what are your opinions on the manual vs automatic debate?
Posted by Popular-Diet9693@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 260 comments
do you think everyone should atleast know how to drive a manual?
adostes@reddit
If you know how to drive a manual you know how to drive an automatic but not vice versa. It's a useful skill if you travel abroad to countries where manuals outnumber automatics and it's also transferable to motorcycles on which automatic transmissions are a niche. Automatic is more convenient in city traffic and manual is more fun with a little sports car.
Rev matching and toe heeling is cringe though, you can shift smoothly just fine without either. I honestly thought until a few weeks ago that it was only required for vintage cars and semi trucks, if you're doing that on a modern car, that's just super cringe
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Rev matching is cringe, double clutching and heel-toe have their place.
adostes@reddit
When is double clutching necessary other than for big rigs, buses, and cars built before the 1960s? I would do it on my car to bait my brother, it would send him š¤
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It isn't necessary, but it can smooth and quicken shifts, most of all large down shifts, and will make the transmission last longer.
adostes@reddit
Sorry but hard disagree, totally useless and you can get a smooth downshift without it
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Then why did you ask?
Australian_PM_Brady@reddit
I know how to do it but I hate it and never want to do it again.
lpg975@reddit
Which manual car hurt you?
Australian_PM_Brady@reddit
1989 Nissan Sentra
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Two things.
Manuals are obsolete for most applications.
Too many manual drivers make it their personality.
mikeysd123@reddit
Lost me at torque converter automaticā¦
BelongingsintheYard@reddit
Drag cars run high stall torque converter autos.
mikeysd123@reddit
https://www.reddit.com/r/askcarguys/s/8QBw6j7jXb
BelongingsintheYard@reddit
Uh. K?
mikeysd123@reddit
Thats the only motorsport application itās used in.
KeeganY_SR-UVB76@reddit
Baja trucks do too.
mikeysd123@reddit
I thought most of those guys were running sequentials in those baja/trophy trucks? Interesting
KeeganY_SR-UVB76@reddit
The 1000+ horsepower million-dollar trophy trucks probably are using sequentials. The rest arenāt. Thereāre lots of older LS engines with 3-speed automatics in the Baja.
mikeysd123@reddit
Yeah i see that now. I still would say the āpeakā for that would be the sequential though as thatās what the top trucks are using.
KeeganY_SR-UVB76@reddit
Sure, but thatās a totally different class of truck. Theyāre totally different competitions. Thatās like saying hybrids are the peak for Nascar because Le Mans cars are hybrids.
mikeysd123@reddit
No, trophy truck is just the top class for the Baja 1000ā¦.
How is that the same as comparing two completely different categories of motorsport?
BelongingsintheYard@reddit
Iām aware, man.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Why?
mikeysd123@reddit
Because theyāre shit unless weāre talking like a powerglide or something custom/drag strip oriented.
Outside of that sequentials are probably king if weāre looking at peak motorsport overall
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The Powerglide, wow, the Powerglide was obsolete for everything in the 90s.
Sequentials like a race car or a DCT?
A DCT can so very little that a ZF8 can't do better.
mikeysd123@reddit
Yeah idk why that was the first thing that came to my mind lmao.
Manually actuated sequentials like those used in F1, rally, IMSA, etc. like i said the ZF is a great transmission but āpeakā is a bit of an overstatement imo.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
To you high end professional racing is "most applications"?
mikeysd123@reddit
I really just broke it into 2 categories in my head tbh, performance and casual/daily driving.
When someone says āpeakā i would assume theyāre looking at the peak of automotive tech, which is racing
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Personally I don't consider racing peak anything. To me the perfect daily driver is far more important than the perfect race car.
mikeysd123@reddit
Fair enough and i agree a good daily is more important to 99% of people.
But then you get into the typical āwhats the best dailyā and you end up in a toyota camryā¦ hardly a ācar guyā choice.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Well I certainly wouldn't argue for a camry, but I would argue it be an automatic.
mikeysd123@reddit
Haha i hear you. Iāve always dailyd a manual mostly out of preference but i was just scarred but late 2000s early 2010s slushboxes slipping at 100k miles. Was in sales on a used car lot and saw too many, of course anecdotal experience.
I always just figured i can deal with a clutch but replacing/rebuilding an entire transmission?
I know times have changed since then but i donāt buy anything newer than 3-5yrs.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I used to have similar thoughts but computers changed everything for autos.
My newest car is now 12 years old.
I have a couple manuals, think I'll sell them this summer. Both are worth more because they're manuals.
mikeysd123@reddit
Yeah i guess the only problem for me is all the āgood automaticsā like the ZF are in cars that iād rather have with a manual box because of the driving experience as its likely more of a āsportyā car.
As time goes on itās just going to get harder and harder to get them, even BMW who iād say is one of the last manufacturers that sees some value in it has been using the same 6 speed for like 15 years now and have no plans on developing a new one.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I'm the opposite, I prefer automatics in my sporty "experience" cars. To me a manual = work, probably cause I'm a trucker.
mikeysd123@reddit
Interesting, that makes sense as youāre a trucker. In my head those cars are more about the analog feel rather than for example straight up speed as the auto will be quicker.
100% agree on the manual for work vehicles. That being said how are the autos in trucks? I know traditionally all those semis were running those crazy 13 speed transmissions and shit but Iāve seen some manufacturers come out with autos. Have you tried any of them?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
No TC autos, many have what they call automated manuals. It's a manual transmission and clutch that's operated by the computer using servos. They have their pros and cons, less taxing, and can make some wild down shifts. But the driver lacks control in some aspects, like trying to ease under a trailer, or driving on ice, they totally suck at that.
mikeysd123@reddit
Interesting, yeah i feel like one of the most important and skilled parts of trucking is that low gear/low speed finesse and having no control over that is wild.
Is there any manual adjustment of the computer that a driver can do or is this just a put it in drive and go situation?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Just a manual shift mode, like this https://youtu.be/1lw2lHh6iJM?si=tMzskmUA9BlcfDz-&t=41
If you read the edit above there was an adjustment to change that, to turn off that function, but I was working for an outfit that wouldn't let me change it and the change had to be made by Freightliner.
mikeysd123@reddit
Man thats so strange shifting a rig like that with a column stalk. It is wild tech though.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
That aspect worked rather well, I drove mostly in manual mode. Vid didn't show it but if you double tapped the shifter it'd skip shift.
The big thing I'd say with those, if I ever lost my brakes it's the setup I'd want. It'd so these crazy hard redline downshifts on the jack brake that would be quite difficult to do manually.
