Manual or Automatic transmission?

[Ennui]

I hate to say it, but that can probably be explained by this: we're American.

 

[sinkoman]

Too lazy/no time to learn manual. Maybe one day when I have an empty parking lot and nothing to do.

Automatic.

The basic concept isn't very difficult at all.

Accelerate, feel RPMs start topping out, hold clutch, shift to next gear, accelerate and release clutch simultaneously.

 

[ríomhaire]

After driving two manual cars and one automatic I cannot figure out why people would put themselves through gear-shifting when they don't have to.

 

[Dalamari]

Because they'd like to get nice MPG's and accelerate semi-quick instead of dealing with shift-shock from a shitty automatic trans

 

[kirovman]

Gear-changing is one of the most satisfying things about driving.

Except for eating fast food, drinking beer and shooting brown people, of course.

 

[ríomhaire]

I'll take your word for it. As you can probably tell, I'm not experienced at all. Maybe when I drive a bit more I'd like manual more (I'm defenatly going to do my driving test in a manual anyway; if you do your test in an automatic you only get a licence to drive automatics, and not manuals). Right now though, with my (Admitadly, limited) experience, I think that automatics just seem so much simpler, with few disadvantages that I have experienced.

 

[_Z_Ryuken]

That is of course if you're driving a car normally and not racing, in which autos are never used anyway.

Autos tend to be much stronger and can handle much more torque than comparable MTs. Autos like mine while benign in my street cruiser, have great durability and fantastic gearing for high powered vehicles, as well they are very consistent which is an advantage for bracket racing.

I also don't see how eating in the car is a problem. You have to concentrate less on it than you would shifting a car. One hand steers, one hand eats, as opposed to one hand steers, one hand shifts, one foot clutches. Neither distracts you like a cell phone would.

One question: Why is the US largely auto, while over here we prefer manual?

Automatics are considered a "luxury", which is why you often find them in luxury cars, and MTs in econoboxes, though the market has become quite confused with econoboxes getting autos and high end cruisers getting sticks. It seems the luxury element is being thrown out recently, however.

Finally I should point out again, as long as you don't have one of those shitty steering column shifters, you can shift an auto and be in whatever gear you need. Matter of fact, you should do this.
If you know you are going to be going slow, select position 1 or 2. I do that to keep the tranny fluids moving and to keep in the torque range. Engine breaking also makes a niec sound.

 

[Raxxman]

Eh, feck off, learn to use a clutch .

Autos are fine but I have a lot more fun with a manual.

 

[A True Canadian]

Manual IS more fun.

Once you've driven manual you don't go back (unless you suck at it).

 

[_Z_Ryuken]

You'll change your tune after driving auto and manual fork lifts all day.

 

[StardogChampion]

I also don't see how eating in the car is a problem. You have to concentrate less on it than you would shifting a car. One hand steers, one hand eats, as opposed to one hand steers, one hand shifts, one foot clutches. Neither distracts you like a cell phone would.

Try it in London or Edinburgh and you'll kill about 10 people.

Automatics must be fine on America's open roads where nobody even uses their indicators, but in the UK you'd be embarrassed to own an automatic.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

Don't have a car of my own yet, but currently using parents' automatic Camry, can't say I prefer anything but I think I'd screw up with a manual.

 

[Taboo]

They should only be used by people who are disabled, with one leg.

I actually read an article on how to drive a manual if you have a broken/ lack of leg. You have to use a crutch braced on your shoulder to hit the clutch or something... it sounded really complicated and dangerous... yet awesome.

 

[joule]

Automatic.

Cannot be assed to deal with manual.

I concur.

 

[Robbo]

I have both (An Auto Falcon and a Manual Corolla) the Falcon has a 4 Ltr engine and the Corolla has a tiny 1.1 Ltr engine. Even with the huge power difference the manual corolla is way more fun to drive.
This is an argument without an answer because both have pros and cons and both are personal preference. Manuals are more fun and give the driver more input into the car, plus give you bragging rights. However after a long day it is nice to jump into an auto and cruse home with out thinking.

To all those people that say manuals are to hard and take to much concentration, I have had my license for 1 mouth and i already don't think about what gear I'm changing into. it just becomes second nature.
I personally think every driver should at least start on a manual because you concentrate more on the road conditions and teaches you to anticipate whats going to happen next. To many times crashes are cause by young girls on mobiles (in autos) who haven't been watching the road.

I'd say I'm pro-manual, more fun, better fuel economy and it teaches better driving habits. :E

 

[Vass]

I have an automatic little piece of Sweden (Volvo) and it's awesome because of my stop and go driving around the city. If I get a motorcycle/sports car (either will do) I'll learn the manual thing and hopefully I will get a sports car that is manual, no other way to drive a sports car.

 

[xcellerate]

Manual is superior in every way, the argument for automatic over manual is futile

So that's why they don't run manual in formula 1?

and don't even try to tell me paddle shifters are manual.

 

[Robbo]

So that's why they don't run manual in formula 1?

and don't even try to tell me paddle shifters are manual.

I believe formula 1's use computer controlled clutches not torque converters. Therefore Formula 1 gearboxes are just fast human/computer controlled manual's.

 

[MiccyNarc]

Manual.

 

[Link]

People who operate their cars like automatics. People who drive like a manual.

 

[DEATHMASTER]

.....

 

[Qonfused]

People who operate their cars like automatics. People who drive like a manual.

What.

 

[Geogaddi]

Manual trasmissions are fun, but what the f*ck, every time I shift into second I expect a Waker Texas Ranger clip.

 

[Qonfused]

Manual trasmissions are fun, but what the f*ck, every time I shift into second I expect a Waker Texas Ranger clip.

I love you.

 

[xcellerate]

I believe formula 1's use computer controlled clutches not torque converters. Therefore Formula 1 gearboxes are just fast human/computer controlled manual's.

So you're saying that a manual transmission is one where somebody hits a button with their finger, which tells the computer to change gears, then the computer changes the gear for them?

The only time a formula 1 car is a manual is going into first gear, because that's the only time the human actually controls the clutch. Everything else the driver is only asking the computer to change gears for them. Which is why it's considered a semi-automatic gearbox.

 

[Kyorisu]

I actually read an article on how to drive a manual if you have a broken/ lack of leg. You have to use a crutch braced on your shoulder to hit the clutch or something... it sounded really complicated and dangerous... yet awesome.

Or alter the vehicle and have the clutch hand activated.

 

[_Z_Ryuken]

I knew a guy with an Eclipse in Phoenix, it had a stick shift but it was clutchless.
Still haven't figured out what he did.

 

[Taboo]

Or alter the vehicle and have the clutch hand activated.

But youre already shifting and steering. It would have to be on the steering wheel I guess? Ive never seen a hand activated one.

Activate the clutch with a crutch ftw.

EDIT: Plus, the article was actually written for people with broken legs who would have crutches and not be able to drive a stick for a limited amount of time. So, spending however much money and time having your car turned inside out and practically relearning how to drive would be kind of pointless.

 

[ailevation]

manual.

 

[ailevation]

So that's why they don't run manual in formula 1?

and don't even try to tell me paddle shifters are manual.

Electrohydraulic manual transmission.

BMW's SMG and SMG II transmissions are manuals, which gives you the option of paddle shifters.

which in turn is a semi-automatic transmission, which still is a manual based transmission.

Being so, because it still uses a clutch- automated, computer controlled, yes. But, still is a clutch rather than a torque converter.. which is the main difference between manual transmissions and automatic transmissions.

 

[xcellerate]

I knew a guy with an Eclipse in Phoenix, it had a stick shift but it was clutchless.
Still haven't figured out what he did.

well I can guarantee you that either you're mistaken or your friend lied.

 

[_Z_Ryuken]

Or I was in the back seat watching him shift the stick, but do nothing with his left foot.

 

[Sainku]

Have to drive a tedious 90 miles to work everyday. So automatic for the majority of my driving. Manual is a lot more fun when not doing that particular run though.

 

[cheddarrr]

manual all the way.
you can always gear down if your brakes were to phail you..

 

[Robbo]

So you're saying that a manual transmission is one where somebody hits a button with their finger, which tells the computer to change gears, then the computer changes the gear for them?

The only time a formula 1 car is a manual is going into first gear, because that's the only time the human actually controls the clutch. Everything else the driver is only asking the computer to change gears for them. Which is why it's considered a semi-automatic gearbox.

Yes. however if you stopped being such a tool and did some research you would find that a formula 1 gearbox is more manual than your traditional auto.

 

[tehsolace]

Automatic. If I could, I'd have the automatic steering as well. The less I need to concentrate on, the better.

 

[_Z_Ryuken]

Better start saving for that 2015 Lexus. I for one am not going to give my control to a machine. That's why I haven't even fixed my ABS.

Actually that's not why. :/

 

[xcellerate]

Yes. however if you stopped being such a tool and did some research you would find that a formula 1 gearbox is more manual than your traditional auto.

Tool? What are you talking about?

How is the formula 1 shift system any different than tiptronic or DSG or SMG or any of the other systems found on common automatic cars?

All of those systems, including the formula 1 system, the driver tells the computer to shift the gears. The only difference is that the formula 1 gearbox you have to manually operate the clutch to get into first.

Formula 1, for all gears greater than 1, has an automatic transmission.

But it sounds like you're one of those kids driving a DSG equipped car telling people it's a manual because you can shift it by pressing buttons. Apparently to you, any gearbox that is able to take in driver input is a manual transmission.

So you're saying that a manual transmission is one where somebody hits a button with their finger, which tells the computer to change gears, then the computer changes the gear for them?

Yes.

It sounds to me like you're saying formula 1 gearboxes are manuals because the driver tells the gearbox what to do, and I'm saying they're automatic because the computer actually changes the gear.

 

[sinkoman]

Or I was in the back seat watching him shift the stick, but do nothing with his left foot.

Double clutch.

Nuff said.

BTW people, there's a reason that auto-clutch systems are called SEMI-AUTOMATIC and not MANUAL...

Yes. however if you stopped being such a tool and did some research you would find that a formula 1 gearbox is more manual than your traditional auto.

It is, but it still isn't a manual :\

 

[Robbo]

If thats what you think I'm saying then your wrong. I drive a '72 Corolla so it's a real manual. All I'm saying is that Formula 1 gearboxes are more manual than auto because they share most of their parts with traditional manual gearboxes. The only difference is that an F1 gearbox has a computer controlled 'CLUTCH' and paddles rather than a gearstick. Autos don't have a clutch or any forced input from the driver.
Can you, for gods sake, focus on the mechanics not just vague descriptions of what a manual and auto transmissions are.

It is, but it still isn't a manual :\

FFS thats my point, there not manuals but there in no way auto's which you'll find was my original point.