# Do you drive a manual or automatic transmission car? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [December 1, 2011, 5:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718 "2011-12-01T17:28:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![Galileo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Galileo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galileo)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/101 "2011-12-02T01:27:57Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > This place has gotten a bit weird lately. Yeah, I guess it is when you dismiss twelve points with an insult. I see, though, why you might have thought that my post had some WAG – I wasn’t clear on points 5, 7, and 8. I said “Nope” meaning that those points were not an advantage of a manual transmission over a “manumatic” transmission, given that both types allow the selection of gears. If you disagree with my points, please let me know. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/102 "2011-12-02T01:55:10Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > I did a search and didn’t see a poll on this. > > So, what kind of transmission do you drive? both of my cars are manual, one a 5-speed, the other 6. > [@](#): > > Why can’t I get an inexpensive (low to mid 20s) 4 cylinder with leather, manual transmission and 30+ mpg highway? if the Ford website is correct, you can get a Fiesta SES or a Focus SE with a manual transmission and leather if you have the “Interior style package.” It’s red and black leather, but it doesn’t look bad. ---
**Author:** ![Hilary\_Algar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilary_algar/32/4282_2.png) [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/103 "2011-12-02T02:23:58Z")
> [@Galileo](#): > > Control of what? The specific point of gear shift? > > For the past 12 years I’ve driven cars with “manumatic transmission” (like the BMW Steptronic) that allows me to shift gears whenever I want to, but will shift automatically if I don’t want to shift. Seems like I have more control.Let’s compare your list to a car with a Tiptronic-type transmission: > [ol] > [li]Generally a lower sticker price when new: Yes. And, often for used cars as well. [/li][li] Better acceleration when needed. Yes, some cars more than others, but what do you mean by “when needed”? And, how much more acceleration do you need?[/li][li]Fewer engine revs during normal driving yield longer engine life, oil life and less noise: No. And, I’ve noticed that, in areas where automatic transmissions are prevalent, those drivers who choose manual transmissions tend to be more aggressive and rev their engines higher: More revs, more wear and tear on the engine, and more noise. (And, some even get a noisier exhaust system.)[/li][li]More driver involvement = less distraction or falling asleep at the wheel. No, more distraction, and yes, some more driver involvement, if it’s not enough for you to pay attention to your steering, braking, acceleration and the way the car handles, plus the sounds and smells from your car, and paying attention to the various dashboard gauges and indicators, and to the cars in front of you, to the side and behind you, and the traffic signs and lights, and the pedestrians and cyclists, along with figuring out how to get to your destination. Without manual transmission, I would practically fall asleep. And, of course, on long highway rides when it’s more common for people to fall asleep at the wheel, the driver is constantly changing gears, right? :dubious:[/li][li]Better control of which gear the trans is in at any given time: Nope.[/li][li]Quicker downshifts: Slightly, depending on the transmission.[/li][li]Access to engine braking: Nope.[/li][li]Safer driving down very steep hills or mountains (less chance of overcooking the brakes): Same as #7.[/li][li]Better vehicle control during sub-optimal driving conditions: How so?[/li][li]Folks who want a stick will pay a substantial premium for a used car with a stick vs an automatic: I’ll take your word for it.[/ol]There is one another advantage to a manual transmission: You can make the shifts jerkier if you’re trying to shave a few fractions of a second off your acceleration times, which makes the g-forces more pronounced and gives some people a feeling of greater power. [/li] > Also, on the issue of fuel consumption, things are shifting (:eek:) in favor of automatics. Compare the 8-speed automatic and the 6-speed manual transmission on the new [BMW 3 Series](http://www.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/pricesandspecifications/0,,1156___bs-Mw%3D%3D%40bb-RjMw,00.html): The automatic has slightly better fuel consumption than the manual. Let’s try to remember that the OP specifies he is looking for an inexpensive four cylinder with manual transmission (and leather). That’s going to be, generally, a traditional four or five speed automatic with lock-up torque converter. I will grant you that points three and four are dubious, but the rest of my points are valid for this comparison. The advantages of a manual transmission over an unber-tech “manumatic” are blurred and the manumatic may indeed have some advantages. But I would also venture to guess that among those on this board who do drive an automatic, the vast minority are not driving a BMW or Porsche-style “manumatic.” ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/104 "2011-12-02T02:35:58Z")
I inherited my car from my mother, so it’s an automatic. It’s the first automatic I’ve owned in a long, long time. My next car with be stick. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/105 "2011-12-02T02:45:40Z")