StopNowThink@reddit
Who said anything about motorsport?
mikeysd123@reddit
āPeak for most applicationsā
What does that mean to youā¦
StopNowThink@reddit
That means 51% or more of all applications (driving). If it wasn't true I bet that more than 2.5% of cars sold in the US would be manual.
mikeysd123@reddit
Using US manual driving statistics to prove automatics are better is pretty hilarious.
Why do more people drive manuals everywhere else then?
loopsbruder@reddit
This is a great example of people who make driving a manual their personality.
unurbane@reddit
The point is that the personality thing goes out the window when talking international because it is so ubiquitous, not just a niche like the USA.
mikeysd123@reddit
By using the same logic he is to prove which is ābetterā
Interesting take.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Poorer and dumber.
mikeysd123@reddit
Switzerland?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
80% of new cars sold in Switzerland are now automatic.
mikeysd123@reddit
Because manufacturers simply donāt offer them anymore. Look at what people are driving not what manufacturers are selling newā¦
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
If people wanted them, manufactures would make them.
Had a customer who made good money buying classic American land yachts in the US and selling them in Switzerland.
mikeysd123@reddit
I mean people clearly want them, even here in the US typically if theres an option for it a manual will command a premium.
Look at sale prices of S4s, M3s, M5s etc that were offered with a manual box, they always command a premiumā¦
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
A premium in the used market, less so in the new market. New buyers decide what gets made.
mikeysd123@reddit
Which is unfortunate as they clearly donāt represent the overall market. Not to bring more statistics into this but theres more manuals on the road than new cars.
banananas_are_sick24@reddit
Daily driving
mikeysd123@reddit
Ok well a torque converter auto will in most cases be less reliable than a manual and get worse gas mileage. How is that peak?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It wouldn't be if it was true, but it isn't, not anymore.
iHaveLotsofCats94@reddit
Why would they be shit? There are plenty of good torque converter autos out there. I personally wouldn't buy a dual clutch because they don't do anything better than a good traditional auto to justify the increased maintenance costs. They're also worse in low speeds than a traditional auto
mikeysd123@reddit
I suppose it depends on what he meant by āpeak for most applicationsā
I would say it is peak for drag racing but thats about it in terms of motorsport.
In terms of consumer level its going to be less reliable than a manual and get worse gas mileage typically which is not exactly āpeakā eitherā¦
schmiddc@reddit
Less reliable? No. Good automatics will last a long time.. heck my 2006 Chrysler minivan (hardly a paragon of automotive quality) is over 200k miles and has only had one atf fluid change
Better gas mileage? Not for most people, not anymore.
mikeysd123@reddit
Good automatics, but the average automatic will start slipping at 150-200k. Iāve seen people get more life out of a clutch than an entire transmission which then needs to be replaced or rebuilt. Itās just dumb to me to essentially make it unserviceable.
RealFlatworm-@reddit
Torque converters are excellent for my applicationĀ
mikeysd123@reddit
Which is?
dutchman76@reddit
Daily driving and the occasional back roads blast.
The ZF8 is faster and gets better gas mileage than a manual. I'd only get a manual because it's more engaging to drive
mikeysd123@reddit
Shit i forgot the ZF was essentially a torque converter auto. Such a great transmission.
Faster of course but I think better gas mileage than a 6 speed is probably a stretch thoughā¦
dutchman76@reddit
8 gears let's it get a taller gear on the highway. And it's really aggressive upshifting when in traffic, so yeah, I couldn't beat it if I tried with a 6 speed, match it at best in traffic.
If you look up the specs on a car with a zf and the same car with a stick, the mpg rating is always higher on the zf car.
mikeysd123@reddit
I feel like the ZF is kinda cheating though as it does use clutches. Itās not really a pure ātorque converter autoā in my eyes even though technicallyā¦
dutchman76@reddit
It works the same as the old timey 4 speed 4L80 or whatever gm had, and the new 10 speed. Torque converter and clutch packs. It's not a dct/pdk style transmission, which I'll still call an automatic.
I'm trying to get a stick shift for my next car, but I'm not going to pretend that it's better, it's just more fun and rewarding to drive.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
There is one unique attribute to the ZF8 in that regard compared to older transmissions like the 4L80. It has no bands, bands have drag and are more prone to failure. So better autos have been designed without bands for a while now.
mikeysd123@reddit
But when you look at it overall the average manual will be more reliable and get better mileage than the average torque converter auto.
schmiddc@reddit
Zf absolutely does use clutches
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
What? How do you think they shift?
RealFlatworm-@reddit
Wheeling in the rockies
rudbri93@reddit
I do like having just 2 pedals for off roading.
mikeysd123@reddit
Fair enough although that is a pretty specific niche lol
krupta13@reddit
what does your app convert the torque into?
RealFlatworm-@reddit
low crawl ratiosĀ
Onlyunsernameleft@reddit
Realistically a DCT is peak for pretty much any application it's just not as smooth as a standard automatic.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
A DCT has one trick that only applies in very specific situations. For every other situation the DCT doesn't do anything a good auto does better.
Onlyunsernameleft@reddit
DCT's are much more durable and can handle more torque than a comparable automatic transmission. Theyre also more reliable when maintained since they have less moving parts and hydraulic circuits than a traditional automatic. The only the issue is depending on the transmission, they can feel harsh at lower speeds and stop and go traffic since the transmission is trying to essentially slip the clutch for you and they dont have accumulators to soften the hydraulic force like an automatic does. But I'd argue a wet DCT like pretty much all the modern versions (at least that I can think of) are is the best automatic transmission you can get.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
This part isn't true at all. TC automatics are very strong and durable, there's I guess five attributes to point at here.
First automatics use planetary gears which just by there nature are very strong. All loads on are the same axis and planetaries spread the load over three contact points. A DCT is still main and counter shaft, they put side loads on the shafts and all torque goes through one contact point.
A DCT uses two input shafts one inside the other, making the inner one quite small.
The hydraulic portion of the torque converter handles the bulk of the engine torque particularly from a stop. This does not rely on any friction material than will wear out from stop-n-go, hard launches, etc.
The torque converter is a torque multiplier so there's no need for automatics to have a particularly low first gear. In a DCT like a manual is the low first gear that is typically the weakest point as it requires the smallest gear.
There's 65 years of automatic development history to work with. DCTs are quite new.
I'll give you less moving parts, that's certainly factually true, though it doesn't really lead to issues.
Onlyunsernameleft@reddit
Fair enough. I'm speaking from experience from working in a transmission shop and general shops where it's been very uncommon to see bad DCT's. But as a result I dont have much experience with the internal construction of a DCT, moreso the theory. I definitely agree that there are very well made automatic transmissions and that DCT transmissions, relative to a standard automatic, are much newer. I personally would take a DCT all day, but you're definitely not wrong that automatic transmissions have had a long time to get it right. Thanks for the info. Hopefully I'll have the chance to tinker with some dual clutches in the future to visualize some of what you're talking about.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
DCTs have two advantages over a converter automatic. They're kind of contradictory though.
First, lower rotational inertia. A torque converter is quite heavy, making it like a heavy flywheel. This makes the time it takes for the engine to rev up/down when out of gear longer. This is what can make a DCT very quick shifting, particularly on downshifts. It's this attribute that has them in high end sports cars.
Lower internal drag. With an automatic whenever the torque convert clutch isn't engaged and it's in D or R, the torque converter is turning some engine energy into heat. So like when stopped at a light, the engine is burning extra fuel to go nowhere. It's this attribute that's motivated some manufactures to put them in economy cars for a small bump in city MPG.
The overlap of cars where it's important to have both of these attributes is basically zero though.
IAmJacksSphincter@reddit
Iāve recently purchased a Mk8 Golf R with the DCT and I 100% agree with you. Itās great at banging out gears quickly but in day to day driving an auto is better.
Hawk13424@reddit
I just find a manual in my Miata much more fun to drive.
Dorjan420@reddit
And ICE engines are obsolete too. Get plugged in. Or just buy what you like š š š¤·
MichaelYYZ@reddit
Absolute nonsense!
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
"It's a bold strategy, Cotton. Let's see if it pays off for 'em"
WhyNWhenYouCanNPlus1@reddit
I've driven the following automatics: a 2018 honda Odyssey, a 2009 Honda Civic, a 2004 Toyota echo, a 2017 Tiguan and a 2025 e Subaru e boxer. out of theses the Tiguan was the less worse of the automatic trannies (because of tiptronic) but they all suck because the car can't anticipate when you'll need power.
nothing is more pleasurable to me than a car that does exactly what I want when I want. stepping on the gas and getting hesitation in response ain't it.
but sure if all you want is not having to do anything while driving, the auto will suit you nicely
Princess_Julez@reddit
If domming your car is the most pleasurable experience of your life you should probably get away from cars and work on improving your life
WhyNWhenYouCanNPlus1@reddit
š you should speak to a therapist
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
You need to drive some better autos, adding flappy paddles changes everything.
WhyNWhenYouCanNPlus1@reddit
ok which autos are better?
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
The popular answer right now is the ZF8.
otterland@reddit
My 2010s Hondas have grade sensing and shift perfectly while under cruise. If I want to pass I barely press the pedal and it downshifts.
I don't think you can drive an automatic or understand how pedal input matters. LMAO.
IndicationCurrent869@reddit
CVTs are best. No shift bumps, no abrupt downshifts, no delays or hiccups. More economical too.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
No concerns about what you'll do with the car when it reaches high mileage.
TSLAog@reddit
Both suck, instant torque from my EV is superior. Sorry, not sorry.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
It's this and the silence that has me wanting an EV. But so far the other negatives are keeping me from buying one.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I think it's important for men to know how to drive a manual.
1995LexusLS400@reddit
Who cares? Drive what you want.Ā
GrinderMonkey@reddit
I would like to interject.. I don't care what you drive, I would simply like to continue to have a variety of manual options for me
It feels like those options are being deliberately phased out, and that is kinda sad.
1995LexusLS400@reddit
The used market isnāt going anywhere. Ā Some manufacturers are working on simulating a manual transmission for their EVs for those who want it and the manual transmission isnāt leaving the sports car market for a long time. So manual new cars will still be a thing if you donāt want used. And theyāll be in the types of cars that are made better by having a manual.Ā
Despite my username being that of a car that was only available with automatic. Iām not against manual transmissions at. Iāve owned 12 cars, 10 of them were manual by choice. Iām getting another car in the near future, which will be manual by choice.Ā
sexandliquor@reddit
Right. āWhat are my opinions on the manual bs automatic debate?ā My opinion is itās a truly insufferable discussion and always has been. Itās the āAndroid versus IPhoneā of car discussions. Itās the āPlayStation versus Xboxā of transmission debates. Itās the āCalvin pissing on Ford/Chevy/Dodgeā of gearbox discussion.
I truly donāt give a shit enough about any of it to care lol.
Many-Pomegranate-33@reddit
Couldnt have said it better.
pm-me-racecars@reddit
Automatic is better in almost every measurable way. I drive a manual because I like it.
GTO400BHP@reddit
Strongly disagree, but a lot gets put out there to make you believe this sentiment.
pm-me-racecars@reddit
What measurable categories is the best manual better than the best automatic?
superEthereal@reddit
I agree, and I would still want my weekend and daily to be manual because I enjoy the engagement between my inputs and the car.
snnnnnnnnakkkkesss@reddit
This. But I need more people buying new manual, cause I am poor
BelongingsintheYard@reddit
I gotchu. And honestly my kid probably does too. She is aggressively into all things analog.
mds818@reddit
I'm manual only, unlikely it will change any time.
Got no issues with automatics, but no one really has a valid argument why they're driving one...
Faster? Yes, but you're not racing.
More comfort? Indeed, but it gives you more freedoom to focus on your phone rather than the street.
I can understand people stuck in heavy traffic, but other than that... yeah, no.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
I do.
Faster yes, sometimes I am racing.
More comfort, certainly, also more freedom to enjoy and focus on other nice aspects of my drive or company.
Also, better handling, no clutch pedal or shifter leaves my left foot for braking and right hand for many other car control activities.
Injury/tired, etc. I don't have to be in peak condition to drive, and an just chill with one foot and one hand.
More reliable/durable, clutches wear and fail, these days autos are stronger and often longer lasting.
Towing is much easier.
Auto can be tied into the cars systems and tuned as a system, the engine, AWD, ESC, etc. all work better with the auto.
mds818@reddit
That's straight up bs
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Wow, good reply, any particular part?
mds818@reddit
All of that?
Driving on straight line is not racing, and manual is better suited for track than an auto.
Yes, more comfort and freedom... as I stated - more freedom to focus on your phone rather than driving.
Injury/tired - yes, my point above... less focus on the road > being more dangerous.
Debateable, autos require way more maintance compared to regular clutches which require next to none, and autos are not "more dureable" - it's a very thin line IF a driver knows how to operate a car....
I'd really love to know how "towing" is much easier... this is a bad joke, a very bad one.
I will give you a point for tuning an auto transmission, but at the same time... if you need ESC you don't really know how to drive... I'm not saying you should turn it off, I'm just saying you're not exactly in position to brag.
RealFlatworm-@reddit
Wdym by way more maintenance? I change the fluid and filter every 60k
mds818@reddit
and when exactly does one change fluid in manual gearbox? and what filter lol?
