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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
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mike759
Posts: 887 - Karma: 1,989
get manual especially for XC because it has better mileage, and if it does break, a clutch is less expensive to fix than automatic transmission
10 years ago
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
mike759get manual especially for XC because it has better mileage


This is no longer true.
10 years ago
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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
narrowed it down to a 2012 vw golf auto, or a ford focus S manual.
10 years ago
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theabortionator
Posts: 52650 - Karma: 174,890
Manual. The ONLY time I don't prefer it is in traffic jams, which I'm not involved in very often so not a big deal. I've got ginormous legs, and rocking a standard in traffic kills me. I've had to stick my legs out the door and stretch when stuck in long traffic jams.

It's great to have that control of your car. It's fucking AWESOME for driving in shitty weather. Really the only way to go imo.
10 years ago
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msg
Posts: 1108 - Karma: 3,269
No one mentioned the ability to clutch start??
10 years ago
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987321654hgfd
Posts: 5133 - Karma: 5,449
stucciNo one mentioned the ability to clutch start??


I have a new fiesta st with push to start. There goes my ability to push start it.
10 years ago
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
stucciNo one mentioned the ability to clutch start??


I did.
10 years ago
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dingus
Posts: 1328 - Karma: 7,879
I would choose a manual over an automatic 99% of the time. When driving a manual, you're actually driving the car, when driving an automatic you're just riding in it. IMO. The only cars I would want in an automatic is either an SUV, or a super super fast car like a Koenigsegg. Most of my friends drive manuals, the ones that are into cars, except for one, he drives a 2013 Subaru Impreza Sport, that sport title is misleading, it's got a 2.0i na and has a CVT, and he acts like he is some speed racer. Anyways MANUALS>AUTOMATIC
10 years ago
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OregonDead
Posts: 7082 - Karma: 26,677
Automatics are getting really good actually too good for me to want ever want a stick shift again. This is especially true with new 4 wheel drive vehicles. I don't care how good you are there is no way you can get the subtle low low end that you can with a automatic. If I get stuck in the mud or snow where I know too much power will dig me in then the last thing I want is to have to gas it just to get into gear. With an automatic a lot of the time I can even get purchase and forward motion just by shifting into gear without even touching the gas.
10 years ago
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FastSpeed
Posts: 646 - Karma: 645
I love driving manual. That being said driving a SUV ski bum car automatic is just easy not having you worry about shifting in bad road conditions. But manual all they way a time else.
10 years ago
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dingus
Posts: 1328 - Karma: 7,879
OregonDeadAutomatics are getting really good actually too good for me to want ever want a stick shift again. This is especially true with new 4 wheel drive vehicles. I don't care how good you are there is no way you can get the subtle low low end that you can with a automatic. If I get stuck in the mud or snow where I know too much power will dig me in then the last thing I want is to have to gas it just to get into gear. With an automatic a lot of the time I can even get purchase and forward motion just by shifting into gear without even touching the gas.


Not saying this is you, I agree with the off road section, but I'm just adding on kind of, but It pisses me off when people say they get an automatic car because of the dual clutch, like the VW GTI, yeah the dual clutch shifts faster, and has a faster 0-60 and quarter mile time, but the whole point of a manual is to drive the whole car. Automatics may have their advantages but a stick will always have it's place in my heart.
10 years ago
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
OregonDeadAutomatics are getting really good actually too good for me to want ever want a stick shift again. This is especially true with new 4 wheel drive vehicles. I don't care how good you are there is no way you can get the subtle low low end that you can with a automatic. If I get stuck in the mud or snow where I know too much power will dig me in then the last thing I want is to have to gas it just to get into gear. With an automatic a lot of the time I can even get purchase and forward motion just by shifting into gear without even touching the gas.


sounds like you don't have very good foot control. Granted I've never driven any high-end automatics, but I've driven a fair number of automatics and none have been able to give the low end control I can get with a manual. I've been stuck in snow in both too and manual transmission is way easier to get just the right power on the tires to not have them spin, where (at least in the car I was stuck in) it was far less controlled and easier to spin with the automatic. I mean you might ride the clutch a bit on occasion to get unstuck, but a clutch plate will still last easily over 250,000km and only costs about 100 bucks for a new one.
10 years ago
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
although there are some excellent low-end advantages to some automatics. My dad has a 95 Volvo 960 (I think 960) and it's able to start towing a 2-3 ton load on a hill absolutely no problems at all. Something that's you'd be burning your clutch pretty bad to do in a manual. He's been able to tow 11,000 pounds with it no problems. Thing is a beast.
10 years ago
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cobra_commander
Posts: 16909 - Karma: 4,681
The reality is that very few drivers can even come close to keepi g up with a modern, high end automatic transmission. I still love driving a manual. If you are after performance however, often the automatic will be quicker and more efficient.
10 years ago
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Malcolm
Posts: 15953 - Karma: 9,501
You can't have a ski pole stick shift with an automatic car. For that reason alone manual is the clear winner.
10 years ago
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.lencon
Posts: 6753 - Karma: 17,196
I drive an auto. But that's because that's what my parents got me. I drove a manual car for like a week 2 years ago but haven't since, so I'm not sure what would happen if I drove one today.

