Why are automatics more popular than manuals?

[In The Ten Ring]

Frankly, I don't understand it. I think a manual transmission is way more fun and interesting. On slick roads it is way better than an auto if you start to slide. It is added "theft protection" considering how the "modern thief" doesn't know how to drive one (just like the "modern man.")

Your thoughts?

[70cst]

Some folks like SWB trucks while others like LWB trucks.

For me I like my Turbo400 for cruisen around.

[Redline novdog]

Sorry I have been standing back for awhile.but this thread is way to opinionated!!! I love the manual trans!!!! Better fuel economy.per gear.Better personal shifting points, It gives the driver more options!!! Automatics are for just moving! Yes I have both. They both have purpose ,I like MANUAL!

[boraxman]

Hmmm...My thoughts...Like em both/

[jocko]

They both have their place. Manuals are fun, except in traffic or when the guy in front of you at the incline to the McD's drive thru doesn't know how to drive his without rolling into your front end.

[Jonlopes]

When I first started looking for a truck I looked only for manuals. I had a GTO and 2 camaro's with muncie 4 speeds and they were great! Both manual trucks I tried had the 4 speed. First gear is an absolute waste of space it is so low. second gear was good till like 10 mph so you really are driving with a 2 speed tranny. It felt like I had to move the shifter handle 4 feet between gears and going into gear felt pretty rough. it was just plain not enjoyable to drive at all.

[davepl]

People are still arguing about this on the brand-new Corvette ZO6 forums.

Allow me to summarize the conclusions after 2 years of reading:

Some people think manuals are good, and dislike automatics.
Some people think manuals are ancient, and prefer automatics.

After thousands of posts no one convinced anyone of anything.

[Already Gone]

If they same 4 speed manual in our truck as they do in a Muscle car then yes, it'd be 4 speed for me but in my truck I like the automatic. I guess to answer your question an automatic is easier to drive.

[In The Ten Ring]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

If they same 4 speed manual in our truck as they do in a Muscle car then yes, it'd be 4 speed for me but in my truck I like the automatic. I guess to answer your question an automatic is easier to drive.

How can an automatic be "easier to drive?" That is the craziest thing I have ever heard! Have you already started celebrating the New Year or something?

I agree, people like things to be easy, most people anyway.

My daily driver car is an automatic and frankly, I wish it was a manual. I just think manuals are so much more fun.

[jdalexa84]

I like manual transmissions better but it seems that there are more options for overdrive at a reasonable price.

[57taskforce]

I'm an avid sm465 man. (And NV4500 for that matter) they are bomb proof and they allow you drive and use a truck like its supposed to be done. Then again, I'm into four wheel drive longbeds not 2 wheel drive big block shortbeds like most are.

[GASoline71]

I'll take a slush-box any day over rowing.

I have had lots of manual rigs. Even grew up driving one and learned how to drive in a 1949 3100 with a 3OTT. But I don't "enjoy" shifting as much as the next guy I guess.

Gary

[Heavymetl]

I used to be big into manuals, but as my interests and builds have changed so has my opinion. For my truck, with the turbo, auto was the only way to go. I love it.

My daily driver is a Jeep with a stick, and my other toy is an LS/T56 in a Camaro. I love the stick in the Camaro, but right now it has a different purpose than the truck.

I marvel at how much my mind has changed, I used to literally laugh at auto builds thinking "what a waste!" but now I don't care the slightest.

[GTSideSwipe]

Here's my take on it. If I'm racing on a track then ill pick manual but If a daily driver where I'm doing stop and go driving in traffic then I'm picking auto. Just my opinion.

[Grumpy old man]

The first thing I toss on the trucks I buy is an auto trans ,I give away turbo 350's and auto cross members . For me manuals only !

[Stu Pidd]

Originally Posted by davepl

Some people think manuals are good, and dislike automatics.
Some people think manuals are ancient, and prefer automatics.

After thousands of posts no one convinced anyone of anything.

I think this thread could be closed after this!

I use all eight feet of the box often enough that I won't buy a short-bed truck.
Only manual tranny for me, because it's what I enjoy. No way will I tell somebody with an automatic that they bought the wrong truck.

I guess the factory offered so many options (and colors) because people have different preferences.

Who wodda thunk that?

[Stu Pidd]

Originally Posted by Jonlopes

First gear is an absolute waste of space it is so low.

I only looked at trucks with the granny first gear. I really like having it, since there is far more hill territory around here than flat ground. When hauling a load, awfully nice to not have to burn up so much clutch to get moving. Also nice for creeping in slow traffic, and in parking lots.

[GTSideSwipe]

Originally Posted by Stu Pidd

I only looked at trucks with the granny first gear. I really like having it, since there is far more hill territory around here than flat ground. When hauling a load, awfully nice to not have to burn up so much clutch to get moving. Also nice for creeping in slow traffic, and in parking lots.

That's another thing automatics have over manuals. Because there's a torque converter there is not really any clutch material being eaten up.

[joeydurango]

For me it's honestly about nostalgia - I grew up with GM automatics and so, to me, that's what an old truck "should" feel like.

But manual sure is fun for sports cars. Maybe someday I'll give the truck manuals a shot... something tells me they will shift slow compared to other things I've driven.

To each their own, of course!

[midniteblues]

if i were drag racing auto all the way(of course with a manual valve body).road course or dang near any other racing manual all the way.
autos are effortless driving an anyone can work them and the phone, burger,or lipstick at the same time try that with a stick.

personally i feel that one has more control over the vehicle with a manual but it takes more effort to use it.

I learned to drive in a manual 71 vw bug on a steep hill it wasnt hard once you "get it".

when i finally got behind a auto (77 caprice) i felt like it was silly to have a go and a stop pedal.certainly felt like something was missing but i did enjoy the effortless cruise I floated that barge all over pa.

I have had my fair share of each and i've allways have had less problems with gear boxes. but thats just my luck. and i've allways thought that you can feel more engine power through a manual.

I have nothing against autos but i would rather have a stick in just about anything but a long haul comfy cruiser.

[62beater]

I have one w/ 3 on the tree and one with a th350. I like the automatic cause I just like to cruise and sitting in traffic doesn't bother me. I like the kickdown of the auto when i slam the 4brl wide open too. The manual is cool too but mostly cause nobody else can drive it

[YBNORML]

How long is a piece of string?



Neither question has an answer.

[70cst]

Originally Posted by Already Gone

If they same 4 speed manual in our truck as they do in a Muscle car then yes, it'd be 4 speed for me but in my truck I like the automatic. I guess to answer your question an automatic is easier to drive.

One word ...

[Possmguts]

6 speed is going in mine... double O/D will make it a nice road trip truck and the 7:73 gears will still get up and go... Best of both worlds

[bronze 72 super]

Had a 4 speed in my old '70 Chevelle S.S. had a stiff clutch, leg got real sore in slow traffic. Didn't care, still fun to drive. Bad thing is, had to sell, when I was off work because of a work related injury.
Bought my '71 Cheyenne Super with a 4-speed this year, love driving it. Does every thing I want it to.
If you tire of driving a 4-speed in slow traffic, try driving a big rig with a 18-speed!! The 4-speed is a piece of cake!!