Manuals on average last 250k km, in a lot of cases even more, a lot more... and after that period you pay like 500ā¬ for new clutch set and that's it you're on a road again..
RealFlatworm-@reddit
My automatic has way more miles than that
mds818@reddit
It can have, I won't deny it... but in general, here in europe if it's automatic you either have a
bmw
benz
vw group
bmw - great autos, but you will probably need a new gearbox because people put stage 3 and shit and think they're race car drivers.. not saying it's suicide, but reliability and lifespan goes down
vw group - dude, if it's dsg it's bound to fail...
benz - no clue about newer gearboxes... in general people don't buy c class to race...
Another thing is, we don't really like high mileage cars too much... 250k miles is a dead car, even if the engine was in perfect condition
RealFlatworm-@reddit
What are you going to do once they force you to buy electric or gas gets too expensiveĀ
mds818@reddit
They can't really "force" me, if I was to buy a new or very lightly used (ICE) car - I can keep it running for next 20, 30 years without a doubt... and by that time, I couldn't care less whatever if I drove an auto or manual, or if I drove an ICE or EV...
Funny, someone from the usa talking about expensive gas prices... we pretty much always paid 3x more expensive gas than you guys
One gallon is like what, 4.50$? Which would equal to roughly 1,20$ a liter or 1,02 euros... in Europe we pay like 1,80 euros per liter on average currently... prices go up to like 2,30 (for non premium fuel I might add..)
Options are subjective... you're an Ford F 150 guy... I'm M3 E46 guy... - totally different types of cars, with totally different usage.
If you have 200hp in Europe you're just above average and pretty good in terms of power... 200hp in the States - I assume pretty much every commuter is going to be faster...
RealFlatworm-@reddit
4.50 is very expensive here. Normally it's like 2.50.
I hate fords. I like old jeeps and toyotas
If I wanted something fast i would get a corvette
mds818@reddit
Point being, you basically have "free" gas compared to europe... for the same price you get 3.7x more gas... and yet, complain about the "high" prices... and as said, it was always like that.
Tomato potato... either way, we look at different types of cars. Also, as said... I'd look at 200, 250hp car, while you on the other hand consider "fast" something that's like 500hp...
It's not that I disagree with you, but rather the fact that we're too different to agree..
It's not whatever if I want or need a car that's like corvette, it just dosen't make sense... why drive a 500hp car with 10mpg when I can drive a 200hp car 50mpg... yes sure, I'm missing 300hp, but at the same time a random daily commuter has like 120hp on average... so why bother with anything faster?
RealFlatworm-@reddit
Z06 I test drove had like 700hp. It was pretty fast
mds818@reddit
Point being, you won't see a 400hp car in daily driving, not to mention 700hp...
Also, diesels are different... on a gas vehicle 20mpg is normal (in combined driving) for anything that's at least 2.0... so in that sense 'vette is "economical" since you get 700hp for relativly normal mpg..
On a diesel.. I had 197whp measured and had 75mpg on a 50 mile road, for "research" purposes, average mpg was 50 in general everyday driving...
and once again, I understand that it's not "fast" by any means, but it's not slow either.. since as said, most of the people drive like 120hp cars...
RealFlatworm-@reddit
That's super boring. I imagine Europe is like that Mr Bean show
mds818@reddit
Both yes and no, it's more of an wild west... in some countries you need to follow the rules without any tolerances, in another do whatever you want as long as you don't crash.
In terms of car culture and power, 300hp+ is considered fast - there're locals who tuned 335i from oem 300hp to 700, 800+ and more and drive them as dailies regularly... there're also cars that got 500, 700hp from factory etc.. so it's not that we don't have a scene, but rather we don't need it..
Most of the roads (outside of freeway obviously) are between 1 mile and 2 miles long (where you could "race" in theory) - on roads like that difference between a 200hp and 400hp is minimal, yes 200hp car won't pass 400hp car, but 400hp car can't really properly gap 200hp car because there's just not enough road... we're talking about real life rolling race conditions, not traffic light to traffic light... so once again - there's no need for high hp cars.... it's more for low speed cruising.
RealFlatworm-@reddit
Tldr
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Driving in a straight line certainly is a form of racing. But autos are better for the track as well. I mentioned why above.
Or focus on where I'm going, traffic, my girl, etc.
Trying to drive a manual with a messed up knee or shoulder is dangerous.
Both autos and manuals need a fluid service, manuals add clutch, throw out bearing, clutch master/slave, etc.
Autos are absolutely more durable, why do you think manuals aren't offered in diesel pickups. I've broken more manuals then autos.
Towing, do you know how a torque converter works? It's a torque multiplier, it's why autos don't need crawl gears. They also can shift without lifting making them smoother.
The best driver can't do what ESC assists with. To do so the driver would need 4 brake pedals and at least 5 feet.
Fun_Mastodon3230@reddit
for people in the US driving on city and highways for commuting and similar purposes (no track days) I donāt think this is so much about arguments as about personal preference and skill or lack of skill using manuals.
Manuals used to be cheaper and get better fuel economy, but today they get good fuel economy and are standard on affordable cars.
Heavy_Gap_5047@reddit
Preference sure, skill no. I'm highly skilled with a manual, no amount of skill makes them not obsolete for most applications.
RealFlatworm-@reddit
I prefer automatic for offroading
mds818@reddit
alright, fair enough.... i'm type of a guy who's going to avoid even the smallest lack of asphalt
RealFlatworm-@reddit
Sounds boring and not practical but whatever you likeĀ
DerpMasterPro@reddit
I think Automatics are generally better daily drivers (some people daily a manual and thatās great), less work than a manual, theyāre easy.
Manuals are amazing in a for fun/weekend car. Way more engaging, but the downside is that it takes practice to get good with it and is not optimal in stop and go traffic.
Ultimately everyone should get what they like, I personally have a VW Jetta with an automatic and a Mini Cooper with a manual, both great cars, both have different purposes. Have daily drove both.
Itās a great skill to learn and super fun once you start getting the hang of it, but it is getting less and less necessary practically speaking as time goes on.
Consistent_Law_3857@reddit
I'd rather have a manual but they're geared too high. 75mph is like 4000 rpm.
bomber991@reddit
I just wonder how long itāll take before people start arguing about regen braking in EVs and how āback in my day we had to press the brake pedal if we wanted to slow downā.
overindulgent@reddit
I donāt care what people drive. I can drive both. Currently drive a DCT. Going to test drive a used car with a manual tomorrow.
Jjzeng@reddit
Learning to drive a manual lets you appreciate double clutches
dunncrew@reddit
There's a "debate" ? Who ? Where ?
