Manual or Auto - which do you prefer?

[wrenbird]

Hi there Guys & Gals,

Give me an automatic any day...

Have had automatic Volvos ever since my first love affair with a 164 (the beast) which thrashed boy-racers off traffic lights / junctions etc. I naturally progressed to 245 2500 estate (dogs and kiddos) and from there it was 245s all the way until I was introduced to a 760 turbo (fell in love for a second time) which sadly died an electronic death after many happy years together, hence a red 960 caught my eye (because a rally mate said don't even look at the 800 series, they're rubbish), and when Ford got involved I figured Volvo's days were numbered for reliability and I won't be looking to a V series Volvo at all unless someone can convince me they're as good as the old 240 and 700 series.

[spotlamp]

Originally Posted by caveman

autos every time! although mines a manual!
if youve got a luxury car youve gotta have an auto gearbox!
regards
cavey

Dead right, you sum it up preciely.(spotlamp)

[ovlov25]

Auto is nice when you're feeling lazy but you can't beat a good manual if your going for a thrash!

Saying that the VW DSG is mighty impressive

[cywprof]

Manual can be fun, automatic can be boring. In heavy traffic auto may be better. On back roads prefer manual. Type & car size are factors too. In a 4X4 manual works best for me. If on a 5 hour cruise on a freeway, might as well use an automatic. Many new models offer you the choice. Recently I rented a 2008 Dodge Calibre to go to a Car Show 4 hours away. It was equiped with a 6 speed automatic which you could stick shift into each gear or let the car do it. No clutch, ease up on gas compensated for that thrill. The bigger the car the more likely I would prefer an automatic. Unless driving a high power machine. Once drove a 70's Corvette with a 4 speed manual. Think the motor was a 427. The clutch was a challenge. Don't know if it was me or the motor that caused my leg to shake when engaging the clutch. Never felt that I was in control of that orange beast. Whereas had it had an automatic I would have felt more @ ease as I did in a newer Corvette with a 350 fuel injected 3 spd. automatic. Of course now new models have 6 speed auto or manuals. Would love to drive a Porsche 6 speed any model!
My point: depends on the ride & the route.
Bill

[Clan]

Originally Posted by ovlov25

Auto is nice when you're feeling lazy but you can't beat a good manual if your going for a thrash!

Saying that the VW DSG is mighty impressive

That kind of gearbox is coming to Volvo in the new year for better or for worse ...

[oilburner]

I've just finished reading a 12 page thread on the Audi TT owners club where people were complaining about failed DSG boxes at really low mileages.

Best avoided until the technology has had time to mature, IMO.

FWIW, I prefer autos these days, just because I got fed up with the wear and tear from heavy clutchs and notchy gearboxes. Now me and Mrs Oilburner both have autos, neither of us want to go back. I just love the relaxed driving, ease of use and smoothness. Not as much fun as a manual, but then how often do you really get chance to have any real fun on such congested roads these days?

[ovlov25]

Can't comment on the durability of the DSG, it is very impressive to use though. Some of the Tiptronic mercs are nice too, just a pity they rust so badly

Would love to drive a Porsche 6 speed any model!

A Porsche manual isn't as slick as you would think, for a really nice gear change try a low mileage Mazda MX-5

Oh, i think the most unforgiving clutch i've ever used was in a 1986 Porsche 911 3.3 Turbo, the one with the 4 speed because Porsche didn't have a 'box to handle the torque! Almost as heavy as the clutch on the Leyland 'Bullnose' Comet truck that my boss owns.

[cywprof]

Sorry to hear that about the Porsche. Have always been impressed with Mazdas, both automatic & standard. Have found most European Import automatics to be a little rough compared to North American models. Most are seamless unless you engage passing gear.
Happy motoring!
Bill

[niveaus]

I have to say Auto for me......my clutch leg knee is shot so I don't really have a choice.
I driven both.....my smaller cars would have suffered if they had an auto box, you do lose some of the nippiness (is that a word?) But for the realms of my volvo, she doesn't suffer for having an auto box.

[UnderPeak]

I have always had manuals and was loth to go to an auto. However now that I have got the V70 i really appreciate the smoothness and ease in traffic, but I miss the control I felt I had with the manual - felt that I was driving the car