Manual Vs Auto. What's Your Preference?

pegaxs on 16/09/2019 - 10:01

Got to talking at work the other day with a few friends and customers about the shift in the automotive industry towards vehicles with automatic transmissions (and I'm lumping everything in with "auto" that do not require user input to frequently change gears. DC, DSG, CVT, Automated manual, etc.).

This fired up a debate on "what's best" and bought out a lot of valid debate from both sides (and a lot of invalid, posturing as well). It was still undecided and on the fence either way. So, I thought I would throw it out to the worlds best automotive forum, and see what they say.

So, the question was;

This week, you are out to purchase a new car. This car is going to be your daily driver for 80~90% of the time, with the odd weekend to do what you want. The car you have settled on is now down to selecting options. We are at the "gearbox" selection when the salesperson offers you "What ever you want, we have that as an option".

What would you pick, and why?

Poll Options

  • 314
    Traditional Manual
  • 319
    Traditional Automatic
  • 28
    Mixed Mode (step/tipronic type)
  • 45
    DSG/DC/Automated Manual
  • 19
    CVT
  • 10
    Other (see comments)
Automotive

Comments

      • dcash on 16/09/2019 - 14:02
        +5

        It often blocks access for other cars who are not going to use the ramp.

        • Ryanek on 16/09/2019 - 14:10

          This is exactly right.

  • tsunamisurfer on 16/09/2019 - 11:13

    I love Manual and lament I will probably get to drive a manual again.

    I have also driven a DSG (Audi S-tronic) and was surprised how smooth the drive was. I wanted one but opted for the Tiptronic at the end because I was worried about the reliability of the VAG DSG.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 14:25
      +1

      Nothing to worry about especially if it is not the dreaded dry clutch.

      Just don't let your car do the D1-D3 dance in slow traffic.

  • Broke-Ken on 16/09/2019 - 11:16
    +3

    I would love to choose the Manual option, but I would end up picking Auto for the off chance that my wife needs to drive the car….. what has happen to my life…

    • pegaxs on 16/09/2019 - 11:34
      +3

      *sigh* I know the feels… anything I think the wife might have to drive, has to be automatic. :(

      • AlanHB on 16/09/2019 - 14:24
        +7

        In my early to mid-20s I made a rule that I'd only date girls who knew how to drive manual, or were open to learning. Rationale being that I needed someone who was able to drive me in my car when I was drunk.

        Worked out, been with my current gf for 10 years and she also drives manual.

    • Bid Sniper on 16/09/2019 - 12:07
      +2

      pfft easy fix, get a new wife

      • pegaxs on 16/09/2019 - 12:10
        +14

        Tried. Apparently it costs more to install a new wife than what an automatic transmission costs.

        Even tried updating the firmware on the wife to accept a manual transmission, and it just comes back with "incompatible driver" errors.

        • ATangk on 16/09/2019 - 13:26
          +1

          Get a bike. Rarely comes with automatic transmission modes.

          • apptrack on 16/09/2019 - 15:26

            @ATangk: CVT scooter incoming

            • ATangk on 16/09/2019 - 16:38

              @apptrack: I said bike meaning motorbike, not a pissy scooter. (Jk scooters are nice just not for Australia)

          • payless69 on 17/09/2019 - 12:46

            @ATangk: Yamaha made a DSG bike to close the gender gap

            • ATangk on 17/09/2019 - 12:59
              +1

              @payless69: Honda also has the NC700 with an auto version, the NC700X… Im tempted because of how handy the tank helmet storage looks. Or were they 750's…

        • Bid Sniper on 16/09/2019 - 14:43
          +1

          good case for a GTR or Tesla P100D IMO

          • payless69 on 17/09/2019 - 12:38

            @Bid Sniper: the zero gear option is missing but anything 'lectric is fun

    • HighAndDry on 16/09/2019 - 12:09
      +1

      Marriage, presumably/hopefully worth the sacrifices.

  • slow on 16/09/2019 - 11:39
    +3

    My old WRX was manual, wouldn't have had it any other way, even in traffic (didn't see it as that much of a problem )

    My current Commodore is auto, don't see the need for manual. I also had part of my personality surgically removed when I changed from WRX to Commodore

  • apsilon on 16/09/2019 - 11:45

    Really depends on the car and intended usage. In this daily driver scenario an auto makes sense but I still find smaller, low torque engines are better with a manual so I can hold gears when I want and anticipate what I can see ahead (ie big hill, drop a gear earlier etc.

