Cars in US

[imtoomuch]

You realize you'll go through brakes and rotors faster in an automatic, and more often than a clutch, right? Not to mention, there's no reason to use the clutch when you aren't using the brakes. And, manual drivers are generally more alert than automatic drivers.

I used to think manuals were only for sports cars like most people, but now I realize the ability to control your speed right down to 0 rpms, and the fact that you chose when to shift is useful all the time, everywhere.

585575493[/snapback]

It must be fun to make up "facts" just to try to skew an argument towards your side. I had no idea that an engine would run at 0 RPMs as long as you drove a manual. You learn something everyday. :rolleyes:

[DarkMindsProject]

0rpm wow if my car goes below 850 im having mechanical problems what do u drive?

[kombolcha]

You realize you'll go through brakes and rotors faster in an automatic, and more often than a clutch, right? Not to mention, there's no reason to use the clutch when you aren't using the brakes. And, manual drivers are generally more alert than automatic drivers.

I used to think manuals were only for sports cars like most people, but now I realize the ability to control your speed right down to 0 rpms, and the fact that you chose when to shift is useful all the time, everywhere.

585575493[/snapback]

they both have their pros and cons

but you all have to face it, automatic is just simply better because of its practicality

yes, its good to know how operate a manual and people will have their prefrences.

side note..

just because you drive an AT doesn't make you any less attentive at driving then you would driving a MT, i know this because of experience, you just get so used to it, that you doze off just as you would drving an AT, you just shift, it sort of comes naturally.

so there you have it, its all preferance, driving an AT or MT has nothing to do with being a good or bad driver, it has to do with our personal prefrence and society.

[threetonesun]

It must be fun to make up "facts" just to try to skew an argument towards your side.  I had no idea that an engine would run at 0 RPMs as long as you drove a manual.  You learn something everyday.  :rolleyes:

585575563[/snapback]

No, the engine won't run at 0, but that's where a manual will go to if you never push in the clutch. My point was, you have much greater control over low RPMs in a manual which is very useful in traffic.

[dj6ross]

0rpm wow if my car goes below 850 im having mechanical problems what do u drive?

585575631[/snapback]

He simply meant that you control the exact point to shift. Lets say for example, an AT shifts at 3000rpm. But if you want in a manual you can shift at 2500rpm or whatever you want. 2499 rpm lol.

[tkyoshi]

He simply meant that you control the exact point to shift. Lets say for example, an AT shifts at 3000rpm. But if you want in a manual you can shift at 2500rpm or whatever you want. 2499 rpm lol.

585576611[/snapback]

Yes but many Automatics are Auto Transaxle's now so they are electronically shifted. If you are a light driver, then the trans will shift sooner than someone who likes to floor it (it will hold the gear longer).

In addition many Auto Transaxles are adaptive now which means they learn how you like to drive and adjusts the shift pattern.

[Nashy]

I think the shifter behind the wheel is called the Transmission Barrel or something like that here in Australia.

I think they are stupid. Nothing better when you are driving a nice Holden Commodore or Ford Falcon XR8 than being able to reach down, stick it down a notch to third to overtake, then slam it back into drive.

However, in saying that. Nothing better than using low gears in a manual, yeah... manual all the way.

[turbomonkeycock]

I drive manual, but have had a shot of a friends mums auto and I hated it.

I felt out of control of the main workings of the car and felt almost pedestrian in the operation of the car, all I had to do was point it in the right direction. Yuck

As for the argument about traffic: We have traffic in the UK and we drive our manual cars in this traffic. We have no problem with gear changes and controlling our manuals at low speeds. It is a skill we develop and posess. Driving manual doesn't require a phd or supernatural skills, it just requires a bit of co-ordination. Try it sometime.

[insurektion]

So if I said all British people are  snobbish pansies than people should just ignore it???

If I said all Asians look alike?

If I said Polish are not smart?

