Manual transmission required for driving enjoyment?

ed328ci · 02-24-2006, 01:27 PM

First, I mean no offense to anyone who have a vehicle with automatic transmission.

Anyways for almost 4 weeks now, my 328Ci has been in the shop for subframe repairs. During that time, I have been begging rides from people, and have borrowed my parent's 325i, my wife's Outback, and now, my sales adviser's (who sold me my new E90) 330Ci. All of those cars have auto transmissions. I found that I have enjoyed driving less and less, even if I "shift" manually with the tiptronic. I just can't feel involved with driving. During that time, I have even test driven a DSG equipped A3 3.2, and didn't enjoy that vehicle either. I have a feeling that I would enjoy a Civic Si with good 6 speed manual, more than a M6 with SMG. Until now, I didn't think driving a manual transmission mattered that much to me. Crazy, eh? Anyone else feel the same way?

Can't wait to A) get my car back B) for its replacement to arrive.

Ed

John V · 02-24-2006, 01:30 PM

Yep. Automatics are no fun.

*Plaz* · 02-24-2006, 01:33 PM

Yes, rowing your own is a prerequisite to true driving enjoyment IMO.

ff · 02-24-2006, 01:34 PM

I couldn't agree more. Automatics are boring as hell, removing you from the driving experience, and take almost all the fun out of being behind the wheel.

Sharp11 · 02-24-2006, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed328ci

First, I mean no offense to anyone who have a vehicle with automatic transmission.

Anyways for almost 4 weeks now, my 328Ci has been in the shop for subframe repairs. During that time, I have been begging rides from people, and have borrowed my parent's 325i, my wife's Outback, and now, my sales adviser's (who sold me my new E90) 330Ci. All of those cars have auto transmissions. I found that I have enjoyed driving less and less, even if I "shift" manually with the tiptronic. I just can't feel involved with driving. During that time, I have even test driven a DSG equipped A3 3.2, and didn't enjoy that vehicle either. I have a feeling that I would enjoy a Civic Si with good 6 speed manual, more than a M6 with SMG. Until now, I didn't think driving a manual transmission mattered that much to me. Crazy, eh? Anyone else feel the same way?

Can't wait to A) get my car back B) for its replacement to arrive.

Ed

Is it rerun season already?

I disagree, I think it depends upon the car.

S2000's Miatas, WRX's ----- in short, cars that actually require the driver to get something out of the engine fare really well with manuals, it's a lot of fun.

But cars with big displacement engines and a lot of torque are just a nuisance to drive around town with manual trannies, most of the time you're in 2nd or 3rd gear anyway.

I never liked BMW's manuals, the shifters are rubbery and vaque and the clutch take-up leaves a lot to be desired.

Ed

rumatt · 02-24-2006, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sharp11

I never liked BMW's manuals, the shifters are rubbery and vaque and the clutch take-up leaves a lot to be desired.

BMW manuals may not be ideal, but I'd take one over a slushie any day of the week. I would NOT want an auto car for my DD.

However http://forums.carmudgeons.com/showpo...1&postcount=72

TD · 02-24-2006, 03:06 PM

I'm pretty much in the camp of preferring a manual tranny Civic to any high-dollar hi-po slushie or wankermatic.

A rubbery and vague stick with vague clutch take-up is still infinitely preferable, IMO, to a slushie.

dan · 02-24-2006, 03:13 PM

no, fun roads are more important

lemming · 02-24-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TD

I'm pretty much in the camp of preferring a manual tranny Civic to any high-dollar hi-po slushie or wankermatic.

A rubbery and vague stick with vague clutch take-up is still infinitely preferable, IMO, to a slushie.

yup.

even though it is repetitive, it is still satisfying to me to drive a car "well", no matter the challenge. and by this, i mean, look at the CTS-V. it's got a great clutch but the shifter is clunky and with a 3.73 rear end and its weird gear ratios, it's really tough to be smooth in the car.

but it makes it even more satisfying to me to drive it to the nth degree and be smooth when i want to be and outright vicious during momentary lapses.

you might have some of those elements in an SMG equipped car --but you will never have those moments in an automatic equipped car. never.

TD · 02-24-2006, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonoboy

no, fun roads are more important

Well, broing and or flat-out crappy roads are still more enjoyable when driving a stick.

As I've said before, I even prefer a stick in stop and go traffic.

02-24-2006, 01:27 PM	#1
ed328ci Realist Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E90 325i Location: GTA with a long commute Posts: 185	Manual transmission required for driving enjoyment? First, I mean no offense to anyone who have a vehicle with automatic transmission. Anyways for almost 4 weeks now, my 328Ci has been in the shop for subframe repairs. During that time, I have been begging rides from people, and have borrowed my parent's 325i, my wife's Outback, and now, my sales adviser's (who sold me my new E90) 330Ci. All of those cars have auto transmissions. I found that I have enjoyed driving less and less, even if I "shift" manually with the tiptronic. I just can't feel involved with driving. During that time, I have even test driven a DSG equipped A3 3.2, and didn't enjoy that vehicle either. I have a feeling that I would enjoy a Civic Si with good 6 speed manual, more than a M6 with SMG. Until now, I didn't think driving a manual transmission mattered that much to me. Crazy, eh? Anyone else feel the same way? Can't wait to A) get my car back B) for its replacement to arrive. Ed __________________ Common sense, isn't

02-24-2006, 01:33 PM	#3
Plaz ••••••• Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '11 1M Location: Churzee Posts: 17,741	Yes, rowing your own is a prerequisite to true driving enjoyment IMO. __________________ 2011 1M

02-24-2006, 03:13 PM	#8
dan redefined Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14,896	no, fun roads are more important __________________ "There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie

02-24-2006, 01:30 PM	#2
John V No more BMWs Join Date: Apr 2005 Carmudgeonly Ride: Ram, MS3, CX-5, RX-8 Location: Glenwood, MD Posts: 14,753	Yep. Automatics are no fun.

02-24-2006, 01:34 PM	#4
ff . Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 13,514	I couldn't agree more. Automatics are boring as hell, removing you from the driving experience, and take almost all the fun out of being behind the wheel.

02-24-2006, 03:06 PM	#7
TD Founder emeritus Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Maryland Posts: 21,007	I'm pretty much in the camp of preferring a manual tranny Civic to any high-dollar hi-po slushie or wankermatic. A rubbery and vague stick with vague clutch take-up is still infinitely preferable, IMO, to a slushie.