Save The Stick, But Keep The Autos Too

"Justin Hughes" (justinhughes54) 01/30/2015 at 22:08 • Filed to: autopocalypse

49

100

Ever since learning to drive stick on my 1983 BMW 320i, all of my cars have had manual transmissions, except for a Grand Caravan and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that weren't available with them. I'm a strong supporter of the "Save the Stick" movement. Changing your own gears is the pedal dance of the enthusiast, an art form of automotive prowess and control. But recently I've come to realize that there is a legitimate place in the world for transmissions that shift their own gears – dual clutch, slushbox automatic, even CVT.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Early this week, I fell while scraping ice off my car from yet another snowstorm, twisting my ankle badly. A trip to the ER revealed a small bone fracture, so now my right foot is useless for pressing the go and woah pedals for a week or two. If it had been my left foot, I still couldn't operate my clutch, but I would be able to drive an automatic. My convalescence and being unable to leave home for the past week has given me way too much time to consider other ways in which cars equipped with only two pedals have a legitimate place in the world.

Traffic Jams

I hate traffic. Just ask anyone unfortunate enough to have been stuck in a car with me behind the wheel in a traffic jam. The worst part is when traffic is moving more slowly than first gear will let you go. You either end up slipping the clutch a lot, or wait for a gap, then accelerate, only to immediately push the clutch back in again until the car slows down so much that you need another brief burst of power to maintain speed. I've come out of more than one jam with my left foot throbbing in pain from riding the clutch so much.

With an automatic, sure, you still get slowed down. You still have to deal with idiot drivers who slam on the brakes for no reason, think that your safe following distance is their gap to change lanes into, or simply can't stay in their own lane. But at least you can turn up the music, ride the brake, and just roll forward when the opportunity presents itself. No fuss, no muss.

Towing

For towing a load, an automatic is the way to go. It's easy to burn out a clutch prematurely when you're towing a heavy load. Automatics don't have one. Many trucks have a button you can push when towing that switch to a different shifting program, optimized for that job. The smooth shifts of an automatic are also much easier on the load you're towing. Maybe your race car can handle the jolts between gears, but your horses – I'm talking living breathing animals, not their equivalents that live under the hood – will appreciate the smoother ride the automatic provides.

But do be sure to get the full towing package on your tow vehicle. That usually includes a transmission cooler, which can be vital for extending the life of your transmission under heavier loads. Heat is the Kryptonite of automatic transmissions, and should be avoided at all costs.

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

Although my girlfriend is doing quite well at learning to operate a manual transmission (I'm choosing my words carefully for those of you whose minds occasionally reach up to the gutter), she refuses to consider one for her own vehicle. Her reason is that she has two young boys. She has to constantly attend to them – handing them food, drink, an electronic device, or play referee when their boxing matches turn into hockey games. She can handle it – she's Canadian. But she also has no system resources, or hands, left to change her own gears at the same time she's negotiating a cease of hostilities between two diametrically opposed entities in the back seat.

Fuel Economy - No, Really

Since the beginning of time, cars with automatic transmissions have always gotten worse fuel economy than their manually shifted counterparts. Not only is power lost through the torque converter, automatics have typically had fewer gears available. While the first generation Dodge/Plymouth Neon was available with a pretty decent 5-speed manual, the automatic was a 3-speed that shifted at random times and would never keep the revs in the powerband, ever.

But times have changed. These days 8-speed automatics are somewhat common. Ford and GM are even teaming up to design a 10-speed automatic. But manuals still usually top out at 6-speeds. The C7 Corvette has a 7-speed, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for a manual, because it's easy for a human to lose track of what gear the car is actually in.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

The computer that controls a modern automatic transmission never has to guess what gear it's in. It can shift more quickly than a human, and with more gears available it can run higher gears on the top end for fuel economy without sacrificing good performance in the lower gears. That means the car can accelerate just as well as its manual equivalent, and run at lower RPMs when you're just cruising, which means better gas mileage.

Paddle Shifters

Automatics have had manual shifting modes for a long time. This is nothing new. The Toyota MR2 Spyder was the first affordable sports car to feature "paddle shifters" with an automatic. Unfortunately it still acted like a slushbox, with generally poor performance and glacially slow shift times. It was kind of a joke, really.

Not so much now. Dual clutch transmissions are not just for Ferraris and Porsches anymore, as the technology has filtered down to the masses in Volkswagens and other cars. These are capable of shifting much more quickly than is possible for a human.

Even the slushbox automatics have come a long way. The Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ has an available 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters that even rev match your downshifts. It wasn't very long ago that journalists were amazed at this new capability in the Nissan GT-R. Now one of the cheapest sports cars on the market does it.

There should always be a place for the manual transmission car - for enthusiasts, in particular. There will always be a place for a manual transmission car in my driveway. But since I'm planning to hang onto my manual BRZ for a long time, and my next car will be a more dedicated daily driver while I start to have more fun with the BRZ, I might just consider an automatic. Maybe I'm disturbed by the prospect of losing my mobility again due to another foot injury. Maybe I'm just getting soft in my old age. Or maybe the technology really has advanced to a point where it actually works pretty darn well. One of the main arguments against automatics has always been that they don't work as well as manuals. But lately, that hasn't been the case – automatics actually work better in more and more ways.