    Weekend only fun car, manual every time.

    Really irrelevant as we don't get a choice any more in most cases. The majority of cars are offered as auto only, a small percentage you get a choice and the minuscule minority are manual only.

  • md333 on 16/09/2019 - 11:47
    +3

    I vote other - No gears - single speed electric is best in my opinion, has the directness of a manual, but its always in the right gear, no gears to change. Main problem is its about a $50,000 option if available at all on the sort of car you are after.

    • Freitag on 16/09/2019 - 12:44

      Agreed, you only need gears when the engine has a narrow power band, electric motors don't have this problem, and in reverse the motor just turns the other way.

  • Nick939 on 16/09/2019 - 11:58
    +4

    I'm a millennial and have recently learnt manual as I will be driving around Europe later this year. I appreciate how a manual allows you to have more control of your vehicle and forces you to focus and be more aware on the road. However, as a daily driver for 90% of the time I would have to go with automatic as there is just too much traffic around Sydney for it to be viable for me.

    Although I do I agree, I would go for a manual if I was looking for a 'fun car'.

    • HighAndDry on 16/09/2019 - 12:10
      +1

      However, as a daily driver for 90% of the time I would have to go with automatic as there is just too much traffic around Sydney for it to be viable for me.

      While this is true, this is also a reason why a manual might be good for the reason you mentioned - it forces you to be alert and focused on driving. I'm at the point where on long drives, I have to overtake regularly or my mind starts to wander from the monotony.

      • Harold Halfprice on 16/09/2019 - 20:31
        +2

        I recently did a long drive with a CVT and adaptive cruise control.

        It's the right amount of automation to make your bored enough to fall asleep, but not enough to allow you to do so safely.

  • theHMASfriendship on 16/09/2019 - 12:17
    +2

    I only drive cars with transmissions that are organically grown and sustainably sourced

    • pegaxs on 16/09/2019 - 13:26
      +3

      What about free trade? What's your opinion on free range vs caged transmissions??

  • Cheapo Moose on 16/09/2019 - 12:42
    +5

    When I was younger… manual all the way and I would poo poo anyone with an automatic.

    Now I'm 40+ with children… I'm too tired and couldn't be f#*$ed driving a manual… gimme an auto.

  • dcash on 16/09/2019 - 12:55
    +6

    I think it also depends on what your used to. People complain about a manual being "too much work", especially in city driving. The reality is that if you drive a manual regularly, it becomes second nature and you don't even have to think about it. Just like when you're learning to drive, you have to consciously think about turning on the indicators, but after a while you just do it automatically. Operating a manual transmission is no different. And of course you have the benefit of being able to process input that an automatic transmission doesn't have access to, so you avoid the situation where the transmission up-shifts the split second before you start climbing a hill, etc.

  • cille745 on 16/09/2019 - 12:59
    +2

    I can definitely see the positives for Auto, but personally I feel like it makes you a lazy driver. I like the fact that I have to keep alert more of the time and it forces me to focus more when driving. I'd only pick auto if I was in bumper to bumper traffic 100% of the time

  • dasher86 on 16/09/2019 - 13:12
    +2

    Auto allows you more free time to play on the phone while driving.

    • nodeahs on 16/09/2019 - 17:46
      +1

      🚑🤸🚶💥🚗

  • imnotgoingtopayrrp on 16/09/2019 - 13:15
    +2

    My preference is:

    Work car: Automatic

    Personal car: Manual

  • t_c on 16/09/2019 - 13:24

    Happy with whatever the uber driver has.

    No costly gb repairs
    No insurance
    No rego
    No depreciation

    winning

  • ATangk on 16/09/2019 - 13:24

    This depends where you live. Eastern suburbs sydney, or anywhere in sydney actually? Get an auto. That traffic will annoy the shit out of you if you drive peak hour and spend your days grinding your clutch plate.

  • Kapinny on 16/09/2019 - 13:34

    Currently driving the current 6 speed manual scoobydoo rexie, was previously driving an automatic car and for my daily commute (against traffic in perth) its great.

  • TEER3X on 16/09/2019 - 13:41
    +2

    Drive a manual and can't wait to get an automatic again.

    I don't really drive around that much and traffic is seldom an issue, just over having to shift gears manually.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 13:41
    +1

    Manual is definitely not a good option anymore unless you're a "native" manual driver and you're keeping the car long term or it is an enthusiast car.

