Is it worth learning to drive 5-speed manual?

Question

I've always driven manual but thinking about the 2007 subaru wrx and for it's performance and practicality in bad weather conditions. How long does it take to learn stick?

Answer 1

Yeah, with the confusion of terms in both the question AND several of the answers, I think people just don't realize that "manual" and "stick" are the same thing, unless you might be distinguishing between a manual transmission on the column and a center-console stick shift. No wait. There is no WAY anyone here can remember a manual transmission being on the column, is there? (haha)

When your shift lever is labeled "PRNDSL" or "PRND21" or something like that, it's an automatic transmission. WHen you have to move the shift lever every time you change gears, it's a manual transmission, also known as a "stick."

Is it worth learning? My brother, age 54, has never owned a car with an automatic transmission. He has driven them, of course, but he hates it. He says that he wants to ALWAYS know what gear he is in so he knows where he is in the powerband, blah, blah, blah. I've had a few cars with standard transmissions (Audi, Porsche) and I doubt I would go back to a manual transmission. My Outback has the "sport mode," which gives a more aggressive shift program and that is usually quite enough for my needs. When that is not enough, I just use the +/- Sportshift to "suggest" to the car that I'd like it to shift up or down. (By the way, the Sportshift in the 4-cylinder was much more responsive than it is in my 6-cylinder...)

If you are driving a WRX, I think you are almost required to use a standard (stick) transmission to get the fullest benefit of the sporting nature of the car. When you want a downshift to help with engine braking or with sudden acceleration, you want it NOW. If not, why even bother with the WRX in the first place? That's the whole point of driving a sports car. You want to be able to make it respond to your wishes - including power delivery, steering response, road holding, etc. - RIGHT NOW.

I'd say it's worth learning to drive a stick.

My 65 year old cousin got a WRX with an automatic transmission. She said, "You have no IDEA how hard it was for the dealer to find this car with an automatic." When I laughed, she just didn't understand.

Answer 2

Knowing how to drive a manual is like riding a bike. I learned on my dad's Ford Focus SVT very quickly. When I got my new car I got a 5 speed Forrester - Definitely MUCH different feeling than the refined shifter of the SVT but was able to get the hang of it in no time (minutes!). If you're going from a car that shifts like a standard Forrester to a WRX, or if you're learning on the WRX, you'll be fine! I never stalled the Focus on my first lesson. After a month I was perfect at it, only stalling when I wasn't concentrating enough and now I don't even have to think about shifting, just comes automatically. I can't handle going back in an automatic, I keep looking for the clutch!

Answer 3

I think when you say manual you actually mean automatic. Manual transmissions are stick shifts (you manually change gears vs having them automatically changed for you.

It's very worth it. Manuals get better gas mileage and since you mentioned liking the the subaru for performance and bad weather handling the manual is even more worth it because you are in more control of the car period. A stick will always take off faster and respond better because you control the gears and accelleration through the transmission directly instead of only the brake and gas. Know how if you take you foot off the brake in an automatic the car moves? That doesn't happen in a stick, it only moves when you make it by pushing the gas.

In a stick you can stop without brakes, you can climb a steep grade while in lower gears, you can start the car when your starter goes out.

It only takes a day or two to learn how to drive a stick depending on who teaches you. I learned how to drive on a manual.

Answer 4

If you've always driven manual, why this question?

But to learn depends. I've known people who never really got it and went through clutches all the time. I think it's worth knowing, that way you should be able to drive any vehicle you need to. Could be handy if you're being chased by a serial killer.

Addition after the posting:

Has the definition of "stick" changed? I consider a stickshift and manual to be one and the same.

Answer 5

I actually learned how to drive a manual by playing this arcade game called Hard Drivin'. It wouldn't let you do mistakes, like starting the car with the foot off the clutch and having the lever in gear. You might be tempted to dump the clutch and have the car jump on you, but after maybe a week or so of driving, you will get the hang of it.

Answer 6

A stick is a manual and you'll be lucky if you find a WRX in automatic. They don't make very many of them. You'll love the AWD in the WRX, trust me. I have an 03. The only thing you will have to get used to is what RPM to let the clutch out at and how quickly to let it out. With the AWD, dumping the clutch causes HUGE problems for the drivetrain. Slip it just a little and you'll be fine.

Answer 7

A stick shift is the same no matter how many gears there are. At first you'll forget to shift from 4th to 5th at 45 to 55 mph. But you'll get used to it. I like being able to go from 5th to 3rd when you have to brake instantly to keep from hitting the guy in front of you. Just remember, manual has more option and gear range to choose in bad weather. And manuals if driven well get better gas milage. 5th gear is not for pulling uphill. 4th is. Even at 60+ mph. If its AWD ask others who have experience with them. Learning to drive stick. Coordination is all it takes to drive any stick.

Answer 8

After you drive a standard, you can pretty well drive them all. And that is up to you in how long it takes. some can do it in 3 days or even 1 day if the hours are good. It is easy really not as hard as what some make it out to be. You'll do fine, and best of luck!

Answer 9

It didn't take me long at all. I learned to drive on a 5 speed and that is what I have drove from then on. The only time I drive automatic is when someone has me drive their car. Once you drive a stick you will never want to go back to automatic again.

Answer 10

if you've always driven manual then its the same but i think you mean you've always driven automatic. I have driven standard for awhile now and it is way more fun. It gives you something to do while you drive and makes it less boring so i would say it is worth it.