hi, im going to get my first car pretty soon and its a stick. now from what ive read on the internet, you have more control over the car than in an automatic. now, my mother wants me to learn to drive her automatic before i learn to drive stick because theres less things to do while im on the road, but i feel that if i were to have a manual i would be more focused on driving and not have my arm resting on the window just chillin'. if anyone can give me a whole bunch of reasons as to why a manual is better then i might have a chance of getting my car earlier, plus ill have more knowledge to go along with my manual experience which will help me in the future. thanks for all your help.
2007-02-03 12:04:13 · 13 answers · asked by thatdude 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
I agree that you should learn to drive both a manual and automatic, but as far as one being safer than the other it is the driver who determines safety per se.
2007-02-03 12:09:02 · answer #1 · answered by ramarro smith shadow 4 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Yes, a manual gives you more control over the car, and it is safer than an automatic because you can downshift in snow and ice instead of depending on the brakes to slow down. Of course, automatics have a first and second gear, but a manual gives you precise control of the transmission.
Manuals also get better gas mileage than automatics, and they cost less.
And, as you said, they require you to pay more attention to your driving.
Learning to drive a manual may seem pointless with so many automatics around these days. But once you get the hang of it, shifting becomes second nature. You become one with the car. You will enjoy driving more.
As for whether you should learn to drive on an automatic and then switch to a manual, that's up to you. I learned on an automatic and switched to a manual years later. You will want to practice shifting in a manual in a large parking lot. Once you get the hang of starting and stopping, the rest is easy.
2007-02-03 22:23:03 · answer #2 · answered by Ryan R 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I drove a manual for years before my 1st automatic. I disagree with your mom. Be a man and go the stick first. It will make you a smarter and more knowledgeable driver. You will learn more about engine and gear mechanisms. Due to the sheer convenience of automatic transmission and today's busy roads requiring frequent gear shifts we all end up with an automatic.
When I can afford it again. I'd love to get a sporty stick shift car.
2007-02-04 11:17:03 · answer #3 · answered by AC 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There is no real safety factor for either one.
A slush box might be easier to use, but the gear box will give you more control over the engine rpm's.
If it is a truck, you can make the truck last longer with a stick over a auto.
It used to be a rich man's option, and everone who drove, knew how to handle the clutch.
From my own experience, I would say get the manual, as they last longer, (unless you try to abuse them) Clutches have to be replaced, but they are much cheaper to do than an auto tranny.
200.00 (high end) VS. 1700.00 for average auto rebuild.
Once you have the stick under control, it is easy to handle the auto, and will tend to be boring, which leads to inattentive driving, which coupled with a warm piece of plastic, leads to accidents.
2007-02-03 21:43:05 · answer #4 · answered by wi_saint 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I have both types and I taught my kids to drive the auto first, the stick requires a but of coordination and skill. You should probably learn on the auto your driving skill first then go to the Stick..
I think a stick is better, if you slip on the ice....Depress the clutch and your tires just roll in whatever direction you are traveling then release the clutch when you have control of the car. you have a direct link to the transmission and the drive line so better mileage is a given
2007-02-03 20:09:02 · answer #5 · answered by Uncle Red 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I do not want to calculate the amount of money I spent trying to master a maual gear box, I finaly tryed an automatic six lessons and passed first time, I am much happier in an auto. Ok I may be a bit thick, but the auto is the only thing for me from now on.
2007-02-03 23:05:05 · answer #6 · answered by stephen g 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
put it this way............ the vast majority of drivers in the UK start off with a manual gearbox, and get by perfectly fine with them...... while Auto gearboxes are usually suggested as a last resort to try get the truly hopeless through their test.
Manual transmission cars are also way safer when it comes to going along twisty roads, as you can put it into the correct lower gear on the approach to a corner...... while Auto cars can be trickier, as they'll either stay in a high gear, or suddenly decide to change mid-corner.
They're also safer for overtaking, as you can slot down and stay in a lower gear to accelerate past a slower vehicle, while the auto may decide to change up and bog the car down when you least need it to loose acceleration.
Also, you ever seen video clips on them shows featuring footage caught on Police cameras of Automatic transmission vehicles moving off on their own, like this: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7297951644667484569
2007-02-04 08:12:51 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
dont listen to ur mom get a manual so u can put a fat muffler on the back so everybody can hear u rev ur engine at the stoplight...............now people will think ur cool because u can drive a manual transmission.........automatics are 4 lazy people and americans
2007-02-04 11:31:58 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No there not safer. They take more skill to drive than an automatic. Learn how to drive one after you have more experience. They can be a pain in the butt. You might find you do not like it.
2007-02-03 20:11:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
For the first week or two driving a stick, it will be WAY more dangerous. After that, yeah, you will be more focussed on driving. Whether that makes you safer, I guess depends on you.
2007-02-03 20:15:09 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