Manual over an auto?
Discussion
In a couple of threads I've contributed to lately, I've noticed that people consider an auto over a manual regardless of the type of car, it's chosen because of the miles driven.
I do a lot of miles a year, as many through enjoyment when I'm at home, in cars which can hardly be described as comfortable, as I do for my job.
My company car is a manual Hilux, it arrived in January and since then I've already racked up 22k klms. I've never once thought I wish it was an auto. The klms are varied too, between town, city, back roads and motorways. I do like the cruise control on the boring long drives and this is far more important to me than an auto box and no clutch.
I would only consider an auto if it was the right type of car. I think my Merc suits the auto, and wouldn't feel right to drive in manual, as I consider most barges. The driving position wouldn't suit it. My old BMW 7 and XJ6 wouldn't have suited a manual.
I'm interested in what other peoples opinions are with driving manuals and autos, and what are the factors which would make them chose one above the other.
I never get tired of having to change gear.
(edited due to my usual poor typing skills)
I do a lot of miles a year, as many through enjoyment when I'm at home, in cars which can hardly be described as comfortable, as I do for my job.
My company car is a manual Hilux, it arrived in January and since then I've already racked up 22k klms. I've never once thought I wish it was an auto. The klms are varied too, between town, city, back roads and motorways. I do like the cruise control on the boring long drives and this is far more important to me than an auto box and no clutch.
I would only consider an auto if it was the right type of car. I think my Merc suits the auto, and wouldn't feel right to drive in manual, as I consider most barges. The driving position wouldn't suit it. My old BMW 7 and XJ6 wouldn't have suited a manual.
I'm interested in what other peoples opinions are with driving manuals and autos, and what are the factors which would make them chose one above the other.
I never get tired of having to change gear.
(edited due to my usual poor typing skills)
Edited by deltashad on Sunday 29th September 22:27
Snowboy said:
My Discovery is an auto.
The Disco is a 'working' car and it doesn't get driven for fun.
My Jeep and Audi are both manual.
I would never buy an auto for a fun car.
It's a mistake I made once before - and never again.
I liked using the paddles, I think in the right car with the right engine an auto with paddles would be great fun!The Disco is a 'working' car and it doesn't get driven for fun.
My Jeep and Audi are both manual.
I would never buy an auto for a fun car.
It's a mistake I made once before - and never again.
Our semi "fun" car is auto (335d) and our not fun (for driving) camper is manual (many choose DSG).
The 335d is auto only but suits the car anyway, I don't like the DSG box in the VW California/T5.
I chose on merit; sometimes auto is best, sometimes manual suits best. I'm still not convinced by "semi autos" though.
The 335d is auto only but suits the car anyway, I don't like the DSG box in the VW California/T5.
I chose on merit; sometimes auto is best, sometimes manual suits best. I'm still not convinced by "semi autos" though.
kambites said:
Modern automatics, both in clutched and torque converter form, are very good... but I wouldn't want one in a fun car.
I know it's down to the personal preference but what would you define as a fun car?IMO something like an Elise, S2000, Boxster etc are fun cars that should only be a manual but I reckon my 3 series would be more fun with the 8 speed auto with paddles.
kambites said:
Urban Sports said:
I know it's down to the personal preference but what would you define as a fun car?
Sorry I wasn't clear. I meant a car that I was buying predominantly for fun rather than as a means of transport. What I'm saying is I reckon you're right but after driving the latest BMW auto I think it can enhance the fun in a certain type of car.
Urban Sports said:
I liked using the paddles, I think in the right car with the right engine an auto with paddles would be great fun!
The novelty of the paddles wore off quickly.Besides, without a clutch and without rev matching the gear change just isn't fun - it's about as involving as clicking an xbox controller.
Urban Sports said:
What I'm saying is I reckon you're right but after driving the latest BMW auto I think it can enhance the fun in a certain type of car.
Each to their own I suppose. I find the 8-speed ZF unit (it's not actually a BMW 'box, it's bought in) deeply impressive but I don't find it fun. I like autos, but I love manuals, not ruling out an auto at some point but the pleasure from a good manual is very tactile, I think autos are generally for high mileage drivers or people who don't like, are lazy, or aren't very good/cant at drive a manual, or for cars where the manual option devalues the car or is crap.
However, would rather have a good auto over a bad manual, my last Saab, had a horrendous change and would have really suited a nice auto, there was no pleasure from changing gear.
However, would rather have a good auto over a bad manual, my last Saab, had a horrendous change and would have really suited a nice auto, there was no pleasure from changing gear.
For any A to B road car I'd go proper slush box auto.
Sports car for track manual. New fangled paddle auto sort of stuffs probably quicker but using a manual on track, heel and toe etc is a skill I have learnt and take pleasure in performing, knowing its me getting it right not the car.
Sports car for track manual. New fangled paddle auto sort of stuffs probably quicker but using a manual on track, heel and toe etc is a skill I have learnt and take pleasure in performing, knowing its me getting it right not the car.
kambites said:
Urban Sports said:
What I'm saying is I reckon you're right but after driving the latest BMW auto I think it can enhance the fun in a certain type of car.
Each to their own I suppose. I find the 8-speed ZF unit (it's not actually a BMW 'box, it's bought in) deeply impressive but I don't find it fun. 
I was dubious about getting a PDK Porsche but now I've experienced it, it is actually very good.
4.3 seconds to 62mph (Porsche figures) with Launch Control is hilarious and driven as a semi-auto is involving enough to feel at one with the car.
My wife's Cooper S is manual however and that's as it should be - far more fun that way in that car.
4.3 seconds to 62mph (Porsche figures) with Launch Control is hilarious and driven as a semi-auto is involving enough to feel at one with the car.
My wife's Cooper S is manual however and that's as it should be - far more fun that way in that car.
My own daily smoker is a dim witted 4 speed Saab auto. It's competent enough for daily driving but trying to 'make progress' is not much fun.
I remember trying a tiptronic 996 a few years back and wasn't overly impressed with it either. The steering wheel buttons were fiddly and counter intuitive IMHO.
I would like to get a go with some of the latest paddle shift boxes as a comparison.
I remember trying a tiptronic 996 a few years back and wasn't overly impressed with it either. The steering wheel buttons were fiddly and counter intuitive IMHO.
I would like to get a go with some of the latest paddle shift boxes as a comparison.
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