(Photo credits: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! )

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Justin Hughes 01/30/2015 at 22:20

7

How do people do this.... I'm not sure about this...

415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) > Justin Hughes 01/30/2015 at 22:21

2

Yeah I like my 300D Mercedes in the auto, I can go in the city and just lounge. Its a diesel, not race car and it cruises, its fine the way it is. I do know that they get better MPGs with a manual, but its all in how you drive it.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Justin Hughes 01/30/2015 at 22:37

2

I know what car this is out of! :D

You could go ahead and add a couple other things like faster 0-60 times and lap times. At least on more advanced twin-clutch systems, and even some conventional autos.

Justin Hughes > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 01/30/2015 at 22:42

0

I thought about mentioning drag racing, but that's been the case for years. You'll never miss a shift, and there's no pause in power delivery between gears. But you're right, that part has only gotten better.

I have no idea what car that particular shifter is out of. So I'll take your word for it!

Justin Hughes > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 01/30/2015 at 22:43

2

I have no idea. I have no kids of my own, so I have to take my girlfriend's word on her experiences.

Justin Hughes > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 01/30/2015 at 22:46

1

That's been an advantage of a manual for a long time - more control over how you drive it. You can wring every last ounce of power out of it, or every last ounce of gas (or diesel, in your case) to stretch your mileage. And it's true, with a decent automatic you can adjust your driving style to make it shift when you want it to.

PyramidHat > Justin Hughes 01/30/2015 at 22:46

11

I concur, especially with the traffic thing. If I had a car that was pure toy (the answer is...) I'd want a manual. But for day to day commuting (especially in the Bay Area) auto is the way to go. I wouldn't mind it so much if traffic would move at a consistent speed so that I could leave it in 1st or 2nd, but that speed up/slow down/stop/go shit gets irritating after a while...

I'm even coming around to paddle shifters, too. Before I was staunchly against them: Piss off with those middling latitudes - either pick manual or auto, don't get an auto but demand that you can shift it like a manual. But age and mellowness is setting in and paddle shifters don't seem so bad, now...

Jonathan Harper > Justin Hughes 01/30/2015 at 22:51

3

To be completely honest, I'm just happy to be able to choose my own gears no matter the method.

 V8 Rustler > Justin Hughes 01/30/2015 at 23:25

62

I think an important part of the experience with the manual transmission is the ability to completely separate the engine from the transmission at will.

Want to roll backwards on a hill? Depress the clutch.

Want to stop a burnout instantly? Depress the clutch.

I know DCT/DSG units are faster, but to me a manual feels faster because you're actually moving the mechanism. I know it seems stupid, but to me it feels like that.

Also the things that you cannot do with an auto:

Use higher gears whenever you want.

Start with a low battery on a hill.

Clutch kicks for drifting.

And many other things.

I love manuals, from the shitty Tremec T5 to German 6 speeds.

Justin Hughes >  V8 Rustler 01/30/2015 at 23:39

9

You'll get no argument from me on any of those points.

άbel > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 00:14

8

Dual clutch transmissions are not just for Ferraris and Porsches anymore, as the technology has filtered down to the masses in Volkswagens

How can the DCT "filter down" to the first company to put one on a production car ?

/pedanticasfuck

ly2v8-Brian > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 00:15

1

A fun car is a fun car. It doesn't matter what it is, what's under the hood, or how the power gets to the wheels. What matters is that you enjoy the drive.

Axial > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 00:30

50

I'm cool with automatics, as long as they don't do this shit:

Seriously, I can't stand that. It's stupid, awkward, and more of a pain in the butt than just hitting the button and dragging the stick back in a linear motion.

It's not a manual, so quit trying to make it like one.

SlickMcRick >  V8 Rustler 01/31/2015 at 04:01

10

The push to start battery thing has saved me countless times! And I agree it just feels faster when you shift on your own. It's like you're always trying to compete with yourself shifting faster and faster.

Justin Hughes > Axial 01/31/2015 at 07:53

5

There's a reason I avoided snagging pics of shifters like this, and you just nailed it. I hate them too.

ssonsk >  V8 Rustler 01/31/2015 at 10:08

1

lol I'm mad your last fact was,"and many other things." FACT

detailer4u > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:09

7

"Keep calm and stay Shifty"

Jerk Dently > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:12

1

I'm seldom in traffic jams. I don't have kids. I don't tow. My fuel economy in regular use is between 28 and 30 mpg.

I enjoy driving stick. I'm not a speed enthusiast with a turbo charged import or a V8 rear wheel drive car. I like the feeling of feedback when I'm driving. I feel more aware of what is happening than when I am driving an automatic.

I also drive in snow 3 months a year. I feel I have more control in low speed driving with a stick.

mrbwa1 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:13

2

I was with you until the towering comment. If you are burning up a clutch towering with a manual, you either need to learn to do it right or perhaps you shouldn't overload you truck so much.

My 88 F150 is set up for towing stuff like the car hauler pictured with a 3:55 rear, Inline 6 and HD rear suspension setup.

