Why We Don’t Need to Manual All the Things

"MachtSchnell" (MachtSchnell) 04/07/2014 at 18:35 • Filed to: None

3

16

*Disclaimer: I have never owned a manual transmission equipped car, but am a more than proficient driver if given three pedals

So, Oppo it's that time again time to bring up the source of all goodness and the lord of the Opponauts, the manual gearbox. I enjoy driving a manual car, nailing that downshift, just a squawk from the driven wheels on a quick upshift, and an aggressive launch. The benefits have been extolled on here approximately every 12 seconds so I won't fill this space with that, but allow me to explain why I'm tired of hearing about it constantly. The gearbox choice makes a huge difference in the character of the vehicle and the drive as a whole. Take for example my friend's GTI (the 6 speed car I drive most). While I love the drive and am pretty quick in the car, I still prefer my uncle's former A3 with the DSG. The reasons not being the involvement (something the manual better achieves), but rather it better matches the character of the car. The GTI is a car about not raw involvement, but refinement and being a quick way to devour a road with reasonable space and economy at a palatable price. To me, the DSG makes it a quicker car, allows the driver to focus more on power application, left foot braking, and steering. This better fulfills the aim of the vehicle as I see it. This doesn't mean that all cars are this way. A Corvette, 911, and Elise all benefit from the involvement as that's the aim of the car. So, I don't begrudge companies like Mercedes for the AMG cars being all automatic; they're designed to be refined yet athletic without the harshness/effort of most sports cars (yes I understand that's not what they are). So, what I'll leave you with is this: take it on a case-by-case basis, does a manual improve or hamper a vehicle's mission/intended purpose? If it does, then harp on it indefinitely (which we all know we will) or just accept that while you'd like a manual, it doesn't always make the car better and keep it to yourself or just don't harp on it ad infinitum.

Drive what you love, love what you drive, don't fuck up.- Macht Schnell

PS This is my first article so feedback is encouraged and welcomed. If there's any interest I've been thinking of writing weekly and will post that on here.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > MachtSchnell 04/07/2014 at 18:38

0

Good article, just the wrong message ;)

MachtSchnell > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 04/07/2014 at 18:46

1

Thanks for the kind words. I know I'm heretic around here, but trust me I love driving with my left foot just standing up for certain instances in which the auto/smg/twin-clutch is the (in my opinion) superior option. Thanks again for reading, btw you're an fzj80 guy? Love, love, love those!

americancarfanboi > MachtSchnell 04/07/2014 at 18:49

0

What a bunch of shit, clearly all cars are better with a manual. The only argument against a standard manual gearbox is of course a 3 pedal sequential gearbox, because racecar. DSGs are for pussies and I won't hear otherwise. Slush boxes are vomit inducing. My work here is done. I bite my thumb sir but not at you sir. Not a bad article though.

MachtSchnell > americancarfanboi 04/07/2014 at 18:54

1

Thanks for the Billy Shakes brother. Hope I didn't talk my way out of seat time!

Dunnik > MachtSchnell 04/07/2014 at 18:57

0

I think there's a time and a place for automagic, even here:

- new fangled 200 speed two zillion computations per second computer transmissions that may offer a better experience because it's probably better than you anyway and can save you gas money, which you then can use to repair it when it breaks (ftm, this really only applies to super or high performance cars).

- a largish modern luxury vehicle with all its bells, whistles and toys to occupy your right hand.

- worthy vintage vehicles that never came with a manual option

- otherwise worthy older vehicles where only 5% or something of the cars sold were manuals, and all of those were junk, and rather than wait, you got one and plan a swap in future.

- a DD in a large, dense metropolitan area at or near the peak of rush hour, especially if:

- if you've earned the right, after many, many years of rowing oars in various cars, to take it easy and let the auto work its magic after a long day at work.

americancarfanboi > MachtSchnell 04/07/2014 at 18:59

0

Brilliant quote on the end eh.

