Why are executuive cars frequently automatic?
Discussion
I'm test driving a C-Class on Saturday (which I almost certainly cannot afford).
I've discovered many are automatic, which I thought was only more likely on E class and above,
but it got me thinking abouth the whole executive-automatic thing anyway...
Why are executive cars frequently automatic?
Does having a lot of money make you not want to change gear? Do executives not "enjoy" driving to
change gear when they want to instead of the car? Is not having the hard tiring physical effort of
moving a small lever a few cm a status symbol? I can't think of a good reason.
Michael.
I've discovered many are automatic, which I thought was only more likely on E class and above,
but it got me thinking abouth the whole executive-automatic thing anyway...
Why are executive cars frequently automatic?
Does having a lot of money make you not want to change gear? Do executives not "enjoy" driving to
change gear when they want to instead of the car? Is not having the hard tiring physical effort of
moving a small lever a few cm a status symbol? I can't think of a good reason.
Michael.
Edited by mej023 on Thursday 8th December 16:07
You'll get it when you hit 40. I've gone automatic in the last few years, most of my driving is urban and it makes life so much more pleasant.
I would never have thought it would happen to me, I used to love manuals and couldn't ever see myself wanting automatic. Now, I'll never go back. It's just my first toenail in the grave.
I would never have thought it would happen to me, I used to love manuals and couldn't ever see myself wanting automatic. Now, I'll never go back. It's just my first toenail in the grave.
Most the time people are driving these cars it's going to be in rush hour and in heavy traffic.
The auto box just makes it easier. (other opinions exist
)
Also, I'm guessing that as they are often company cars, an auto box is less likely to get damaged compared to some mupped grinding gears or choosing the wrong gear – so it's a safer bet from the company accountant point of view.
The auto box just makes it easier. (other opinions exist
)Also, I'm guessing that as they are often company cars, an auto box is less likely to get damaged compared to some mupped grinding gears or choosing the wrong gear – so it's a safer bet from the company accountant point of view.
Why are all Ferraris and many supercars auto? Progress innit.
Autos aren't all bad - the auto on my BM rarely puts a cog wrong. If it does (slight hesitation in full kickdown for example) I use the flappy paddles. A good auto allows you to concentrate on steering, braking and accelerating. A bad auto allows you more time to blow your top in frustration!
Autos aren't all bad - the auto on my BM rarely puts a cog wrong. If it does (slight hesitation in full kickdown for example) I use the flappy paddles. A good auto allows you to concentrate on steering, braking and accelerating. A bad auto allows you more time to blow your top in frustration!
I've just got a 320d Auto, and it's so much nicer for simply 'travelling' in than a manual.
I'm only 32, and think from now on there's a good chance all my 'daily' drivers will be auto/dsg/dct etc.
(On the other hand, the same week I got the 320d, I also picked up an Elise. THAT'S what I'll get my 'driving' pleasure from. )
I'm only 32, and think from now on there's a good chance all my 'daily' drivers will be auto/dsg/dct etc.
(On the other hand, the same week I got the 320d, I also picked up an Elise. THAT'S what I'll get my 'driving' pleasure from.
)
NavSat said:
More to the point, why are test driving a car you can't afford? Just curious!
I could afford it if I really really really wanted to. I'm kinda picky about cars and it's one ofa shortlist of only 4, so I at least want to know if I can continue to dream/save for another couple
of years, or just focus on something slightly more realistic. It is a cracking looking car.
(If anyone's interested, the other 3 cars on the shortlist are a Mazda 6 (probably won't fit in
my garage), Lexus IS and Subaru Legacy).
Michael.
The manual-transmission purists normally harp on about how it gives you control and full feel of the car. In a Focus RS this makes sense, in a Rover 75 like i own for commuting it doesnt. Putting a manual in a barging commute hack just gives you extra work, how much fun and 'feel for the car' could you really get plodding through traffic?
Vladimir said:
A bad auto allows you more time to blow your top in frustration!
I have to say I've yet to drive a good auto. Perhaps the Merc will change my mind.Evrything auto I've driven before has never changed gear when I thought it should. - although maybe
that's an indication that it knows better and I know nothing about when to change up....
mej023 said:
I have to say I've yet to drive a good auto. Perhaps the Merc will change my mind.
Evrything auto I've driven before has never changed gear when I thought it should. - although maybe
that's an indication that it knows better and I know nothing about when to change up....
Sounds like the common denominator is the squishy bit behind the wheel.Evrything auto I've driven before has never changed gear when I thought it should. - although maybe
that's an indication that it knows better and I know nothing about when to change up....
mej023 said:
I guess I've yet to discover this for myself then.. I'm 38 so seems I'm gonna find out sooner rather than later.
But yeah, I was serious with the question. I've never seen the appeal, unless all
of my driving was spent in stop-start traffic.
I went dual clutch SA at 39, best of both worlds, no more riding the clutch in traffic or having to worry about it when tired and flappy paddles for when i want to playBut yeah, I was serious with the question. I've never seen the appeal, unless all
of my driving was spent in stop-start traffic.
I wouldn't go back to a pudding stirrer if you paid me, and beside dual clutch is faster and more economical, lift off to change gear?? cant change gear on a corner flat out??
Oh and very few top end sports cars are manual now either
mej023 said:
I have to say I've yet to drive a good auto. Perhaps the Merc will change my mind.
Evrything auto I've driven before has never changed gear when I thought it should. - although maybe
that's an indication that it knows better and I know nothing about when to change up....
There aren't many good ones around (and not many good diesels either) but a decent ZF box is a very useful thing indeed.Evrything auto I've driven before has never changed gear when I thought it should. - although maybe
that's an indication that it knows better and I know nothing about when to change up....
I'm not keen on Merc autos.
As mentioned, executive cars are all about the comfort and luxury. Auto boxes add to that remit.
My cousin worked for Merc and had an E Class Avant Guard auto as his company hack. I absolutely loved it, so classy and comfortable and the auto box made it that much more pleasant to be in. As much as I enjoy my more sporty manual Beemer for fun, I'd have an auto Merc in the garage if I cold afford one for those exective long distance power meetings up the motorway. (Well trips to Little Chef anyway.)
My cousin worked for Merc and had an E Class Avant Guard auto as his company hack. I absolutely loved it, so classy and comfortable and the auto box made it that much more pleasant to be in. As much as I enjoy my more sporty manual Beemer for fun, I'd have an auto Merc in the garage if I cold afford one for those exective long distance power meetings up the motorway. (Well trips to Little Chef anyway.)
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