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May, 2025

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Automatic vs manual

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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
which do you guys think is better? I'm getting a vw golf and its auto, kinda bummed because I've only driven manual and loved em but this is for a cross country trip so i don't want a car that would break down. but what do you guys prefer or which type do u think is better?
10 years ago
226 57
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JGWI
Posts: 2842 - Karma: 7,812
I haven't really had much opportunity to drive a manual car, but those few times I have I really liked it. Every vehicle should be manual. It would keep people off the phone and focused on driving.
10 years ago
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soulskier
Posts: 17806 - Karma: 3,841
I love automatics, they allow me to play on Facebook and Candy Crush instead of having to focus on driving
10 years ago
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.Hugo.
Posts: 17360 - Karma: 28,488
Who cares. They both have their positives and negatives. The whole if you dont drive manual then fuck you, superiority attitude is for insecure little douchebags
10 years ago
17 6
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
I miss driving a manual and once I get a new car, it's almost definitely going to be one. Automatic is good for just going and forgetting about it, but it's not as fun.
10 years ago
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frosted_flakes
Posts: 1200 - Karma: 1,256
MANual. The real question should be how long it will be before standard cars stop being manufactured, or how long it will be until standards are no longer street legal with self driving cars becoming a factor.

I hope I'll drive stick my whole life.
10 years ago
4 9
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,948
saskskierI miss driving a manual and once I get a new car, it's almost definitely going to be one. Automatic is good for just going and forgetting about it, but it's not as fun.


Hell yeah. I drive a manual now.

OP, I drove my manual cross country twice. For the most part I would expect it's no more likely to break down on a trip like that than an automatic, assuming both are well-maintained (although for a better answer you should ask tronned). As I'm sure you already know it comes with pros and cons.

Pros:
- It's built in theft prevention.
- It's fun to drive.
- I drive better in a manual (I focus more on the road)
- If you do it right, you can get awesome gas mileage.

Cons:
- If you break your leg skiing alone, can you drive yourself home in a manual car? Can your friend drive you home?
- Clutches are expensive, and when you're controlling it manually you're more likely to fuck it up than the computer that drives an automatic car.
10 years ago
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steeze4days
Posts: 358 - Karma: 1,945
frosted_flakesI hope I'll drive stick my whole life.


I'm sure you do frosty ;) ...
10 years ago
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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
mirozHell yeah. I drive a manual now.

OP, I drove my manual cross country twice. For the most part I would expect it's no more likely to break down on a trip like that than an automatic, assuming both are well-maintained (although for a better answer you should ask tronned). As I'm sure you already know it comes with pros and cons.

Pros:
- It's built in theft prevention.
- It's fun to drive.
- I drive better in a manual (I focus more on the road)
- If you do it right, you can get awesome gas mileage.

Cons:
- If you break your leg skiing alone, can you drive yourself home in a manual car? Can your friend drive you home?
- Clutches are expensive, and when you're controlling it manually you're more likely to fuck it up than the computer that drives an automatic car.


albeit true, I've never had clutch problems, its just hard to find a manual because for some reason americans thought it'd be cool to not have to shift and have a car that sucks
10 years ago
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SKI.ING
Posts: 2695 - Karma: 2,536
The only time I would want manual is if I had a performance car. Like a muscle car or sports car. I don't see the value of having it in my everyday driver that I drive to work, grocery store, or on roadtrips. I admit it is fun in the right car, but for everyday use I could see that getting old real quick.
10 years ago
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
SKI.INGThe only time I would want manual is if I had a performance car. Like a muscle car or sports car. I don't see the value of having it in my everyday driver that I drive to work, grocery store, or on roadtrips. I admit it is fun in the right car, but for everyday use I could see that getting old real quick.


nah it really doesn't 'get old'. You really just don't notice it anymore once you're used to it.

for me the pros of manual:

