What's a better drive; automatic or manual?

Question

I just passed and have to drive my mum's automatic.. I don't like it. Think I'm missing out?

Answer 1

it depends. It's really personal preferance. Some people like stick shift and some don't. You do have more control with a stick shift and you typically get better fuel milage. But an auto is better in traffic.

Answer 2

Automatics are great and easy to drive. You can, of course use the gear shift lever "D - 1 - 2 - 3" like a manual change but without the use of a pedal clutch. Sit back and relax with an automatic gearbox. Don't miss out.

Answer 3

When I changed to an automatic I wished I had done it years before. Less stressful driving 20.000 miles a year, easier to control, providing you know how to use the different drive positions on the gear lever - most people don't and they are usually boy racers or others who are irresponsible behind the wheel, and you can keep both hands on the wheel instead of driving one handed whilst you keep changing gear which is what the people who advocate manual gearboxes seem to like doing.

Answer 4

a better drive depends on if you want to die or not most speed freeks will say manuals the others will say autos well when i was a speed freek i still drove an auto it was a 4.1 ltr chevy it had a sports button to on gear box,and not many manuals could keep up thats for sure, its down to the individual at the end of the day but i still say an auto is a better drive , you stamp on gas it goes nothing to worry about as soon as you take foot of it starts to slow , no stalling etc you can still drive it like a manual by going through what gears it has if you have to and generally small engine cars make bad autos you need larger engines to get the most out of auto boxes ,if you get two identical cars one auto ,one manual, you drive maual properly you get better fuel consumption over auto, drive it like a nut case it could be worse than auto unless you drive auto like a nutter as well
if you think your missing out after just passing test dont worry you should still have plenty time not to
miss out

Answer 5

If you're having a tear up then a manual is better, but if you're sitting in stop-start heavy traffic then an automatic is soooo much easier to live with. I've had both and prefer my manual but when I had to crawl around the M25 on a friday at rush hour the auto was a godsend.

Answer 6

In the UK if you pass your test in an automatic, you can only drive an automatic. Which to drive is up to a persons preference, but a manual does tend to be more economical on fuel, and I find them easier to drive in Icy road conditions.

Answer 7

We own two Toyota Celicas, both about the same age. One is an auto and the other is a manual. For real driving experience, the manual is definitely better, much more control, much racier. However, for long distance driving and for easier driving, then the auto is better because having the auto gearbox gives you one less thing to have to think about.

Answer 8

Automatic is easier around town, but manual is better for normal driving. Only old people and Americans drive automatic through choice. (Don't tell your mum I said that)

Answer 9

Personally, I prefer manual.

The thing with manual is, although it requires a little more effort on the part of the driver, you are in complete control.

When you are relaxed, you can change up early, ensuring a smooth ride, indeed there is a certain pleasure to be gained from getting it spot on, so the change is imperceptible.

However, when you want to press on, it can be good fun to really work the engine and change up at higher revs, and down at the right moment.

Manual is for enthusiasts who enjoy the skill of driving. Auto for those stuck in city traffic.

Answer 10

Depends on how many legs you have but if you are asking from a drivers point of view take a look at what type of gearbox racing cars use and I don't include semi auto as a shift drive
Drive a car hard and you will find that it is still best to have shifted gears and rear wheel drive ( or 4 wheel drive ) and BMW will still state this

Answer 11

Manual. Shifting gears is as much a part of driving as steering or braking. Also, there's nothing difficult about driving a manual transmission vehicle in city traffic; it just helps exercise the muscles in your left leg.