job. PA, albeit has crappier roads, but the roads are windier and more fun to drive with a car that can handle the turns. But since I'd be moving out in the city... there'd really be no areas to have fun at in a car like the WRX STi (or any other performance-oriented car). Unless I decided to visit one of the local autocross events or something like that. So really the only thing I'd need the car for would be comfort of driving on the highway and the local roads.

I actually sat in both an Altima and a Maxima, and found the Altima's interior to be more......refined, for lack of a better word. The Maxima's still got the "cheap" Nissan interior styling from the 02+ era, whereas the new Altima seems to have a much nicer looking interior. The ride's pretty quiet in the Altima (even quieter if you go for the SL, but then you lose the wannabe 350Z suspension that's on the SE), that nice VQ under the hood is always ready (or the QR if you go for the 4-banger), and it definitely attracts looks, even though mine is but a "common" silver model. Plus, it starts with a button, I mean, how cool is that?
Any specific questions about it?

EDIT: This thread is now about pancakes. Sorry for the thread hijack OP

 

[BrokenVisage]

Give me an automatic for getting around ANY DAY of the week.

 

[Whisper]

I just enjoy the driving experience more with a manual than an automatic. Even in traffic, I like the control offered by a manual...less need to ride the brakes or tap-dance on the brake pedal.