-keeps me busy (less chance of drowsing off)
-more fuel efficient (something like 15% of power is lost in an automatic transmission)
-way more safe in the case of brake failure
-way more convenient in the case of a dead battery
-generally way easier/more convenient/safe when it comes to failure and repair
-don't have to rely on braking as much (don't need to replace pads as often)
-more fun
-not as many people can drive it


and cons:

-can get a bit annoying in really slow stop and go traffic jams
-can't drive as easily if you're injured
-not as many people can drive it
10 years ago
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,273
Pretty much better for everything unless you see yourself driving in traffic frequently
10 years ago
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,018
im in the market for a new car this summer. how hard is it to pick up manual driving? i'm 22 for reference, and i would be getting a manual SUV (not sure if that makes a difference either)

i live in a city but the car would not be used for city driving very frequently
10 years ago
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PacificRimJob
Posts: 24730 - Karma: 30,008
For cars or serious off-road trucks, stickshift for sure... for anything else (vans and big SUV's and shit) automatic all the way.

Personally, I use a stick, but I also drive a little impreza. If I owned a Conversion van, or something, i'd definitely want it to be a stick.
10 years ago
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JAHpow
Posts: 7282 - Karma: 17,194
If you're driving mainly in town then auto all the way. Manual is such a pain having to constantly shift. Otherwise highway and interstate driving with manual.

I currently drive a manual and enjoy it.
10 years ago
1 1
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CameraWiz
Posts: 735 - Karma: 2,112
Depends where you live. My city is on a hill with very bad roads so an manual is hard to drive during the summer and next to impossible to drive during the winter.
10 years ago
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123+ski
Posts: 2832 - Karma: 581
Money no object/on a sports car, dual clutch automated manual (typically has paddle shifters). Offers the fastest shift times, has virtually no lag, and paddles are fun.

The rest would depend for me. A lot of it boils down to preference. If i was driving something small/sporty, then I'd probably go for a manual. On the other hand, if I am driving something like a tahoe, I'd rather have the convenience of an automatic.
10 years ago
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TACO-DOG.exe
Posts: 11990 - Karma: 12,272
manual cars are like drugs. every one should try them at least once and they're very easy to get addicted to.
10 years ago
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miroz
Posts: 10333 - Karma: 3,948
Peter.im in the market for a new car this summer. how hard is it to pick up manual driving? i'm 22 for reference, and i would be getting a manual SUV (not sure if that makes a difference either)

i live in a city but the car would not be used for city driving very frequently


Not hard at all. I bought my car before I knew how to drive manual. Spending a couple hours with my dad in a big parking lot in his (manual) car got me started, and then it was a learning experience from there. You'll be satisfactory but cautious after a day, competent after a week, and you'll be a natural within a month.

The hardest part is starting/stopping on hills, but with a little practice even that becomes easy. As long as you're not learning to drive it in San Francisco, you'll be fine.
10 years ago
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dingus
Posts: 1328 - Karma: 7,879
Manuals are gonna be more fun, but now wits dual clutch shifting automatics are faster in the new ones
10 years ago
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Peter.
Posts: 23796 - Karma: 13,018
mirozNot hard at all. I bought my car before I knew how to drive manual. Spending a couple hours with my dad in a big parking lot in his (manual) car got me started, and then it was a learning experience from there. You'll be satisfactory but cautious after a day, competent after a week, and you'll be a natural within a month.

The hardest part is starting/stopping on hills, but with a little practice even that becomes easy. As long as you're not learning to drive it in San Francisco, you'll be fine.


yeah i have the summer off from med school to learn how to drive, so it's nice to know i definitely have the time

i'm just really bored of driving an automatic, and i really only use my car for highway driving these days so it would make sense
10 years ago
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Casey
Posts: 8018 - Karma: 26,912
I just think for a car like a vw golf thats kind of underpowered to begin with, you really want a manual.
10 years ago
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MitchT
Posts: 560 - Karma: 4,095
Have an auto, want a manual.
10 years ago
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fresh_prince
Posts: 993 - Karma: 11,916
Fred_Bearif you dont drive manual then fuck you


