Automatic or Manual/Stick Shift?

[MenaceMartin]

As if driving on the wrong side of the road wasn't bad enough (i keed ), it seems the majority of US cars have automatic transmissions (correct me if i'm wrong?).

Having been in the states numerous times, i have been in many cars with auto gearboxes, but i have never driven one myself, I guess it should be easy enough though. Whilst they make driving easier, in a performance perspective, is auto really a good choice? I just get the feeling most of your big block cars would do better with manual gears.

As for manual gearboxes, do any of you guys in the states drive one frequently? I've yet to perfect the technique, and i've been driving for over 2 years

In the end, what do you guys actually prefer? I would love to have no clutch to worry about burning out, but i don't think i'd like an auto as i think it might feel less 'direct'

 

[SlapChop]

Lots of manual shifts here in North America. They usually go hand in hand with either a sports car or offroad vehicle; or an entry level shit box...

I have had about half and half over the years, but since I tow a lot, I prefer an automatic these days.

 

[0x00]

Manual. That'd sure solve the texting while driving sans stupid laws.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I prefer manual. More control.

 

[AngryHatter]

My car and bike are both manuals, but if I have to be stuck in a cage, I'll borrow the old ladies car with the automatic.

 

[EEF13]

I prefer manual but where I live there is a lot of traffic so I decided to get a automatic so my leg does not get tired from stepping on the clutch all the time.

 

[Manning]

Slushbox, no thanks.

 

[DagerOne]

My car is a manual, and I don't want an automatic. Any time I go to test drive a new car I'm told "Sorry, you can get it in a manual, but we don't have any on the lot to drive."

 

[Drew224]

Auto is lame as hell. Manual. I will never own an auto unless it's not actually for me to drive.

It actually pisses me off that thanks to automatic transmissions, any random, ditzy fck can drive a car.

 

[Howard2k]

Manual. Auto when I'm dead.

 

[bertzie]

I drive auto, cus that's what my car has, and all the other vehicles that I drive as needed.

 

[SlapChop]

Auto is lame as hell. Manual. I will never own an auto unless it's not actually for me to drive.

It actually pisses me off that thanks to automatic transmissions, any random, ditzy fck can drive a car.

Quoted for truth since Drew has all these years of driving experience.

Oh wait...

 

[Harmony]

I prefer manual in UK but auto here. At least I can keep my mind on which side of the road I'm driving, with auto

By the way Martin, in case you didn't know, here you can pass your test in an auto and still drive a stick legally, unlike the UK. The kids when taking lessons in school (Drivers Ed) auto is only used. Maybe that is why it is more popular.

 

[LIBERTYMACHINE]

stick

 

[bildozr]

My "new" truck is a manual transmission. It by no means has any performance capabilities so it's kinda a PITA to drive since it's slow.

If it's a commute vehicle auto.

If it's a performance vehicle and a REAL truck, not like my S10 it needs a manual transmission.

 

[Joeydego]

Im a city dweller. Never learned manual, and I drive a 45,000 lb wrecker!

 

[broke_player]

I'm comfortable driving both. I learned on a manual truck when I was 12yo, but I prefer auto for daily driving.

Being a mechanic I drove all kinds and sizes of cars and trucks in both auto and manual.

 

[Ed Zeppeli]

I drive auto now in my truck but my last vehicle was a 5 speed. I like being able to downshift in a manual but other than that I don't really miss it much.

I enjoy driving but shifting has lost some of it's fun for me.

Driving a sports car or 4x4 (as someone mentioned) I'd want the manual back but for now I'm fine w/ auto.


Regards,

Warren

 

[Drew224]

Quoted for truth since Drew has all these years of driving experience.

Oh wait...

There are people who literally CAN'T drive stick and they are generally not the best drivers in general, either. So shove it.

 

[cybermgk]

Every car I've owned was manual. But then, I rode Dirt bikes before I had a license. The only time the manual annoys me is stop and go traffic.