Manual vs. automatic - can't decide
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 23, 2010
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: N.Florida
Wife had a 91-LX 5.0 3.73 stick. Most fun car I ever had.
That said, I've ordered a 5.0 Auto. Reasons- I'm older now (not ancient yet). And also keep in mind there is a slight amount of concentration involved to keep your shifting smooth (no-I'm not brain dead -yet ). There's nothing worse than that sweet 5.0 exhaust ruined by a goofed up shift LOL.
I think if I went with the V-6 though, I would seriously consider the manual. Read one review that was slightly negative on that combo.
That said, I've ordered a 5.0 Auto. Reasons- I'm older now (not ancient yet). And also keep in mind there is a slight amount of concentration involved to keep your shifting smooth (no-I'm not brain dead -yet ). There's nothing worse than that sweet 5.0 exhaust ruined by a goofed up shift LOL.
I think if I went with the V-6 though, I would seriously consider the manual. Read one review that was slightly negative on that combo.
Last edited by GJM20115.0; May 19, 2010 at 04:53 PM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: April 26, 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
I never understand the "Automatic is faster" argument. Yes, it is, so what? Put a 16 yr old girl in the same car and she could go as fast as you. Sure as hell can't say the same for manual. It's a sense of personal achievement and enjoyment to be able to heel-toe, rev-match, etc. by yourself, imo. I've been driving automatic and I am really bored when I drive. More so in traffic. I'd rather be engaged and slightly frustrated than bored out of my mind and not focusing.
Cobra R Member
Joined: March 12, 2004
Posts: 1,560
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From: Orange County, CA
I sorta don't get this. All I had were motorcycles for many years and I sat through more rush hours than I could care to remember. One of my bikes had a very stiff clutch, but even that didn't make me wish for an auto. If you're rolling slow enough to be in first, no biggie. If you're stopped, shift to neutral till you move again, no biggie.
I just don't get how a manual is an issue in stop-n-go traffic.
I just don't get how a manual is an issue in stop-n-go traffic.
MOTM Committee Member
Joined: April 17, 2006
Posts: 9,201
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
California stop-n-go is probably a lot different from Colorado stop-n-go. Literally, move up to 10 feet, complete stop. Move up 10 feet, complete stop. Move 50 feet, get a chance to throw it into second, complete stop. Or sometimes you're creeping along at 3 MPH, just slow enough that it's about to stall. Now imagine doing this for 30+ minutes. That is a pain in my book. Thankfully my commute has basically no traffic as I don't need to use the freeway.
GT Member
Joined: March 27, 2010
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Buffalo, NY
I have an auto and I think it runs great. It's very fun to drive. Your decision would have to depend on whether you want it to be only you driving it or if you want share the fun with your wife. I bought an auto because of my daily commute and so my girlfriend could take over if I had too many to drink. 
Cobra R Member
Joined: March 12, 2004
Posts: 1,560
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
I thought you didn't know how to drive manual, or this is your first manual transmission car?
GT Member
Joined: March 21, 2007
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
From: western mass
If I had to fight traffic each and every day I would probably go with the auto (have really bad knees), but my
manual is for pleasure driving and I enjoy shifting and the sweet sound as you run through the gears. An auto just doesn't sound the same no matter what you do to it...
It's your car and you need to get what works out best for you (and wife) for your needs.
Many, many years ago I taught my wife to drive a stick, and decided it was best for her to have an auto,
couldn't afford the tires (and clutch). She just seemed to squeal the tires almost every time she took off.
Either way I do not think you can go wrong with the new '11. I drove a manual one yesterday, and it will
get up and go very well. It was a base that my dealer just got in, mine is sitting in Area, err.. Ramp 51
awaiting shipment).
manual is for pleasure driving and I enjoy shifting and the sweet sound as you run through the gears. An auto just doesn't sound the same no matter what you do to it...
It's your car and you need to get what works out best for you (and wife) for your needs.
Many, many years ago I taught my wife to drive a stick, and decided it was best for her to have an auto,
couldn't afford the tires (and clutch). She just seemed to squeal the tires almost every time she took off.
Either way I do not think you can go wrong with the new '11. I drove a manual one yesterday, and it will
get up and go very well. It was a base that my dealer just got in, mine is sitting in Area, err.. Ramp 51
awaiting shipment).
V6 Member
Joined: October 18, 2009
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
I never understand the "Automatic is faster" argument. Yes, it is, so what? Put a 16 yr old girl in the same car and she could go as fast as you. Sure as hell can't say the same for manual. It's a sense of personal achievement and enjoyment to be able to heel-toe, rev-match, etc. by yourself, imo. I've been driving automatic and I am really bored when I drive. More so in traffic. I'd rather be engaged and slightly frustrated than bored out of my mind and not focusing.
It doesn't make me double check my crotch knowing that girl can floor the car. I can feel the engine and make the subtle adjustments to the throttle necessary to drive the auto even more effectively.
I would bet you that if most people had the same car - one manual with a tune, me auto with a tune, same tires, similar gearing - I would win on a road course or drag race unless you are a seasoned vet, especially if we both had limited seat time in the car beforehand. I don't need to study shift points and practice my heel-toe, balance the clutch, any of that. I just need to focus on my line, and traction, and perhaps force a shift here and there.
Yes you can get more out of the manual, but for a LOT more effort and time behind the wheel studying. I don't feel I would ever get to the point where I would drive manual faster than I drive auto. I am a good auto driver and an average manual driver. I can accept that, and am good with that. I'll take the one that is faster for me, who cares about anyone else.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 11, 2006
Posts: 911
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
IMHO you should get the manual transmission and teach her how to drive a stick shift car, but on something else besides the Mustang. I have a good friend who taught his new wife how to drive stick. Cost him a clutch, but she is pretty good at it now.
I'm fortunate to have married a wonderful lady (more than 16 years ago) who learned how to drive stick when she was 16 and learning how to drive period. This was on the hills of eastern Kentucky where she grew up, so she is better than many others. All five of our cars are manuals, and my wife and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'm fortunate to have married a wonderful lady (more than 16 years ago) who learned how to drive stick when she was 16 and learning how to drive period. This was on the hills of eastern Kentucky where she grew up, so she is better than many others. All five of our cars are manuals, and my wife and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Bullitt Member
Joined: February 17, 2008
Posts: 322
Likes: 0
I've had both and I love shifting a manual. In your circumstances, though, I would get an auto. If teaching your wife how to drive a stick was really an option you probably wouldn't have posted.
(On a side note, shifting gears on a motorcycle is an entirely different experience than shifting in a car.)
(On a side note, shifting gears on a motorcycle is an entirely different experience than shifting in a car.)
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: January 6, 2006
Posts: 14,053
Likes: 166
From: Bay Area, CA
I would buy a manual (Adam I think you were thinking of me; I know how to drive stick but have never owned a MT car), but tell that to the guys running 8 sec 1/4miles with their turboed/nitrous drag cars buddy.