10 years ago
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
I will never drive an automatic. With a manual you have better control over your car, more fun to drive even if your car isn't fast like mine, better handling in bad weather, lower trans maintenance costs. Don't get an auto if you can help it , especially with a golf!
10 years ago
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
cock_in_my_assI will never drive an automatic. With a manual you have better control over your car, more fun to drive even if your car isn't fast like mine, better handling in bad weather, lower trans maintenance costs. Don't get an auto if you can help it , especially with a golf!


meant to say my car isn't fast lol
10 years ago
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NMMedia
Posts: 982 - Karma: 1,700
Manual all the way, was so sad when I could no longer find a used manual in good condition and had to go auto. Idk what you're saying about worried about it breaking down, Ive always had way better luck with manuals being reliable long as you drive em correctly
10 years ago
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dustygoldflakes
Posts: 484 - Karma: 700
If you drive anything but a manual trans, you are a pussy. MANUAL UP PEOPLE, GET YOUR SHIFT TOGETHER
10 years ago
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fresh_prince
Posts: 993 - Karma: 11,916
dustygoldflakesMANUAL UP PEOPLE, GET YOUR SHIFT TOGETHER


get out
10 years ago
4 1
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Mingg
Posts: 14048 - Karma: 50,941
Manual all the way, especially in the winter. Driving in shit conditions is so much easier when you have more control over your car.

The only problem I've ever had was when I hurt my left knee. I couldn't drive my jeep for a few weeks because of it but that's it.
10 years ago
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las.
Posts: 1959 - Karma: 1,455
Manual. Far safer, far more control over the car, and a lot more fun
10 years ago
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Plankton
Posts: 3226 - Karma: 6,840
CameraWizDepends where you live. My city is on a hill with very bad roads so an manual is hard to drive during the summer and next to impossible to drive during the winter.


sounds like you don't know how to drive
10 years ago
9 1
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dustygoldflakes
Posts: 484 - Karma: 700
fresh_princeget out

someone has an automatic...
10 years ago
6 0
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fresh_prince
Posts: 993 - Karma: 11,916
dustygoldflakessomeone has an automatic...


I ride a bike...
10 years ago
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dustygoldflakes
Posts: 484 - Karma: 700
fresh_princeI ride a bike...

so do I, what kind do you have?
10 years ago
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fresh_prince
Posts: 993 - Karma: 11,916
dustygoldflakesso do I, what kind do you have?


10 years ago
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fresh_prince
Posts: 993 - Karma: 11,916
dustygoldflakesso do I, what kind do you have?


10 years ago
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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
reason for the new car is I'm going to boulder and need it for the winter and what not as I'm getting instate before i go back to college. i don't wanna break the bank but at the same time its almost as if everywhere around me, i live in mt. washington vally in nh at the moment, is pretty pricey for manual cars which sucks.
10 years ago
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
I live in a hilly city and honestly a manual would be way better.

The manual I am driving now is getting older and the tranny is starting to go so I get stuck in a higher gear when I am trying to get up the hill and I have no power.

the other hand is when I get to the top of the hill it wont shift for a while.

modern automatics are nice but they can't anticipate different situations where a human would know "oh I better down shift now so I have the power in a second."
10 years ago
1 0
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iFlip
Posts: 4544 - Karma: 19,146
CameraWizDepends where you live. My city is on a hill with very bad roads so an manual is hard to drive during the summer and next to impossible to drive during the winter.


No, you just suck at driving.

I greatly prefer manuals. I like driving cars, not having the car do the driving. Manuals excel in winter conditions. It's just about impossible to rock an automatic back and forth to get it out of a snow bank or other obstacle. Also, with a manual you can control the acceleration much better than in an automatic. Plus, manuals are just plain more fun to drive.
10 years ago
3 1
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Tinga
Posts: 11349 - Karma: 2,333
TingaI live in a hilly city and honestly a manual would be way better.