Rasp75@reddit
A standard is the best thing to drive until you drive 10 miles in 5 hours up a hill. My first 2 cars were standard and if I never had to deal with traffic I still would drive one every day. It really depends on where you live. I will have a fun car someday just for driving around town or in the hills when I no one is out.
kc_cyclone@reddit
I'm 33, only 6 of us grandkids in my family and I'm the only who ever had manual. Doesn't matter at all but it's a fun little childish "but you can't do this" when we're all together.
Krilitane1@reddit
I think something people tend to overlook in this debate is that actually learning to drive a manual transmission well encourages safer driving habits and gives people a better understanding of what's going on in a car. I think that's a big part of why there seems to be more and more dangerous drivers on the road. Safety features and automatic systems are great and for the most part save a lot of lives, but modern cars do so much for you that people are thinking less and less about their cars nowadays. Driving a manual forces you to think about your car and what's happening around you more.
schmiddc@reddit
"driving a manual forces you to think about your car and what's happening around you more"
The trucking industry has arrived at the absolutely opposite opinion (or at least the insurance industry that controls them)..
A manual transmission doesn't make the driver more "connected to the road" or "aware", it makes them more likely to have one hand off the wheel, attention divided by clutching or finding gears, instead of reacting to whatever is going on.. I've worked in and supported this industry for a long time now...
Krilitane1@reddit
It's a case by case basis with big trucks. Light load type stuff with newer drivers it makes sense to have autos, plow and salt trucks need the extra hand for other controls, but heavier loads and experienced long haul drivers fare better with a manual transmission from what my father has told me (long haul truck driver since the mid 80's. Used to do oversized load stuff as well, now drives local and prefers the newer autos for his current work, but still misses travelling the country in his manual Kenworth)
Own-Secret-6523@reddit
No, everyone should not be required to learn how to drive a manual. Manual transmissions are now the best theft deterrent ever.
torgeaux42@reddit
My wife needs to learn manual because I drive a manual pickup. If you don't have a manual regularly available for use, there's no point.
OftTopic@reddit
Is having more knowledge ever bad? I have very limited experience with driving manual and will probably not need to in the future. I still think it helps me to understand how my automatic transmission car runs.
OkCartographer175@reddit
debate? there isn't a debate.
IndicationCurrent869@reddit
Right. Convertible or hardtop?š
MagnusAlbusPater@reddit
Learning how isnāt a bad skill to know in case you ever have to do it.
I have so much stop and go traffic on the way to and from work I wouldnāt want a manual as a daily driver.
One for a side fun car would be nice.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
I live in socal. I love my manual truck until i hit the freeway
Sigma-Tau@reddit
I still don't get this.
I've never felt even the vaguest frustration when driving a manual in traffic.
Autobacs-NSX@reddit
Likely because youāve never experienced real traffic or commuted in it for an hour a dayĀ
lunchbox651@reddit
I'm with Sigma-Tau.
Like don't get me wrong, auto is easier in heavy traffic, no question but manual isn't difficult even in bumper to bumper unless you've got some insanely heavy clutch or something.
Sigma-Tau@reddit
Yes, I have. In Atlanta, for years.
At one point my daily commute was close to 3 hours... in one direction.
Celtic159@reddit
Slogged through DC area traffic (if not the worst in the country then damn close) for decades in a manual. No big deal, and I preferred it to an automatic.
BelongingsintheYard@reddit
I daily a manual shitbox. Itās not that bad. It just is what it is. It is nice to take the wifeās hybrid or the minivan occasionally though. Getting old.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
Manuals are awesome until you hit the california freeways in rush hour. So. 24/7
Socal_Suburban@reddit
I drive a manual Mazda 3 in bumper to bumper SoCal traffic everyday it doesnāt bother me. But I commuted on street bikes for ten years so I think thatās why shifting doesnāt bother me in traffic I just donāt even think about it
Cragscorner@reddit
What gen Mazda 3? What do you think of it overall?
Socal_Suburban@reddit
Itās a 2016 Mazda 3 with the 2.0. Itās hard to put into words how I feel about the car without typing an essay but Mazda managed to make a very typical late 90s early 2000s commuter car but in 2016 which is refreshing. In an age of over complicated engines and transmissions, with cylinder deactivation and turbos.
Pros : it gets 30mpg average and Iām not light on the throttle, freeway it easily gets 40mpg at about 70mph
The steering is very sharp and tight. Iāve never owned a Mazda before so Iāve heard they are generally like this but for being a budget car it drives very sharp.
Itās very comfortable to sit in and drive for long distances.
The interior design is very ergonomic, I love the center console media buttons and I use them even tho the steering wheel has buttons too.
Trunk is huge
Reliability. These powertrains are solid and with good maintenance they go 300k easy
Cons:
Back seat is tiny and really only fit for kids.
The 2.0 engine will rev up fine but itās a dog. Itās just enough power for the car not to feel like a slug but the 2.5 is better and if you go for Mazda 3 get the 2.5.
Turning radius isnāt as great as you would think it is for a small car.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
The 15 going up through victorville is on a pretty steep incline. During sig alerts or traffic to vegas is a bear. Locked up my knee a few times
rudbri93@reddit
This is where having a light clutch and a nice steep first gear becomes super handy. Sadly not the case for some vehicles.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
Yeah. That does help. Its the repetitive motion over 10 minutes. Then 30 minutes. When it takes an hour to fo 2 miles and you are still moving really slow it sucks. Thats actually when my knee locked.
rudbri93@reddit
Yea thats when stuff gets real unfun. I just had a hip replacement and have 2 cars with manual brakes lol. Gonna be an adjustment.
RecommendationUsed31@reddit
I drive my stick around for fun. I dont travel far with it anymore. I have an automatic i use. Just a lot easier
ucbiker@reddit
I drove my manual pick up truck in DC/NoVA rush hour. Trafficās what makes traffic awful.
Equivalent_Thievery@reddit
Automatic drivers make it worse, the way they drive and the lack of paying attention.
lunchbox651@reddit
It's all preference. I've driven an assload of both.
My preference:
Manual > DCT/DSG > Tiptronic > Slushbox
That said, I'd buy a cool car even if it was auto, as long as the other merits of the car exceed the downsides of automatic transmissions.
IndicationCurrent869@reddit
Manuals are obsolete and have been for a long time. They sure can be fun though.
guyfromthepicture@reddit
There isn't a debate. If you enjoy a manual, feel free to buy one. Automatics are just better now.
lpg975@reddit
Better...on paper. In practice, it just feels clinical. There's no life to them. There's no drama. Which some people probably like, and those people are what automatics are made for.
guyfromthepicture@reddit
Yeah man. That's what I mean when I say that if you enjoy manual, get one. Automatics are just better though. That's an objective reality in 2026.
lpg975@reddit
For sure, the machine beats man as far as speed, precision, etc. But I don't care lol.