MachtSchnell > Dunnik 04/07/2014 at 19:21

1

Thanks for the read and reply. In most cases I really do prefer manuals, my point here is to put out the idea that you don't have to be a total ideologue on either side of the manual debate. Also, my next car is almost certainly a manual and I'll share that process once it's all said and done.

Manuél Ferrari > MachtSchnell 04/07/2014 at 19:27

0

I'm starting to think that the guys who say that "all cars must always be manual" are insecure with their masculinity. They think driving a stick makes them more of a man. It's pretty lame. People should be able to drive whatever they like. It's the same thing as badge snobbery. We all have the right to buy whatever type of car we like with whatever transmission we prefer. I'm never going to talk shit on someone because of their automotive choice.

MachtSchnell > Manuél Ferrari 04/07/2014 at 19:32

1

Totally agree. Ironically I'm expecting to be flamed despite actually preferring manual. Oh well, thanks for the read!

Manuél Ferrari > MachtSchnell 04/07/2014 at 19:48

0

You're welcome!

I'm starting to think that the stick is becoming the equivalent of the fixed gear setup on bicycles. It's not always the best choice, but auto "enthusiasts" are hipsters who have to have things their way.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > MachtSchnell 04/08/2014 at 08:25

0

Of course! You're the first person who has come close to guessing my username: still Toyota, but the JZA80 Supra. I understand the preference, and the fact you can take some manual joking is more than can be said for most. Welcome!

MachtSchnell > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 04/08/2014 at 09:53

0

Derp, shoulda known!!! But thanks again for the read man and keep an eye out for my next one. Have fun and remember, never lift.

yurikaze > Dunnik 04/09/2014 at 18:46

0

I'd like to add dirt-cheap V8 musclecars to that list.

Kerry > MachtSchnell 04/11/2014 at 19:13

0

I think you having never lived with a manual trans car makes you I'll equipped an uninformed to speak on the subject of manual transmissions. You are no better than a Times Square tourist trying to give directions to the nearest subway. You homework ( and path to enlightenment) is to buy a manual trans car and live with it for one year. That is all it will take but you have to do every task with the car. Then you must sell the car. While going through the emotional separation pangs of giving to someone else a place where you probably spent more time than your own bed see how it stacks up against any other car you have ever owned (this is like how guys can only compare their ex to other exes when the get dumped). I am 100% confident that the manual trans car will rank among the best cars you have ever owned, and mostly for the tranny. Right now you opinion is as meaningless as a fart in a stuff breeze.

It is a sacred bond between man and manual, like marriage. You don't get that from the 6 speed prostitution you are enjoying working other dudes sticks. You have to commit to it before you can condemn or condone. And for gods sake I hope you wear a glove when you drive that GTI.

MachtSchnell > Kerry 04/11/2014 at 21:42

0

I actually love driving with three pedals and my next car is almost certainly going to be a manual, my point is some cars are merely better suited for a twin-clutch or sequential 'box (typically in my opinion if the car isn't about driving engagement). I'll take your advice and get a nice manual equipped car and leave my friend his attractive callgirl to keep himself occupied. Thanks for reading as well, as long as people enjoy it and think it adds to the community I'll keep writing OpEds or whatever you'd call this.

cabarne4 > MachtSchnell 04/13/2014 at 00:44

0

I agree about AMG Mercs (and can think of other examples where an auto "fits" the character of the car)... But the GTI? If anything, that's one of the examples I'd put under "needs a manual". The GTI is the definition of a hot hatch — which is less about being 1/10th of a second faster around a world-famous race track, and more about tripoding around the lightpole in an empty K mart parking lot. Hot hatches are all about driver involvement, and enjoyment (much like a Lotus or a Miata).

The other "class" of cars that deserve a manual are underpowered econoboxes. Yes, automatics are getting better, and can achieve better MPG. The problem is, most of them are programmed with MPG in mind. Meaning when you need to jump out in front of fast-moving interstate traffic, the slushbox screams "THINK ABOUT THE MPG'S!" before reluctantly downshifting 6 seconds later. Point being, with a manual you can rev it out in 2nd when you need to, while still getting stellar economy.