Manual Vs Automatic??
Discussion
mholt1995 said:
To add my own opinion, I've been driving manuals since I started to learn to drive (so about 6 years now) and drove an automatic for the first time today (Q5 2.0TFSI whilst my A4 is in for warranty work).
Safe to say my next car will be an automatic! It's ever so relaxed to waft about town in D and the engine (250bhp) makes it an engaging enough drive without having to add a manual gearshift into the mix. I also wasn't sure how maneuvers were going to work as I'm partial to riding the clutch whilst parking but the little push it gives you when you take your foot off the brake eased my mind completely.
Lovely stuff!
We'll call this one a win for the Audi garage you go to will we? Safe to say my next car will be an automatic! It's ever so relaxed to waft about town in D and the engine (250bhp) makes it an engaging enough drive without having to add a manual gearshift into the mix. I also wasn't sure how maneuvers were going to work as I'm partial to riding the clutch whilst parking but the little push it gives you when you take your foot off the brake eased my mind completely.
Lovely stuff!
Personally, I'm not all that fussy. I don't find changing gear to be life changing or life ruining and I can have fun in both. Depends on the car and the application, I guess.
FN2TypeR said:
We'll call this one a win for the Audi garage you go to will we?
Certainly! They were pretty helpful too when I took the car in a week into ownership (before the speakers had bedded in properly) cautious that there was an issue with the speakers. They didn't treat me like the knob I must have come across as! Salesman came out with me, explained that they take a few weeks to bed in properly and the difference will be staggering. It was!Whilst I definitely am noticing the difference of a 2.0 TFSI DSG with 250bhp vs my 1.4TFSI (currently without a functioning turbo) manual with 150bhp (again, probably closer to 100 right now), I'm definitely noticing the difference of the stock sound system in the Q5 vs the B&O i specced in the A4, will make going back to it a lot less painful.
mholt1995 said:
FN2TypeR said:
We'll call this one a win for the Audi garage you go to will we?
Certainly! They were pretty helpful too when I took the car in a week into ownership (before the speakers had bedded in properly) cautious that there was an issue with the speakers. They didn't treat me like the knob I must have come across as! Salesman came out with me, explained that they take a few weeks to bed in properly and the difference will be staggering. It was!Whilst I definitely am noticing the difference of a 2.0 TFSI DSG with 250bhp vs my 1.4TFSI (currently without a functioning turbo) manual with 150bhp (again, probably closer to 100 right now), I'm definitely noticing the difference of the stock sound system in the Q5 vs the B&O i specced in the A4, will make going back to it a lot less painful.
blearyeyedboy said:
Hi Frank.
Fair play for articulating why you don't like driving if you don't have to, and why automatics make a lot of sense when cars are viewed as appliances of necessity. I doubt I'd get excited about lawnmowers, or washing machines, for example.
However, understand that because nearly everyone on PistonHeads *is* a car enthusiast, most replies in this topic will be from people who view cars and their gearboxes as topics they're enthusiastic about. Replies may not be reflective of the general population.
Though I am an enthusiast, the gearbox in my Skoda (manual) was chosen because I plan to keep it for a while and I don't trust the longevity of VW's DSG gearbox. I enjoy driving it, but it's the estate car my wife and baby sit in and my enthusiasm was a long way down the list of priorities when I went shopping for a car.
If I ever get our garage empty enough to house the two-seater car I'd like when our family's not the major concern, the gearbox will become a major talking point along the lines of this thread.
Hi b.e.bFair play for articulating why you don't like driving if you don't have to, and why automatics make a lot of sense when cars are viewed as appliances of necessity. I doubt I'd get excited about lawnmowers, or washing machines, for example.
However, understand that because nearly everyone on PistonHeads *is* a car enthusiast, most replies in this topic will be from people who view cars and their gearboxes as topics they're enthusiastic about. Replies may not be reflective of the general population.
Though I am an enthusiast, the gearbox in my Skoda (manual) was chosen because I plan to keep it for a while and I don't trust the longevity of VW's DSG gearbox. I enjoy driving it, but it's the estate car my wife and baby sit in and my enthusiasm was a long way down the list of priorities when I went shopping for a car.
If I ever get our garage empty enough to house the two-seater car I'd like when our family's not the major concern, the gearbox will become a major talking point along the lines of this thread.
Edited by blearyeyedboy on Sunday 22 April 11:41
Thanks for being so intelligent and adult in understanding my view on this, I’ve had PHers in the past who’ve suggested that I should be committed to the funny farm.
Long may you enjoy shifting the stick in your Skoda, and don’t let that ankle-biter grizzle that he/she doesn’t want to use the kiddie seat.
I’ll carry on avoiding the seat that’s close to the steering wheel, and if I can’t, then I’ll just select D, and nudge the gas, applying more pressure gradually.