Independent_Good5423@reddit
Well have you ever seen manual cars on the street?
Celtic159@reddit
There is no situation, not traffic, 4-wheeling, going to the store, sporting driving - nothing, that I'd rather have an automatic than a stick.
That said, drive whatever you want, I don't care.
pgregston@reddit
Horses for courses. Modern transmissions are superior and if they have paddles, even allow the engagement. But I resist any software dependent vehicle for a variety of reasons. I probably will always prefer an analog car for anything other than freeway dominated commuting. I hope to never own a keyless ignition car. So congratulations to the modern automatic engineers, and could you please build a few cars that donāt put me in a subservient relationship to those who will sell me something that I canāt actually control or fix?
ozpinoy@reddit
As technology changes - personal preference
Vivid_Witness8204@reddit
50 years ago it was a good idea to know how to drive a manual. They're rare enough now that I see no need for that.
Kawasaki@reddit
Yes. Everyone should know how. If a loved one needs to be rushed to the hospital and a manual is the only vehicle there, You should know how.
easzy_slow@reddit
I drive my two manuals because I like being in touch and control of the car. My wife because of an injury to her left leg can no longer drive a manual. So we also have two automatics for her. All my kids learned on a manual and later after on their own bought automatics.
iFoldMySocks@reddit
theres no debate.
Available-Party7419@reddit
Manuals are treated like the gift from God and if you can and do drive a manual car then you have ascended. Your wife will become hotter, you'll get a promotion at work where you make more but work less. Your dog will stop shedding and your dishes will wash them selves. Your dick ont get bigger but I'll appear to be so because you'll finally lose those 30 extra lbs you've been carrying around.
If you drive an automatic, your life will be in shambles. Your wife will leave you, probably for someone who drive a manual. Your dog will stop shedding but will start pooping in your shoes. Your pillow will be hot on both sides.Ā
BUT most importantly, if you don't drive a manual then you won't be able to join the jerk circle that tells everyone "you shoulda got a manual" or says "auto š¤¢" when you post your C8 corvette. Life is better with a manual in your right hand and the dick if someone else who's driving a manual in your left.
Yes: I'm part of that jerk circle so I know from experience.
CapitanianExtinction@reddit
Would love a manual EV but I don't think that's going to happenĀ
JohnMiltonToasterman@reddit
I used to care. I don't anymore. Whatever you drive is fine. It's just a fucking car and cars suck.
kiwivi21@reddit
Started on manual then moved to auto. For the general person auto just makes more sense. If you are an enthusiast then manual can make sense especially if it is a weekend car per se. But for a daily can be nice to have an auto. Where I live manuals are by a good bit more expensive so generally makes not much sense outside of big trucks and so forth
Advanced_Tackle_9723@reddit
No.Ā But, if you live in my house its a good idea.Ā Ive owned so many of both, I lost count.Ā But my wife had to learn yers ago when all we had was manuals.
I dont care which I drive, but I do want the most reliable transmission available in said vehicle, Auto or Manual.
ApprehensiveArt2813@reddit
We bought a 1978 Toyota pickup for hauling stuff around. All 3 of my kids learned how to drive a stick so they could use it too. I drive a manual Boxster and a 88 Suzuki Samari. I love the control you have in a manual transmission versus the lag in an automatic. Wish my 80 Vanagon was a stick, she might be able to get up a hill better.
Rotary_Zeuhl@reddit
Do I think everyone should know how to drive stick? No, of course not. A lot of people aren't physically capable of it. But I'm a firm believer that a manual keeps a driver less distracted and more engaged with what's going on with the vehicle. It's another measure of control over the machine. It's a skill, and an admirable one as far as I'm concerned.Ā
schmiddc@reddit
I posted this up thread, but the trucking industry has studied this a bunch and the general consensus is that a manual leaves the operator more distracted, not less...
Ok-Lavishness-7904@reddit
Itās less likely to be stolen each and every day
caboman09@reddit
Just a personal preference. I prefer manual because I feel that with manual I am driving the car. Whereas with an automatic the car is driving me. Somewhat of a compromise position is an automatic with paddle gear change on the steering wheel. With both manual and paddle shifting the driver is able to slow the car using the gears rather than the brakes. That is not possible with automatic.
Cpolo88@reddit
Auto for daily. Manual for weekend or if you live in the boonies, then manual always. š
PlsCheckThisBush@reddit
In a car itās mostly about what you prefer. I like manuals for muscle cars, but for track cars thereās no replacing that sweet near-instant-sounding gearbox of like a GT3RS. It makes it sound like a legitimate race car.
In trucks (actual trucks, not F150s or other passenger car pickups) I would never own an auto. Theyāre absolutely garbage and canāt control the load through the mountains or snow or anywhere else like a traditional manual can. I prefer 18-speeds for the freedom of going into low-range and splitting every gear there, but a 13-speed is fine too - just less ability to maximize gearing when heavy (>150k) for taking off.
TheRealWhoMe@reddit
I like manuals until I hit traffic. Then I hate them. Thatās one reason I havenāt bought one in 25 years. But I would like one as a weekend/toy car, now that I can afford one.
Diligent-Body-5062@reddit
You need two good legs and two good arms to drive a manuel. At 68, that gives me pause. I thought auto was more efficient and accelerated better over the past 25 years. That said the automatics today are far more complicated and I have doubt they will last or can be rebuilt. If I could, I would get a manuel now. I say if I could because very few cars can be had with a manuel transmission .
lpg975@reddit
Just a FYI, learning manual is NOT that difficult. I've taught it to 13 year olds. So difficulty of learning is not a good excuse to not learn manual!