Its a degrading generalization that has no bearing on reality.  :rolleyes:

585575508[/snapback]

Q1 = Yes they should ignore it or the could get all upset and be snobbish pansies.

Q2 = Mostly true (but apparently all white people look the same it dpeneds who you ask)

Q3 = Im not going to touch. They are definatly a hands on people.

[AnakinSolo2002]

Q1 = Yes they should ignore it or the could get all upset and be snobbish pansies.

Q2 = Mostly true (but apparently all white people look the same it dpeneds who you ask)

Q3 = Im not going to touch. They are definatly a hands on people.

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All I'm going to say is that, you are one of the most oblivious racist's I've seen.

[tlogank]

I would never want to drive a manual. Yes, I know how to, it is what I learned on, but it is such an inconvenience and makes eating or holding my dog down in the passenger seat impossible to do.

[supernova_00]

I hate automatics. I learned how to drive on a manual, first car was a manual and so is my current car. I can multitask easily like talk on phone, smoke cig, shift and drive without any problem. I will never buy an automatic.

[QuarterSwede]

No, it's because Americans aren't very good drivers. As I said before, if you know how to drive stick, you'll find it much easier to drive in traffic, you'll have to go for the clutch as often as you go for the brakes on an automatic, and you can maintain a steady slow speed, something autos can't do as well.

585574311[/snapback]

The reason MT's suck in traffic is because the clutch is harder to push than the brakes. My left leg gets tired all the time in stop and go. It's far more annoying on hills as well.

stop and go traffic isn't that bad an issue. If you're used to a manual tranny, then you won't even notice yourself shifting most of the time.

585574866[/snapback]

Not for me. I've been driving a MT for 5 years and it still annoys me in heavy traffic and I'm very use to driving a stick. Like I said, it isn't changing gears that's the problem, it's keeping the clutch pedal depressed all the time that sucks because you don't have time to put or leave it in Neteural.

Here is a little quote from How to Drive a Manual Transmission to prove it's not just me.

"Rush hour traffic with a stick shift can be a royal pain. Clutch in, coast, clutch out. Shift up, shift down. You really get to build up those left-leg muscles. If you spend a lot of time in traffic, think seriously about whether a manual transmission car is for you."

This is the reason the traffic jams are as bad as they are...nobody wants to let others in their lane. That is the MAIN reason traffic jams occur. People slow to a crawl or stop on the highway, trying to get somebody to let them in the other lane, blocking traffic.

585574866[/snapback]

No it isn't! Sure it causes some traffic jams but the main reason jams occur is because of the high volume of cars on the road. The roads simply can't handle that much traffic.

Edited March 7, 2005 by Jstphish

[Joey992]

I actually live in southern VA. Hampton Roads to be exact. I've been to DC during the business traffic times and it was one of the most frustrating times of my life. Down here we just have small 4 lane freeways that cannot support the growing popualtion. I'm glad to have an AT in that situation but I would love an MT for some of the back roads we have where you only see 4 or 5 people per day.

[AxelStone]

I'm going to **** some retards off as they whine and moan about "american drivers'. Go screw yourselves, I drive an old 85 Ford ranger atm, MT, 4 cyl, 2.4l. Guess what, it sucks ass driving in traffic. All you retards that say "OMG ITS SO EASY IN TRAFFIC" I know a place you can go. Would I preffer an AT over MT? No. Would I say it does suck in traffic jams using a MT, yes. Although newer MTs are easier to use the clutch... its still bothersome, you just want to be elietist snobs due to you drive a MT and dont want to hear anythign else. Thats the whole impression I have gotten from this thread. I did see a few cool bits of information... most of which I ALREADY KNOW AND USE. Grow up people, quit being asinine saying only that MTs are SOOO easy and people who drive ATs are lazy incopitant american slobs who dont know how to drive. Such a great generalization... w?nkers.

[threetonesun]

The reason MT's suck in traffic is because the clutch is harder to push than the brakes.  My left leg gets tired all the time in stop and go.  It's far more annoying on hills as well.

585581677[/snapback]

:huh:

You're not supposed to leave your foot on the clutch, you're supposed to put it in neutral. If your leg is getting tired holding it down, I'd expect your throwout bearing will be gone soon too...

Hills ... yes. I'm always suprised more manuals in America don't have hill holders.

[MR_Candyman]

I'm going to **** some retards off as they whine and moan about "american drivers'. Go screw yourselves, I drive an old 85 Ford ranger atm, MT, 4 cyl, 2.4l. Guess what, it sucks ass driving in traffic. All you retards that say "OMG ITS SO EASY IN TRAFFIC" I know a place you can go. Would I preffer an AT over MT? No. Would I say it does suck in traffic jams using a MT, yes. Although newer MTs are easier to use the clutch... its still bothersome, you just want to be elietist snobs due to you drive a MT and dont want to hear anythign else. Thats the whole impression I have gotten from this thread. I did see a few cool bits of information... most of which I ALREADY KNOW AND USE. Grow up people, quit being asinine saying only that MTs are SOOO easy and people who drive ATs are lazy incopitant american slobs who dont know how to drive. Such a great generalization... w?nkers.

585581870[/snapback]

I drive an automatic almost every day. My car itself is that automatic. I love the car, and wouldn't ever give it up, BUT the fact it's an auto bugs me every day.

Before I got this car I was driving a highly modified 82 Dodge Ram that we stuck a highly modified 440-6 in with a modified original tranny (basically gutted it, and threw in all high performance parts, to make it withstand the pressures) and also tossed in a triple plate clutch. As you should know, the more power you have, the better clutch you need, the harder the clutch is to push in and out. The clutch is also pretty much an on/off switch, which makes it far more difficult to drive. Despite all the power and the tricky clutch, it was STILL easy to drive in heavy stop and go traffic.

Now I occasionally use my mom's rebuilt and suped up 88 daytona shelby z, also with a triple clutch (we tried a double, but it ripped apart within 4 days). This thing's a dream to drive in stop and go traffic and I'd always pick using it in heavy traffic over my automatic (95 avenger 2.5L).

Before the truck I used to drive an automatic grand caravan. It was just sorta there...nice for transporting people and gear, but it wasn't fun to drive and it wasn't great in stop and go either.

No all of us are trying to be L33T by saying manuals are better (actually if I remember correctly, threetonesun's the only other one saying they are better, and I'm sure he knows what he's talking about aswell). My daily driver's an automatic, my automatic bugs the hell out of me. It works, hell, it's even a blast to drive this car, but I'll always prefer the comfort and control of driving a manual.

[randy_tho]

No, the engine won't run at 0, but that's where a manual will go to if you never push in the clutch. My point was, you have much greater control over low RPMs in a manual which is very useful in traffic.

They would both idle at approximately the same speed. If your letting the manual chug down to below what it should at idle thats not good for the car. The fact you can do it doesn't mean you should. I get your point of having greater control of RPMs though. But I don't agree on lower. You can put an auto in park or neutral with the parking brake as easy as you can put the manual in neutral. Although its not a good idea if your moving. Isn't really a good idea to throw a manual moving and neutral either for that matter. But with an auto its kind of hard to get back in gear unless you've stopped. :)

And to the guy who answered the generalization questions, you missed the point entireley. :pinch:

[xmr]

We found out a guy at uni took the Automatic test (supposedly needed to pass quickly) and we ripped him soo bad for it.

Over here I'd say it's seen as lame/more feminine to drive an automatic. Personally I can't stand them! :huh:

[Zip]

I would never want to drive a manual.  Yes, I know how to, it is what I learned on, but it is such an inconvenience and makes eating or holding my dog down in the passenger seat impossible to do.

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you shouldnt need to do that, it distracts you from the road and happens to be dangerous.

thats why its against the law in the UK to eat, drink or talk on your cell at the wheel - its been proven to cause crashes.