    The resale value is poorer vs automatic.

    I have a manual as my daily but that's only because I enjoy driving the manual and I always had at least one manual car in the stable.

    If I am restricted to just one car, it would most definitely be a DSG auto (not the dry clutch version). No one else drives my manual because they can't - that's a double edged sword.

    CVT vs manual WRX (non-STI obviously). Anyone?

    • Bid Sniper on 16/09/2019 - 17:11
      +1

      Manual = Anti-theft device these days.

      Driven a CVT WRX, I didnt mind it but when it comes to slapping down that cash..

  • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 14:24

    Its funny seeing the love for manuals here…

    • Euphemistic on 16/09/2019 - 14:42

      Why is it funny? Different people like different things.

      • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 14:59
        +3

        90% of aus cars are auto, but ozb street racing bro!

        • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 15:05

          My manual cars are utility vehicles. I prefer manual because I can replace my own clutch and there is one less electronic component to malfunction.

          It's like using an auto soap dispenser vs a pump.

  • gerrys on 16/09/2019 - 14:28
    +1

    Daily car : Automatic (due to traffic jam every where)
    Weekend car : Manual all the way!

  • CocaKoala on 16/09/2019 - 14:38
    -1

    I would not want a manual daily driver as I commute in dense traffic enough for me to go the other way. DCT could be a turd in stop-go traffic, so it's got to be automatic. I don't mind a CVT instead of an automatic cog-swapper. I'll take even a whiny CTV without complaining about it, given its abilities to be on the right 'gear' at any frigging driving condition. Most people complaining about CVT are not technologically aware, and they just want the transmission to "shift" from time to time to "feel" that they're accelerating.

    If I lived out in the country and had to go up and down the twisties every day (I can dream on), I'll be strongly inclined to get a manual (some form of the WRX). My second choice in this scenario will be a DCT, and I'll be drooling all over a GT-R R35.

    Mixed Mode (step/tipronic type) - the only reason why this is admissible is if I were owning a DCT and it shifted like a dog with special needs (which can happen in stop-go traffic). In that scenario, I would switch to manual and shift the cogs with paddles, but the computer will do it FAR better in every other scenario.

    • hunterhalo on 17/09/2019 - 11:45

      Dct in manual mode when you stuck in traffic mate, i gave that advice to my mate vw dct and it is still running fine

  • Euphemistic on 16/09/2019 - 14:43

    So, I thought I would throw it out to the worlds best automotive forum, and see what they say

    And what response did you get there?

    • pegaxs on 16/09/2019 - 15:28
      +8

      They said “what did OzBargain say when you asked them?”

  • HardlyCharly on 16/09/2019 - 14:44

    I am and have always been a car enthusiast and keep up to date with that world every day, so this is easy. Good paddles are clearly the superior option for all modern vehicles. Manuals are great as a vintage experience on older pre-2005-10ish cars, it's part of the charm, but that's where they belong, in the past. It's really just busywork which adds nothing substantial to the experience in a modern vehicle.

  • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 15:00

    Me: Auto ( although PDK preferred)
    The missus: Manual ( I'm sure there's a joke in there but I won't make it)
    The kids : other (chauffeur driven by Mum and Dad.)

  • Herbse on 16/09/2019 - 15:09
    +2

    Which noob prefers CVT??

    • bmerigan on 16/09/2019 - 21:23

      Agree! Horrible feel/sound

  • sw00p on 16/09/2019 - 15:09
    +2

    My mate just got quoted $1800 to replace a Transmission Control Module on a 10 year old automatic Mazda 6…

    My 19 year old manual gearbox is still going strong.

    Think I'll stick with manual.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 15:13
      +2

      A manual is the best anti-theft device out there. Not many people know how to drive one.

  • Salty Pretzel on 16/09/2019 - 15:09

    Drove a manual sports car for 10 years. Sold that and recently bought a brand new SUV in auto.

  • lltravel on 16/09/2019 - 15:13
    -1

    lol try buying a new Lambo in manual these days.

    DCT is amazing.

    I guess its the pure feel you get from switching gears when in manual. It is obsolete in many cases.

    All my cars have been manual until recently.

    The aventador still have a single clutch automatic which feels amazing when you upshift.

    I still love manual but DCT is the way forward, just like phones are removing headphone jacks.

