Sports Car Stick shift or automatic?

Reyaj

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There used to be a time where having a stick shift meant higher performance than automatic. That no longer seems to be the case as automatic cars can actually achieve higher speeds than manual transmissions. A lot of these new hot sports cars don't even come in stick anymore.

If you had the money for a nice new sports car would you choose stick or automatic?
 

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It's a tough call. I love the tactical experience of traditional shifting. My current car has both auto and manual. I hate sequential shifting as you have to sometimes look at the dash to verify what gear you're in. There are also times when I like to skip a gear, either up or down. Can't do that with sequential.
 

Billtx49

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It all boils down to the operator ease of use and the terrain you will be using it in, aka San Fransisco or similar. With the advent of full automatics with the option of transitional multiple shifting, I say manuals are so last century it’s not even a concern in this day and time…
Bought may Saturn Sky in auto for it’s 5 spped shifting versatility.
 
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Tenacity

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There used to be a time where having a stick shift meant higher performance than automatic. That no longer seems to be the case as automatic cars can actually achieve higher speeds than manual transmissions. A lot of these new hot sports cars don't even come in stick anymore.

If you had the money for a nice new sports car would you choose stick or automatic?
My current Camaro is automatic and my 6th Gen Camaro will be automatic. I can't drive a stick, don't want to drive a stick, and think driving a stick is WAY too much work. Plus, that clutch could go out often and you have to pay the money to fix it.

In the Camaro circles, the debate between manual v.s. auto is a big one. I have no clue why the hell someone would want a manual operation. I would absolutely HATE driving with a manual, especially considering it's a daily driver and I'm using it through traffic, etc.
 

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Stop and go city traffic is the one circumstance that I can see an auto being preferable.

I think it's funny that the slang word for a transmission is 'tranny,' but that is hardly ever used any more, because it now means something different.

Auto transmissions go out, too, and typically cost a lot more than a clutch to fix. Not that it matters much for new cars, but if you have an older car that is prone to breaking, a manual will be easier to deal with in many circumstances. I once drove 5 hours home from Chicago in my Stealth with no clutch at all. It went out just as I got out of city traffic. If you know what you're doing, you can get the car home without a clutch, but there is no equivalent trick for an auto.
 

Reyaj

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It's a tough call. I love the tactical experience of traditional shifting. My current car has both auto and manual. I hate sequential shifting as you have to sometimes look at the dash to verify what gear you're in. There are also times when I like to skip a gear, either up or down. Can't do that with sequential.
I never understood these cars that have both.. what is the point? If you are getting an automatic you don't want to shift, it should be shifting for you at the ideal point so what does having this fake shifter do?

It all boils down to the operator ease of use and the terrain you will be using it in, aka San Fransisco or similar. With the advent of full automatics with the option of transitional multiple shifting, I say manuals are so last century it’s not even a concern in this day and time…
Bought may Saturn Sky in auto for it’s 5 spped shifting versatility.
I don't get the point of transitional shifting.. But I do agree that driving a stick in a city or congested environment sucks. I guess I'm just asking in terms of if you have a sports car.

I would go with auto. If you can find one with paddle shifters, then thats even better.

Some car guys think that your a pVssy if your car isn't manual. They call the extra peddle, the "man pedal."
I wouldn't go that far but I think a stick is fun to drive on a high performance sports car.

My current Camaro is automatic and my 6th Gen Camaro will be automatic. I can't drive a stick, don't want to drive a stick, and think driving a stick is WAY too much work. Plus, that clutch could go out often and you have to pay the money to fix it.

In the Camaro circles, the debate between manual v.s. auto is a big one. I have no clue why the hell someone would want a manual operation. I would absolutely HATE driving with a manual, especially considering it's a daily driver and I'm using it through traffic, etc.
A clutch is less expensive to fix than automatic transmission. Since you don't drive stick you can't really comment on the feel of it... Downshifting on a turn, accerlerating near the red line lol

I think I am bothered that automatic cars can be faster than stick shifts when stick shifts used to out perform it.
 

Billtx49

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I guess I'm just asking in terms of if you have a sports car.
I stated my car was a Saturn Sky. If that’s not sporty enough for you, I can’t help you regarding your transmission choices.
 
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Tenacity

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A clutch is less expensive to fix than automatic transmission.
Yes, but an automatic transmission isn't going out every 3 years either lol.

Since you don't drive stick you can't really comment on the feel of it... Downshifting on a turn, accerlerating near the red line lol

I think I am bothered that automatic cars can be faster than stick shifts when stick shifts used to out perform it.
I don't understand why anybody would buy a stick, when you could use an automatic and have a much more enjoyable time driving. Driving a stick takes way too much work. I'm the type that likes to talk on the phone, dance to the music, or get head while I'm driving. Can't do that with a stick lol.
 

Reyaj

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I stated my car was a Saturn Sky. If that’s not sporty enough for you, I can’t help you regarding your transmission choices.
300 or more HP qualifies for me
 

Billtx49

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300 or more HP qualifies for me
HP don’t necessarily mean fast or ability to handle a fast track these days guy… but then, I thought this discussion was about transmissions.
 
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machoMax

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I don't like automatic transmission, it is for women or something... :)
 

Mike32ct

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Overall, I would go with the automatic.

A failed automatic transmission is much more likely to be covered under warranty than a failed clutch. A clutch could easily be considered a “wear and tear” item and/or something that you “abused,” and thus the claim could be denied.

My 5-speed manual is ok, but I only have a four cylinder. I don’t think I would feel comfortable driving a 5 or 6 speed manual with a powerful performance car. I would let the clutch out too fast and squeal the tires lol.

Lastly, a manual transmission absolutely sux ballz in stop and go traffic UPHILL. Let’s say you get caught in a traffic jam on a steep incline. Roll back slightly, proceed forward 3 feet, brake. Repeat 20x. Have no clutch left lol.
 

Tenacity

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I have a 2015 Camaro (5th Gen) right now, 400 HP, with an automatic transmission. Fully paid for of course, as Tenacity doesn't believe in Car Notes. I'm about to grab a 6th Gen Camaro either next year or in early 2019 with 500 HP. That too will be an automatic transmission.

- Automatics go faster than manual transmissions

- Automatics will give you less wear and tear issues compared to manual transmissions

- Automatics are much more efficient for daily driving through various forms of traffic, uphills, and other nuisances, compared to manual transmissions

- Automatics allow you to do other things while driving, such as rocking out to the radio, texting, talking on the phone, finishing a business call, eating, fingering a chick in the passenger seat, or getting head from the chick in the passenger seat. Can't do that with a manual, with a manual, pretty much all the hell you are allowed to do is drive.

Go Automatic!!
 

blind_one

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NO CLUTCH NOT A MANUAL.

It depends on the car, really. Do what you trully enjoy.

Nailing a nice Double Heel and Toe downshift before a corner = sex
 

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For the most part, theses days guys who like manuals like the closer tactile feel of the engine’s power. It’s just like feeling the torque of a motorcycle. Very gratifying.

I keep mine in auto unless I’m on hilly country roads (which is often). Then I switch to manual because I can keep it in lower gears longer and I can see what kind of terrain is up ahead and anticipate the needed gear.

I have to say I HATE sequential shifting though. I want to feel that H pattern and know what gear I’m in without having to glance at the dashboard.
 
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My clutch just went out in my 2005 Honda Accord 6 speed. That makes 1 time that I'll have to replace the clutch during the life of the car.
 

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