Automatic vs Manual
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
Maybe GM can start installing a hologram of clutch pedal to complete the illusion of "manual" shifter?
F1 racing aside, I guess paddle shifters are for those with ambition to drive manual tranny cars but either missing a leg or brains to use that leg? Not like improved shifting times can improve traffic jams? Leave it in full auto and call the day.
Last edited by petermj; Oct 7, 2009 at 11:29 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,643
Likes: 167
are you being funny? 4 speed auto in 2005 or 6 speed after that and paddle shifter or not, still an automatic... Maybe GM can start installing a hologram of clutch pedal to complete the illusion of "manual" shifter? F1 racing aside, I guess paddle shifters are for those with ambition to drive manual tranny cars but either missing a leg or brains to use that leg? Not like improved shifting times can improve traffic jams? Leave it in full auto and call the day.
Maybe GM can start installing a hologram of clutch pedal to complete the illusion of "manual" shifter? F1 racing aside, I guess paddle shifters are for those with ambition to drive manual tranny cars but either missing a leg or brains to use that leg? Not like improved shifting times can improve traffic jams? Leave it in full auto and call the day.
You know, an automatic with a paddle shifter is really no different than an automatic with a stick shifter. With either you can still move through the gears with either a flip of the paddle or shifting the stick forward or rearward. So all the talk of paddle shifting being more "manuallike" really doesn't mean much.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
You know, an automatic with a paddle shifter is really no different than an automatic with a stick shifter. With either you can still move through the gears with either a flip of the paddle or shifting the stick forward or rearward. So all the talk of paddle shifting being more "manuallike" really doesn't mean much.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 8
From: Olympia WA
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 8
From: Olympia WA
So women can drive them? Being barefoot or wearing high heels should not be a problem then... As sucky as the MT is in the vette, still the best way to go IMO. Even a caveman can drive an automatic. Let us leave the paddle shifters to F1 where superfast reaction time is needed
GM seems to be flip flopping about AT vs. MT too... On C5, MT was an extra option, on C6 it is the other way around. And C6 was suppose to be aimed at female drivers. Go figure I guess...
GM seems to be flip flopping about AT vs. MT too... On C5, MT was an extra option, on C6 it is the other way around. And C6 was suppose to be aimed at female drivers. Go figure I guess...I still feel the paddle shifters or the SMG, you end up loosing direct control of the car. Its a better compromise than a normal auto, but not as good as a regular manual.
But I do understand why folks want auto's. I think if you are more of a cruiser than a driving enthusiast, an Auto makes sense.
I thought I read somewhere that approx 60% of the vettes are auto's.
Can't argue with numbers.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
My fear is that in 10 years or less, you will not be able to get a regular manual transmission. Your only choice will be auto w/paddle shifters or some form of SMG.
I still feel the paddle shifters or the SMG, you end up loosing direct control of the car. Its a better compromise than a normal auto, but not as good as a regular manual.
But I do understand why folks want auto's. I think if you are more of a cruiser than a driving enthusiast, an Auto makes sense.
I thought I read somewhere that approx 60% of the vettes are auto's.
Can't argue with numbers.
I still feel the paddle shifters or the SMG, you end up loosing direct control of the car. Its a better compromise than a normal auto, but not as good as a regular manual.
But I do understand why folks want auto's. I think if you are more of a cruiser than a driving enthusiast, an Auto makes sense.
I thought I read somewhere that approx 60% of the vettes are auto's.
Can't argue with numbers.
Try driving a tuned A4 (yes, you can still shift them while using a little common sense). It is a blast. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,417
Likes: 1
From: No place to legally ride ATV's NJ
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,876
Likes: 254
From: Hillsboro OR
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,640
Likes: 83
From: . New York
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 945
Likes: 8
From: Olympia WA
I don't get the "if traffic is bad, buy and automatic" thinking.
If traffic is bad where you live, why buy a sports car?...Alright I get it if you just want to cruise in it or like someone said they have a bad knee.
But if traffic is bad, doesn't it make sense to drive a car with a manual that makes you pay attention to driving and to the idiots out there?
Obviously I am a manual type of guy.. I guess I just have that inner fear way down inside me that manual transmission cars are nearing extinction.
Please tell me its just a bad dream...
If traffic is bad where you live, why buy a sports car?...Alright I get it if you just want to cruise in it or like someone said they have a bad knee.
But if traffic is bad, doesn't it make sense to drive a car with a manual that makes you pay attention to driving and to the idiots out there?
Obviously I am a manual type of guy.. I guess I just have that inner fear way down inside me that manual transmission cars are nearing extinction.
Please tell me its just a bad dream...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
^^ Don't forget the M6/M12 gets better MPG!
My A4 LS1 got 20MPG freeway if I was lucky. My M12 LS6 gets 30+MPG freeway on average.
I get 20MPG on the streets with my M12.
Honestly, autos can be nice... But I'll trade my 6-speed for an auto the day I physically cannot drive a manual. It's just TOO much fun to drive a 6-speed.
I drove my mom's M35 the other day with a 5-speed auto, and even when I manually shifted it I was still bored.
My A4 LS1 got 20MPG freeway if I was lucky. My M12 LS6 gets 30+MPG freeway on average.
I get 20MPG on the streets with my M12.
Honestly, autos can be nice... But I'll trade my 6-speed for an auto the day I physically cannot drive a manual. It's just TOO much fun to drive a 6-speed.
I drove my mom's M35 the other day with a 5-speed auto, and even when I manually shifted it I was still bored.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,504
Likes: 2
From: Sacramento California
I do not think that unless you do the traffic somewhere like San Francisco and constantly uphill, there is a true advantage to auto at all, in fact, it can be easier to cause an accident when stuck in bumper to bumper traffic... For me at least. MT keeps you on your toes considerably more than auto ever will.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Drove rush hour traffic from Illinois to St.Louis for years,,and my 2 modes of transportation were #1 motorcycle and #2 stick shift car!! When you learn the art of idling in gear,,it is not a problem!! I still prefer sticks!!!