Not wanting to learn manual is a good excuse, I can understand that. But saying it's too hard is some BS. If you can't coordinate your arms and legs to work a manual car and aren't physically disabled, you probably shouldn't be driving a car to begin with lol.
lpg975@reddit
The real thing we can all agree on is CVTs are absolute hot garbage.
funcentric@reddit
Yes, but not out of necessity. Itās like learning how to divide decimals. Itās just one of those things.
lpg975@reddit
First and formost: drive what YOU like. It's YOUR car. That being said, automatics are faster, more efficient, and allow lazy and disabled people to drive. Manuals are more fun, engaging, enticing and for the enthusiast. Should you know how to drive manual? Yes, i believe you should. My two year old will learn how and his first car will be a manual. That's the way my dad did it with me, and I am thankful he did it that way. Learning to drive on a manual vehicle lets you get to know the car, let's you feel more connected with the vehicle. Like it's an extention of your being. It does what you tell it to do, not what some engineer and programmer code wants to do. It also makes it so you literally cannot be nearly as distracted while driving. Can I eat while driving manual? Yes, but it's definitely more difficult and I'm a 22 year veteran manual driver lol. Texting and driving is near impossible In a manual. In a manual, you actually have to pay attention to the road, to the car itself. You feel what's going on with the vehicle and the vehicle feels you back. It's hard to describe, but a good car with a good manual setup is just so awesome when it all comes together and you become one with the car. A bad manual setup can be terrible, though. Does driving manual kinda suck in heavy traffic? Yea, a little bit. I've driven manual in downtown Manhattan, Boston, Detroit, Omaha, KCMO, Denver, Memphis, Atlanta, San Francisco, and many other major metropolitan areas. It isn't THAT bad, in my opinion. Others will probably disagree. That's personal preference. To each their own.
Anyways, TL;DR: In my opinion, manuals are better for almost everything but laziness, physical disabilities, and daily heavy traffic. Your opinion may be different. And that's ok!
MichaelYYZ@reddit
All my life I have driven manual transmission cars because I like to have control. But they are disappearing in North America. There would be no choice in the future.
wellvrsd@reddit
I prefer a manual myself. I don't care what anyone else does.
Wardog008@reddit
Manual superiority complex is stupid.
If you're buying anything younger than 10-15 years, the auto will be faster and more efficient. Older than that, and it's a bit of a mixed bag depending on the car and specific gearbox.
Manual is way more fun, and worth learning if you're into cars at all, but if you drive purely to get from A to B, then not knowing how to drive manual isn't an issue.
BarnacleMcBarndoor@reddit
I want people to drive manual so I always have an option but manual
I want people to not know how to drive manual because I donāt want people borrowing my cars.
Drive what you want, just stop asking to borrow my cars.
Chitownhustle99@reddit
I think certain cars go better with auto or better with manual. Newer cars Iām generally happy with modern auto or pdk.
BelongingsintheYard@reddit
I like my manuals, I know theyāre slower etc, but theyāre definitely worth driving.
swangdb@reddit
Iāve been mostly driving manuals for about 45 years (Iām 72). My 2013 VW Golf with manual is probably the best car Iāve ever owned, but if it died today Iād probably buy a Hybrid Toyota.
MrMackSir@reddit
I think manual transmissions force people to pay more attention to actually driving, so I think they shoukd be the norm until self driving cars can replace human driving.
BestTyming@reddit
Overall: it doesnāt matter
Automatic has a place and so does manual
I will say however that the manual club likes manual almost exclusively out of elitism. Yes, it can be more fun and yes it has its uses(being able to control gears)
But folks who outright call out people for driving auto are literal children.
UsernameChallenged@reddit
If you are in the US, you flat out don't need to learn to drive a manual. New vehicles available with manuals are becoming less and less common and it's honestly hard to find good ones since most enthusiasts want to keep them.
crookedledder@reddit
Manuals are fun. But modern automatics just work better for most purposes.
That wasn't always the case. In the 80's and prior, lots of automatics were inefficient, unreliable junk. But the tech has come a long way.
Dorjan420@reddit
Its a matter of taste the only thing annoying is when people feel there is a correct opinion. I like manuals and the only reason I want to convert people is because I like to buy used cars and if someone else dosent buy it new I can't buy it used. Its a purely selfish reason. So get with it and buy a manual losers. š
oldfartjr@reddit
Thereās a market for both. I prefer manuals
Individual_Step2242@reddit
I have an automatic RAV4 and a manual Corolla. I'm happy with that combination. I've always preferred manual but some cars are better suited to automatic. The RAV4 is one of those. The 8-speed automatic works flawlessly and it's our "road trip" car so automatic suits it well. The Corolla is great for local driving, grocery getting, going into the city (it's more compact and easier to maneuver in the city), and I like a manual for that.
What I absolutely loathe though, are CVT automatics. When I was shopping for a compact SUV, I had a list of criteria. The main ones were NO CVT, NO turbo, and a minimum dimension for the length of the load floor with seats folded (to accommodate our bikes), and a dealer in the nearest town (10 km away). The RAV4 checked all those boxes. I'm quite happy with it even though I'm a manual sort of guy.
adamisapple@reddit
I used to have auto, after my first manual Iād never buy another automatic as a daily driver.
PurpleSausage77@reddit
Full blown. People missing the forest for the trees. We can all like different things.
Most neckbeards foaming at the mouth pushing it on everyone have probably never even tracked a car before. Lol
DryFoundation2323@reddit
I feel like people should know how to do all simple tasks including driving a manual and parallel parking. That said automatics have gotten so good and so efficient that there's not a lot of good argument in favor of manuals nowadays other than price and a more interactive driving experience.
schmiddc@reddit
There are certain applications, like heavy ag, fire/resque, logging, heavy construction vehicles, sanitation vehicles where traditional torque converter automatic transmissions have taken over, nothing else will take the abuse...
For passenger vehicles they have pretty much taken over Would you really want to be rowing gears in your Honda Odyssey in the after school pickup lane? I doubt it.. I know that doesn't fit some pretentious idea of "driving experience", but for most people a car is just an appliance, and automatic transmissions just work.
Sports cars and OTR trucking are still holding out in the three pedal setup, although many OTR trucks a going with "automated" transmissions (robot controlled manuals) .
otterland@reddit
There's not a debate, there's a small contingent of fragile manual drivers who have made it there personality.
I can think of only only two times where I had to drive someone else's stick and that's because they were drunk. If I hadn't have been able to drive a stick I would have just taken their keys.
I don't drive a stick shift anymore because I like my automatics. I'd drive a vintage one but after the late 90s small car auto boxes stopped totally sucking. Now they're great. Gimme a Mazda 3 with the automatic over that dumb short geared stick.
largos7289@reddit
Yes i think everyone should at least be able to pop in any car and just go. After that then it's your preference. Saying one is better and you have never driven the other is just not cool.
DollFinPoorPiss@reddit
Does it have 4 wheels? Alright then Iāll drive the absolute piss out of it.
flamingknifepenis@reddit
Iāve always owned manuals for the last 20 years and personally I vastly prefer them, but the TikTok kids who make it their whole identity are a bunch of dorks. Automatics have gotten so much better than they were in the ā90s and early ā00s, and manuals have gotten ā¦ I wonāt call then āworse,ā but with the advent of automatic rev matching, shift indicators, etc. the line has gotten blurry.
Iāve never had a problem with heavy traffic or city driving and donāt even think about it, except for a particular stretch of highway thatās a steep grade and sometimes becomes stop and go. I rarely end up in that situation, but when I do it kind of sucks for ten or fifteen minutes until Iām through it.
Automatics are probably ābetterā for 95% of peopleās purposes, unless you just enjoy the experience of driving a stick shift despite the times itās bound to suck. I do, but different strokes and stuff. If I ever decided to get a non-manny tranny, it would definitely be an EV. Iāve been surprised by how much of that feeling of ādirect connectionā to the car the ones Iāve driven offer.
Mysterious_Put5571@reddit
No
Filthy510@reddit
I can't believe they aren't making consumer diesels without a manual option anymore. I don't own any automatic vehicles, and I don't ever plan to.
Lumpy_Minimum_5522@reddit
Those of us of a certain age remember driving a manual in stop and go traffic. Normal driving is already mentally/physically taxing enough. Also, more or less outside a few cars in the performance segment there are no new normal daily driving cars left in the USDM like an Accord with a manual transmission.
SamanthasPlace46@reddit
I started driving with a manual. I've driven automatics, which is really nice. But if you can drive a manual, you can drive just about anything then. And ive driven many different vehicles. But I think a manual is a favorite. It's the Control . That shift into gear....oh and the hummmmmbefore you shift. Mom. Sexy.
Equivalent_Thievery@reddit
Over 80% of the American public cannot drive manual, there'll be a lot of cope about this.
If you enjoy driving, sporty handling, you need to be able to drive manual.
baddieslovebadideas@reddit
for fun cars, manual, if im carving up a mountain side in something sporty or off-roading, let me shift and feel in control, its more enjoyable
for practical vehicles, commuting or a work truck... auto all the time, I don't want to work a clutch sitting in traffic or backing up a trailer
jibaro1953@reddit
I weep for the demise of the manual transmission.
Before I dumped some money into my 2002 stickshift Tundra last year, I searched on Autotrader for manual shift Tubdras: any year, any mileage, any price.
There was one, 3,000 miles away, 2wd, regular cab, priced at $500 less than the 4wd Access Cab I bought 12 years ago.
Onlyunsernameleft@reddit
It depends on the use case and where you live but I think everyone should at least know how to drive one as a just in case. I personally prefer manual transmissions because they're a lot simpler and more durable by design. Also cheaper to maintain and easier to rebuild if you needed to. Plus I like having the ability to downshift because it reduces brake wear.
Insertsociallife@reddit
As far as a compromise on daily practicality, simplicity, and fun - DCT > stick > auto.
whiskey_piker@reddit
People that enjoy driving understand that driving is more than mashing accelerator pedal break, and therefore choose manual transmission.
Every desirable fun or sporty car is preferred with a manual transmission. The people that donāt like manual transmissions to people that canāt drive well are complaining about some kind of injury.
jtj5002@reddit
I prefer manual but I don't care what other people drive or feel.
As long as they don't cry about some cars being manual only like the type R and etc.
Seanyd78@reddit
Itās nice to know how to drive a manual, but not needed to have fun. Drive what you like best and donāt listen to anyone who tells you otherwise.
I had plenty of people tell me a Mustang with an auto trans is not a āRealā Mustang. My 93 Mustang GT had an auto trans and was crazy fun to drive. It would eat manuals alive the track too.
MulberryMonk@reddit
Enjoyed manual for 15+ years. Now have an auto corvette. I have a 45 min commute into a high rise downtown - Iām good with the auto LOL
Minuuven@reddit
Look at it this way, if you can drive manual you can drive anything
WhyNWhenYouCanNPlus1@reddit
no. the average person is dumb as a couch. can you imagine the carnage if everyone was forced to drive manual š
Drewdc90@reddit
Autos are so good these days so thereās far less reason to get a manual. Drove them for a lot of years, they are fun but so are good performance auto transmissions. Iād take a dct/mct or good locking toque converter auto over a manual any day.
dubgeek@reddit
I enjoy rowing gears on a manual, but Audi's DSG made me a convert.
AgitatedHat5620@reddit
Time and place for both. Only time I really prefer manual is during spirited driving.
I have an E90 M3 DCT and thing itās better than the manual in this car. Love it
Fun_Mastodon3230@reddit
First, people should feel free to drive what makes them happy.
Should everyone learn how to drive a manual? At least in the USA, no. apparently about 1-2 percent of new cars sold today are manual. So I this skill is obsolete.
Of course, manuals can be fun to drive! So people who love driving might want to learn.
If self-driving cars keep making strides, driving itself may become an obsolete skill in the distant future, but I make no predictions.
Successful_Ad_9707@reddit
It's definitely a good skill to have, but sadly it becomes less and less relevant each year.
lemonvr6@reddit
I have a supercharged ap2 s2000, right around 400whp, one of the best manuals ever made
I also have a 2018 rs3 on e85. itās no less engaging and would vaporize the honda in any driving scenario
gettin-hot-in-here@reddit
i drive a one-speed. hate on me all you want. (EV)
Sideburn_Cookie_Man@reddit
Their lack of ratios is part of the reason they're so inefficient on the highway
Popular-Diet9693@reddit (OP)
tbf id dislike a cvt more
Sideburn_Cookie_Man@reddit
There's no debate. They're different.
Tapelessbus2122@reddit
just drive whatever u like
ratrodder49@reddit
I love shifting my own gears.
I also love and own several vehicles that would have only ever come with an automatic.
Truly, drive whatever you like.
Jamaidian@reddit
Question: Manual or automatic?
Answer: Yes, instead of a CVT.
morningstar243@reddit
or a wet belt
Atxxxguy_12345@reddit
Driven manuals most of my life, now drive a single speed EV, a 7 speed dual clutch and a 8 speed regular auto.
For where I live and the driving I do I canāt see me ever buying a manual again, unless itās a classic.
Drive what makes you happy and what suits your journey.
Rough_Cancel7265@reddit
I don't think it would necessarily hurt to know how to drive one. But in real life, where are you going to have to drive one if you don't own one? Maybe a rental car in another country, but it's largely a useless skill. Personally they never grabbed me. Owned three of them, drove them in all different use cases, and if I never drive another one I'm perfectly ok with that
pimpbot666@reddit
I'm all for manuals, but for me personally, I'd rather drive an EV or plug in hybrid... and they're all 'automatics' (even though nearly all of them don't have transmissions at all).
I miss my APR chipped '07 Audi Avant Wagon with a manual 6 speed, but the carbon guilt was getting to me. That car was hella fun to drive, and surprisingly practical for hauling kids and gear around.
doug-demuro-is-daddy@reddit
Depends on what you use it for and what you prefer.
rudbri93@reddit
I enjoy both very much, just drive what you like.