Automatic vs. Manual

As some of you know I [currently] own an 03 Kia optima with a trans-automatic transmission; I believe that's what it is called. Basically, it is an automatic with a "sports mode" or manual mode that I can switch into whenever I want. The car performs better and runs smoother when I use manual. Not to mention that I can switch it into the next gear before the 'computer' ever would in automatic, giving me better control over the RPMs and the car itself. Last winter when Joplin got more snow than in who knows how many years/decades (2 ft) I kept the car in manual the entire time. I was also moving, not something an Optima is meant for, but I managed to successfully navigate through the ice/snow/slush mix with the car loaded roof, trunk, and seats with furniture and boxes.
So, anyways. With everything I have learned about automatics and manuals I am reaching a point where I'm not sure which I'd prefer... Granted I have never driven a purely standard car before, but I have never met a machine I couldn't learn to operate proficiently.

Which do you prefer and why?

Thank you,
-X

 

Most of my cars/trucks have been automatic. However I have driven a couple of standards really enjoyed them. I found them to be excellent in the snow as you have already found out.
But since I got my 4x4(an automatic) I don't know that I'd ever go back to a regular car, for winter driving anyway. However, when Fannie is ready she'll be my DD during the summer months...well that's the plan anyway.

 

I think it's purely a matter of preference. You have to figure out what a car means to you. My folks were die hard standard owners. They felt they got better performance, better mileage, and better value in their purchase. All of those things were true at various points in time, I'm not entirely sure that all three applied at the same time in their case but it's what they wanted and the way they liked to drive.

Personally, I've found that I want my cars to be comfortable. The seats need to be cushy, the suspension floaty, and I like to be able to kick on the cruise and roll down the highway. Back when I had a standard, I found that, inevitably, at some point during my trip I'd get caught in stop and go traffic and wind up getting out of the car with my clutch leg feeling like I'd run a marathon. While my standard cars will always have a place in my heart, I don't think that I would ever go back.

 

I prefer stick over a slush box any day.
Better control,better fuel economy,and less wear ad tear on brakes and other parts.
It just happens that the majority of newer cars have automatics in them making the search for a used car with manual trans more challenging.
I learned to drive a car with a standard box,but until now,all my cars were automatics.
Besides..I have more fun rowing my own..thank you very much..LOL
I am very happy with Waygun's three on da tree.25 MPG and a blast to drive.

 

Personally, I have no desire to have to "deal" with a clutch. Most of my driving is putting around town up and down hills with traffic lights and stop signs.

However, I would love to have the option for sport mode and paddle shifters when I want it... and still not have a clutch peddle.

I prefer to brake with my left foot, anyway.

 

I prefer a standard shift but todays reality is that most cars perform better and get better fuel milage with the automatics.

Shifting is a pain in the butt in city traffic or the SoCal freeways when the average speed is 25 mph.

Of course I've never driven the new six speed manuals. More gear choices generally improves the situation. My truck has five and unless I'm under 10mph or very close to a stop 1st gear isn't necessary. Back when I had 3 speed manuals they are a big PIA in heavy traffic. 1st being too low and 2nd being too high especially with a column shifter that the throw is about two feet from 1st to 2nd.

I like shifting.

 

FYI, ANY automatic can be shifted manually as well. My 1969 Hurst/Olds has a dual gate shifter specifically for this function. Don't believe the marketing hype that this is something new.

 

In Holland most cars have manual transmission. For a long time automatic trannies were considered as cars for elderly people (maybe thanks to the dutch DAF ("pientere pookje"="smart lever"), I do not know). But now automatic is considered more and more as luxury and more popular... But still manual is the standard..
DAF station..


I prefer automatic...

 

Depends on what car and how you drive, but a Man. trans they say will get better MPG's. If you do alot of city driving I would stick to an Auto.

There is just something fun about banging gears though.....so......lol

 

Auto for me!

I learnt to drive in a manual car but then quickly moved to autos as traffic around the UK is very stop/start, and I thought I might pop a kneecap on that clutch eventually. Its been that way so long I haven't owned a manual in 20 years, I wouldn't go back unless it was an Italian v12!

Besides, it's hard to 'burn one' in yr right hand if you have to fiddle with a stick too!

 

After the Kia is finished getting repaired and sold we are going to get an older wagon. Preferably one from the mid/late 70s to mid/late 80s.

That's a problem I have had with the Kia. Luckily for me my wife is almost always in the car with me and we both smoke so when I use manual she holds my cigarette for me so I don't have to compromise my religious driving safety habits. But I use either hand is free when smoking.

 

Looks like I have to get married in order to own, drive and smoke in my manual car. I guess the manual shift can wait then.

 

My Fairmont has a manual trans and I much prefer it over an automatic. Its strictly a preference, probably from the muscle-car days. Back when I was a kid, my dad had a 69 Chevelle with an LT350 and a 4-speed Muncie. Then when I was a teen, he had an '80 Fairmont and an '83 F150, both with stick-shifts. That's what I learned to drive on. In fact, my driving instructor got ahold of a manual-trans car just for those who preferred them.
I'm seriously considering a new Focus wagon next year, but only if a manual trans is offered.

 

-------WOW ! Some of you people would do anything to smoke a cancer stick! Getting married just to smoke and drive a stick shift. That's sick! Give up smoking and buy a nice four speed sports car or wagon.----------As for the choice of what tranny is best, I drove standards till I decided to buy a pick up truck to pull an RV in 1975. Said I'd never get an auto. Never looked back. Automatics are so much nicer. Yes, could have pulled RV with stick. Drove a semi and they had many gears to wade thru. But why, with newer automatics? I don't smoke but it makes eating junk food easier! I haven't been on wagon forum because the site kept telling me it wasn't working. "Failure to connect with web server." Still doing it! Internet is weird!:2_thumbs_up_-_anima

 

Yup...in the OLD days automatics were troublesome but that changed over the years. Now, most autos, are tough as nails and no longer cost an arm and a leg to repair. Have you priced a new clutch in a modern car lately? I get tired of the clutch, BUT,,,there ARE some cars I would probably order up with a 6 speed. Like the Caddy CTS-V.
Maybe. Maybe not.