Talk > Automotive Social > why would you want a stick shift?

reply to aurgathor

Re: why would you want a stick shift?

reply to aurgathor
The only type of car I truly enjoy or would buy if all options were available to me is a high-performance 2 or 4 door sedan with a V8. Now if I was still young and where I drove there was seldom heavy traffic and plenty of winding roads a manual would be fine. But...none of those conditions exist so the auto is a must. Easing the transition from manual to auto is that the top automatic shifters are so much more efficient and in some models actually quicker than the manual makes it even better.

But we're all different and for car lovers you've got to love what you drive so go for whatever you love and don't let any other considerations, good or bad, change your mind!
--
The signal is usually drowned out by the noise.

reply to aurgathor
I like manual because it is part of the experience of controlling and enjoying driving. I like to feel the road through the seat, feedback from steering and braking.
I'd bet if a car company built a bare bones, high horsepower vehicle without the bells and whistles they couldn't build them fast enough for demand.

I have always preferred manual for the performance. But in big city stop and go driving it pretty much has lost its appeal. The new manual/autos are looking promising though for performance ans ease.

reply to aurgathor
It used to be that a stick cost less and got better gas mileage than an automatic. But now the manufacturers charge the same and the automatic transmissions are just as efficient. (At least this applies to my car.)

So the only real reason to get a stick is that it's easier to drive in the snow. The downside is that it's a pain in the neck leg when driving in stop and go traffic.

I would have liked to get a stick for my car, but the dealer said they only see about 2 manual transmission cars per year. So I'd probably have to wait months to get it, with no guarantee of getting it even them.

Actually, with some cars stick still costs a little less.

And I've actually seen at least one car where the base models with AT were more expensive, but there were no difference in case of the upscale model.

In my case, the vehicle I drive wasn't even available with stick shift (for that particular engine, a 351W), although in theory I can get a 5 speed tranny and other needed parts out of a F250/F350 and install it myself.

Lastly, I agree on stop-and-go traffic. It really sucks, even with AT.
--
Wacky Races 2012!

reply to CylonRed

reply to Goober

reply to aurgathor
I took driver's ed in the 1990s and they did not teach manual transmissions. you learned on an automatic. the US has always been a more favorable automatic transmission market than Europe. I do agree with a previous poster about a stick being a better manual experience than paddle shifters.

Though I doubt you will ever see F1 or Indy Car go back to a traditional clutch and stick. I am honestly surprised that NASCAR is still clutch and stick.
--
[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports

When I was a kid far more cars were sold with manuals - auto's were fairly rare and limited to luxury cars (Cadi's) because they were more expensive. This was in the late 60's (and before) to mid to late 70's (even going to the 80's). It has been very recently that automatics were went the way of the manual... I took drivers ed in 83 or so - and they taught a manual.
--
Brian

"It drops into your stomach like a Abrams's tank.... driven by Rosanne Barr..." A. Bourdain

reply to Kearnstd

reply to Bob Anderson

reply to I AM

reply to aurgathor
I like my sequential, in Atlanta traffic I really don't want a clutch.

reply to CGMason14

I can see why in big trucks. It could be a pain. But in sportier cars you have to HAVE to have a manual. It should be a MAN LAW. If you don't know how to drive a manual you should have your MAN CARD revoked.

I do not think being able to drive manual makes anybody more manly though.

However... If someone buys a sports car with an automatic they should have their man card revoked. A proper sports car is manually shifted with a stick.
--
[65 Arcanist]Filan(High Elf) Zone: Broadband Reports

reply to Kearnstd