Manual VS. Automatic

[MistressM]

What are the pros and cons for manual and automatic transmissions? I will be looking at both tomorrow.

Thanks,
MistressM

[licibug]

Automatic is a "value added" feature as far as resale.

Manual is funner to alot of people assuming you will not spend time in stop and go traffic.

As far as the car itself is concerned, I'm not sure. Mine is an automotic for the above reasons.

[Paladin]

We have a pair of 2.0 GLs -- a 2003 stick and a 2004 auto. Stick feels faster, sportier. Is definitely more fun to drive. Even in stop and go. I often double-clutch on my downshifts. Pedals are not set up for heel and toeing.

[CoriBug]

Manual gets better gas mileage. Automatic is good if you have kids because it gives you less to think about.

[MistressM]

That's great info, keep it coming!
MistressM

[captbp]

Mine is a manual. It does feel sportier with the manual. I tend to downshift when slowing down to save brakes (an old habit). My old car was an auto and I thought "great no more shifting.." but that got boring. I'm glad this has a 5 spd manual.

[rubie]

We have both, yelojkt is a manual and is fun to drive, rubie is an automatic and fun to drive. I multi task out of my car so for me the auto transmission is definitly best for me. I think alot of it depends on the person and if they will have young passengers that may require more attention than you could provide with a manual. I believe it is a personal decision and you should get what is best for you and your situation. Good luck with your search and keep us informed.

[SMG]

No one has mentioned that the manual actually puts more horsepower to the ground.

Even though the dealer will say they're both have the same horsepower, the automatic transmission sucks 30% or so of the car's power, while the power loss in the manual is only like 15% or so, so the manual is actually faster.

Those numbers are just off the top of my head though, I searched and couldn't find the real figures, but I'm close.

So with an automatic, you're getting less power and burning more gas.

[Paladin]

On the flip side, an automatic is generally gentlier on the power train, less jerky.

[SMG]

If the manual is jerky you don't know how to drive it right.

SMG

[Lnzbug]

After driving a 5 speed for quite a few years it's second nature,you don't think about it you just go! If you drive alot of stop and go you probably would like the auto. If you are getting a 1.8t the manual is MUCH more fun to drive.

[Woodstock]

My Beetle is a manual, so is my sons. He learned on mine, that was interesting! Mine is 2.0, his is 1.8 turbo, he would only buy a turbo (helps him explain to his guy friends WHY in the WORLD he bought a Beetle!)

I LOVE driving manual. I had manual cars (Pinto and VW convertible) in the late 70s/early 80s, so I already knew how to drive one. I ALWAYS preferred manual, so it is so great to be driving one again after a 19 year break. I do not use cell phone while driving it though (NJ congested roads, plus illegal here anyway).

Sorry to all you automatic folks, but there is something "cool" about driving a stick.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by Woodstock

there is something "cool" about driving a stick.

Yep, makes my bug just a tad less "gay", lol.

[ldyrev1]

My 2000 NBC 2.0 has a Manual. It was great and now my youngest daughter drives it at college.

When I was shopping for my NBC, I decided to go with an AUTO because with my age (almost 50), my arthritis is getting worse and worse, so the AUTO was the clear choice.

Funny thing is, my hubby is starting to car shop for his next new wagon, and although he has loved his 5 sp manual in his Saturn Wagon, he too is feeling his age and will be getting an AUTO in his Passet Wagon in a few years.

[SPIRU]

The only auto I've owned was my first car and was a gift from my folks, all the cars I bought myself have all been sticks.

[Steinola]

It's really personal choice, as near as I can tell.

I'm in the same camp as ldyrev1. I love sticks, always had 'em, always thought I'd continue to have 'em. Then I got older, I found my knees didn't work as well, I found myself in more and more stop-and-go traffic, and my "need for speed" of my youth desipated with maturity.

When I shopped for my NBC, I was still on the fence whether there'd be an auto or stick in it. I knew I wasn't looking to blow any Porsches off the line (not that an NBC could, even with a stick). But I just couldn't see giving up the manual tranny.

Then I test drove a tiptronic, and that pretty much sealed the deal for me.

Now, I drive much of the time with Kermit in tip mode using the shifter almost as a clutchless stick... downshifting to slow, holding a gear when I need to... about the only thing I can't do is double-clutch... but that's probably good news for the transmission.

And when I want, I can put the top down, shift it over to full auto, and enjoy the wind in my hair without worrying about the gears.
If I had to do all over again, I'd still go for the automatic with the tip... but I'd want the DSG in the package.

[Fuseli]

I take offense to the "gay" comment.... you probably didn't mean it that way but come on you're driving a cyber green beetle get over it, if you were that concerned with not looking gay you bought the worst car in the world for that.

I myself am a gay man yet have been around cars all my life. I have had 4 VWs, 3 new beetles one golf. The Golf I had was a 2003 TDI 5 speed, I loved it to death but hated having a manual for the simple fact that I live in southern california... sitting in traffic for 4 or more hours with a stick regardless of what anybody might say gets old and gets old FAST. If automatics were so bad how come the company that invented the car itself and most everything on it uses automatics almost exclusively? (Mercedes-Benz) I don't think you can get much more "macho" than a 604HP/738lb feet of torque biturbo V12, and it only comes in auto. They have came a long way since the hydraulically controlled powerglides and turbo trannies of the past, with DSG and whatnot autos are making a strong comeback and I say let em! I now drive a 2005 NB 2.0 6 speed tip and love it. To anybody who has a die hard love for manuals, drive on the 405 during rush hour, you'll lose the love fast.

[jim]

As you age you want fewer distractions in your life. Arthritis and bad knees are also a factor. Thats why I've got an automatic.

[SMG]

Originally Posted by Fuseli

I take offense to the "gay" comment.... you probably didn't mean it that way but come on you're driving a cyber green beetle get over it, if you were that concerned with not looking gay you bought the worst car in the world for that.

I myself am a gay man yet have been around cars all my life. I have had 4 VWs, 3 new beetles one golf. The Golf I had was a 2003 TDI 5 speed, I loved it to death but hated having a manual for the simple fact that I live in southern california... sitting in traffic for 4 or more hours with a stick regardless of what anybody might say gets old and gets old FAST. If automatics were so bad how come the company that invented the car itself and most everything on it uses automatics almost exclusively? (Mercedes-Benz) I don't think you can get much more "macho" than a 604HP/738lb feet of torque biturbo V12, and it only comes in auto. They have came a long way since the hydraulically controlled powerglides and turbo trannies of the past, with DSG and whatnot autos are making a strong comeback and I say let em! I now drive a 2005 NB 2.0 6 speed tip and love it. To anybody who has a die hard love for manuals, drive on the 405 during rush hour, you'll lose the love fast.

No offense on the gay thing..

SMG

[The Cheat]

My next car will most likely be a DSG if I stay in the VW family. It's too much fun NOT to have one. I drove an A3 DSG and fell in love with it...then I drove a TDI DSG and realized I probably should have waited for a DSG NB.

If I go over to Saturn, it'll be a manual for sure.