Granted, newer truck are so highly overpowered with enough transmission cooling that there is little concern with joking up and tugging away.

I'll stick with my engine braking for full control any day.

Justin Hughes > Jerk Dently 01/31/2015 at 10:15

2

I completely agree with you. I prefer sticks myself. I just think automatics have their place too.

50fridge > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:16

0

I still wish more manufactures used a DCT as there automatic option. Every conventional automatic car I have driven including ones that have that ZF 8-speed automatic do not feel as good as the DSG transmission in my 6 year old GTI. Car like the Lexus RC-F, M235i and Corvette Z06 should have DCT transmissions instead of traditional automatics. I know I
will get alot of hate for not liking that ZF 8 speed automatic but it is the truth.

Justin Hughes > mrbwa1 01/31/2015 at 10:17

0

You certainly CAN tow with a stick. If you know what you're doing, it works better. There are reasons why tractor trailers have manuals, not automatics. But with an auto, anybody can tow a trailer smoothly.

Justin Hughes > 50fridge 01/31/2015 at 10:20

0

I have yet to drive a car with a ZF 8-speed. I think DCT is better, because it's more manual-like, with actual clutches and such. It's the best of both, really.

cluelessk > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:20

14

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Don't agree.

Trucks set up for towing always have very short first and second gears that make burning a clutch pretty tough for a capable manual driver.

And why would you be jolting in between gears?

My Dad used a 2005 GMC 2500 with the Duramax and a 6 speed manual and used it to tow huge house packages. It worked great.

Lorry Driver Luke > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:20

3

Auto vs manual is a debate often had amount truck drivers in the UK. I'm firmly in the auto camp, I hate driving manual trucks. Get in an auto expecting to hate it and you'll hate it. Get in one with an open mind prepared to learn how to use it best and they're great. ONWARD

syaieya > Axial 01/31/2015 at 10:21

5

You know, maybe it's because i've driven late model mercedes since literally the first day i was driving. But I've got some muscle memory going on with these things where it's three taps against the walls of the shifter path and into drive we go.

I don't see what the hatred of these things are.

Jerk Dently > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:22

1

I'd never deny someone an automatic.

Unfortunately, it's not an attitude that's usually reciprocated. I've had people tell me I'm deluded, I'm a Luddite, I'm driving a deathtrap, etc.

CALUSA > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:22

2

Why you want a stick.

Justin Hughes > cluelessk 01/31/2015 at 10:23

13

"a capable manual driver."

For someone who knows what they're doing, a manual can work better. But most people towing their boats to the lake, or their horses to the dressage competition, aren't car enthusiasts who are well acquainted with the ways of the stick. The automatics are for them.

I suppose maybe I shouldn't have used a picture of a truck towing a race car as an example, because racers are the people most likely to know what they're doing with a shifter!

Justin Hughes > CALUSA 01/31/2015 at 10:25

1

Fair point - that's art right there.

PassingLaneIsForPassing > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:31

3

I think all learners should have to drive a stick. It will make them learn more about how the car works dynamically and will make them read the road more. It should also help them to put their god damn phones down for 2 minutes!

cluelessk > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:31

0

But those same people would also cause more damage to a regular vehicle with a manual over a person with the skills to do it correctly.

Bad driving will damage a car or truck no matter what it's used for.

From your article I got the impression that you believe any towing should be done with an auto and manual isn't a good option ever.

But it seems like auto manufactures would agree with you. I don't think you can even get a manual in a HD truck anymore.

Justin Hughes > PassingLaneIsForPassing 01/31/2015 at 10:32

6

Why not give them the motorcycle experience, too, while we're at at? How vulnerable we are, how nobody seems to see us, how often we have to dodge inattentive drivers... That'll wake them up!

Justin Hughes > cluelessk 01/31/2015 at 10:35

8

Millions and millions of tractor trailers with manual transmissions can't be wrong. Manuals work well and are cheaper to maintain, in the hands of a capable driver. Which most people other than professional truck drivers aren't.

John Coctostan >  V8 Rustler 01/31/2015 at 10:36

16

You are actually taking part of the driving mechanism. Man and machine.

472CID > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:39

0

Interestingly enough, none of these are applicable to me :)

Besides the rare instance were I'm stuck in traffic, the only other negative I see is that clutches wear out faster than torque converters.

50fridge > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:40

1

This. It gets the fuel economy of a modern automatic but it actual allows you to give it some input and shifts extremely quick. That DSG transmission is one of the good things going for VW and Audi. I do not get why BMW does not offer it on the 2 series? Why should you have to spend M-car money to get the better transmission. On the outgoing 135i they offered it. The only Japanese cars that offer them are the GTR and the outgoing Evo X. Subaru and Nissan should really look at getting a new parts supplier for their automatic transmissions. Those CVT transmissions are awful.

Photon-engineer > Axial 01/31/2015 at 10:40

0

I'm fine with 'automatics' that don't possess torque converters or other components of traditional automatics. I tend to break them easily, an unfortunate situation that saw me replacing three boxes on a GM product in the 2000s. Too much $$. I've never destroyed a tradition manual.

