For those with D5's. Is yours manual or auto

[Superbenj]

Originally Posted by Rackingman

There is a world of difference in driving a manual to auto, whatever make or model, Ford, Audi, Rolls Royce or Volvo.

In an auto you sit properly in the seat. All you need to do is operate a featherlite accelerator pedal and turn the steering wheel, ok there may be an occasional brake application but altogether you sit differently.

In a manual you need to press the clutch with your left foot dozens of times in a journey. Being respectful of the vehicle you will sit to the left side of your seat so you can depress the pedal fully. In doing so you will, very slightly, twist your back. It is unavoidable whatever seat or vehicle you drive.

For anyone who suffers from back pain, (you can tell I speak from experience having driven manual company cars for many thousands of miles), or who doesn't want to in later life the the auto choice is the only choice.

thinking about it now, I used to get a killer pain in my left groin and a stiff back when driving long distances in a manual, that I can't remember having in ages.

I can't imagine it can actually cripple you or do long term damage, as otherwise surely many more people would choose Autos

[Matteus XC60]

Originally Posted by XC60AWD

I think the results coming through from the poll show that people who drive manual cars tend to want to talk cars more than people with auto's. Dare I say it they are more passionate about driving.

Quite a bold statement I would say. Presumably go-kart drivers aren't that passionate about driving then (or anyone in US based motorsports)?

Seriously though, my Volvo is auto which gives the relaxing drive I want for this 'family carrier'. My 'weekday car' if you will, has 300bhp allied to a manual box. I love driving them both!

PS The Sport mode in the auto box is pretty special I have to say. Completely changes the driving experience, and allows plenty of enjoyment of that D5 'Growl'.

[deano70]

I can't agree more with you. I am a company car driver and have driven between 15k and 30k miles a year for the past 20 years. I have driven manuals and autos of all descriptions and on average UK roads in a premium car like a Volvo I don't see why you would bother with a manual gearbox. It's hardly a hot hatch in any spec. As well as my XC70 (Auto) I currently drive a 911 C4s and a VW Passat CC fitted with a DSG gearbox. The DSG is by a long way the best gearbox I have experienced in any car and in the Golf GTI it is simply superb. Try it and I doubt you'll ever go back to a manual.