Topic: Gearbox poll - what preference? (Read 5652 times)

bob.dent · « **on:** 08 August 2006, 15:48:28 »

Ok guys (and girls of course) this sort of started off in another thread, so time to take a vote.

What floats your boat in your driving pleasure, manual or auto? My own preference is for manual for better control, driving experience, better speed etc.

**edited

Auto Addict · « **Reply #1 on:** 08 August 2006, 15:53:54 »

Bet you can't guess which way I voted

TheBoy · « **Reply #2 on:** 08 August 2006, 15:58:37 »

there is not a best...

Andy B · « **Reply #3 on:** 08 August 2006, 16:06:24 »

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there is not a best...

Correct!

bob.dent · « **Reply #4 on:** 08 August 2006, 16:07:15 »

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there is not a best...
Correct!

OK lets not say best, lets say preferred!

MartinP · « **Reply #5 on:** 08 August 2006, 22:19:59 »

While I agree that a manual can be more

FUN

Its nice and easy driving a Luxobarge with an auto box

Markjay · « **Reply #6 on:** 08 August 2006, 22:33:54 »

Manual is more enjoyable (sorry AA), and yet I drive an automatic since ‘98. When you get older you succumb to such creature comforts as auto gearboxes and power steering.... However I do get some fun driving occasionally as our family car is a manual (to the extent that you can have fun driving an MPV…)

Markjay · « **Reply #7 on:** 08 August 2006, 22:35:01 »

Also driving a manul while using a mobile phone in town - even with the hand-free kit - requires a little too much coordination for me...

nixoro · « **Reply #8 on:** 08 August 2006, 22:37:03 »

Only ever driven an auto once and found it hard to get used to not using my left foot mind you the fact I nearly put it in the back of someone doesnt help things, couldn't get used to it creeping forward. lol

bob.dent · « **Reply #9 on:** 08 August 2006, 22:47:41 »

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Manual is more enjoyable (sorry AA), and yet I drive an automatic since ‘98. When you get older you succumb to such creature comforts as auto gearboxes and power steering.... However I do get some fun driving occasionally as our family car is a manual (to the extent that you can have fun driving an MPV…)

Agreed, especially as I'm definitely in the "getting older" bracket

but I used to have a Pug 606 SVDT auto (don't laugh....it wasn't bad until head gasket went!) and while it was comfy and easy to drive, when I got my manual miggie it was like being rejuvinated and gave me real fun in driving again

Still.....I suppose I'll get bored again one day and end up with an auto again....preferrably an MV6 estate 8-)

Kev · « **Reply #10 on:** 08 August 2006, 23:14:30 »

I don't think i could go back to a manual again.

I'm wasted with my Auto, especially when you're in that rush hour traffic.

Andy B · « **Reply #11 on:** 09 August 2006, 07:07:03 »

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Only ever driven an auto once and found it hard to get used to not using my left foot mind you the fact I nearly put it in the back of someone doesnt help things, couldn't get used to it creeping forward. lol

Exactly what most people base their opinions of automatics over manuals on. A run down the road in someone elses auto won't give you an impression of what an auto is really like to live with. Just about every one will 'dip the clutch' at some stage and nearly nut the windscreen cos they've hit the big brake pedal!

When you get practised with your auto you can use a foot for each pedal! 8-) ( I know that's NOT what you get taught but I do) As for creeping forward ... why I don't know, but my wife's auto Astra G doesn't creep like al the auto's I've had, it's as though the brake light circuit switches the drive off? :-?

sounds2k · « **Reply #12 on:** 09 August 2006, 08:18:11 »

well thanks to an accident a few years ago that damaged my back, I drive an auto as otherwise the single-leg bench presses give me leg ache - usually in the right leg! (referred pain)

An auto is nice in a barge but TBH what I'd really like is a semi-auto gearbox so you have some degree of control when you want to have some fun

Taxi_Driver · « **Reply #13 on:** 09 August 2006, 10:02:46 »

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As for creeping forward ... why I don't know, but my wife's auto Astra G doesn't creep like al the auto's I've had, it's as though the brake light circuit switches the drive off? :-?