Ive driven nothing but autos for the last 11 years and Ive just sold an auto BMW E39 528 with the M sport kit and shortened gearing option fitted, replacing it with a manual 2017 Astra RSV (Astra sri 200 bhp in the uk?).
It was only bought as a stop gap until my auto Mustang turns up next year and the manual was a chunk cheaper than an auto. I was dreading it a bit to be honest near to pick up due to the manual bit and i do a lot of motorway in traffic driving - im loving it. I feel re-engaged with driving, thinking about how im driving once again and feel involved.
Admittedly the 2017 Astra is 200 kg lighter than the 1999 528 and weirdly has almost exactly the same bhp and torque figures (amazing how far cars have come) but its only enjoyable as the astra is light and has some punch - not lotus light and amg power obviously but its so much more engaging.
Shocked as i was a devout auto convert.
It was only bought as a stop gap until my auto Mustang turns up next year and the manual was a chunk cheaper than an auto. I was dreading it a bit to be honest near to pick up due to the manual bit and i do a lot of motorway in traffic driving - im loving it. I feel re-engaged with driving, thinking about how im driving once again and feel involved.
Admittedly the 2017 Astra is 200 kg lighter than the 1999 528 and weirdly has almost exactly the same bhp and torque figures (amazing how far cars have come) but its only enjoyable as the astra is light and has some punch - not lotus light and amg power obviously but its so much more engaging.
Shocked as i was a devout auto convert.
Draculaw said:
I’m torn between manual and automatic for my next. I worry that I’ll confuse myself with auto, go into a corner too fast and screw up when I get confused about the missing clutch.
Nah, you'll be fine. Only.takes a few goes to get used to autos, and you won't be caning it whilst learning. After that, switching between auto.and manual cars becomes second nature. Autos are brilliant for the commute, or long distance travelling. So much more relaxing. You can't be a manual on the Twisties though, still lots of fun.
I'm still surprised we don't buy more autos in this country. I had a thread on this a few months ago, suspect it's because we are all taught in manuals, and autos are more expensive as a rule.
Draculaw said:
I’m torn between manual and automatic for my next. I worry that I’ll confuse myself with auto, go into a corner too fast and screw up when I get confused about the missing clutch.
I think most people find it very easy to adapt to their first auto. I cannot see why you would go into a corner too fast. There used to be a danger of the car moving off as soon as it starts, because people didn't know they have to have their foot on the brake when they put it in gear or it moves forward with 'creep', but modern autos generally don't allow you to put them into gear unless your foot is firmly on the brake.I find it depends on the vehicle...
My old MX-5 was a great little 6 speed manual and I think an auto would of ruined it for me.
My Range Rover on the other hand is a 24yo work horse and (especially when towing) is suited to the auto box. Manual wouldn't be the end of the world in it but it wouldn't gain owt either.
MX-5 replacement is an automatic Saab diesel and in the 100 miles I've done in it so far my review is... It's a car. It's auto box just gets the job done and I haven't really played with the manual mode.
Still drive a manual wagon for a living, other half has a manual and there are two old project cars sat in the yard that will remain manual
My old MX-5 was a great little 6 speed manual and I think an auto would of ruined it for me.
My Range Rover on the other hand is a 24yo work horse and (especially when towing) is suited to the auto box. Manual wouldn't be the end of the world in it but it wouldn't gain owt either.
MX-5 replacement is an automatic Saab diesel and in the 100 miles I've done in it so far my review is... It's a car. It's auto box just gets the job done and I haven't really played with the manual mode.
Still drive a manual wagon for a living, other half has a manual and there are two old project cars sat in the yard that will remain manual
Pommy said:
Ive driven nothing but autos for the last 11 years and Ive just sold an auto BMW E39 528 with the M sport kit and shortened gearing option fitted, replacing it with a manual 2017 Astra RSV (Astra sri 200 bhp in the uk?).
It was only bought as a stop gap until my auto Mustang turns up next year and the manual was a chunk cheaper than an auto. I was dreading it a bit to be honest near to pick up due to the manual bit and i do a lot of motorway in traffic driving - im loving it. I feel re-engaged with driving, thinking about how im driving once again and feel involved.
Admittedly the 2017 Astra is 200 kg lighter than the 1999 528 and weirdly has almost exactly the same bhp and torque figures (amazing how far cars have come) but its only enjoyable as the astra is light and has some punch - not lotus light and amg power obviously but its so much more engaging.
Shocked as i was a devout auto convert.
A 2017 manual gearbox over a 20yr old auto, I'm not surprised. It was only bought as a stop gap until my auto Mustang turns up next year and the manual was a chunk cheaper than an auto. I was dreading it a bit to be honest near to pick up due to the manual bit and i do a lot of motorway in traffic driving - im loving it. I feel re-engaged with driving, thinking about how im driving once again and feel involved.
Admittedly the 2017 Astra is 200 kg lighter than the 1999 528 and weirdly has almost exactly the same bhp and torque figures (amazing how far cars have come) but its only enjoyable as the astra is light and has some punch - not lotus light and amg power obviously but its so much more engaging.
Shocked as i was a devout auto convert.
Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
Ares said:
A 2017 manual gearbox over a 20yr old auto, I'm not surprised.
Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
Granted, I’m not a driving enthusiast, as I’ve explained on here before.Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
The vehicle hasn’t been built that I can’t drive, from a Smart car, to a 44 ton artic, but I have zero interest in what makes them tick, or very much like what they look like.
But what’s particularly bad about an auto Vauxhall hatchback, is it just because it’s a Vauxhall, or a combination of all three?
Ares said:
A 2017 manual gearbox over a 20yr old auto, I'm not surprised.
Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
The first auto I drove was a Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 3-speed auto. Surprising that I bothered driving any others after that. Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
Frank7 said:
Ares said:
A 2017 manual gearbox over a 20yr old auto, I'm not surprised.
Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
Granted, I’m not a driving enthusiast, as I’ve explained on here before.Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
The vehicle hasn’t been built that I can’t drive, from a Smart car, to a 44 ton artic, but I have zero interest in what makes them tick, or very much like what they look like.
But what’s particularly bad about an auto Vauxhall hatchback, is it just because it’s a Vauxhall, or a combination of all three?
I had one as a hire car for 24hrs in Spain 2, maybe 3 years ago. Hertz, so would have been new then. It was petrol, no idea what engine size. The Autobox was like an old fashioned slush box. 5 speed (IIRC) with huge jumps between ratios made for a very unpleasant experience. I changed it for a manual, still not great, but far far better.
Ares said:
Pommy said:
Ive driven nothing but autos for the last 11 years and Ive just sold an auto BMW E39 528 with the M sport kit and shortened gearing option fitted, replacing it with a manual 2017 Astra RSV (Astra sri 200 bhp in the uk?).
It was only bought as a stop gap until my auto Mustang turns up next year and the manual was a chunk cheaper than an auto. I was dreading it a bit to be honest near to pick up due to the manual bit and i do a lot of motorway in traffic driving - im loving it. I feel re-engaged with driving, thinking about how im driving once again and feel involved.
Admittedly the 2017 Astra is 200 kg lighter than the 1999 528 and weirdly has almost exactly the same bhp and torque figures (amazing how far cars have come) but its only enjoyable as the astra is light and has some punch - not lotus light and amg power obviously but its so much more engaging.
Shocked as i was a devout auto convert.
A 2017 manual gearbox over a 20yr old auto, I'm not surprised. It was only bought as a stop gap until my auto Mustang turns up next year and the manual was a chunk cheaper than an auto. I was dreading it a bit to be honest near to pick up due to the manual bit and i do a lot of motorway in traffic driving - im loving it. I feel re-engaged with driving, thinking about how im driving once again and feel involved.
Admittedly the 2017 Astra is 200 kg lighter than the 1999 528 and weirdly has almost exactly the same bhp and torque figures (amazing how far cars have come) but its only enjoyable as the astra is light and has some punch - not lotus light and amg power obviously but its so much more engaging.
Shocked as i was a devout auto convert.
Try the latest one and the result may not be as clear cut....although I can't think of much worse than an automatic vauxhall hatchback
t.The point is perhaps not so much about the driving quality of the individual cars but more that its easy to lose sight of what you lose when driving an auto but that was my error.
Frank7 said:
But what’s particularly bad about an auto Vauxhall hatchback, is it just because it’s a Vauxhall, or a combination of all three?
The gearbox was dull, slow witted to change, jerky on take off and just wasnt smooth. Ultimately it was not only joyless but it made me actively dislike driving. The manual version enables you to enjoy what is a decent enough engine with a little bit of poke and also feels smoother.I couldnt claim an astra is top notch but do you ever drive a car expecting it to be mediocre but come away thinking 'thats pretty decent'? Thats what its like.
Pommy said:
.....do you ever drive a car expecting it to be mediocre but come away thinking 'thats pretty decent'? Thats what its like.
I remember the garage I used to get my Sti serviced at 18yrs ago gave me a knackered old Citroen AX, and handed the keys over with a wry smile.
I headed out and soon realised it was a great fun little car. NO power at all, but fun.
However, the converse is also true. Two that stand out in the last couple of years, Volvo XC90 R-Design and, most surprisingly, Jag XKR.
Ares said:
Pommy said:
.....do you ever drive a car expecting it to be mediocre but come away thinking 'thats pretty decent'? Thats what its like.
I remember the garage I used to get my Sti serviced at 18yrs ago gave me a knackered old Citroen AX, and handed the keys over with a wry smile.
I headed out and soon realised it was a great fun little car. NO power at all, but fun.
However, the converse is also true. Two that stand out in the last couple of years, Volvo XC90 R-Design and, most surprisingly, Jag XKR.
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