The Decline of the Manual... But a Glimmer of Hope? - Page 5 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

jcp123 · 10-22-2014, 10:42 PM

Honestly, it doesn't take very long for a manual to become such second nature that I barely notice the act of shifting. I like the economy of manuals, and I'd be lying if I said that the control wasn't an intoxicating factor too. But more than anything, I love the game of shifting, moving three limbs in unison to execute a perfect start or shift every time, selecting the right cog, or the ol rev-match/clutch less shift game. There's so many little ways to play with a standard trans that it really helps to lessen the monotony.

Having said that, automatics are certainly closing the fuel economy gap, and are relatively less expensive than they used to be. I myself used to be split and figured both were more or less equal, but as my interests have gone towards older ways of doing things, I find that I relish ways of doing stuff that's perhaps a bit more intensive on the person doing it. I like the hands-on approach to things.

Fat Charlie · 10-23-2014, 09:32 AM

You don't understand: they need quad cabs with diesels to commute in. And the place I work would be hurting if we didn't sell piles of chrome sidesteps, air deflectors, door handles and fuel filler doors to all these manly guys.

And shifting is hard. You're asking too much from these guys.

Xist · 10-23-2014, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat Charlie

And shifting is hard. You're asking too much from these guys.

Not just difficult, but annoying, irritating, frustrating, aggravating, lame, a real drag, and anything else that I have ever been called.

Selfie!

Why should we shift when there is an app for that?!

This is bizarre, the address is The Advantages of Buying a Manual Transmission Vehicle, but it sends you to Five Myths About Stick Shifts: Manual vs Automatic Transmissions, which almost exclusively gives perceived advantages of automatics, and dismisses people who prefer manuals as nostalgic.

Why would you want a manual shifter when you could have this?!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trucker7

Also, I never managed to drive an automatic. It runs fine on D (Day mode), but stops moving when I put it in night mode.

City-Data Forum - View Single Post - Why are manual transmission vehicles unpopular in the USA?

Joggernot · 10-23-2014, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fat charlie

you don't understand: They need quad cabs with diesels to commute in. And the place i work would be hurting if we didn't sell piles of chrome sidesteps, air deflectors, door handles and fuel filler doors to all these manly guys.

And shifting is hard. You're asking too much from these guys.

lol!!

Fat Charlie · 10-23-2014, 01:01 PM

Oh God, I had to drive one of those dial shifts last week. It was horrible!

MetroMPG · 10-23-2014, 01:04 PM

AND it has an electric parking brake button too. Yikes. Hate those.

kltron · 10-23-2014, 04:21 PM

Was happy to find that my '14 Forester had a 6 speed MT, was unhappy to find that you can't get the panoramic roof with the MT. WTH. The MT is rated 29mpg HWY, 32 for the AT. Head scratcher. I'm able to get 34mpg or so mostly backroads (35-50 mph). Wish it had a taller 6th gear. :-(

Doing great in the warmer weather (40.8% above EPA mixed), not so great in the winter with shorter trips (gets EPA mixed, or at least it did last winter).

Would miss a MT if I didn't have it, would get rid of it if I drove more in traffic.

I do enjoy the "MT" experience on my bicycle. :-)

The new Honda Fit has a 6MT. Was surprised to see it, but it's encouraging.

darcane · 10-23-2014, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetroMPG

AND it has an electric parking brake button too. Yikes. Hate those.

Same here. Foot operated parking brakes are annoying, but I really don't want electric parking brakes on anything of mine. Do they even work as an emergency brake any more?

And WTF does "S" mean on that shifter?

Daox · 10-23-2014, 04:40 PM

I'll jump on this wagon. I'm about to finally get back into a manual car after well over a year of driving all automatics... I can not wait!

redpoint5 · 10-23-2014, 04:47 PM

Up until recently, I was of the opinion that I would want an auto in traffic. After realizing how zen-like it has been to drive in traffic while leaving a gap, and observing my MPG rise above my highway economy, I've decided a manual is preferred in stop and go.

Now the only place I would prefer an auto is San Francisco.

Quote:

Originally Posted by darcane

And WTF does "S" mean on that shifter?

I assume "sport". AKA, waste more fuel and still go slow, mode.