It’s the right of passage many of us graduate to early in life that quickly becomes a badge of honor. It’s the subtle cue to another enthusiast that you’re serious about the art of driving and a student of automotive history. In my mind there are cars that require a manual. The M3s, 911s or even MCS’ of the world just don’t seem as bare-chested with a pair of flappy paddles. And you know the moment. When you peer into either of those cars and see that dreaded auto knob. Your heart drops just a bit. If your a manual driver you care about that car. And you know it’s been wronged by someone who chose ease over interaction on the ordering spec (unless of course it’s a dedicated track car). So let’s be clear about it. The entire idea is laced with testosterone. But you don’t actually need to be a man to own or drive one. You simply need an attitude (and maybe at least figurative attachments). It’s the option for control freaks who don’t mind a little serendipity. In short, it’s a way of life. Sure you need a little insanity to look at today’s congested roads and choose a manual. But buying a new car with three pedals is a simple decision that separates those of us in the know from those of us unable to see through the monotony of daily life*. Or just get two cars. *Exclusions apply to anyone who cannot drive a manual due to injury or handicap. **There at least a half dozen examples of DCT only cars (mostly exotic) that clearly interest us and don’t necessarily fall into either category above). That said we wished they came in manual form. From - MotoringFile
...and my wife says to me, "but dear you bought another manual...you know I can't drive a manual"....EXACTLY :beer
I do indeed prefer a manual. 'Tis been that way since I first started driving. I noticed that when driving the stick I tend to pay more attention to traffic, surroundings and conditions. Long live 3 pedals. ...Les
I've driven a manual all my life. Years ago we were on vacation and had a rental car that was an automatic. I was chugging along when traffic slowed down. I went to step on the clutch so I could downshift. Hmmm there is no clutch in an automatic, but there is a brake pedal handy. Wow my wife and I just about went thru the windshield as the car came to a screeching halt! :blush2: I love driving a manual, especially the MINI.
I learned to drive on my dad's 1969 Chevy Van. "3 on the tree". First thing was driving it around the yard where I was just about able to get it to roll without stalling, no room to get it into 2nd. I wasn't allowed on the street yet, no DL. After awhile when we were on job sites I was allowed to move the van, then I could get it into 2nd, what a thrill! 15 year olds are/were easy to entertain that way. Or at least I was. Later on it was an International Scout II with a "Granny Gear". That was it until my 05 MCS. And my wife still complains that she can't drive it. But my daughter can!! Oh Boy!! I hope that wasn't a mistake!
Chuck, I don't think so although with her new Countryman due any day now she might be on here...oh well, "that's my story and I'm sticking to it". Sent from my Droid using Tapatalk
On a recent White Roof Radio podcast, it was interesting to hear that around 75% of MINI sales are automatics, and something like 97% for BMW! I enjoy driving manuals and haven't owned an automatic since my first car yikes, over 30 years ago. However, I tire of Gabe, DB and Todd's constant bashing on autos whenever they get the chance. They seem genuinely bewildered that most people aren't driving enthusiasts and don't have motivation or desire to learn or own a manual.
Being an enthusiast does not rule out automatics either, why would all F1 cars use them then? Most top line race cars are heading to "flappy paddle" transmissions, because they not only shift faster, they don't make mistakes and go intot he wrong gear at the wrong time, and they're more reliable. None of them use 3 pedals either.... I think this bias is based on a romantic idea from a time gone by, and has little relavance to the real world we live in now. It's like pining away for points and a carburetor. There is absolutely nothing that a manual transmission does that an automatic can't do as well or better. And a dual clutch is even better....