  • macrocephalic on 16/09/2019 - 16:11
    +6

    Manual for me, but I realise I'm in the minority of drivers. I prefer manuals for two reasons: I prefer to be in control of how the car reacts, and I don't want to pay to fix an automatic transmission.

    I don't find driving a manual difficult or impeding in any way, and they are cheaper to buy, and there's very little to go wrong compared to an auto.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 16:45
      +2

      You can do manoeuvres in manuals that autos just cant

      • Plug on 16/09/2019 - 17:03
        +1

        Apart from bump starting what can you do in a manual that you can't do in an auto that's street legal?

        • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 17:18
          -2

          More precise gear changes that the machine just cant do

          • bmerigan on 16/09/2019 - 21:21
            +1

            @[Deactivated]: You can be more precise than a computer controlled gearbox? Seems unlikely.
            My auto will even (automatically) change down and hold gears when coasting down hill so the speed doesn't increase too much.

            • Euphemistic on 17/09/2019 - 05:42
              +2

              @bmerigan: A computer won’t read the road or traffic ahead. It doesn’t know if you are going to accelerate or decelerate until you actually do so it will always shift reactively rather than proactively. But a computer and modern auto will do it very quickly so it’s genrally not a problem. When you are driving a windy road enthusiastically you can get a head start on the engine revs by changing gears before you accelerate where a computer will not know until you mash the go pedal.

              • bmerigan on 17/09/2019 - 07:40

                @Euphemistic: You're right. I don't think it matters though, except in the case of lap times and fractions of a second.

                • Euphemistic on 17/09/2019 - 15:10

                  @bmerigan: Yes, it doesn’t really matter unless you enjoy driving. and for most people dealing with an auto for fun drives is a minor compromise to not have to push the clutch a thousand times during the commuter week.

              • CocaKoala on 17/09/2019 - 11:30
                -2

                @Euphemistic:

                When you are driving a windy road enthusiastically you can get a head start on the engine revs by changing gears before you accelerate where a computer will not know until you mash the go pedal.

                This is possible if your auto had a tiptronic mode, and this is the case for most automatics these days.

                • Euphemistic on 17/09/2019 - 15:11

                  @CocaKoala: Tiptronic modes are a compromise, unless it is a dedicated sports model with a very quick shift. They don’t always do what a manual would, but it’s close enough for most situations

  • brendanm on 16/09/2019 - 16:33
    +2

    Results of the poll seem wildly different to the real world figures.

    • Euphemistic on 16/09/2019 - 17:11

      What you’d prefer to drive and what you get given or purchase are often two different things. It seems the manufacturers have decided for us that manual is a thing of the past, or for ‘special’ vehicles. That means most people will end up with an auto. Sports cars and 4wds are still holding out a bit, but it won’t be for long.

      • brendanm on 16/09/2019 - 17:16

        There are still heaps of second hand manual cars available, sometimes at half the price of the same car as an auto. I tend to buy and sell cars sometimes, and don't buy manuals as you can't sell them.

        If they could sell them, manufacturers would offer it, there is no downside for them.

  • Plug on 16/09/2019 - 17:01

    I'd go auto because I'm lazy and I don't go to out of the way places in a 4x4.

    • brendanm on 16/09/2019 - 17:17
      +1

      Autos are actually better for 4wding anyway.

  • tomleonhart on 16/09/2019 - 17:06

    Auto for me. Driving everyday to school/work is bad enough as it is. Don't want to add an annoying little clutch into the mix :P

  • tessel on 16/09/2019 - 17:08
    +1

    Life is hard enough. Auto please.

  • maximum on 16/09/2019 - 17:21

    Only ever driven manual except for work cars but my son got an auto and its lovely to drive. My next car will be auto (or self driving hopefully)

  • sublemon on 16/09/2019 - 17:26

    I own both transmissions, pros and cons to both. But for daily work commute its the auto car 75% of the time.

  • Herbse on 16/09/2019 - 18:31
    -5

    Real men drive manuals

  • stewy on 16/09/2019 - 18:47

    For a cheap buzz box I'd take manual as the extra cost of manual usually isn't worth it.

    For almost anything else I'd take auto so long as it has the same number of years as the manual model. When you start talking turbo cars, to me autos often have the performance edge as you don't lose as much boost during gear changes.

