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I'll ask one question.
If all you're interested in is going from A to B (ie you don't got through winding roads on a daily basis to go to work) and you can afford it (ie. you don't go ape sh_t over a relatively measly $2k), is there any other reason why you would buy a manual?
For the average North American, Japanese or Australian motorist who commutes in a passenger vehicle driven in the city or suburban areas?Quote:
Originally Posted by ziggyboy
None.
Manual transmissions are arguably more reliable because they are inherently simpler devices, but the average Australian motorist probably wouldn't keep their vehicle to the point where that might prove advantageous (i.e. distances in excess of 200 000 km).
The loss of fuel efficiency is outweighed by convenience, because the price of fuel isn't something ridiculous like $2.30 per litre, which is what the average European motorist is faced with.
The loss of drivetrain efficiency is outweighed by engines with (on average) larger displacements, as registration, tax and running costs of such vehicles are not significantly penalised in Australia.
Personal preferenceQuote:
Originally Posted by ziggyboy
The joy of being able to rev match downchanges.
Still having full use of left hand side of body.
Knows the difference between a clutch and a clutch purse.
6 spd Getrag in E39 M5 - poetryQuote:
Originally Posted by JimmyVR6
i think manual cars should be made mandatory for all young drivers during their P period.
the main benefits:
1. it requires the otherwise free left hand to actually use it for driving, instead of holding a smartphone for texting and other tweet / facebook /internet / etc stuffs while the car is moving or in traffic lights.
2. when stopping, instead of again using the free hand to grab the smartphone, you will use it to change gears.
for enthusiasts who love driving, unfortunately DCT transmissions are becoming more and more the norm in purpose built racecars, supercars and many other fast cars. this could be due to the more efficient operation and possible better lap times achieveable.
DCT and XTRAC gearboxes seem to be the norm now for cars that have achieved record lap times and won races. have a look at WRC race cars, Aust V8 race cars, GT3 race cars, WTAC 2012 winner NEMO Evo, the new Porsche GT3 and lastly the new McLaren P1.
and it also teaches young drivers to read the traffic ahead - beyond just the car directly in front, as they need to select the correct gear for the traffic conditions (speed).Quote:
Originally Posted by nat225
yes it does seem the future is pretty bleak for those few of us who still prefer manuals over automated transmissions of any description.
I wonder how many drivers of dsg cars even know (those outside of this forum), why the computer blips the throttle on downshifts ?
A manual transmission may make for better skilled and coordinated drivers, but that doesn't necessarily translate into better driver attitudes.
Just about anyone who learned to drive when I did (or earlier.)Quote:
Originally Posted by mfl
Other than match-and-bash, options were mainly Model T, Daimler/Lanchester pre-selector and the rather odd and unreliable "Electric Hand" found on a few Hudson models and a few Continental devices.
Once you learned to accurately match gears, clutches became mostly an aid to starting from standstill and parking.
Some cars just have to be manual to be great... golfs among them IMO. All hatchbacks for that matter. The smaller the car, the less power it has, the more fun a manual gearbox I reckon.
I am a person that never thought I would own an auto.... until I bought the allroad. In that car, the auto is great. It suits the car. I wouldn't be surprised if I enjoyed a manual in the allroad better, but I reckon its pretty enjoyable with the auto for what it is.
I cant understand any samll hatchbacks being auto, except that I also cant understand why half of the modern hatchbacks on the road sell at all, they are so terrible to drive... so given that the people buying them don't like driving (they mus'nt!) its not surprising they are auto.
Then throw all the mini SUV garbage into the pile and its a wonder there are any manual cars left to drive at all. I'm glad there are some of us who still like manuals.
You can never write for an australian motoring journal with the opinion that half of them are terrible to drive. You must be able to insist that the a steaming pile of turd with its new wedge-like and sporty styling known as the Corolla is interesting and competent as an enthusiastic sporty vehicle.Quote:
Originally Posted by gldgti
Mind you, no brand elitism here. I consider the Golf an overly interesting hatchback to drive, they'd offend the majority of their buyers if it had oodles of reckless and irresponsible character tones.