I’m surprised that manuals are still in the lead in the poll. For the last six years I’ve owned a stick. I bought it because all I needed was a small commuter car with good gsas mileage, it cost less with a stick, and because I knew how to drive a stick. I estimate 95% of the miles I’ve put on it have been around town, basic stop and go driving. When it finally comes time to replace it, I’ll get an automatic. I’m not too concerned about the “feel” and “control” of a manual transmission when I seldom get past third gear. All things considered, I’d much prefer not rolling backwards on a hill. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/106 "2011-12-02T03:02:06Z")
> [@Hilary\_Algar](#): > > Generally a lower sticker price when new only because for the most part manuals are relegated to the lower trim levels. > [@](#): > > Better acceleration when needed Only if it has shorter gearing. > [@](#): > > Fewer engine revs during normal driving yield longer engine life, oil life and less noise Only if it has taller gearing. This is _really_ stretching it, you know. > [@](#): > > More driver involvement = less distraction or falling asleep at the wheel uh-huh. this reply is being written by someone who has caught himself falling asleep at the wheel of his manual-transmission car. try again. > [@](#): > > Better control of which gear the trans is in at any given time If you’re not on the track, this isn’t better. > [@](#): > > Quicker downshifts OK. > [@](#): > > Access to engine braking can do this if the automatic has a manual gear selection mode. > [@](#): > > Safer driving down very steep hills or mountains (less chance of overcooking the brakes) this is a repeat of your previous point. > [@](#): > > Better vehicle control during sub-optimal driving conditions only if you know how to use that “control.” Simply buying a car with a manual transmission doesn’t bestow that knowledge upon you. ---
**Author:** ![missinformation](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@missinformation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/missinformation)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/107 "2011-12-02T03:12:19Z")
I don’t drive but I guess my broom would be considered a manual because it has a "stick? \ ---
**Author:** ![jjimm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba8739/32.png) [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/108 "2011-12-02T03:15:45Z")
Learned on a stick (UK) but have rented many automatics. When I lived in the US and bought a car I sought out a manual (Accura Integra - lovely, fast little car too), which took considerable time and effort. I’m speaking purely personally here and not intentionally dissing drivers of automatics\*, but to me driving one feels a bit like driving a dodgem at the fair - you’re steering but not much else. It generally is the control factor that makes me not like it. I want to know that I have the right accelerative properties exactly when I choose them, and the ability to engine-brake (and, in the past, bump-start). The last time I drove an automatic was on a lot of hilly roads in Croatia three months ago and I found myself constantly using the low-gear selector thingummy to keep in control. BTW **Galileo** comparing manuals to Tiptronics is a bit odd: I’m sure 99.9% of people who talk about automatic transmission mean the kind that changes gear for you, not the gizmos driving the clutch apparatus, or whether or not you have to use your left leg. I once experienced Tiptronic transmission driving an Aston Martin, and I think even as a dyed-in-the-wool manual driver, I would probably prefer Tiptronic transmission to manual due to the precision control it offers. \*Though you’ll forgive me for saying perhaps drivers of automatics aren’t voting in huge numbers because they expect the board to vote for them? J/k. ---
**Author:** ![brainstall](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/35a633/32.png) [@brainstall](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brainstall)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 3:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/109 "2011-12-02T03:44:26Z")
I currently drive an automatic, but I know how to drive a standard and I consider that a really useful skill. I get the cool factor of driving standard, but I really don’t care that much, or maybe I’m just lazy and I’m ok with driving an automatic. Or maybe because the two standard tranny vehicles I owned were both cheap Saturn beaters, I just don’t see it as all that cool. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/110 "2011-12-02T03:46:07Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > 305 hp and 31 mpg?! How do you like it? Seems like a really great car. And [candy red metallic](http://www.flickr.com/photos/30352932@N03/6310736105/), too. 😃 I absolutely love it. It looks fabulous, the pickup is outstanding, it drives like it’s on rails, and the mileage really is good (about 25 mpg in mixed city driving, 29-32 on the highway, depending on how lead-footed I get). It’s absolutely my midlife crisis car. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Hilary\_Algar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilary_algar/32/4282_2.png) [@Hilary\_Algar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilary_Algar)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/111 "2011-12-02T03:58:37Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > only because for the most part manuals are relegated to the lower trim levels. Well, where I come from, when a manual transmission is offered, the automatic is almost always an extra-cost option. > [@jz78817](#): > > Only if it has shorter gearing. Oftentimes the manual does have shorter gearing in the lower gears because oftentimes the choice is 5-speed manual vs 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual vs 5-speed automatic. Given more gear choices the low gear is usually lower in the manual. > [@jz78817](#): > > Only if it has taller gearing. This is _really_ stretching it, you know.. Oftentimes the manual does have taller gearing in high gear because oftentimes the choice is 5-speed manual vs 4-speed automatic or 6-speed manual vs 5-speed automatic. Given more gear choices high gear is usually taller in the manual. > [@jz78817](#): > > uh-huh. this reply is being written by someone who has caught himself falling asleep at the wheel of his manual-transmission car. try again.. dubious, okay > [@jz78817](#): > > If you’re not on the track, this isn’t better. It is better if you want maximum control of the vehicle during normal driving. OK. > [@jz78817](#): > > can do this if the automatic has a manual gear selection mode. But you can’t if it does not have a manual gear selection mode. this is a repeat of your previous point. > [@jz78817](#): > > only if you know how to use that “control.” Simply buying a car with a manual transmission doesn’t bestow that knowledge upon you. Given a reasonable amount of driver skill, the driver will know how to use that control. ---
**Author:** ![Cat\_Whisperer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cat_whisperer/32/4839_2.png) [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/112 "2011-12-02T04:03:02Z")
> [@sparky\_1](#): > > 305 hp and 31 mpg?! How do you like it? Seems like a really great car. > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > And [candy red metallic](http://www.flickr.com/photos/30352932@N03/6310736105/), too. 😃 > > I absolutely love it. It looks fabulous, the pickup is outstanding, it drives like it’s on rails, and the mileage really is good (about 25 mpg in mixed city driving, 29-32 on the highway, depending on how lead-footed I get). It’s absolutely my midlife crisis car. 😉 I’ll send **Dread Pirate Jimbo** in here to talk about his new Mustang, too - his self-titled midlife crisismobile is in [Kona blue.](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s142/featherlou/HPIM6991.jpg) 😃 (The blue truly is gorgeous - I’ve never had people just coming up to us and complimenting our car before!) ---
**Author:** ![Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dread_pirate_jimbo/32/3897_2.png) [@Dread\_Pirate\_Jimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dread_Pirate_Jimbo)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 6:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/113 "2011-12-02T06:37:12Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > Because, believe it or not, very few people who are looking to buy a car in that price range are interested in buying a car with a manual transmission. Car makers won’t make an offering which sits on the lot. It’s become a self-fulfilling prophecy now, as many drivers now have **never** driven a car with manual, and thus would never consider such a car. > > About the only cars which you can buy these days with a manual are: > > - Very inexpensive entry-level cars (and, even that’s becoming less common). Once upon a time, automakers charged extra for automatic transmission, and so, a manual transmission was a less expensive way to go. I’m not sure that that’s even the case anymore. > - Higher-end performance models, like the BMWs you referenced, in which some drivers want the additional control / performance that they can get from a manual transmission (see the earlier posts). > > I just bought a Ford Mustang with a stick. I wanted the V6, not the V8 (several thousand dollars cheaper, and the new V6 in the 'Stang is a well-regarded engine). It was a real hassle to actually _find_ a V6 with a stick; most of the V6 Mustangs on dealer lots were automatic (whereas sticks seem to be considerably more common on the more expensive V8 version, especially at the premium trim levels like the GT). > [@kenobi\_65](#): > > And [candy red metallic](http://www.flickr.com/photos/30352932@N03/6310736105/), too. 😃 > > I absolutely love it. It looks fabulous, the pickup is outstanding, it drives like it’s on rails, and the mileage really is good (about 25 mpg in mixed city driving, 29-32 on the highway, depending on how lead-footed I get). It’s absolutely my midlife crisis car. 😉 Oooh, shiny! I also had to get my new Mustang ordered in from out of town in order to get a V-6 with a stick, but the dealer only had three V-6 models on the lot and they were all tricked out with all the bells and whistles to up the sticker price way past where I was prepared to go. I wound up with exactly what I wanted, however – the base model V-6 with 6-speed manual and no options at all except the block heater (an absolute necessity in these parts). My experience with its drivability is pretty much word-for-word the same as yours, **kenobi 65** ; extremely fun to drive, corners very well, brakes well, and has a ton of giddyup when you punch it, all with quite respectable mileage on top of everything. > [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I’ll send **Dread Pirate Jimbo** in here to talk about his new Mustang, too - his self-titled midlife crisismobile is in [grabber blue.](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s142/featherlou/HPIM6991.jpg) 😃 (The blue truly is gorgeous - I’ve never had people just coming up to us and complimenting our car before!) Small nitpick – That’s actually Kona Blue, a metallic finish that is hella sweet and shiny, but I did seriously consider going for the bright, almost electric Grabber Blue instead, which may be the cause of your confusion. 