Thats entirely possible.....i used to have V6 Vectra auto.....that did the same thing....it used to drop the box into neutral if you were stood still with your foot on the brake.
Pain in the neck if you went for a quick getaway....as you already had revs up before the box dropped back into drive again.....not exactly very good for it :-?

nixoro · « **Reply #14 on:** 09 August 2006, 10:09:03 »

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Only ever driven an auto once and found it hard to get used to not using my left foot mind you the fact I nearly put it in the back of someone doesnt help things, couldn't get used to it creeping forward. lol

Exactly what most people base their opinions of automatics over manuals on. A run down the road in someone elses auto won't give you an impression of what an auto is really like to live with. Just about every one will 'dip the clutch' at some stage and nearly nut the windscreen cos they've hit the big brake pedal! When you get practised with your auto you can use a foot for each pedal! 8-) ( I know that's NOT what you get taught but I do) As for creeping forward ... why I don't know, but my wife's auto Astra G doesn't creep like al the auto's I've had, it's as though the brake light circuit switches the drive off? :-?

You say based on a run down the road, I would say more based on a long run only I had been hired the auto to do a job in Birmingham so not sure whether you would call it a run down the road. I see your point though I guess if I was ever to go the auto route I would eventually get used to it, but for now I will stick with my manual.

TheBoy · « **Reply #15 on:** 09 August 2006, 11:18:32 »

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I would eventually get used to it, but for now I will stick with my manual.

Roy, you're far too young to consider an auto

Varche · « **Reply #16 on:** 09 August 2006, 11:49:41 »

IMHO all cars ought to be automatic except F1 which should revert to gearknobs! If the industry spent more developing auto gearboxes then they would by now have perfected them fuel economy wise, smoothness of changes and options like Sport, Economy,Hustle,Town etc.

Anyone ever drive a Daf 44? You could technically go as fast backwards as forwards!. Have driven mostly autos through choice since 1980 averaging 21k a year. Only use left foot for braking but that was learnt rallying more years ago than I care to say. You have only mastered it when in an emergency you use your left foot instead of your right. Till then ......

Andy B · « **Reply #17 on:** 09 August 2006, 16:37:51 »

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IMHO all cars ought to be automatic except F1 which should revert to gearknobs! If the industry spent more developing auto gearboxes then they would by now have perfected them fuel economy wise, smoothness of changes and options like Sport, Economy,Hustle,Town etc.

Anyone ever drive a Daf 44? ....

I've driven a similar rubber band/variable pulley/variator set up in an early Fiesta. Strange experience.

tunnie · « **Reply #18 on:** 09 August 2006, 17:46:31 »

Having both i have to agree with Jamie there is no best...

Auto's are great in heavy traffic, but once out on the open road a manual is fantasic, even if its only a 2.2

hotel21 · « **Reply #19 on:** 09 August 2006, 23:13:06 »

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Anyone ever drive a Daf 44?

Jings, that takes me back!!

"Forwards to go forwards, backwards to go back. Its as simple as that"

For those that don't remember, I think that was the catchline in the advertising of the day. The DAF 44 Variomatic grew into the Volvo stable. The 300 series?

To me, auto's are good in a big powerfull car but absolutely pants in smaller underpowered ones. When in the latter, bad things tend to happen to drivers who underestimate the response times of their underpowered mechanical systems.

B

egcc · « **Reply #20 on:** 10 August 2006, 10:08:45 »

Have always driven manuals till I bought a Omega 2.5 cdxi, I did want a 2.6 manual (facelift model ) for towing, but could i find one....... Instead we bought the same with the auto box and I don't think I'll go back to the manual (excellent for towing and I guess lazyitus is setting in), even better no need to replace the clutch, her indoors not only burns my dinner

.. Hope she don't read this.

Dave

nixoro · « **Reply #21 on:** 10 August 2006, 10:14:46 »

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I would eventually get used to it, but for now I will stick with my manual.
Roy, you're far too young to consider an auto

I guess I am, still have plenty of time for that lol

Hillper · « **Reply #22 on:** 10 August 2006, 12:28:35 »

There's no question that for 'real' driving, a manual is best, but overall, I would never choose manual again.

Non-manuals are intended to be smooth, easy to drive and nothing else. These features are generally valued less by younger drivers.

bob.dent · « **Reply #23 on:** 10 August 2006, 12:38:30 »

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There's no question that for 'real' driving, a manual is best, but overall, I would never choose manual again.

Non-manuals are intended to be smooth, easy to drive and nothing else. These features are generally valued less by younger drivers.

Guess I must be going against the grain a bit seeing as I'm not as young (in body!) as I was :-?

I've always had a passion for driving and still prefer a bit of clutch pumping and pudding stirring

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Author Topic: Gearbox poll - what preference? (Read 5652 times)

Taxi_Driver