  • kabammi on 16/09/2019 - 19:29

    I have a Mitsubishi mirage 2014. Would never have bought it if it was an auto. She probably revs a little higher than she would've with an auto drive train but she's got a lot more go as a manual. Love it, but it'd be a piece of shit as an auto.

  • abuch47 on 16/09/2019 - 19:35

    i prefer manual but autos are now faster. easier for skids as well as it takes less gear input and can focus more on control.

  • Clear on 16/09/2019 - 19:50
    -1

    Manuals are a big distraction from the road. Too busy trying to change gears than paying attention to what's around me.

    Besides auto in a city with frequent stopping makes life so much easier.

    • dcash on 16/09/2019 - 20:09
      +5

      No distraction whatsoever for someone who is competent at driving a manual. Clearly, that's not you, but props for knowing your limitations and doing what is necessary to stay safe on the road.

      • Clear on 16/09/2019 - 20:11

        100% in the city. I have too many other things to worry about like cyclists 😉

        Put me on the highway or offroad and I'll take a manual 😋

        • dcash on 16/09/2019 - 21:55
          -3

          Cyclists scratching your paintwork you mean? I can't see any other reason to worry about them; pests that they are.

    • sw00p on 16/09/2019 - 21:38
      +2

      Changing gears is an embodied skill, like walking or picking up a cup, you don’t need to think about it.

      • Clear on 17/09/2019 - 07:46
        -3

        Thanks for pointing out the obvious. You lot get so sensitive over small things.

        • sw00p on 17/09/2019 - 08:03

          Not sensitive, it’s just “big distraction from the road” is a bit of an overstatement…

          Agree that auto is far easier and far more enjoyable in the city though!

          • Clear on 17/09/2019 - 08:05

            @sw00p: I'm talking me personally. I find it a big distraction in the city when there are better things I should be focusing on.

    • Nads2407 on 18/09/2019 - 16:06

      The key is to not look down at the gears

      • Clear on 18/09/2019 - 16:10

        That's good because I don't :)

    • Commander Shepard on 18/09/2019 - 17:33
      -1

      I think its the opposite, if your not paying attention in a manual and you take your foot off the clutch, you stall, or just roll a little if its not engaged. If you do that in an automatic, you hit the car in front of you. Also since your always using both hands, id imagine manual drivers don't play with their phones as much. Plus with a manual you need to scan the road ahead to make sure your in the correct gear for corners etc. And I don't know if this is a fact but if you do crash, the engine will be more likely to cut off, meaning less chance of being burned alive.

      Manual is only harder/distracting when your initially learning it.

      • Clear on 18/09/2019 - 17:38

        Except if you read the chain of comments I'm talking about myself.

  • SupeNintendoChalmers on 16/09/2019 - 20:58

    Automatic for the people

    • [Deactivated] on 16/09/2019 - 23:56

      I'm a fake? :(

  • bmerigan on 16/09/2019 - 21:19
    -1

    Manual is a waste of time and effort, there is no benefit unless you are going to take the car around a race track.

  • CVonC on 16/09/2019 - 21:43

    Finally went back to manual last year after 15ish years on auto! God it feels good to be back! Missed it so damn much!

  • MessyG on 16/09/2019 - 22:22
    +1

    City - Auto

    Country - Manual.

    I have an unrestricted licence but haven't driven a manual in years…my first car was a manual Toyota Celica, ah those were the days.

  • skylinebmwm5 on 17/09/2019 - 02:25
    +1

    It is quite funny most of these polls I see manual gets more vote than auto, but the sale is like 1:9 (maybe even worse)

    • macrocephalic on 17/09/2019 - 09:30

      Some of that is because most cars just don't come in manual anymore. I think it's partly a demographic thing. When I was in Europe a few years ago I had to rent a car, and, since I'd be driving on the other side of the road, and changing gears with my other hand, I decided I'd just rent an auto - but the only cars which came in auto were a few large family cars - which would have been terrible for driving through European towns.

      Conversely, I went to the US a couple of years ago and there were no manuals available to rent, which was a shame because driving slush box auto in 30cm of snow with summer tyres was a pain; it would have been much easier with a manual.

  • sgtdanny69148 on 17/09/2019 - 03:32

    Automatic please for crying out loud. Manual cars just cause more traffic congestion and waste precious time at the lights……

    • Lockieasy on 17/09/2019 - 04:54
      +2

      What a dumb comment. Considering the ratio it's way more likely to be braindead distracted auto drivers causing congestion rather than a manual driver.

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