🙂 Five months in, I can happily report this is the best car I’ve ever owned. I still smile when I turn the key and it roars to life and part of me still doesn’t want to believe I’m allowed to own a car this cool. ---
**Author:** ![FordTaurusSHO94](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f07891/32.png) [@FordTaurusSHO94](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FordTaurusSHO94)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 7:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/114 "2011-12-02T07:06:21Z")
I’ve only had standards. My truck is a standard and my car was only offered with a stick, so it was an easy choice to make. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 8:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/115 "2011-12-02T08:00:10Z")
> [@kunilou](#): > > I’m surprised that manuals are still in the lead in the poll. No kidding. I wonder if there’s a little self-selection bias going on. I drive a stick, but of all my friends here in the city, I could only think of one other person who does so. 90% of the people I know drive slushboxes. ---
**Author:** ![scootergirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e99b99/32.png) [@scootergirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scootergirl)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 8:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/116 "2011-12-02T08:05:23Z")
I learned how to drive on a manual, but I drive an automatic now - a 1990 Volvo…boring! I also have a scooter, which I love. It’s also an automatic… but soon…someday soon, I will have a different scooter, maybe a Vespa or Lambretta with a clutch and gears! ---
**Author:** ![sparky\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/77aa72/32.png) [@sparky\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sparky_1)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/117 "2011-12-02T12:03:55Z")
> [@kenobi\_65](#): > > And [candy red metallic](http://www.flickr.com/photos/30352932@N03/6310736105/), too. … Wow! > [@Cat\_Whisperer](#): > > I’ll send **Dread Pirate Jimbo** in here to talk about his new Mustang, too - his self-titled midlife crisismobile is in [grabber blue.](http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s142/featherlou/HPIM6991.jpg) … Again, wow! Looks like I may be stopping by my local Ford dealer this weekend. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![chiroptera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/df705f/32.png) [@chiroptera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chiroptera)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/118 "2011-12-02T12:09:20Z")
I have one of each but I checked manual - because most cars in my life have been stick shifts, and because I vastly prefer them. ---
**Author:** ![Galileo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Galileo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galileo)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/119 "2011-12-02T12:29:47Z")
> [@Hilary\_Algar](#): > > Let’s try to remember that the OP specifies he is looking for an inexpensive four cylinder with manual transmission (and leather). That’s going to be, generally, a traditional four or five speed automatic with lock-up torque converter. Fair enough, but you weren’t responding to that request in the post that I addressed. Also, the OP asks: “So, what kind of transmission do you drive?” I answered that question and pointed out that there’s another option. > [@](#): > > The advantages of a manual transmission over an unber-tech “manumatic” are blurred and the manumatic may indeed have some advantages. Okay, but I see that you just can’t bring yourself to say that a manumatic actually _has_ advantages. Strange that the car manufacturers offer it and people actually buy it. > [@](#): > > But I would also venture to guess that among those on this board who do drive an automatic, the vast minority are not driving a BMW or Porsche-style “manumatic.” Does that mean that we should ignore those who do? Also, FWIW, there are plenty of good quality used BMW’s with Steptronic available for under $20,000. Or, you can look for a VW Golf or Jetta with Tiptronic, or a Ford Focus with PowerShift, or a car from several other manufacturers that offer similar transmissions on “non-luxury” cars. ---
**Author:** ![Galileo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/85e7bf/32.png) [@Galileo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Galileo)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2011, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718/120 "2011-12-02T12:42:37Z")
> [@jjimm](#): > > BTW **Galileo** comparing manuals to Tiptronics is a bit odd: I’m sure 99.9% of people who talk about automatic transmission mean the kind that changes gear for you, not the gizmos driving the clutch apparatus, or whether or not you have to use your left leg. Actually, I think that it’s 99.8753% … And why is it odd? Why ignore a choice that has been around for years and that is available from many car manufacturers? Check out the list here: [Manumatic](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manumatic). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-drive-a-manual-or-automatic-transmission-car/604718.md?page=7)