One plus about auto is I can get special treatment from women without moving my arms and legs lol
10 years ago
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UphillIce
Posts: 123 - Karma: 138
VinnieFnah 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


I mostly agree. I've had both.

The fuel efficiency thing is going away now. Some autos (esp. autos with large number of gears or CVTs) are now more fuel efficient than manuals.

For me it comes down to where I live and who might need to drive it. If I'm driving in traffic a lot, automatic. If not, manual unless I'm going to need someone else to drive it frequently who might not know how.
10 years ago
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taj.
Posts: 397 - Karma: 1,059
ya know...there are these little numbers on an auto car that, believe or not, shift into a lower gear for hills and icy/snowy conditions, right?

I drive an automatic only because the car I bought was never sold anywhere in the world with a manual trans. But I can eventually (if I ever have the money and resources) put a mustang t5 trans in with almost no custom fabrication
10 years ago
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IncognitoXL
Posts: 68 - Karma: -31
Manual is fun but sometimes its tiring and annoying.
In cars like an m3 or m5 u really want a manual.
On the other hand id take an tiptronic porsche turbo or cayenne turbo bc the shifting in auto is faster than is physically possible with a pro driver shifting in manual.


Really fast autos are so easy to get away from whoever. Like in a porsche turbo ur at 100 in like 7 sec or something. Try doing that in a manual.... Ud be lucky to crack 9 unless ur seriously good at power shifting
10 years ago
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Jane6
Posts: 5359 - Karma: 4,506
the only time I really enjoy driving an automatic is when Im stuck in traffic or driving dowtown. A few weeks ago when I was driving through Europe we got stuck in traffic a lot since every german highway was getting road construction, and jesus christ, going between 10-30 km/h for 1 and a half hours with a manual sucked so much ass, I never wanted to get into a car ever again. I legit got muscle pains in my right arm haha (inb4 inappropriate joke).


But besides that bullshit I enjoy driving a manual shift way more, just pushing gas or brake is boring, plus I always find myself speeding after driving an automatic for a few hours.
10 years ago
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AT-AT
Posts: 3281 - Karma: 3,258
My first car was a manual and now my second is an automatic. I love my current car but I miss manual so much. It made driving more interactive and much more fun. I felt like i had more control over the car as well.
10 years ago
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Yaraelpoof.png
Posts: 1556 - Karma: 6,418
.Hugo.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


That said I still feel emasculated because I can't drive manual.
10 years ago
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grilled_steeze
Posts: 422 - Karma: 1,448
manual all the way. much better in snow, and if you have anything like a Subie, shifting even in a standard impreza makes you feel like a WRX rally-racer god. Manual transmission cars are just more solid, you'll pull more miles out of it.
10 years ago
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SurfaceHoar
Posts: 311 - Karma: 240
My A4 is a manual, my tundra is an auto.

I like to drive so I prefer the standard, but the automatic is easier, more comfortable and performs better.
10 years ago
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ABalls
Posts: 2091 - Karma: 3,754
-fun
-most cant drive it so less likely to get stolen
-once you get down clutch timing youre golden
10 years ago
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ohmyglob8
Posts: 416 - Karma: 1,408
since I've made this post i ended up buying a VW golf mk6 or 7 i think, don't quote me on that, but its automatic which was a big bummer but it has tiptronic and i honestly use that more often than i do the regular drive or sport mode. Thing has some power but i really do miss roasting tired or drifting in a solid manual built car.
10 years ago
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ChoomaChad
Posts: 194 - Karma: 669
My old Subie doesn't have cruise control (that works) , but other than that I love manual. Adds to the driving experience.
10 years ago
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iH8pow
Posts: 1900 - Karma: 8,591
I mean, yes a manual is more fun with a sports car but everyone has to start somewhere.

My Acura is a 6MT, truck is an automatic. If you know how to drive stick, you will absolutely hate automatic transmissions. When you come up to a light you suspect will turn yellow, you have your hand on the shifter ready downshift and go if it does turn yellow. An automatic, you have to push down the accelerator, car takes a second to decide it should downshift, blah... and for the mountains, I feel like a manual is an absolute must. You keep the car in the right gear, you can feel which gear is appropriate, and you can coast down for max MPG's.