Maxxuman > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:42

0

I loved driving my manual when I was living in Rome for 3 years, where the main rule of driving was whoever gets their nose in front wins. But my wife can't drive stick, so I haven't driven one for over 10 years. I miss it and I do think in some cases manuals may help prevent accidents, by forcing drivers to focus more attention on actually driving. But I absolutely get why manuals aren't for everyone and in some hands they'd be more likely to lead to accidents.

Pitmang1 >  V8 Rustler 01/31/2015 at 10:42

1

You've hit some of my points. Especially the being able to disconnect at will. When I had low-powered cars with manual, getting the rear out was so much easier when I could tap the clutch in second. That being said, I have had three DSG VWs, and I drive in traffic here in SoCal, and with one back surgery already, my left leg thanks me for buying these autos. Plus, the paddles are still fun in the canyons.

Sagaris > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:42

2

Yep autos are getting pretty good and make sense in some sports car applications but I will still only get autos in my trucks. Unless someday I can afford my dream car which only comes in an automatic.

none8239487234 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:43

5

I love a full manual. It's an enjoyable experience. Paddle shift although it eliminates the lever and clutch is great on the track. It eliminates distractions and allows you to focus on the driving. The shifts are faster too and most of the good SMG and double clutch boxes rev match for you. On a nice road I would prefer a full manual but on the track give me a SMG or Double clutch. The plus side on the SMG and Double clutches though is they also can automatically shift.

In the Motorcycle world you can have your cake and eat it too. Most high end bikes are equipped with quick shifters that handle the upshifts for you. The new 2015 BMW S1000RR has a bidirectional quick shifter that even handles downshifts and rev matches your downshifts. There's still a clutch and there's still a shifter. If you feel like going full manual you can. If you want to have the bike do the shifts you just touch the lever and it does the shift. You do give up the full auto functionality but on bike who want's auto shifting?

I wish the car gearboxes offered the same flexibility. It's actually a very simple system. The gear lever has a strain gauge that detects if the rider is moving the lever. At that very moment the ECU cuts the spark and the bike moves into the next gear. There's also a microswitch on some bikes that detects that the clutch is not engaged. It would be pretty simple to do this same trick on car boxes but you would not have the paddles. You would just have a standard manual transmission and a strain gauge connected to the shift linkage with a controller that could cut the spark. Why the car makers don't allow their customers to have their cake and eat it too is beyond me.

On the track on your bike at 160+mph heading into a corner on the brakes there's a lot going on and not much time. Having the option of the gearbox doing the downshift eliminates a few steps. You don't have to blip the throttle on the brakes which is an exercise in fine motor control using one hand (get it wrong and you unsettle the front suspension or even worse lock the front tire). You also don't have to operate the clutch. It allows for the rider to go faster because it allows the rider to focus their concentration fully on the corner entry by simplifying the gear changes.

Hysterical Raisins > CALUSA 01/31/2015 at 10:43

2

The Pagani Huayra is not really a manual. It has a sequential gearbox that can shift automatically.

furiousfley > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:47

3

Traffic jams and towing would be just as bad on a dual clutch system then it would be on a regular clutch, I guess. And rev matching on a paddle shift gearbox was available at least on the e46 M3 dsg.

And for the fuel economy, I think in real world driving most people would be better off with the automatic anyway, at least since car makers introduced 5-6 gear computer controlled systems. Most people shift far from optimal both for performance or economy. The auto box could do both rather good. And in case of several BMWs I experienced the 5th gear in the auto is longer then in the manual.

CALUSA > Hysterical Raisins 01/31/2015 at 10:48

0

Oh did not know that, still looks cool!

Justin Hughes > none8239487234 01/31/2015 at 10:48

2

I hadn't realized that some bikes have such shifting aids. Nothing I've ever ridden has, but I'm too chicken to try a sport bike on the track. Thanks for sharing!

94GTratracer > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:49

1

Serious off-roading and extremely slick conditions are a good application for an automatic too—much easier to carefully modulate power at extremely low speeds to keep from getting stuck. I am not racing my 4x4 truck. I might rather have a stick in it anyway because push starting, but when the going gets really rough I'll wish it was an auto.

CheezSauss > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:49

8

My 68 year old mother objects to you continuing to imply that the only people who can competently drive a manual transmission car are "car enthusiasts."

Kommandante > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:50

5

I often drive in NYC holland tunnel rush hour traffic and honestly it's not as horrible as people think. It's the idiots who feel the need to move up every inch who have problems driving stick in traffic

His Stigness > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:50

8

As I scrolling through, decoding if I wanted to read it, I came across the traffic section, and just thought, "Oh no, not another person bitching about how it's 'so hard' driving a manual in traffic." But then I read it (what a novel idea, people should try it more often), and realized you made valid points no one very brings up when talking about manuals and traffic.

I applaud you sir.

none8239487234 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:51

7

Some cars you really only want in an Automatic. Big luxury barge? Auto of course. Big Luxury SUV? Auto of course. Offroader with TC and 4WD? Auto of course. Diesel Engine? Why shift that? In these vehicles shifting does not add to the experience. They are perfectly fine with an automatic box.

I drove a friend's Manual Jetta TDI. It was painful. Not only was the car slow as molasses the engine did not rev much. It was more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.

