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[Madao]

i only used Manual when i got my driver's license. haven't used a car with that since then and that was 13 years ago.
i live in a city where Manual is just really annoying to drive. everything is close and the streets are full of cars so you have to be braking a lot.
i would never pick a manual car and would rather spend extra when i get a new car with AT (currently i just borrow cars).

 

[Stockpile Thomas]

One thing that would still blow some minds with a manual is the ability to push start a car that wont start. Wish autos had this nifty feature

DO NOT push or tow a car to start if it has a catalytic converter (e.g. any modern car). You risk moving unburned full into the catalytic converter and destroying it. This will lead to less efficient driving and, depending on your country, won't pass inspection because it'll pollute to much.

 

[gutter_trash]

I like AT because i can have one hand free to do other things

 

[Stinkles]

In this thread many gaf-ers who think they are Tokyo Drift-u will extoll the virtues of control and feel gifted to them by stick shift, while actually in real life driving like shit and crunching through transmissions like breakfast cereal. Other gafers will explain that automatic clutch technology will never be a match for human reflex while ignoring the fact that practically every new supercar and racing car uses some sort of electronic gearing system because it's much faster and more efficient than a teenager with Freudian control issues..

Like Patriots fans, they will not be moved from this position by data and they will question your very humanity.

In twenty years, when no stick shifts are available at all, they will proudly boast wrinkled leather jackets and beer bellies as they recall their days of mastery over the invisible spinning plates of masculinity while lying about the top speed of a BRZ.

 

[Tagyhag]

OK, I get your point, and understand how I am in the wrong.

I'm not saying that driving an automatic transmission can not be fun though, and that those who enjoy automatic are in the wrong. The point I'm trying to make is that driving enthusiast will likely prefer a manual transmission.

That I can totally agree with, hell, I'd prefer MT if I didn't have to drive in the hellhole that is California highways.

 

[iidesuyo]

DO NOT push or tow a car to start if it has a catalytic converter (e.g. any modern car). You risk moving unburned full into the catalytic converter and destroying it. This will lead to less efficient driving and, depending on your country, won't pass inspection because it'll pollute to much.

Did it with a Golf IV several times when I was a student, it passed TÜV without problems.

 

[David Incorporated Esq.]

DO NOT push or tow a car to start if it has a catalytic converter (e.g. any modern car). You risk moving unburned full into the catalytic converter and destroying it. This will lead to less efficient driving and, depending on your country, won't pass inspection because it'll pollute to much.

What? I've never even heard of that, and have bump started cars with cats many times. I guess it's possible for too much fuel to get in there, but it depends on why the car won't start. If the car doesn't have spark at all, then you will trash the cat, if it's just too low on amperage to turn the starter but is otherwise fine then a push start is literally the same thing as turning over the motor.

In this thread many gaf-ers who think they are Tokyo Drift-u will extoll the virtues of control and feel gifted to them by stick shift, while actually in real life driving like shit and crunching through transmissions like breakfast cereal. Other gafers will explain that automatic clutch technology will never be a match for human reflex while ignoring the fact that practically every new supercar and racing car uses some sort of electronic gearing system because it's much faster and more efficient than a teenager with Freudian control issues..

Like Patriots fans, they will not be moved from this position by data and they will question your very humanity.

In twenty years, when no stick shifts are available at all, they will proudly boast wrinkled leather jackets and beer bellies as they recall their days of mastery over the invisible spinning plates of masculinity while lying about the top speed of a BRZ.

I just think it's more fun. Plus manuals sound better through the shift than automatics or dual clutch gearboxes.

 

[trudderham]

Costs and range aside, you should try an electric car like the Tesla, Leaf or i3. No gears or clutch so you just put your foot down and accelerate past everyone else in a second or two. Take your foot off and the car slows down and stops by itself using regenerative braking. It's bliss. Who needs internal engines and oil when you can just use a battery and magnet to get about?

 

[iidesuyo]

Costs and range aside, you should try an electric car like the Tesla, Leaf or i3. No gears or clutch so you just put your foot down and accelerate past everyone else in a second or two. Take your foot off and the car slows down and stops by itself using regenerative braking. It's bliss. Who needs internal engines and oil when you can just use a battery and magnet to get about?

But it's 2015, not 2025.

Cars in 2015 should be practical for this day and age!

 

[Acrylic7]

I hate driving as it is, fuck it to hell if I had to do more work lol.
If you are just driving from A to B then AT>>>MT.

Don't get me started on Traffic. Talk about being pissed the fuck off.

edit-also lol at OP using left foot to brake. I call that move the Hulk brake.

 

[iidesuyo]

edit-also lol at OP using left foot to brake. I call that move the Hulk brake.

Hey, first time driving AT after being used to MT for 16 years.

 

[KillGore]

I have two cars, one with MT and the other with AT, honestly? MT is more fun to drive and you feel more in control, while AT are better in traffic and when you need to eat a burger (or any other one handed food) to go.

 

[David Incorporated Esq.]

Costs and range aside, you should try an electric car like the Tesla, Leaf or i3. No gears or clutch so you just put your foot down and accelerate past everyone else in a second or two. Take your foot off and the car slows down and stops by itself using regenerative braking. It's bliss. Who needs internal engines and oil when you can just use a battery and magnet to get about?

Because noise.

 

[SneakyStephan]

I live in Europe so I'm pretty used to MT. I can't really relate with the people that like manual shifting.

I love driving hybrid cars. The silence and not feeling the car shift is great. It being hybrid also eliminates all downsides of electric cars. My next car is definitely a hybrid car (just ordered a Polo). I really like the Golf GTE.

Isn't a hybrid just combining the downsides...

all the additional weight of engine and gearbox
extra points of failure by having both a petrol engine + gearbox and an electric engine
Still requiring engine maintenance despite driving electric most of the time
all the additional weight of batteries


I guess the only issue you would eliminate is the limited range.

 

[Noobcraft]

I have two cars, one with MT and the other with AT, honestly? MT is more fun to drive and you feel more in control, while AT are better in traffic and when you need to eat a burger (or any other one handed food) to go.

Pretty much this. MT is more fun, and you can usually squeeze more mileage/performance out of a MT car, but AT is so much nicer in most typical driving situations.

 

[clove]

But it's 2015, not 2025.

Cars in 2015 should be practical for this day and age!

The vast majority of people drive less than 80 miles per day. For them, a Nissan Leaf is perfectly reasonable.

If you are buying a new vehicle for over $20k, the only reason to get something other than a Leaf is because you think something else is cooler. You might be right, but don't think there's anything more practical about it.

Oh but you need a truck? Interesting that 95% of trucks I see on the highway have nothing in the bed and one person in the cab. Time to grow up people.

 

[KillGore]

Pretty much this. MT is more fun, and you can usually squeeze more mileage/performance out of a MT car, but AT is so much nicer in most typical driving situations.

Also IMO MT is a pain in the ass when you're trying to learn how to drive. I had to learn to drive with a MT but I would've preferred to learn on an AT, then switch to MT. I hated the days when I was 15, and had to go up a steep road with my MT car

 

[iidesuyo]

The vast majority of people drive less than 80 miles per day. For them, a Nissan Leaf is perfectly reasonable.

Maybe if your country gives you tax breaks and you don't care about cars at all.

(The Leaf looks like the designers fell asleep and it handles like shit)

 

[Stockpile Thomas]

Did it with a Golf IV several times when I was a student, it passed TÜV without problems.

What? I've never even heard of that, and have bump started cars with cats many times. I guess it's possible for too much fuel to get in there, but it depends on why the car won't start. If the car doesn't have spark at all, then you will trash the cat, if it's just too low on amperage to turn the starter but is otherwise fine then a push start is literally the same thing as turning over the motor.

You can do it but you risk destroying the cat, ending up with an expensive repair. It's more of a rule of thumb so people without any knowledge of cars don't fuck up and have to pay what could have been avoided.

 

[iidesuyo]

You can do it but you risk destroying the cat, ending up with an expensive repair. It's more of a rule of thumb so people without any knowledge of cars don't fuck up and have to pay what could have been avoided.

