Automatic V. Manual

[Scylax]

Yesterday I drove a courtesy-car with manual transmission. This was the first time I've driven with a manual gearbox for over 20 years. It felt like stepping back to some medieval age; all that use of pedals while stirring porridge. Has engineering not progressed since the 1930s?

Once upon a time we had to adjust the choke and the ignition timing, and double-declutching was another chore. Why do some (most?) drivers still prefer a clutch and gearbox? A bit primitive, isn't it ? Or am I missing out on some esoteric thrill?

[Bazile]

There is no satisfaction in driving automatics .

The fun comes with interacting with the machine - i.e changing gears , etc , i.e . having control of how the vehicle of the driving experience , in getting from A - B

[society]

It's challenging to drive a manually geared vehicle.

[Baldric]

I would guess you use a Car to just get from A to B, so losing an element of control and enjoyment that an autobox takes away does not bother you.

[craft1948]

I prefer a manual gearbox but because of arthritis in my left knee I've driven automatics for the last 10 years...................it's not the same.

[paddywak]

I passed my test in 1969 and I've never driven an automatic.

[marje]

I too prefer a manual gearbox, I feel more in control.

[Bazile]

//...having control of how the vehicle of the driving experience ... //

bit of double dutch there

' having control of how the vehicle gets you from A-B and therefore having a more satisfied driving experience '

[Hopkirk]

Autos use more fuel, and the brake pads wear out more quickly as you have to use them more.

With a manual gearbox you can select the gear you are about to need.

An auto gives you the gear you just needed.

[andy-hughes]

I learned on a manual forty-one years ago, and have driven automatics a couple of times. In the UK they are a pain - they never seem to be in the right gear, and there is always a feeling that the car is in control. in the U.S. where far more cruising occurs, automatic was ideal, but I would never own or drive one from choice.

[ladybirder]

So boring driving and automatic. Choosing when to change up and down the gearbox makes ME in charge of the car not the car in charge of me and is more interesting and sometimes fun even.

[Kathyan]

I drive an automatic and would never change to a manual. It's just my preference.

[ToraToraTora]

I agree, mostly, I have 2 cars, 1 for just going from a to b and that is auto. I also have a track day car and that is manual, ie needs driving the get fun out of it. It's not q question of engineering progression more personal preference. The UK does have an inordinate amount of manual cars though.

[LazyGun]

I must admit to loving my automatic nowadays. Not something I would ever have thought I would have admitted to back in the day tearing around in my Golf GTis and Peugeot 19 Gti though! :)

[Maydup]

I do regular repeat journeys and would be sure to fall asleep at the wheel of an automatic.

[Bazile]

A sequential manual transmission would be fun on your normal family car

[Prudie]

If you drive an automatic properly you have just as much fun and control.

[joko]

i really cannot understand the need to 'feel in control' of a gear stick, or people who actually enjoy it.
manuals are just a pain - i don't see what it so good about having to constantly change gears and press the clutch - i can think of probably a million things i would rather do.

i also don't understand these claims that somehow automatics don't work as well - of course they do!

i can understand it if you are totally into cars, and like tinkering with them, and have an interest in the mechanical aspects and driving them on tracks etc, but for the average person, where is the fun in moving your arm and leg every few minutes?

i would never choose a manual.

[Hopkirk]

Each to their own Joko.

I would far rather drive an automatic truck or bus, but would always opt for a manual car.

[boxtops]

I've not experienced an automatic, but people who have one say the car is more slow to respond e.g. if you need to pull away quickly.

[BRIGHT SPARK]

Boxtops...slow to respond........that depends on the power output.....0-62 in 3.5 secs with launch control...with an auto box is ok with me :-)