Stick or Automatic?

[pilottj]

Kind of a similar theme to the taildragger/trike thread in the FSX forum. Do you prefer to drive a stick or an automatic?

I have driven both, learned to drive in an automatic...loved it at first, wondered why anyone would drive a stick that required more work...then I learned how to drive a stick, and have preferred it ever since. I wont buy an automatic if I have a choice. I like the more precise momentum control, like being stopped at an uphill stoplight and not have to hold the brakes...yeah traffic jams are a pain sometimes but oh well :)

I suppose those who have taught your kids or grandkids to drive it might be a split too, some may prefer to throw the kids in a stick and let them struggle until they master the coordination, but they will end up with a better sense of control. Some might like to teach them the basics first, then a stick later. Tho you would be suprised how many people don't know how to drive a stick these days. Guess that is that many fewer who won't be able to steal my car :icon_lol:

Cheers
TJ

[wbuchart]

but after 37 years of 3, 4, and 5 speeds last year had to go to an automatic due to knee failure (not because of shifting, though, freak acident):banghead: I miss my 5 speed Ranger.......

[Jagdflieger]

Manual transmissions with 4 X 4 drive in pickups for me and my son. My wife and daughter both have automatics. I guess were're split 50/50.

[SpitXIV]

Stick Shift with the price of gas lately. Ever try pushing an automatic vehicle when it
dies.

[Tako_Kichi]

I started out in the UK on motorcycles so that was all manual. Once I progressed to my first car that was also a manual transmission (autos were rare and more expensive in the UK at that time). I didn't own my first auto until after I emigrated and that was only because my Canadian wife needed to drive it too and she was auto only (and still is). Once we could afford a second car I bought a manual for me and shifting with the 'wrong' hand took a bit of getting used to but I had it cracked in a few days. Now we are back to a single vehicle and once again it has to be auto as my wife is the main driver since I became ill.

[OBIO]

I learned to drive young....around 7 or 8 when Dad started letting me behind the wheel of the family car on those long back country roads. When I was 12 or so, Dad taught me to drive stick. A year or so later, Dad taught me how to DRIVE...meaning, how to drive fast, take corners at break neck speeds, how to drag race, how to dirt track around really sharp turns. You see, Dad was a back woods road racer and drag racer....our family car was souped up and race ready..Monday through Friday Dad would drive it to work and back. Come weekends, it was used to pull the boat to the lake and the following weekend...in the early morning hours...Dad would pop off the hub caps and spend most of Saturday tearing up back roads racing title for title...he never lost and would sell the loser their cars back for 2 or 3 or 5 hundred dollars...that's how we could afford the boating!

I HAVE to drive an automatic......I would rather be driving stick...but every time there is a peddle for my left foot (clutch), my driving habits change. I go from a mild speed freak to a full blown SPEED freak. Doesn't matter what I am driving, if it has a stick....it instantly triggers my road racing/drag racing training and I go nuts.

OBIO

[Willy]

I learned to drive on sticks and drove them for years. But I've grown to like my creature comforts and prefer an automatic these days.

[Oglivie]

When I was working in machine shops in my younger days I got too banged up at times to use a stick, so I bought automatics and still do. Sticks are fun though, I occasionally got to drive my friend's '68 Camaro SS 396ci/375hp 4-speed in those older days. Woodward Avenue was lots of fun too, until the law got serious about us racer dudes and that all changed. The drag strip was the better place to do the race stuff.

[Francois]

It depends...... learned stick at young age of course... we're in Europe here. Did all my racing driving with manuals. Got my first car with automatic (A BMW 5 series) from the company when I was 40. Very comfortable... but makes for lazy drivers.

After I had my Jeep Cherokee Automatic for 6 years I went back to stick now.

Bottom line, I love the automatic for daily driving (getting older makes you more focused on comfort), but I HATE it in 4-WD's. You just need to be able to control the clutch and power in terrain or snow.

