So, what do you prefer? Personally, my first car was a clutch. It was a 1995 Ford Escort LX with GT features (still had the 1.9, though). And my second, my truck, is a five speed. I actually have a hard time driving an automatic because I can't control the RPM's at all and it frustrates me that I can run a car at half the RPM's, saving half the gas.
Personally I like a manual transmission better because I can control the gears. But I could actually like to try driving a vehicle that has a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This eliminates the shift shock that you receive when driving a manual or automatic transmission. Then I might switch, but I still like to be directly in control of the gears.
I've never driven a CVT but that sounds awesome.... Never really heard much about them either. As for me, I drive an automatic right now, but I've had sticks before and have to say they are much more fun to drive.
Actually, if you drive a manual correctly you can't feel it shift at all, even on downshift. No one's perfect, of course, but with practice driving a manual is actually quite smooth becausue of the ability to run constantly at low RPM's.
I learned on a 5 speed and that is all I have ever owned. I have driven automatics and I am totally not good at it LOL I don't think that an automatic transmission qualifies as driving really. I can fall asleep driving one.(of course slamming my foot on the brake at 55 mph wakes me up quit nicely when I am looking for a clutch that is NOT THERE! ) : )) scuba is right. if you know how to drive one, it is a really smooth drive. I just bought a new car a month ago, and it was really funny because they didn't have any 5 speeds and could not talk me into an automatic. So they had to call and have one shipped down. LOL I have also seen the CVT's and that definitely peaked my interest. I might change my mind for one of those hehe
I admit to being pathetic ... have never driven a stick. Learned on an automatic and have always driven them. Kind of strange because my dad had a sports car dealership, so all he ever drove were sticks (mostly cute little MGs or Triumphs) but by the time I was old enough to learn to drive, the family car was not a stick ... Everyone I know says they're more fun to drive
Wow, way to stand your ground on that one! If I wanted a manual when looking for a car, there's no way I would be talked into an auto either. Actually I plan on my next car being a manual, but we'll see. If I find something that I like that's only available in an automatic then maybe the heated seats will change my mind.
Well my new car i'm getting this friday, is a Standard. its a 91' Nissan nx 2000 has roughy 200 hp (been modified), and very fast.. They take corners just like a 911 porshe. (www.wikipedia.com)
as a funny side note to this. my license plates came in the other day and I had to go down to the dealership to get them. When they went to put them on they had to drill the holes for the front license plate. The guy told me that apparently when they ordered it in, it came from another state (one that doesn't require the liscense plate to be displayed on the front) LOL I just had to laugh at that.
That happened to me and an ex of mine. Bought a 03' Mitsubishi lancer OZ, and it didn't come with front tags, they had to drill holes in the bumber. They tried to charge us 90.00 for drilling two holes. I told them that by Maryland law we had to have a front tag. So i ended up getting it free and 4 free detailings from there cause i hassled the manager.