And there are the paddle shifters. Thing is, not all paddle shifters are created equal. A lot these days are for people who want to feel "sporty" but really couldn't give a fuck and they don't have to put a lot of effort into actually making it effective, a lot of cars are just going for the "ooh I have paddle shifters and a push button start, this car is basically a Ferrari..."

Paddle shifters in a GT-R: good
Paddle shifters in an E350: shitty

I agree, driving a manual makes you focus on the road more. Less eating while driving, more paying attention.

I felt my need to chime in IDK why because a lot of people have said good stuff
10 years ago
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MLB
Posts: 4462 - Karma: 298
Manual....manual for life. You just have more control. Heel rev matching while braking, clutch kicking, and clutch feel for grip are all things you lose with the auto. Also the strongest trannies ever built out there are still manuals. They are faster and cheaper to repair also more reliable. If you lose a first gear in your tranny you can still limp home in second. To me it's just part of having an active role in your driving instead on getting in your car turning the tunes up and zoning out.
10 years ago
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taj.
Posts: 397 - Karma: 1,059
CoreyTrevorand you can coast down for max MPG's.


Not at all, and is plain unsafe to do. 2015 and people still don't understand this..
10 years ago
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SamMcChesney
Posts: 2905 - Karma: 2,199
Manual. I look forward to driving my car everyday. The combination of almost 400awhp and a quick smooth 6 speed gearbox is a full body engagement that never gets old.
10 years ago
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DominatorJacques
Posts: 11247 - Karma: 76,550
ohmyglob8which 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?


That's a no brainer. Standard always.

You said it "i don't want a car that would break down"

Auto can last though as long as it is well serviced and never overheated. Problem is most don't do the service and then thrash them.
10 years ago
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deleted5
Posts: 14507 - Karma: 13,510
I don't drive a front wheel drive car so it may be different. But to me it's all really the same, some time driving stick is fun other times in traffic I wish it was automatic. Its just if you drive one you can make yourself feel superior by saying I can move a knob around better than you while driving.
10 years ago
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corona
Posts: 12845 - Karma: 33,290
taj.Not at all, and is plain unsafe to do. 2015 and people still don't understand this..


yup, crazy that people don't understand how a throttle works. idling your car uses the same amount of fuel as going down a hill with your foot off the gas.
10 years ago
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iH8pow
Posts: 1900 - Karma: 8,591
VinnieFyup, crazy that people don't understand how a throttle works. idling your car uses the same amount of fuel as going down a hill with your foot off the gas.


Right, but when you're coming up to a section of the road where it flattens out, being in gear scrubs speed and then you have to get on the gas sooner. IDK, my friends who have automatics say they get like 22MPG driving around town, and like 19 when going to the mountains. For me, I get 25-30 generally, and pure mountain driving I get like 36.

Unsafe? Sure, except vs an automatic it is a lot easier to be in the best gear for engine braking. I/people do still use the engine brake, but like I said when you're coming down that last bit of hill before it flattens out a bit you put in the clutch/neutral and hold your speed a lot longer.
10 years ago
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Titus69
Posts: 9332 - Karma: 17,963
I wish I had a manual I almost got one but the car I bought is rust free. I hate 4 speed autos especially with less than 150hp on the highway it sucks having to accelerate uphill. I've only driven stick a handful of times and it was a blast. It teaches kids who know nothing how to properly drive their cars. Next car I'm getting is manual for sure.
10 years ago
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taj.
Posts: 397 - Karma: 1,059
VinnieFyup, crazy that people don't understand how a throttle works. idling your car uses the same amount of fuel as going down a hill with your foot off the gas.


Unless you drive a carb motor, which probably no one here does daily, it uses zero fuel when off the throttle. Most cars above a certain RPM cut injectors and the motor is literally run off inertia from the drivetrain and vacuum from the motor

CoreyTrevorRight, but when you're coming up to a section of the road where it flattens out, being in gear scrubs speed and then you have to get on the gas sooner. IDK, my friends who have automatics say they get like 22MPG driving around town, and like 19 when going to the mountains. For me, I get 25-30 generally, and pure mountain driving I get like 36.

Unsafe? Sure, except vs an automatic it is a lot easier to be in the best gear for engine braking. I/people do still use the engine brake, but like I said when you're coming down that last bit of hill before it flattens out a bit you put in the clutch/neutral and hold your speed a lot longer.


You're talking MPG's on different cars which can't really be compared. But yeah, manuals (especially older cars) generally do get better gas mileage.

One thing I hate about my auto is it keeps rpm too low going up mountain passes, which can actually use more fuel and put more strain on my motor and drivetrain on this old turbo car. Then again it does need a retune for how little air is out here, so off-boost it's getting too much fuel for it's own good.
10 years ago
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