2007-04-04 19:41:55 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Other - Cars & Transportation
It's really a matter of preference. It's about 50/50 manuals to automatics. However, many auto makers are almost eliminating manual transmissions. I haven't seen many new truck with even the OPTION to get a manual. Ford makes you go to an F-350 (last time I checked) in order to get a manual option. I prefer a manual, for many reasons: Better control, better driver, more fun, safer (as a byproduct in some cases, people will be more focused, and less likely to cause an accident), better gas mileage (depending how you drive it), better acceleration (most older automatics were 3 speeds which atttains a higher speed per revolution, but acceleration is much slower, while a 5 speed manual spaces it out more, shifts are closer together, but acceleration is better, and even if you have to hold the gear longer than you want, high RPMs can cause momentum to increase acceleration in the next gear, which is an advantage getting up to speed on the freeway), and easier to tell if something is wrong.
Disadvantages: fatigue, especially in traffic. You can't do much for the leg fatigue, but a short shift kit helps make the shifts quicker, and reduces arm fatigue. FWD short shift kits are simple to install. Some RWD short shift kits require replacing components inside the transmission, in addition to the shorter stick.
2007-04-04 20:22:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First, not all Americans drive automatic cars. That being said an automatic has clearly some advantages over a manual shift. Traffic comes to mind first, when your sitting in rush hour traffic your foot gets tired of depressing the clutch all the time. It is also easier in some terrain. I live in San Francisco and drive a clutch, sometimes on the hills I wish I didn't. The old concept that a manual drive is superior to a automatic has pretty much been laid to waste with 6 speed automatics and pedal shift systems. I still prefer a manual drive over automatic but only because I enjoy spirited drives in the twisty hills.
2007-04-04 19:52:47 · answer #2 · answered by Michael D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, the vast majority of Americans do drive automatics. Its hard to find a manual transmission on a car when you buy a new one from the dealership. Some cars do not even have a manual trans as an option. Its easier to find a manual on a truck or sports car, or imports. Not sure why this is the case, I think it because thats what most Americans prefer.
2016-05-17 21:08:38 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
couple of answers to this.
1) most americans are to lazt to learn to drive an manual much less know how to change a tire
2) When I was living in a big city and would get stuck in traffic i realized how much i missed an automatic. Stop and go traffic does hell on your clutch.
by the way now that i no longer live in the city i would hate driving an automatic car its no fun.
2007-04-04 19:52:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most people [after the novelty of driving has worn off] want to get from point A to point B with a minimum of fuss. Automatic cars are good for this task.
2007-04-04 19:48:08 · answer #5 · answered by Neil S 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Convenience.
A lot of American products make life more convenient. Convenience sells, and driving a manual makes it more difficult to do other activities like reading and eating while waiting in traffic in Chicago or LA.
2007-04-04 19:46:04 · answer #6 · answered by bryan p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some prefer them. Actually, I drive a 5-speed manual transmission.
2007-04-04 19:53:44 · answer #7 · answered by C J 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have been to Europe and they have automatic cars over there too.
2007-04-04 19:45:01 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
it is easier to stuff my face and drive with an automatic
2007-04-04 21:41:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Huh? we drive standards as well. Many millions of them.
2007-04-04 19:44:44 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