[threetonesun]

They would both idle at approximately the same speed.? If your letting the manual chug down to below what it should at idle thats not good for the car. The fact you can do it doesn't mean you should. I get your point of having greater control of RPMs though. But I don't agree on lower. You can put an auto in park or neutral with the parking brake as easy as you can put the manual in neutral. Although its not a good idea if your moving. Isn't really a good idea to throw a manual moving and neutral either for that matter. But with an auto its kind of hard to get back in gear unless you've stopped.:))

And to the guy who answered the generalization questions, you missed the point entireley.?:pinch:h:

585582678[/snapback]

True, but the idea that I can put my car in neutral and, on a flat surface, not even use the brakes is better in my mind than using the brakes to always stop some forward motion.

Granted, you can shift your autobox into neutral/park all the time, but from experience, it won't last very long if you do that. You also have to shift to take advantage of engine braking in an automatic, and I've found few cars that do that smootly, where as in a manual it's second nature.

Although, driving today I realized what bugs me the most about autos. Come into a corner, hit the brakes, off the brakes and the car starts to roll before you're even on the gas. In a manual, once you're off the brakes, the car is still slowing down until you go back on the gas.

[QuarterSwede]

:huh:

You're not supposed to leave your foot on the clutch, you're supposed to put it in neutral. If your leg is getting tired holding it down, I'd expect your throwout bearing will be gone soon too...

Hills ... yes. I'm always suprised more manuals in America don't have hill holders.

585581970[/snapback]

Ok, what I should have said is: There is no time to put the stick in neutral when all you are doing is getting up to speed in no higher than 2nd and then slowing down quickly, then getting it up to speed in no higher than 1st then slowing down quickly and doing it all over again. This really isn't stop and go, it's more like crawling down the highway because traffic blows here. Trust me, no one here likes MT when driving in heavy traffic. That is why my leg gets tired. That and I drive an older '91 CRX which isn't the lightest clutch in the world.

I'm not saying MT cars are terrible. What I am saying is that AT cars in this type of traffic are a heck of a lot easier to drive, especially after a long day of work.

Edited March 8, 2005 by Jstphish

[imtoomuch]

No, it's because Americans aren't very good drivers. As I said before, if you know how to drive stick, you'll find it much easier to drive in traffic, you'll have to go for the clutch as often as you go for the brakes on an automatic, and you can maintain a steady slow speed, something autos can't do as well.

585574311[/snapback]

I think you just proved that you're an ignorant person who really doesn't have a clue what he's talking about. First of all, generalizing Americans as bad drivers is a stupid comment. Secondly, there is nothing easier about driving stick in stop and go traffic. You keep speaking of this "braking when you let off of the gas" and it has a name. It's called compression braking or engine braking. In stop and go traffic that really won't even be much of an issue because the speeds are too slow and the space in between cars isn't big enough to avoid using the brakes. If the traffic is moving slow, but at a steady pace then you could use it, but I can also just have my automatic "idle" ahead without using the gas pedal. I see that you're in love with manual transmissions and there is no way to get you to realize the facts. Just realize that both transmissions have their pros and cons. As I said before, I prefer the automatic for daily driving and the manual for sport, performance, and the fun of driving.

Edited March 8, 2005 by imtoomuch

[QuarterSwede]

Just realize that both transmissions have their pros and cons.  As I said before, I prefer the automatic for daily driving and the manual for sport, performance, and the fun of driving.

585586701[/snapback]

Exactly what I think.

[bayrider]

i personally dont see the need for a manual transmission unless you're driving a 4x4 or a sports car. All my friends nag at me saying how much fun it is to drive a stick (which i do agree), but sometimes its also a pain. I like the comfort of not having to worry about what gear i am in, downshifting, etc... when i can have 1 less thing off my mind and more capacity to concentrate on the road it makes the drive easier and safer.