My Range Rover is an automatic. While a lot of people like a manual for their off road stuff I prefer to not have to deal with the clutch when traction is low. The Range Rover's automatic transmission offers any gear you want in manual mode on the low range side of the box. The Traction control system allows you to be a complete idiot on the pedal and still retain traction making slipping a clutch a waste of time.

athought123 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:54

2

Sorry about your ankle injury. But had it been your left, you would have been able to drive your STICK car! Just press down the clutch with your crutch! I had a few friends who had to do the same after they sprained their ankle badly playing soccer

Orange mold > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:54

6

All asinine reasons LOL. First of all it's not normal for a young man to break bones from a minor slip in snow. So you need to get that nutrient dense food in your system bro coz it's diminishing your reasoning skills too.

Traffic would change from slowly creeping gridlock to a park it and socialize situation that the Europeans are accustomed to. Or like the rest of the stick shift driving world just deal with it puss.

Only ever towed with a stick shift. Guess what, it wasn't a F55550000000 Diesel either. Weird how that's possible. Again in Europe people tow with anything. You can get an S Class with a hitch. I saw stick shift 7 Series towing a horse trailer in Germany.

Hey let's give the kids everything, entertainment, food, a car specifically purchased because it's "kid friendly" and you still can't get them to comply? Maybe jalopnik shouldn't deal out parenting advice.

Fuel economy is in how you drive the car. Autos breed bad habits the worst of which I've noticed in people is being either on the gas or brakes at all times. In a stick I coast in gear more often than not and with just a little thought and attention I can get freeway mpg in town.

Paddle shifters are a joke.

BrtStlnd > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:56

74

Driving a manual is akin to listening to vinyl, golfing with a persimmon wood driver or using a typewriter. It's outdated technology but still fun to use occasionally despite having better options.

I could do without the smugness and sense of superiority from many manual owners though. You really don't have more control of the car.

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:56

7

Someone pissed in my coffee this morning so I'm going to write a grump post.

I've never had an issue with driving a stick in NYC\Long Island traffic.

I've even driven some pretty harsh cars with stiff clutches and it hasn't been a big deal. I'm not a cripple and my legs work so I guess I have it easier than most. Also, when in traffic, its mostly leave it in 1rst or second and just maintain pace. When you stop trying to fill gaps or block people things go a lot smoother. However I understand that people are lazy\weak\crippled and we need to be kind to the handicapped.

As for kids, I've been listening to this BS reason for years. Millions of people have been shuttling around kids for over a century in manual equipped cars. Usually its wives who never really cared about driving stick in the first place and just want an AB car. Using kids as an excuse to switch over to automatics like every other mom on the block. We have always kept automatic family car because "wife". However, we always seem to take my car when we travel because my wife could care less about driving. Stick has zero impact on driving the family around. Unless you are the type that drive while yapping on the cell phone. Then I can see that as being a problem....

Fuel Economy - "I get 30 MPG in my auto vs 29MPG in your manual!!!!" Ok. Valid argument nowadays. If you are really concerned about 1-2 mpg then by all means get an automatic. Personally I don't give the typical difference much weight. I don't really care. Manuals are my personal preference and a requirement for any car I buy. I don't care about numbers. yes I will gladly sacrifice a couple mpgs for my manual. Just like some folks are willing to sacrifice mpgs for bigger engines or more doors or whatever.

Paddle shifters - Don't do track days and dont race competitively so zero 'f's given about how fast they shift. Manually selecting gears on your automatic gets your rocks off....then by all means.

Towing - Valid I guess. I don't tow on a regular basis so no way in hell would I buy an auto because of something I might do at most once a year.

grump post over.

JPS > Kommandante 01/31/2015 at 10:57

7

The only time I did not like having a stick was when I lived in LA in the early 90s - sucked in traffic.

I am doing my part to spread the word proudly wearing my t-shirt and putting stickers on my car :)

furiousfley > PassingLaneIsForPassing 01/31/2015 at 10:58

1

Most people here (in Germany, if not almost all of Europe) learn on manual cars and I doubt the average car user ever understands what the three pedals do or even what you could do with them, sadly. I had a couple of people asking how my car moves without me pushing the gas when I am in stop and go traffic or why they have to press the clutch while shifting or coming to a stop. Many will still tell you that automatics are for pussies only who don't know how to drive.

jbm0866 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:59

0

In my early 20's I was firmly in the "automatics are for lazy drivers and old people" camp...that is until I wrecked my left knee playing company softball and had to have a coworker (only one who knew how to row gears) drive my 300ZX to my apartment while another took me to the emergency room. That 300ZX sat in the parking lot for several weeks while I borrowed a rarely used F-150 from my dad.

I've had nothing but manuals since then, but I've also always had the safety net of having a g/f or wife with a slushbox car on standby. Sometimes in the winter when my knee aches and traffic is insane, I contemplate a dual clutch auto....someday my fate will be sealed.

JPS > JPS 01/31/2015 at 10:59

0

TopSirloin > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 10:59

0

As much as I wish I could have a "fun" weekend-type car with a stickshift and a capable enough DD with an automatic, I'm not currently at that point yet. I live in an apartment, fight for street parking like folks on Black Friday, and live in a downtown metro area. I have to choose between one or the other, and I've been going back and forth lately. I currently have a 6-speed manual transmission that I love for just pure driving joy, but I don't really do much in the way of great driving these days. It's traffic, park, traffic, parallel park, and a manual sucks for all of the above. I'm torn.

Iamopenlyjudgingyou > 415s30 W123TSXWaggoIIIIIIo ( •_•))°) 01/31/2015 at 10:59

2

You get accustommed to it really quick.

945T > BrtStlnd 01/31/2015 at 10:59

59

Yes, you really do actually. And it turns appliance drivers into people that understand how gas, brake, gear shifts etc affect the dynamics of the car. And the smug look is because I just double clutched, dropped two gears and hammered out of the apex on that long sweeper back there. Sorry.

Tatanko >  V8 Rustler 01/31/2015 at 11:00

2

This. Having complete control of what the engine and transmission are doing at any given time is a real draw for me. Driving stick has its own set of behaviors and nuances that can't be replicated even on a dual-clutch, and many of them are very useful or simply more natural than the way that automated transmissions do them.

Thankfully dual-clutches don't behave like automatics either, because torque converters are one of my least favorite aspects of a true automatic. I hate feeling like I am always at odds with the torque converter; when I am stopped it wants to move me forward with no input to the gas pedal... a feeling that is alien to me after 6+ years of daily driving a stick. I also rely heavily on engine braking in my daily routine, something nearly impossible to do usefully on most torque converter automatics.

CheezSauss > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:00

1

Granted the traffic is worse in some places than others, but I wouldn't say manuals are that horrible in stop and go traffic (also, don't depress your clutch, slip it back out of gear if you want to roll, let up on the gas pedal if you want to slow down a little - the ability to modulate your speed with the gas pedal is one of the best parts about a manual). Keep in mind I use Boston area traffic as my yardstick, if I had to deal with California-style traffic every day I'd probably just can it and get a Google-driven car.

For that matter, manuals also don't interfere with tending to children as much as you're implying. Tending to children while driving does interfere with safe operation of a car - on the other hand not tending to the children also interferes with safe operation of a car sometimes!

To me the big thing is this: drive a manual or don't drive a manual, but be committed to your choice. If you're new to a manual transmission or don't drive that particular vehicle on a regular basis you're going to flub it sometimes, and flubbing things while driving can lead to bad results.

BrtStlnd > 945T 01/31/2015 at 11:02

75

This is the delusion I'm talking about.

Justin Hughes > CheezSauss 01/31/2015 at 11:03

0

I said "most likely" - that doesn't exclude her! In fact, older people are much more likely to be good stick drivers because they were far more common in the past.

Kaufmania: Mark Webber's Stunt Double > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:03

5

My mom's first cousin, general manger at hendrick honda on south blvd, charlotte, tried to sale my dad on one of these on his Prelude. Said it was just like a manual. Come on Terry, we were family and you knew better than to try to bullshit us. This coming from the guy who taught me how to tie my shoes in the lobby of the old McDougal Honda when I was 2 y/o, before Rick bought them out. Sad day when I learned how the auto business really works.

Nothing is sacred.

I miss that car.

CheezSauss > PassingLaneIsForPassing 01/31/2015 at 11:05

1

To me the #1 advantage of giving new drivers some experience behind the wheel of a vehicle equipped with a stick is that that they have to actually have their head in the game - unlike automatics which can lead to a certain degree of mindless "push pedal and go!" driving.

There are way too many mindless drivers out there.

Justin Hughes > His Stigness 01/31/2015 at 11:05

1

Thank you! I try not to complain without having a good reason to do so.

Now, get me talking about stupid drivers, and I'll probably have an angry rant more like you thought I was going to write here!

theWong > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:05

1

Driving in traffic jams w a manual is not much of a problem if leave enough gap say, 5 car lengths or more from the driver in front of you. Then you can just idle creep with traffic and thus shift or depress the clutch less than a jerky stop-and-go.

Justin Hughes > athought123 01/31/2015 at 11:07

0

Hmm, that would've been tempting enough to try. I think my girlfriend would've killed me for it, but it might just have been worth it.

I plan to try driving this weekend, since I do have some mobility back in my foot, so we'll see!

BMWJLRTECH >  V8 Rustler 01/31/2015 at 11:08

0

Some of the SMG transmissions will let you dump the clutch by holding both paddles.

ambush27 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:09

1

good points. I'll agree about the too many speeds in a m/t though. It seems like most of the six speeds I've driven 2nd is too tall and 5th and 6th are almost the same ratio.

945T > BrtStlnd 01/31/2015 at 11:10

33

Then put down the keyboard and learn to drive a manual transmission. Its jisy unless you know how, you'll never understand it.

It's like eating out every night at the finest restaurants, but having your cooking skill limited to reheating things in the microwave and boiling water and not understanding the fun of cooking.

g101010101 > CheezSauss 01/31/2015 at 11:10

0

completely agree. Your comment reminded me of this. Never before have I had so much respect for the Queen.

Kayone74 > 945T 01/31/2015 at 11:11

31

Yes because the long boring commutes in urban traffic that occupies 90% of driving for most of us w regular jobs... has all the excitement and requires the skill of a track racing driver :rolleyes:

Justin Hughes > Orange mold 01/31/2015 at 11:12

8

You assume I'm a young man? I thank you profusely!

I've dealt with plenty of traffic jams in a stick. I'm still here today and nobody died. Parking and socializing sounds like fun. You get more of that in Miatas and motorcycles.

Yes, you can tow with anything. I used to tow a 4x4 trailer with tools and a set of race wheels behind my Miata. You should've seen the looks I got doing that. And yes, the Miata was a stick shift.

I'm not a parent, and would never tell anyone how to raise their kids. That's why I drew on someone else's experience for that part.

Just like you can drive around an automatic's limitations for the best performance, you can also drive it to maximize economy. Slow starts, let it shift to as high a gear as possible - it's mostly the same techniques actually.

Paddle shifters are cool. But I do prefer three pedals and a stick, really, if I'm out to have some fun.

KilgoreTrout53 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:12

2

My adult daughter totaled 3 cars in her driving over 8 years - all automatics. She wound up with a manual transmission only because that was the cheapest, moat available car a the time. Since then, about eight years ago, that car has served her well. She pays attention (kinda) because she has to!

Manual transmissions do indeed have an important place in our world / country. Oh and you'll save a bundle renting a stick overseas.

mrbwa1 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:13

1

Quite true! I must have misunderstood the point of the OP. Towing withan automatic is a lot easier, but off you are towing a car I would recommend trailer brakes.

Starting is usually never a problem with towing. Stopping on the other hand... Physics is a cruel mistress.

BrtStlnd > 945T 01/31/2015 at 11:14

16

I have owned several manual cars and I've even been given racing instruction on how to drive one quickly - http://jalopnik.com/5925867/this-i…

My experience with them is what has led me to this conclusion, not lack of exposure or knowledge.

thejahbro > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:14

0

Have you actually driven an automatic FR – S? Well if not it sucks!

Justin Hughes > Iamopenlyjudgingyou 01/31/2015 at 11:15

3

I grew up in the back seat of a 1974 VW Super Beetle. Manual transmission. We didn't have all the electronic gizmos back then, but my parents had no problem whipping around to discipline me between shifts.

Justin Hughes > CheezSauss 01/31/2015 at 11:16

1

Boston is also my yardstick. We must be neighbors.

My point here is, the right tool for the right job. I'm all for saving the stick, really I am. Give me a stick, three pedals, and no electronic traction aids at all for screwing around on an autocross course or track. But for some jobs, I'd actually prefer an auto.

The Phantom Flame > Iamopenlyjudgingyou 01/31/2015 at 11:16

0

Now, did you actually see them piss in your coffee or did you arrive at the conclusion a few sips in?

shurkon93 > cluelessk 01/31/2015 at 11:17

0

what are house package? Do you mean Mobile Homes?

Rob > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:20

5

I've owned 10 cars since I started driving when I was 16 (13 years ago) and every one has been a manual. When I replace my Mazdaspeed 6 I can almost guarantee it will be an automatic — for all of these reasons.

ambush27 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:20

2

trick question. That shifter is out of James Mays car. Because nobody else's console is that clean.

Kayone74 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:22

16

I love articles like these because all the manual snobs come out in droves and endless debate and justify why driving stick is not only superior, but NECESSARY for everyday daily driving, and yet pull out reasons that have more to do with speciality situations/performance, track driving.

5 out of my last 8 cars (over last 25 yrs) were manuals and the last 2 ive currently driven are dual clutch, before anyone attacks me for not knowing the joys of driving stick.

The things I won't argue is that MT is more fun, more engaging, and makes one feel far more engaged to the machine I drive. And you know what, if I was driving on a track, or taking a coast highway or mountain Canyon pass, I wouldn't want anything else? But you know what, in my real life that is less than 5% of my driving. Most of it is spent going to work, shopping, running errands, doing long road trips, getting stuck in gridlock traffic and mundane stuff where driving fun and the need to feel mechanically connected is the lowest priority on my mind.

The fellow drivers who are 'MT for life!' and stuck in the same urban commute traffic with me are determined to make every moment, no matter how out of place a 'racetrack experience' to justify their stance of 'MT are great for all situations!' and frankly behave like asshats far too often.

I used to be one of those assholes with that stuck up smug superior attitude that I was a superior form of driver, nay human being when I was on the road, and reading many of the jalop comments over the years, I was far from the only one.

Well Ive gotten a little bit older, a little less stupid and have partially extracted my head out of my own ass enough to have to cognizance to tell myself and others 'get over yourself, just because you love MT doesn't make you superior or right'.

Justin Hughes > ambush27 01/31/2015 at 11:22

1

Funny story true. There was one Miata club autocross where I was competing in my 1990 (5-speed) against two very good drivers in 10AE models (6-speed). There was one fast straightaway on that course where I could hold 2nd gear all the way to the limiter. But their 2nd gear was lower, forcing them to either accept a lower top speed or shift into 3rd and immediately back to 2nd, neither of which was as fast as I was. And that's how I won our class that day. It was the only time I ever beat one of those 10AE drivers. My skill was close to his, but never quite as good.

Sixth gear in the 6-speed Miatas (at least the older ones) is the same ratio as 5th gear in the 5-speeds. Everything in between is just closer ratios to each other. Sometimes, as we learned that day, that can actually be a disadvantage.

Orange mold > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:24

2

At least you understood it in the spirit it was intended.

The way I see it though, without being argumentative, is that this market has its own style and you are merely pandering to it by making their excuses for them. But then that's your job, to get clicks. I don't get stars because I disagree. It's as simple as that.

Now to be argumentative; is that journalism? It sure as heck will be soon enough when someone else writes a blog arguing all your points lol. You guys have this game down pat. Kudos.

KirkyV > BrtStlnd 01/31/2015 at 11:25

4

All the same, I'm rather glad I live somewhere where everyone and their Mum drives a manual. For one thing, it makes shopping used a lot easier.

Mikey > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:26

4

I was driving a stick before many readers of this post were born. British cars, muscle cars, ordinary cars. I know the immediacy of it. But guess what—my FR-S has an automatic. I don't drive on a track. I don't need to prove anything dashing from one stoplight to the next. I've got nothing at all to prove. So the automatic version of my car is a bit slower in the 0-60 than the stick. So what. It's still great fun on a twisty canyon road and it gets better gas mileage than most econoboxes of just a few years ago.

If I feel a need to be Stirling Moss, well then the paddle shifters are quite responsive. I'm going to chicken out well before I hit any marginal conditions anyway. And if I'm just going to the post office, I'll let the auto take over and still have a fun drive.

Erebus330 > Justin Hughes 01/31/2015 at 11:26

9

I'm sorry, but "tending to the kids" has no business being on this list. I have two teenagers so we've been through the stage you're referring to. I have always had a manual, my wife an automatic. Sometimes I'd have to drive her car and she would have to drive mine, so we both have experience driving young kids with both transmission types. Regardless of the transmission, if you're the driver you should not be doing any of those things.

When you turn around to mess with the kids you aren't watching the road at that point and you start to swerve, extremely dangerous! For one, the back seat is not a restaurant. For short trips the kids can go a few miles without drink or food. For long trips you can prepare ahead of time by setting some "sippy" cups of water and a small container of goldfish crackers or whatever back there. Same with the electronics - set it back there ahead of time and let them go at it. As for breaking up a fight or stopping a tantrum, you don't. You can yell at them, maybe flash a quick look back as you yell, but for the most part you're keeping your focus on the driving. Tell them they're going to get it when you get home, then make sure you follow up and give it to them. Next time they'll heed your warning. If you absolutely must intervene for whatever situation, you can always pull over somewhere. We had to do that occasionally.

Also, when are you shifting with a manual? Pulling away from a stop light (around a bunch of other cars). Slowing down, going around a corner then accelerating away. Things like that. Even if you have an automatic, those are the most awful times to divert your attention away from the task of driving.

Nothing should take your focus away from driving, especially when it's your most precious cargo being transported. What good is giving them a cracker or whipping the $#!t out of them during the trip if you don't make it to your destination safely? I've been there, done that and I can say transmission choice has absolutely nothing to do with looking after the kids.

Justin Hughes > Orange mold 01/31/2015 at 11:28

6

There, I starred your post!

I'm actually not a staff writer - "just a prick with a keyboard," as Chris Harris wrote. The staffers seem to think my stuff's worth sharing from time to time. No, this article isn't journalism - it's just my opinion. I figured it would stir the pot a bit. Achievement unlocked!

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > cluelessk 01/31/2015 at 11:29

0

Ram 3500 tradesman has a 6MT still. You do lose ~200 lbft with it though.

Justin Hughes > Mikey 01/31/2015 at 11:30

0

I've wondered how the FR-S automatic is, since I drive a manual BRZ. Yes, it's slower, but as you point out, who cares? Everyone complains the car's underpowered anyway, but it doesn't bother me.

QQXQXL123 > BrtStlnd 01/31/2015 at 11:33

10

Absolutely. Here in the UK everyone (apart from disabled people and the terminally inept) learn on manual cars - there's a separate licence for cars that don't have a clutch pedal, which limits you to an auto.

However, not everyone here is a driving god. Far from it. There is a stunning lack of mechanical sympathy. I heard someone bouncing the engine off the rev limiter while parking a few months back because they didn't understand what they were doing.

And the opposite is true - it's quite possible to drive very well with an automatic gearbox. What goes on inside the car isn't really important; it's what the car is made to do that matters.

Kayone74 > Kayone74 01/31/2015 at 11:34

1

Also I still love driving and while my DD is a dual clutch S-tronic S4,i don't regret my choice of transmission choice at all and Im thinking of shopping for a MT 'fun' car for tooling around (used Fiat 500 Abarth 6MT)

cluelessk > shurkon93 01/31/2015 at 11:37

0

Nope. All the walls and window headers for a house. Built in a shop then brought to lot and set up.

We could build a house way quicker. When I was 14 me and another guy could build all the walls and headers for a house in a day.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > PassingLaneIsForPassing 01/31/2015 at 11:40

0

Not all of us text and drive....