What is driving a stick shift like?

Question

I will be learing soon...what should i expect and what is it like?

Answer 1

Its fun. You'll see.

Answer 2

I have a BMW 3-series with a 5-speed. Driving with a stick shift is a pain in the patootie in stop & go traffic and in hills like San Francisco, but besides that, it is great.

With a manual transmission, you are more aware of the car - you have to make all the shifts up and down, you get to know how your engine is running and where its power band is located. You also have more power available to the wheels because there is no loss from an auto transmission's torque convertor. In a small engine, you can lose 15-20% of the horsepower with the auto trans.

You can accelerate faster with a manual because you can take to a higher RPM in a lower gear than you have with an auto trans. And you can use the engine very effectively as a brake when you are descending a long grade.

I enjoy having a stick, and there are only a few times I wish I had an auto. No regrets.

FYI - in Europe, most people get manual transmissions for their cars because the fuel savings is about 5% higher compared to an auto trans.

Answer 3

Is really different than the automatic transmission car, is not difficult to drive it. You just need to get use to it. The most difficult is make it run, you need to use the gas pedal and the clutch at the same time and drive on the hills, I would recommend you to practice first in a big parking space to get use to the clutch. After that go around the block and drive until you feel confident. Then go every where.

I have always drove stick shift cars. I love them the only think I don't like is to drive in a heavy traffic, you need to use the clutch all the time, at the beginning you will feel your leg tired, maybe a little bit of pain. But once you get use to it, you will love it!

Answer 4

Eventually you won't even think about it. But the key, is when you push in the clutch and shift, make sure you give it some gas (not huge) while you let the clutch out. If you give it too little, you will stall. It's trickier on a hill pointing up, and hardest just starting into first gear. But once you get the feel for that, the rest of shifting is pretty easy.

Answer 5

They are fun to drive,you have way more controll over the car with a stickshfit,the second car i bought was a stick and i didnt know how to drive it. I learned in 5 minutes

Answer 6

It's not that hard, and fun when you learn how. It's just a matter of doing a few more things than you are used to, when driving, and coordinating everything so the car works as it should. Just relax and take it easy. Good luck!

Answer 7

driving a stick shift car is fun, i taught my girlfriend in one day.
it takes time to coordinate with the clutch and shifter, buit you'll catch on. don't be afraid of it, just have fun. i own a 2002 celica gts and i have a 6 peed manuel transmission, and i am having fun and i am 58 years old.


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Answer 8

It's not bad at all once you get the hang of it. I learned in a day. When first learning it helps to let off the clutch slowly so you don't die out.

Answer 9

It can be frustrating to learn depending on your teacher. My general rule of thumb when I was learning was: Either the gas or clutch has to be pressed while moving. e.g. If you are letting out the clutch, you should be adding gas.

Answer 10

learning to drive a stick shift is much harder than an automatic.

Answer 11

It isn't very hard plus,everyone should have to be able to dive one of those before getting Drivers License