The manual I am driving now is getting older and the tranny is starting to go so I get stuck in a higher gear when I am trying to get up the hill and I have no power.

the other hand is when I get to the top of the hill it wont shift for a while.

modern automatics are nice but they can't anticipate different situations where a human would know "oh I better down shift now so I have the power in a second."


*The Automatic i am driving now
10 years ago
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erikK
Posts: 3245 - Karma: 2,329
automatics are only a thing because of fucking fat lazy americans
10 years ago
4 2
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
I used to only drive manual transmission cars. Fun to drive. I bought an automatic because fuck traffic
10 years ago
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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
cobra_commanderI used to only drive manual transmission cars. Fun to drive. I bought an automatic because fuck traffic


would u say its worth it to just suck it up and go with an auto? or have fun with the manual in city conditions
10 years ago
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connory998
Posts: 1197 - Karma: 34
Current truck is manual, definitely going back to an automatic next time. Just not a big fan of a manual in a truck, definitely prefer manual in a small or sporty car. Ive driven a manual golf before & it was decently fun to drive even though its a small fuel sipper
10 years ago
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Casey
Posts: 8018 - Karma: 26,912
erikKautomatics are only a thing because of fucking fat lazy americans


Stupidest thing in this thread. The Audi tiptronic automatic transmission shifts gears faster than is physically possible for a human being to do. Work trucks are automatic because crews have a lot of other shit on their minds besides clutching and lining up gears, Especially commercial vehicles. I drive a 60,000 lb vactor truck for work every day and if it was a stick it would be such a ridiculous burden on the operator it is just simply not the industry standard. Allison makes military tank transmissions and puts them in big rigs, so in conclusion you have no idea what your talking about.
10 years ago
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Lemuel
Posts: 14544 - Karma: 11,157
Yes manuals are fun but don't get one because it's the cool thing to do. I enjoy driving the marina's shit truck around the boat yard (which is actually on a hill) and it's a ton of fun, mostly because you can't break it and it doesn't matter if you do. The hill starts are kinda intimidating at first.

I could see myself driving a stick as my every day vehicle because I don't live or drive in a city.
10 years ago
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270on420out
Posts: 7524 - Karma: 51,325
Trying to learn how to drive manual in my dad's 1991, rusted out, BMW. He said he would give it to me if I figured out how to drive it. The only problem is that it's been sitting in a wet garage for so long, that the clutch is basically useless.
10 years ago
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theBearJew
Posts: 10951 - Karma: 15,634
Im going to bump this thread in 10 years when everyone is driving AUTOMATIC cars. Automatic meaning they automatically drive themselves. Manual cars will become todays automatic car and become illegal.
10 years ago
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amo
Posts: 6709 - Karma: 1,248
ohmyglob8reason for the new car is I'm going to boulder and need it for the winter and what not as I'm getting instate before i go back to college. i don't wanna break the bank but at the same time its almost as if everywhere around me, i live in mt. washington vally in nh at the moment, is pretty pricey for manual cars which sucks.


I live in Boulder and currently drive a standard Volvo v50 and I love it. It's fun to drive, great in the snow, good gas milage, and a big bonus is my friends aren't constantly asking me to use my car (this will happen A LOT going to school in boulder) because they can't drive it. Coming out from NH I'd look into awd VWs, awd Subarus, awd Volvos. Honestly in an awd standard car you shouldn't have any problems in the winter.
10 years ago
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NMMedia
Posts: 982 - Karma: 1,700
CameraWizDepends where you live. My city is on a hill with very bad roads so an manual is hard to drive during the summer and next to impossible to drive during the winter.


Do you even hill start bruh? Haha first thing my parents made sure I could do when I learned to drive was start off on a steep ass hill without rolling back at all (they learned in England and this was a requirement as part of the test over there). Its all about clutch balance and the hand brake my friend. Not hard at all to start on any hill with no rollback once you figure it out, I'll teach you. Duluth is fun as hell with a stick shift
10 years ago
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