Re: Manual (stick shift)or Automatic transmission
Originally Posted by
realspeed
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I have driven many cars both manual and auto , each has its plus and minus sides
Auto = saves worrying about which gear to use so easier to drive, heavier on fuel and changing down a gear can be a bind if wanting to stay in first for example
Manual = Better control of gears so one can slow down a car by just correct gear solection also more economical on fuel.
It all depends on where your driving in town or motorways.
Try driving an auto on a slippery grass slope with an auto
I am just as happy using either manual or auto , more important is what you are driving
I suspect you haven't driven an auto for a long time because these days there is usually a manual override.
in my Dmax you just move the lever to the right and the gearbox is in manual mode, push the lever forward to change down and pull it back to change up. Easy to use engine braking on hills if you need to. The actual gear is displayed on the dash instead of "D"
Even better the gearbox still protects itself by stiopping you using an gear that will damage the transmission.
My previous car had CVT transmission and at first I found it somewhat disconcerting to accelerate and see the engine revs drop as the gearbox did the work. In normal mode there was actually no engine braking at all (for economy) to get engine braking you put the gearbox in "sports" mode.
No problems driving an auto on wet grass, sand or snow with limited slip diff or traction control.