[wiltzei]

I learned to drive with manuals. I'd prefer them to automatics due to fuel savings and more precise control as Francois said. However, having contemplating this matter for a while, I'd probably choose a dual clutch automatic tranny over manual one. They're a spiffing piece of technology, providing "best of both worlds" in most everyday conditions.

Trivia. Saab 96's manual tranny lever was mounted next to steering wheel.

[Wing_Z]

Tiptronic.
And, if you can't afford the 911, Subaru's is as good.

[kilo delta]

I learned to drive when I was 8 years old (a manual gearbox mk1 Escort 1.3lt...driven on private property and not on public roads ;p). I had blocks tied to the foot pedals so I could operate them..and I could bearly see over the steering wheel!:icon_lol:
Since then I've only ever regularly driven manual/stick shift as I prefer the extra control over these vehicles. I've tried tiptronic,paddle shift and automatic too over the years and ,as most of my driving is now around town, am contemplating going for an automatic as my next motor.

[WarHorse47]

Inasmuch as I love a stick shift (e.g. Opal Kadet, Sunbeam Tiger, MGB), my preference these days is with an automatic for the following reasons:

1. The wife prefers it.
2. It is easier on steep hills with intersections and stoplights (can you say "Seattle")
3. Performance is on par with a stick if you have a shift kit and performance tweaks (like the Turbo 400 in my '74).

If you've ever autocrossed, there are other advantages with an automatic. When I competed I learned how to brake with the left foot, and use the gas with the right. You can effectively change the car's attitude in a turn if you can master the technique.

--WH

[kilo delta]

If you've ever autocrossed, there are other advantages with an automatic. When I competed I learned how to brake with the left foot, and use the gas with the right. You can effectively change the car's attitude in a turn if you can master the technique.

--WH

Left foot braking has been very popular among the manual shift rally drivers for years. :)

[Cazzie]

Can't vote, no real option for what I have now. In my day, shift. But today it's paddle shift! :icon_lol:

That's right, out of F-1 we get the best of both worlds without having to use your left foot or take your hand off the steering wheel. My car is an automatic that can be shifted manually using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Better than a stick any day and I drove manuals for over 40 years.

Caz

[wombat666]

Manual and nothing else.
:kilroy:

[Little Chacha]

I don't drive yet. But I prefer an auto pilot driven car where I can program where I want to go and I arrive safe at my destination. My Mom can drive a 5 gear car or was it six. Her other car had a shift gear and automatic whichever she wants. Now she drives a CRV it is automatic. She just steps on the accelerator and the car zooms and she steps on the break and the car stops. She has to gear it to park and drive or reverse wahtever the case maybe. If I get my first job and get paid good I want to buy her a car and a driver of her own. That is my dream. My first job will be this summer maybe. My Mom does not want me to work yet because I am busy at school. This summer I will be working. I will buy her a house with three car garage and a two story house. Ok I think I answered the question Stick or Automatic and something else? Do I need to Edit my post? :wavey: From Hannah.

[TeaSea]

I prefer "paid for"......

Everything else is an option.

[Cazzie]

I prefer "paid for"......

Everything else is an option.

Is my wife posting here? :icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

[stansdds]

I learned on a Honda with a semi-automatic transmission. No clutch, but you had to move the selector up through the gears.

Then I went automatic, then learned the three, four and finally five speed manuals. Loved the 5 speed manual in my Nissan truck until an injury forced me back to automatics. Now I'm just lazy and prefer an automatic.

[Naismith]

You're all full of macho crap, the "it's more manly to drive a stick, automatic is for girlies."
You don't get up to change channels on the TV, you press remote (if you can find it, otherwise that is what wives are for). Nobody goes down by the riverside to wash their clothes on a rock. We don't keep a cow in the shed to milk anymore, we get our milk from the supermarket. So why make things more difficult by insisting on a manual gear shift. Once you have sat in London traffic for 3 hours stop start with a heavy clutch you would give your enormously enlarged leg thigh for an automatic!
And before you girlies get all pedantic and outraged, I jest.......:icon_lol:

[kilo delta]

Once you have sat in London traffic for 3 hours stop start with a heavy clutch you would give your enormously enlarged leg thigh for an automatic!
:icon_lol:

However...if you regularly drive on non congested B roads a manual is much more fun closely followed by the paddle shift gearbox ;p :icon_lol:

[PRB]

Learned to drive with an automatic, then wanted to know how to drive a manual, so I went out and bought one, without ever having driven one. That was kind of dumb... Took me two hours to get back home from 30 miles away in city traffic. Once I figured it out I liked it, and drove a stick for the next two decades. Now I have an automatic again. A 4-wheel drive automatic Jeep, if you can believe it. I'll never go to Heaven with that on my record, I know... :icon_lol: Oh yeah, the vote. I voted automatic. Ten years ago I would have voted manual. I'm over it. :)

[andersel]

I learned to drive in my Dad's '65 VW bus. Enough said. I drove manuals for a long time, but in 1988 I lost my left leg (BK) and from that point forward I kind of automatically had to ghange my ways. All moot at this point. My eyesight has so deteriorated that all I drive now are my feet. So I guess it's back to manuals.

LA

[mmann]

Trivia. Saab 96's manual tranny lever was mounted next to steering wheel.

Yes, I remember that! My second car was a Saab 96 with manual (three-cylinder two-stroke engine). I was living in southern Ontario at the time and had to go to Buffalo, NY to get parts as there were no dealers in Canada at that time.

I have owned vehicles with both kinds of transmissions, the imports generally with manuals and the domestic vehicles generally had automatics (with exceptions on both sides).

Regards, Mike Mann

[robert41]

I learned to drive with a stick and clutch. Up until last year, Ive had a stick shift for about 20 years. Now with all the traffic and stop lights, I got me an automatic.

[magoo]

Pickup trux with autobox, old MG with stick & eeelectrik overdrive.

[EasyEd]

Hey All

I really miss 3 (or 4) on the tree.

Neither me nor my wife have ever owned an automatic. Never intend to.

-Ed-

[jbtate]

Learned to shift on my Grandfolk's 1930's era Avery tractor, with twin hand lever brakes -- that was fun headed downhill toward the lake.
First drove on roads sitting on Granddad's lap in their automatic shift 1948 Packard.
Mechanic Grandfather then fixed up a 1950's era Studebaker pickup for the cousins to drive around the farm, much like a present day 4 wheeler. Manual column 3 speed.
First car was a great little Simca 4 speed shift. Hitting McNee hill on the way to High School -- second gear and floor it.
Had two crap era manual 4 Mustangs in the '70's and '80's, but had some good times with them.
Presently still driving my 1985 Volkswagen GTI 5 speed manual. Nothing like manual when negotiating an entrance lane/ramp.
Edit -- though given this is a flight sim site, I usually fly sims with automatic mixture control, so that might indicate some evolution of circumstance.

[Bushpounder]

It depends on the car and the power. Today's performance automatics with paddles can outshift any manual tranny. Some automatics are up to 7+ speeds, not the 2-3 that existed only a few years back. I have two cars, one with a 5 spd. man. and one an automatic. In heavy traffic, I prefer the automatic. On backroads and the like, the 5 speed.

My car:

39230


Don

[Ferry_vO]

Stick shift for me, until I can buy a good 'paddle shift' car.

BTW:

I like the more precise momentum control, like being stopped at an uphill stoplight and not have to hold the brakes.

Best way to wreck your clutch.. :kilroy:

[roger-wilco-66]

Why, stick of course. Both the family car and the oldtimer :-)

39231

39232

[grunau_baby]

Most of the automatic gearboxes simply don´t suit my driving, they are too economic and sluggish or too eager. I just like to have the feeling of a direct controle on my engine and driving which only a stick gives me. However I also did drives some very crisp automatic transmissions, too lately (BMW5). But since I am a very "passionate" driver, I still prefer the "feeling" of "Stirring my gasoline" myself!

Plus a stick is much nicer when being in the mood for some playing! I think OBIO has made the same experiences here;-)))

Alex

[b52bob]

Learned to drive in a Morgan, stick of course. Also raced motorcycles and really got used to the manual. Due to a bum shoulder, now have an auto. I do miss the manual though and really prefer it.

Bob

[TeaSea]

Seriously this time, I'm like Bushpounder....depends on the car/truck, depends on the driving.

I've owned and driven both all my life, on the floor or the "tree" and am equally comfortable in both.

Paid for is still best though......

[TuFun]

My first time driving a stick was in High School drivers training. Ford station wagon with 3 speed on the column.

Then I bought a 69 Fiat Spider, twin cam, aluminum head, four wheel disc brakes, with a aluminum 5 speed trans... all that in 1969! I miss that car.

Currently driving a 82 Capri RS 5.0... with Ford Racing T-5, my drifting car. :jump:

[Jagdflieger]

Ahh yes. Great photos of the old M-35 2 & 1/2 (Duece and a Half) ton truck. 6 cylinder-turbo-charged diesel engine, 6 X 6 drive, 5 speed manual with a low range that you could use while at speed. It gave you 10 speeds forward and 2 reverse speeds. A good driver could really get that machine going on the Autobahn and it also had tremendous off road ability if you knew how to operate that transmission.

[roger-wilco-66]

Ahh yes. Great photos of the old M-35 2 & 1/2 (Duece and a Half) ton truck. 6 cylinder-turbo-charged diesel engine, 6 X 6 drive, 5 speed manual with a low range that you could use while at speed. It gave you 10 speeds forward and 2 reverse speeds. A good driver could really get that machine going on the Autobahn and it also had tremendous off road ability if you knew how to operate that transmission.

Thanks :-)
I love to drive that truck. Split shifting, double clutching, even gear floating... I regularly take it to France (where the photos were taken above) to go offroading with it. That thing really teaches you to properly use a manual transmission.
Ever heard that whine of its turbo? There is no muffler on that 465 cui engine and the whine and noise makes your hair stand up!
But that's no machine for the autobahn, though. Can't get much past 55mph...

Cheers,
Mark

[TuFun]

Drove a WC55 (M6 Fargo) for awhile with a Dodge straight six flathead. Friend and I would race each other, talk about going no where quick! We had 12 WC55 in the compound.

[wiltzei]

Yes, I remember that! My second car was a Saab 96 with manual (three-cylinder two-stroke engine)...

Regards, Mike Mann
Legendary. http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshots/images/573_laugh.gif (http://fsfiles.org/flightsimshots/view-573_laugh.gif)

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[AndyG43]

I used to own a Mini (proper one, not a little BMW) when I lived in a city in East Anglia. Driving those country roads you had to be in a manual, made them real fun, bit like a rally stage some times - did have to resist the temptation to wind the window down and shout "you're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off" sometimes!! :icon_lol:

[deKoven]

Hmm, well; I learned on a stick shift, way back in 1958. Would have been earlier 'cept I din't move to the farm until I was 14. I worked with many a farm kid of 8/9 who could drive that ol' tractor very well. By the time most farm kids got to age 16, at that time the legal age, they were proficient in the use of a stick (at least the boys were, girls were the most uncoordinated ijits there ever wuz). Drove a stick until I left the farm country for the big city where I soon learned to change my tune.

And I think that's the crux of this discussion; if you're living in the city and do most of your driving there then you should prolly drive an autoshift. If you're living in the country and do most of your driving there then a stick is the way to go.

Course, if you're trying to drive like Mario Andretti all the time then you'll need a stick. :running: