manual vs automatic?

Question

if i buy a diesle should i get it in manual or automatic and why

Answer 1

the automatic 6 speed that is out now is a new version of a trusted 5 speed that's been nearly bullet proof for 9 years. it should be a great trans. the 6 speed manual is a mercedes trans and shifts smoother than any new venture trans that we always used. on the subject of exhaust brakes, all 6.7 cummins trucks come standard with an exhaust brake. it is software in the turbo controller on the variable geometry turbo. and if you get the automatic, you have autostick- a button on the shifter to manually control up and downshifting, and the exhaust brake will stay on and keep the toque convertor clutch turned on into 2,d gear while downshifting for awesome stopping power.

Answer 2

Never rode an automatic motorcycle and probably never would. Automatics have already taken all the fun out of most cars, why should bikes be boring? Manual gives you all the control and you decide when it's time to shift, I've never seen an automatic motorcycle in 14 years of riding, that must say something about the manual gearbox superiority.

Answer 3

Well that's really up to you.

One difference between a gasoline engine and a diesel, is that a gas engine has engine braking when you let of the accelerator pedal. A diesel engine does not, you either have to apply the brakes to slow it down or have a jake brake installed.

A jake brake is a valve which closes off the exhaust gases imediately after the manifold. It FORCES the engine to brake and slows the turbo. You might have heard a big rig with a jake brake stopping quick, because it's pretty noisy in operation.

With that being said, does it help you with your decision?

Automatic transmissions naturally do not offer you much engine braking anyways.

A diesel truck will not come with a jake brake. A manual transmission might be a much more labor intensive in a diesel truck than you have ever been used to. You get the turbo spooled up high and that diesel could be making power almost uncontrollably as you shift through the gears.

It's hard to miss a shift with an automatic!
Automatics are also very good for towing. Torque converters trade higher rpms (more power from the engine) for more torque to the wheels.

That's what I'd think about.

Answer 4

To shift or not to shift, that is the question.
There is no quality difference in manual or automatic when properly cared for. It is totally up to you whether you want to shift gears or let the computer do it for you. People who say automatics have no compression braking apparently have never driven one. With the torque converter locked, there is just as much as with a manual. With the cruise set, the automatic transmission will downshift on steep hills to keep from exceeding the set speed. With a manual, you will have to do the shifting.
To top all that off, all Dodge-Cummins diesels have an engine brake optional, in case you think you may need one.

Answer 5

Good points made above, but I'd like to add one more thing.

Automatics provide torque multiplication (due to the action of the torque converter - the 'clutch' in an automatic). This is why automatics are popular with drag racers. This comes into play especially during towing.

That being said, most of it comes down to personal preferrence. There are plenty of 'gearjammers' out there who want to row through the gears on their own, while many others prefer the hassle-free experience of an auto trans. I live in a mountainous area and would rather not have to shift every ten seconds while pulling a load.

Answer 6

I am assuming this will be the Ram2500, but if you are getting a 2007 or 2008 get the 6 speed automatic. You can have all the comfort of not shifting and the ability to shift when you want to, such as low gear for towing starts.

Answer 7

I would go with the manual transmission. Because they Transmission will not go out as fast if you have a manual. Because When you get a chrsyler product now a days. The transmission is nothing but electric pieces of crap. And they do that so the car knows when to shift and everything. And when you get a manual your the one that is telling the transmission what gear to shift into and how to do it. And me personally I would go with a manual over a stick anyday.

Answer 8

I have 4 dodge rams 2 diesels all autos pull a 28 car hauler 10000 lbs> Auto is the way to go easier to drive>Not much differences in fuel & Unless you like all the shifting & the resale is lower on the shift>

Answer 9

If you're getting a diesel - go for the manual.

Automatics are FINE for day to day driving (especially if you live in a heavily congested area & sit in grid-lock a LOT) ... but if you really want to most out of your vehicle... the manual allows for better control of the engine for things like keeping it in lower gear for higher torque - towing things - etc.

Answer 10

depends on if your going to use the truck for pulling big loads or hauling big loads