ok, so i am getting a little old and lazy so i went with the touring automatic. now, what am i going to lose in terms of performance....................1/4 mile ect.? also, i am told the automatics come with some form of ability to shift manually.......................please explain if you know what this is. with age, come $$ sometimes, so i guess i can always supercharge to make up for the loss of manual performance and still keep it real convenient in busy orlando traffic.

 

TBA

 

Explain that one 2 me....

 

Just think of it in terms of fun factor... and it'll vary depending on the person.

I never liked manuals until I started practicing. I'm still doing crappy, but I'm happy to get the car moving -IF i do it slowly.

It was a hard decision to make, so I decided to go for manual hoping I won't kick myself regretting it if I chose an auto.

I personally don't care what's faster... but I think it's easier to upgrade with a manual - considering this car will be my hobby car.

I can't blame ya... I'm lazy too, that's why I haven't practiced.

 

This is wierd but I'll tell the story...

Last night I had an unusual dream. My mom was test driving a Chevy Cavalier. I know... YUCK!

I was like, "Mom this car is crap you drive something else." Then I got in it and it had a SMG similar to the BMW M3's and all of these digital readouts like tire pressures and such and I took it for a drive and bought one for myself.

Then I woke up and I was like, "Where the F*#@ did that dream come from?" Then I went back to sleep hoping for better dreams.

I haven't read about or seen any BMW SMG stuff for awhile. I am a wierdo!

 

My experience tells me that you will lose about 0.5 sec 0-60 and 0.6 sec 1/4 mile. This is just an estimate. If you care a lot about performance this is reason enough to get the manual. For me a more important reason is the fun to drive factor. The manual gives you control and involvement you don't get with an auto. I have driven automatics with so called manual mode and they are about as much fun as heart attack (not fun at all). In fact my passat has a tiptronic automatic and I used it only about five times in 3 years.

As for one post saying automatics are getting better and better that might be true, but to give an example like the AMG that does not even offer a manual misses the point completly. Sure the auto is quick, but with that much torque and HP you can afford to lose 10%. Also they don't offer a manual to compair against

Last I don't see driving a manual as something you have to work at or practice. Just drive the thing and you'll get better, soon you won't even think about it, it will become second nature.

BTW I wish nissan would offer a SMG this is not an automatic but can be driven like one and could end up being fun to drive, but I don't think as much fun as a true manual.

 

COMPLETELY AGREE. Triptonic is like riding a bike with training wheels. Also, I don't agree with the people who claim an automatic is necessary for city driving. I commute in Washington D.C. thru some of the worst traffic any where, and I don't even notice the manual transmission. Also one final point ... with a manual, I coast a great deal during city driving which is saving wear and tear on my engine which you can't do with an automatic.

 

the good thing about autos is dat u dont have to worry about the changin the clutch if it gets worned out or need a better clutch to hold more power. other den that manuals are hella fun to drive.

 

Drugs are bad, very bad.... If domestics get that good imagine what the imports will be making.... good thoughts

 

I have buttons on my A4, they're fun! Still prefer a manual though...