I took driver's ed in the 1990s and they did not teach manual transmissions.
I took driver's ed in the 1970s and they did not teach manual transmissions. Many year earlier (1940s? 50s?), New Jersey had manual/automatic indications on their drivers licenses. If you took the driving test in an automatic, you could only legally drive automatics.
Kids these days are lazy and don't even want sticks.
I used to own many stick shift cars but in the '80's I decided to do very long driving vacations once a year. At that time the only way to get cruise control was with an automatic, so I bought an '86 Mustang GT 4-speed auto with cruise.
This was likely a package limitation. My 1987 Audi 4000 quattro (available since 1984) had cruise control (vacuum servo system) and it was only available with a 5-speed manual. If you wanted all wheel drive in an Audi, your only choice was a 5-speed until the early 90s. Even then it was limited to the bigger, more expensive, models.
Speaking of package limitations, many cars today force you to get an automatic if you want anything above the stripper basic model. Its very annoying.
I used to own many stick shift cars but in the '80's I decided to do very long driving vacations once a year. At that time the only way to get cruise control was with an automatic, so I bought an '86 Mustang GT 4-speed auto with cruise.
This was likely a package limitation. My 1987 Audi 4000 quattro (available since 1984) had cruise control (vacuum servo system) and it was only available with a 5-speed manual. If you wanted all wheel drive in an Audi, your only choice was a 5-speed until the early 90s. Even then it was limited to the bigger, more expensive, models.
Speaking of package limitations, many cars today force you to get an automatic if you want anything above the stripper basic model. Its very annoying.
I noticed that a few years ago when looking at cars, Mainly pickup trucks that any of the V8 models were Automatic only.
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.
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.
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 that's a stick. It's a fun little car with the optional 2.5l engine. Paddle shifters are nowhere near the same kind of fun.
Sedan or hatch?
Sedan. I bought it at the end of the model year and didn't have much choice, but I did get a good price. Besides, I'm too old to drive a hatchback, although this car was meant for my daughter.
I have a 2010 Mazda 3 that's a stick. It's a fun little car with the optional 2.5l engine. Paddle shifters are nowhere near the same kind of fun.
Sedan or hatch?
Sedan. I bought it at the end of the model year and didn't have much choice, but I did get a good price. Besides, I'm too old to drive a hatchback, although this car was meant for my daughter.
HA! You are never too old for a sporty hatch, I got an '11 2.5, celestial blue. Hatch and BRIGHT.
Yeah they are, love what Mazda has done the past 10 years. The new 6 is REALLY nice and I am not a fan of pure sedans. What I love with the hatch is the versatility.. easily fits my bike or flagging/camping gear with room to spare.
I agree, Mazda has done some good things over the last few years. This is the first one I've owned and I really like it. I like hatchbacks, but I see too many young people with them in this area. Maybe in a nicer warm area where the versatility comes in handy for the biking and camping gear it makes sense. In cold-ass gray dreary Chicago, I don't think it fits my age.
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.
So a Ferrari 458 is not a proper sports car?
I have always figured Ferraris were classed as Super Cars. Though maybe that is not a true separate classification.
A super car would be a very high-end sports car (both in price, performance and availability). I would not classify all Ferrari's as super cars - the F40 was a Ferrari super car...
I also would not call the Ferrari paddle shifter an 'automatic' as NOC suggests - more based on the F1 tranny where the traditional clutch is activated via hydraulics.
The sunroof I like. That's one of my requirements. Leather, power seats, sunroof, satellite radio and power windows and mirrors. I prefer automatic climate control too The car has all of these, so I do enjoy it.
The sunroof I like. That's one of my requirements. Leather, power seats, sunroof, satellite radio and power windows and mirrors. I prefer automatic climate control too The car has all of these, so I do enjoy it.
I didn't get the leather goodies... my active lifestyle would not have been good for it.
Loved it today.. mid 60's, beautiful sunny skies, sunroof open, windows down, music blasting... even got to play a bit. Shame I live in an area with nothin but 45's, 2nd gear at 5K RPM is all that is needed.
I have a 05 Focus ST with a 5 speed. It's cheap but a blast to drive. It wouldn't be the same with an automatic. This topic came to mind when this came up on drive today.