According to ADAC it's ok. You shouldn't jumpstart a car if the engine is still warm though.

http://www.zeit.de/2005/17/Stimmt_s_PKat-Autos

And like I said, we did it several times, the cars lastest forever.

 

[clove]

Maybe if your country gives you tax breaks and you don't care about cars at all.

(The Leaf looks like the designers fell asleep and it handles like shit)

Who gives a shit about handling when you never have to fill up at the station? Cars are too damn expensive for considerations like "coolness". Oh you just had to have that Lancer? Guess I'll enjoy retiring five years before you. Millions of people don't care about cars at all, and thank god for that.

 

[Insane Metal]

MT is how it should always be.

 

[Stockpile Thomas]

According to ADAC it's ok. You shouldn't jumpstart a car if the engine is still warm though.

http://www.zeit.de/2005/17/Stimmt_s_PKat-Autos

And like I said, we did it several times, the cars lastest forever.

As I said you can do it, but you risk (there is a chance) destroying the cat. Just remember to have the money if it happens.

I never knew about not jumpstarting a car if the engine is still warm, I'll remember it. Btw why is that?

 

[Chittagong]

I love AT, but my first experiences were like yours. I really nearly caused a crash by slamming the brake during rush hour at Toulouse airport, that clutch reflex sits deep, really quite dangerous. But once you get used to it driving AT is bliss, no going back. Got my wife to do it finally this summer too.

 

[iidesuyo]

Who gives a shit about handling

When I drive the autobahn, the road is empty, I'll cruise along at 200km/h (120mph or so), an electric car will suck the battery empty in a short time. And at that speed handling plays a huge role (good luck you're at full speed and some slow driving idiot decides to share into the left lane). Most electric cars will have a speed limit like 130km/h or so.

when you never have to fill up at the station? Cars are too damn expensive for considerations like "coolness"

"The eyes drive with you". I don't want to drive an ugly car, sorry. And the Leaf IS an ugly car.

 

[naib]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cX5GgTH4BeY

'Murican reporting in.

I learned on an '84 F150 with a "three on the tree". Still buy manuals. Just got a new GTI and the DSG is actually faster. But I still searched for a manual. I love them.

I guess I just like a more involved driving experience. Like control. And I think it's a theft deterrent. At least in the U.S. And push starting has saved my ass a few times.

Actually irritated by how my new car suggests I shift. Need to figure out how to turn that shit off.

Added bonus: my GF can't drive a "shifter car". Don't have to worry about her wrecking my shit. But we're fucked when the zombie apocalypse hits.

 

[iidesuyo]

As I said you can do it, but you risk (there is a chance) destroying the cat. Just remember to have the money if it happens.

I never knew about not jumpstarting a car if the engine is still warm, I'll remember it. Btw why is that?

According to the article, when the car doesn't start when the engine is warm there must be some other problems than the battery.

Jumpstarting a car is only useful if the battery has no power.

 

[clove]

When I drive the autobahn, the road is empty, I'll cruise along at 200km/h (120mph or so), an electric car will suck the battery empty in a short time. And at that speed handling plays a huge role (good luck you're at full speed and some slow driving idiot decides to share into the left lane). Most electric cars will have a speed limit like 130km/h or so.




"The eyes drive with you". I don't want to drive an ugly car, sorry. And the Leaf IS an ugly car.

Fair enough, but regular autobahn driving is a pretty unique requirement compared to the needs of most US drivers, not to mention most drivers around the world. You need something like a 5-series? Fine.

I'm more upset with most Americans for buying stupid oversized trucks they don't even need. "Oh you got the crew-cab. Thus reducing cargo space... Which sort of defeats the purpose of a truck... Are you retarded?"

Fact is, billions (trillions?) of dollars are spent on useless vehicles for the sake of vanity. It's insane.

 

[Opto]

Driving automatic is weird after using manual. Your left foot and right hand get antsy.

 

[TheKingOfPain]

As I said you can do it, but you risk (there is a chance) destroying the cat. Just remember to have the money if it happens.

I never knew about not jumpstarting a car if the engine is still warm, I'll remember it. Btw why is that?

