I think driving a standard is good in any cases because you can do so much more with it in different situations, I don't have problems going through traffic or bumper to bumper. In fact it's almost second nature to me, even though I have a short gear ratio which is good, it keeps me alert and aware of things around me. Also driving a standard in a test doesn't have to be mandatory, but I believe that automatic people nowadays that drives there car can't even tell how they're car REV like anymore or mechanically sound. Which in my case is important, also people need to understand the concept of a Manuel transmission and what it does to the car. I also think they need to understand RPM's a little bit more and when your car should shift, so you know when your car is going way too fast. You won't have to brake so suddenly and have no control over it. It's also great on gas mileage and less wear on the transmission and practically if you know how, you can basically drive anything on the road as of today.

I've had to explain to people (Who have driven automatics their whole life) what "1" and "2" on their shifters were for...

Seriously, there's just not enough driver education anymore.

Once when I downshifted from 3rd to 2nd I had a friend who has never driven standard tell me that my car sounded like it was hurting lol.

If it were mandatory to take the exam in a standard less stupid people who aren't very alert would pass the test.

Reminds me auto-driving friends I have who never rev over 4,000 rpm thinking it might hurt their engine.

Car dealers won't be happy if driving tests r harder than it is.

Automatics these days are fast and they have the same fuel economy as manuals (in some cases, even better.)

I don't care about that.

The bottom line is that I don't want a computer telling the car when to shift. Driving standard is about being in total control of my car that is why I prefer driving a standard.

^

not really, ur regular auto tranny thats found in a camery or a mazda 3 does not shift fast at all.


the one AUDi or bmw uses SMG/DSG those shifts fast

Manual transmission is where it's at.

Even driving home in heavy long weekend traffic yesterday I thought to myself "even now I wouldn't trade this for an automatic".

this reminds me of some kids i know who own tiptronic automatic mazda 3 etc. and think its the exact same as manual just cuz its tiptronic :facepalm:

I figure standard is like a sport. You have to practice a lot to get good at it and when you finally get it it becomes rewarding. Too bad there's not much teamwork involved.

dude, every kid on the block that has an auto with their so called paddle shift thinks they shift like an F1 racer now


no joke

Also good for resale value. Looks like asian_XL has some issues.

A manumatic is poor substitute for a true standard. Part of the experience of driving a manual is the clutch.

It's not maschismo talking - it's about feel, about the experience of driving. If I wanted to "tune out", I would take public transit with my music player(which is what I do 5 days a week, and sometimes on the weekends).

Go anywhere outside of North America, and manuals probably make up 90% of what's on the road.

Manuals are also a HELL of a lot easier and cheaper to repair and maintain.

completely agreed. some kid told me his lancer gts would be faster than my car.. because of his paddle shifters.


boy was he wrong.

Really? Another auto vs manual thread?

i think people who are able to drive manual are more safe on the road, you're more alert when driving compared to an automatic.

Tip-tronic seems slow as hell sometimes (Mazda3 and A4)



Ha, friend told me he met a few chicks in europe who didn't know how to drive auto :D

tip tronic is for posers, not drivers

:)

apparently lots of euro chicks drive standard... actually met a couple in person, they drive stick and swear by it. :D

I prefer manual. Much more "feel" with a standard transmission.

I do miss it... however, must agree (now) that auto in rush hour BS ain't so bad.

then you need to get the heck out of north america. Every girl in europe/asia that can drive knows how to drive stick. Only lazy and spoiled girls here are accustomed to auto.

it all depends on what your driving..

at the VERY least, SEMI-Auto is the most auto i will ever go...

but Luxury Cars shouldnt be standard... BIG SUVs shouldnt be standard....

^


rode S63 AMG, and it was seamlessly smooth and fast shifting


cant complain
:thumbsup: