Why did you choose an automatic over a manual.

[RaceRedder]

I'm not sure who @RaceRedder is talking to, but I have never had a need to prove anything to anyone much less my ability to drive a manual. For most Americans with performance cars it's about feeling more connected to the car and controlling it the way you want to. It's about operating the clutch and having control over the car in a way that an automatic cannot replicate. If you're into drifting (and I am) a manual is really the only way to go. Sure it's also nice that a likely thief will move on seeing three pedals and a stick shift, but there no need for this American to prove anything. I drive what I drive because I like it. Period. The end.

@JimC good for you teaching your girls how to drive a manual. If they ever get in a situation where they have to drive someone home because the people they're with are too drunk, and the drunk person's car has a manual transmission, they'll be so glad they have that skill.

When talking in general, there al always individuals who claim that they don't fit the picture.

There is even a person here who said that he has nothing to prove anymore because he drove manuals all of his life. It is an American thing to brag about driving manuals because many Americans never learned to drive it.

The fact that you have to defend yourself is something I don't understand.

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[JimC]

• 
  
• Physically, I'm 'old'. Mentally, I'm still a kid, so I like to lower the windows and rev it (active exhaust on the vehicle) whenever I go through tunnels/underpasses.

Ah yes, the underpass and the "let me play you the song of my people"!

And I do that with my automatic if the stop light is coming up as well on the other side. LOL

 

[Farmer Fran]

Because the getrag is a pile of junk

 

[Eurasianman]

Because the getrag is a pile of junk

Personal opinion incoming: That may be the case, but for daily driving (read: not track/drag use), it's fine. If the transmission was that problematic, there would be multiple TSBs and Ford would not have bothered offering it in the S650 generation.

Trust me... I've experienced a few 'bad' manual transmissions.
-1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula with the 5-speed manual and the 305 V8. You could not downshift into 2nd gear sometimes (think when coming to a yield).
- 2015 Mazda6 Touring with a 6-speed manual (experienced within the first 10,000 miles of owning the vehicle, brand new). It took me 1-2 months to get it on video, but 3rd gear would pop out of gear randomly. Mazda initially tried to fix it (note: There was a TSB for my exact issue). The technician was NOT happy with the result and told Mazda the entire transmission needed to be replaced, which resolved the issue.

 

[Farmer Fran]

Personal opinion incoming: That may be the case, but for daily driving (read: not track/drag use), it's fine. If the transmission was that problematic, there would be multiple TSBs and Ford would not have bothered offering it in the S650 generation.

Trust me... I've experienced a few 'bad' manual transmissions.
-1989 Pontiac Firebird Formula with the 5-speed manual and the 305 V8. You could not downshift into 2nd gear sometimes (think when coming to a yield).
- 2015 Mazda6 Touring with a 6-speed manual (experienced within the first 10,000 miles of owning the vehicle, brand new). It took me 1-2 months to get it on video, but 3rd gear would pop out of gear randomly. Mazda initially tried to fix it (note: There was a TSB for my exact issue). The technician was NOT happy with the result and told Mazda the entire transmission needed to be replaced, which resolved the issue.

Owned one and drove a new one. After multiple TR6060s that getrag is a pile of crap

 

[akawease]

I went with the automatic because the wife said she didn't like when I was rowing through the gears (I had two previous mustangs with a manuals). I must say now that I have driven it a bit and it seemed to have learned the way I drive I sorta like it. Guess I'm getting lazy as I get older

I bought the automatic

I went with the automatic because the wife said she didn't like when I was rowing through the gears (I had two previous mustangs with a manuals). I must say now that I have driven it a bit and it seemed to have learned the way I drive I sorta like it. Guess I'm getting lazy as I get older

I went with the automatic. I researched and it is quicker. I also love the fact that I can use the paddle shifters without having to press a clutch. I also like the remote start features. My opinion.

 

[roadpilot]

Easy. No (real) left leg to operate a clutch.

 

[Farmer Fran]

Easy. No (real) left leg to operate a clutch.

Whoa, makes sense there.

 

[roadpilot]

Whoa, makes sense there.

LOL. Had to trade in my 2012 GT manual and order a nearly identical 2014 GT auto after the accident. I actually did drive the 2012 a couple of times after I got my prosthetic leg, but no way would I be able to make split second reactions if needed.

Had I not been hit by the meth head (car/pedestrian hit & run), I likely would have bought my DH with a manual.

 

[Eurasianman]

Owned one and drove a new one. After multiple TR6060s that getrag is a pile of crap

For the record, my 2017 Ford F-150 had a 10-speed auto, and found it mediocre after driving a manual all my life since I got my driver's license at 16. Granted, this was the first generation/application (to the best of my knowledge)... but after 6 years of ownership and 80,000+ miles (bought the truck brand new), that's how I feel about the 10R80, granted, I know the 10R80 programming is different seeing as it's two completely different applications. Agree to disagree

 

[Q6543]

I had the Mt 82 in my 2014 … and it was fantastic… and I think that might have been the last year manuals were faster than autos (all things the same)
That car ran 11.2s at 124 iirc, slicks, E85 tune and a intake… Mt82 gen2 or 3 could never… tremec either…

I couldn’t wait to get the 4th gen coyote with the 10r80 after watching what it did for gen 3s.

 

[Alan Applegate]

Why don't we turn this into a real brawl? Previously, I alluded that a day would come when you couldn't buy any vehicle with a manual. I'm of the opinion the date of that prediction is literally upon us!

When it comes to Mustangs (the last of the pony cars!), Ford's bean counters are looking at the numbers, both cost and order-sheet wise. The latter certainly was the reason the Eco-Boost doesn't have the manual available. For the same reason, I believe the manual in the beloved GT will soon be unavailable as well.

Since about 2015, the percentage of Mustang GTs ordered with a manual has been decreasing every year. For 2024 it was down to 27%. If it dips below ≈20% for 2025, the aforementioned bean counters will take a long look at 2026, and choose to discontinue the manual or make it way too costly. Added to this scenario, we all know the 10R80 Mustangs are faster in every respect. And let's not forget the GTD is auto period!

The manual buyers can lament all they want, but if they're honest with themselves, they too will realize that sticks will soon be persona non grata!

 

[Trap]

Since about 2015, the percentage of Mustang GTs ordered with a manual has been decreasing every year. For 2024 it was down to 27%. If it dips below ≈20% for 2025, the aforementioned bean counters will take a long look at 2026, and choose to discontinue the manual or make it way too costly. Added to this scenario, we all know the 10R80 Mustangs are faster in every respect. And let's not forget the GTD is auto period!

The manual buyers can lament all they want, but if they're honest with themselves, they too will realize that sticks will soon be persona non grata!

Sadly if that does happen, I will no longer be in the Mustang market, I would have to look elsewhere. I personally don't give a damn if the Auto is a little quicker. To me the fun is rowing gears and feeling the engagement of driving with the manual. Fortunately for me there will be lightly used manuals around for as long as I want to own one.

 

[Saburak]

Times change, and we’re in 2024!
Manual transmissions have been out of high-level motorsports for a long time. Automatic gearboxes are more efficient, reliable, and economical.
I understand the nostalgia of shifting gears manually, but let’s face it—it’s completely outdated now.

 

[Trap]

Times change, and we’re in 2024!
Manual transmissions have been out of high-level motorsports for a long time. Automatic gearboxes are more efficient, reliable, and economical.
I understand the nostalgia of shifting gears manually, but let’s face it—it’s completely outdated now.

You are correct, times change, and for myself and maybe some others it would change our whole reason to own a sports muscle car. May as well look at electric if all I want is fast. Just saying that for some of us the manual is very important.

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