Because if the engine is still warm it means the car was on not too long ago, therefore the alternator should have charged the battery. A car simply not starting does not automatically mean the battery is down.

Oh, btw you're right about push starting a car being potentially destructive for the catalitic converter. Not that I've never done it anyway, but surely a jump start is safer.

 

[iidesuyo]

Fair enough, but regular autobahn driving is a pretty unique requirement compared to the needs of most US drivers, not to mention most drivers around the world. You need something like a 5-series? Fine.

I'm more upset with most Americans for buying stupid oversized trucks they don't even need. "Oh you got the crew-cab. Thus reducing cargo space... Which sort of defeats the purpose of a truck... Are you retarded?"

Fact is, billions (trillions?) of dollars are spent on useless vehicles for the sake of vanity. It's insane.

To me as a German it's weird that people all over the world buy Porsche, BMW M5, Audi RS6. Just for bragging rights?

What the heck is the average American/Brit/Japanese etc. doing with these cars??? Going to a race track? Ignoring speed limits?

At least in Germany you can unleash their power legally on public roads. Of what use is a 300hp car in a country where the speed limit is 80mph or so. It makes no sense at all.

But that's a different topic.

 

[Acrylic7]

Driving automatic is weird after using manual. Your left foot and right hand get antsy.

rest you foot and place a beverage or snacks in the free hand.

 

[Warm Machine]

Get used to it. The coming EV storm is going to be automatic.

 

[BlitzerRadic]

That I can totally agree with, hell, I'd prefer MT if I didn't have to drive in the hellhole that is California highways.

Exactly. Stop and go driving isn't enthusiast driving, it's a chore and having to shift gears just adds to the tedium.

 

[nabe_shogun]

To me as a German it's weird that people all over the world buy Porsche, BMW M5, Audi RS6. Just for bragging rights?

What the heck is the average American/Brit/Japanese etc. doing with these cars??? Going to a race track? Ignoring speed limits?

At least in Germany you can unleash their power legally on public roads. Of what use is a 300hp car in a country where the speed limit is 80mph or so. It makes no sense at all.

But that's a different topic.

I think the majority of people drive them fast on the street. Like accelerating fast after a light, or onto the highway or something like that. I actually take my cars to a track, although all mine are slow.

Obviously some take their car to a track, however most cars I see there are not high end sports cars, but cars like hondas, bmw 3 series, miatas, and some porsche 911's.

Get used to it. The coming EV storm is going to be automatic.

Not all. I know morgan made an electric car that had a 5 speed manual transmission because they wanted to make electric cars more fun.

 

[naib]

At least in Germany you can unleash their power legally on public roads. Of what use is a 300hp car in a country where the speed limit is 80mph or so. It makes no sense at all.

But that's a different topic.

You know HP/torque does not correlate to top speed, right?

Even if we can't let her all out we can still enjoy some juice. But we also have an "exhibition of speed" law, at least in Texas. So we can't just rip shit at a green light whenever. But I assume you can't on most urban public streets in Germany either. Right?

Maybe I'm misunderstanding.

 

[hydruxo]

I have a AT jeep grand cherokee. It's great, I have no desire to ever own a MT car honestly. Majority of the time I'd rather be able to just drive without changing gears.

 

[clove]

To me as a German it's weird that people all over the world buy Porsche, BMW M5, Audi RS6. Just for bragging rights?

What the heck is the average American/Brit/Japanese etc. doing with these cars??? Going to a race track? Ignoring speed limits?

At least in Germany you can unleash their power legally on public roads. Of what use is a 300hp car in a country where the speed limit is 80mph or so. It makes no sense at all.

But that's a different topic.

Totally agreed. Some of my friends take their cars to legal drag strips, so at least they are using their car performance, as stupid and wasteful as I think it is. At least most Germans have a good excuse

 

[A Fish Aficionado]

I live in LA and drive manual transmissions. Not a hassle at all.

 

[OEM]

Automatic is objectively trash, there's no reason to use it

Why so much hate for AT? Bizarre.

 

[Chittagong]

Driving automatic is weird after using manual. Your left foot and right hand get antsy.

Lol, this exactly. My left feet keeps twitching and I fondle the stick more than is necessary

 

[iidesuyo]

You know HP/torque does not correlate to top speed, right?

Hmmm. My late grandfather had an Audi S8, I pushed the gas pedal and suddenly I was at 160km/h. Totally quit, felt like doing 60km/h in the SEAT Ibiza I owned at the time.

When the power is there, you'll want to unleash it. Show me those BMW M5 owners who never went beyond the allowed speed limits. You won't find them because they don't exist

 

[The Beard]

The vast majority of people drive less than 80 miles per day. For them, a Nissan Leaf is perfectly reasonable.

If you are buying a new vehicle for over $20k, the only reason to get something other than a Leaf is because you think something else is cooler. You might be right, but don't think there's anything more practical about it.

Oh but you need a truck? Interesting that 95% of trucks I see on the highway have nothing in the bed and one person in the cab. Time to grow up people.

What if, you know, you'd like to go somewhere 200 miles away, like on a vacation or something?

What if you live in an apartment without access to charge your car during the night?

What if you actually enjoy driving and you don't want to drive a joyless Eco-Turd? I am allowed to enjoy driving right?

What if you bought a truck because you need to haul big items from time to time?

What if you think the Leaf looks like pure shit and couldn't fathom driving it, let alone paying $30K for the privilege?

 

[naib]

At one point I staunchly support MT because there was an advantage. But that's not the case anymore. In most cases.. :lol

It's just a personal preference for me at this point.

A whole new topic would be how disengaged we're getting with driving. And the dangers of that. But that's more complicated than being able to eat a burger while driving. Trusting auto headlights, adaptive cruise, auto braking? Auto braking blows my mind. Just put us in Google cars already.

 

[Tal Shiar Agent]

Can you even still buy MT cars in the US? I haven't seen one since '99 and that one was already 10 years old.

 

[nabe_shogun]

Can you even still buy MT cars in the US? I haven't seen one since '99 and that one was already 10 years old.

Yes, but sadly not many.

 

[Dynamite Shikoku]

Why does it not surprise me that there are gaffers saying that automatic cars are 'trash'. lol give me a fucking break.

 

[Dishwalla]

Can you even still buy MT cars in the US? I haven't seen one since '99 and that one was already 10 years old.

Yeah, Mustangs, Camaros, Chargers, Challengers, Corvettes, WRXs, several types of Mazdas, BMWs, etc. Basically anything that can remotely be considered performance has an option to either have a manual or automatic transmission. Maybe you can't get manual Corollas or whatever anymore, but still.

 

[naib]

Can you even still buy MT cars in the US? I haven't seen one since '99 and that one was already 10 years old.

When I was shopping for my GTI there were only two in my state with MT. Well, and with the trim I wanted. Definitely dying off though, for sure.

2015. I don't think they have Golf Rs with MT. Which blows my mind. But the DSG is faster 0-60.. /me shrugs

 

[ApharmdX]

I had ATs and CVTs for a decade, but learned to drive MT when I bought a Subaru WRX. I can't imagine going back. The ability to do a true downshift to where you want to go, the responsiveness and directness, and the feeling of nailing your shifts, it's too much fun. Yes, stop-and-go traffic, especially on hills, is tiring. But I'll trade that little bit of tedium for the fun of a MT otherwise.

AT is nice when driving in heavy traffic or denser urban areas but sucks elsewhere imo.

This.

By the time it takes you to shift manually two gears you can press the upshift paddle shifter twice in less than half a second and go up two gears if you must shift manually. You're just not used to it. Modern automatics are way superior when it comes to fuel consumption and just overall speed. The DSG transmission in Volkswagens is excellent and very responsive. Stop hating automatic transmissions, it's 2015 not 2005.



Also this, my Mk7 Golf had very sensitive brakes and left foot braking would almost snap my neck. Never drive an automatic with two feet, only your right. My current BMW requires you to push the pedal way further until it brakes heavily.

There's a huge different between a modern automatic and a DSG. They are not the same thing. Automatics are as bad as they ever were. Not responsive and sucking power.