MT or AT

[jandree22]

Bottom line, jeeb, is that I will agree with you that for enthusiast, fuel economy, or truck drivers, a MT can't be beat in functionality and experience. But you fail to see that there is a vast majority of the popluation that just want a car that's going to safely and reliably get them to where they need to be with no-fuss. Those people could argue that the process of shifting is completely asinine and they don't give a damn about being in the optimal powerband for exiting a turn. Sometimes people just have higher priorities or interests in their life than cars, but maybe that's too abstract and difficult for you to wrap your head around. So just keep calling AT drivers fat and lazy if it makes you feel better about yourself. Afterall, you're teh bomb-diggity cause you drive MT... and you're skinny and energetic to boot! (lol2)

This thread is quickly becoming a waste of my life, I give up.

 

[rweatherford]

chickenshit excuse. If you can't pay enough attention to drive stick, you shouldn't be driving at all. As in....if kids are distracting you that much, pull the hell over!

See this is where you show your closed mindedness. Some people do not enjoy driving a stick. I do, you do, she doesn't. Your comments are irrelevent to anyone but yourself.

 

[switz]

Sheesh!

I like shifting my own gears. Others like to have them shifted for them. All I wanted to say was that I don't think this thread is going to convert people from one side to the other. You are right jandree22, that this is not standardshift-dot-com. All the posts that praise standard shifting and cut down auto shifting isn't going to help anyone or fix anything. It's only going to tick people off.

 

[jeebusm3]

Bottom line, jeeb, is that I will agree with you that for enthusiast, fuel economy, or truck drivers, a MT can't be beat in functionality and experience. But you fail to see that there is a vast majority of the popluation that just want a car that's going to safely and reliably get them to where they need to be with no-fuss. Those people could argue that the process of shifting is completely asinine and they don't give a damn about being in the optimal powerband for exiting a turn. Sometimes people just have higher priorities or interests in their life than cars, but maybe that's too abstract and difficult for you to wrap your head around. So just keep calling AT drivers fat and lazy if it makes you feel better about yourself. Afterall, you're teh bomb-diggity cause you drive MT... and you're skinny and energetic to boot! (lol2)

This thread is quickly becoming a waste of my life, I give up.

Hello...I'm just trying to get people worked up.

See this is where you show your closed mindedness. Some people do not enjoy driving a stick. I do, you do, she doesn't. Your comments are irrelevent to anyone but yourself.

see, this is where you show your lack of reading comprehension. That comment was in reply to the fact that she doesn't drive stick BECAUSE she doesn't feel comfortable since the kids are distracting. Not because she doesn't like it.

 

[Henika]

the a3/gti DSG is one of the better DSGs I have driven. It's still more expensive to fix and replace than a standard manual....by a lot.

First you said that you have driven many DSG cars, and that they are never as good as manual. But I just proved you wrong with the GTI DSG transmission which beats the 6spd manual GTI with a pro driver. So do you agree that Auto can be better than manual?

 

[jeebusm3]

First you said that you have driven many DSG cars, and that they are never as good as manual. But I just proved you wrong with the GTI DSG transmission which beats the 6spd manual GTI with a pro driver. So do you agree that Auto can be better than manual?

you didn't prove me wrong. Of course DSGs can be faster than regular manuals. Of course there are some racing drivers that prefer them over regular manuals.

That doesn't mean they are better. You still don't have the control you get with a clutch. You still have to get assraped when they go in for service.

 

[Wytchdctr]

First you said that you have driven many DSG cars, and that they are never as good as manual. But I just proved you wrong with the GTI DSG transmission which beats the 6spd manual GTI with a pro driver. So do you agree that Auto can be better than manual?

Call me crazy but I don't put DSGs in the same boat as other Autos. Other autos as in slush boxe type autos w/ torque converters.

IMO:
Slushbox > Dead ferret glued to the output shaft
Manual > Slushbox
Good DSG style trans > Manual (large city/ heavy traffic area)
Non automated Manual > All (for driving to have fun)

... so after all that rambling.. it all depends on the car and what you are doing with it. Like if you have 600+lbs of torque at the rear wheels..... might be a good idea to have a built slushbox. Family commuter cars, also not a bad idea to be able to leave it in D and forget about it.

My 5 is a slushbox, but it is my wifes car really. My other car (in sig) is a 5spd and my project is currently getting a transplant to become a 5spd. (it will not have 600lbs of torque... )

 

[coolmazda5]

The only thing I would add is: do not buy a Manual Transmission only for gas savings. If you don't drive or like manual, it is not worth it.

My dad was as stubborn as a mule on my mom's cars being manual to save bucks on car purchases and gas, yet she never really learned how to drive them. Dad ended up paying for more new clutches and manual tranny fixes in 5 years than 20 yrs of worth of gas all together (lol2). Her last 2 cars have been auto and more expensive, yet no workshop visits have been necessary, except for oil-changes and tire rotation

 

[jeebusm3]

The only thing I would add is: do not buy a Manual Transmission only for gas savings. If you don't drive or like manual, it is not worth it.

My dad was as stubborn as a mule on my mom's cars being manual to save bucks on car purchases and gas, yet she never really learned how to drive them. Dad ended up paying for more new clutches and manual tranny fixes in 5 years than 20 yrs of worth of gas all together (lol2). Her last 2 cars have been auto and more expensive, yet no workshop visits have been necessary, except for oil-changes and tire rotation

I can agree with that. Especially since the difference in mileage is not nearly as drastic anymore, since automatics have 5, 6, 7, even 8 gears now. Back when the choice was between a 3 speed auto or a 5 speed manual, it was much more beneficial.

The autos still weigh more and have more driveline losses, but with proper gearing they can often match or beat manuals in MPG. You also find more high ratio diffs on manuals since they are considered the performance choice.

 

[rweatherford]

First you said that you have driven many DSG cars, and that they are never as good as manual. But I just proved you wrong with the GTI DSG transmission which beats the 6spd manual GTI with a pro driver. So do you agree that Auto can be better than manual?

Don't worry, he never is wrong and always has a comeback. He quickly has become #1 on my troll list.(notcool)

 

[jeebusm3]

Don't worry, he never is wrong and always has a comeback. He quickly has become #1 on my troll list.(notcool)

see, you automatic guys get butthurt soo easily.

 

[jandree22]

see, you guys get butthurt soo easily.

Sorry, I need to get back into this to back up rweatherford, he's is spot on. Pal, YOU'RE the one that gets butthurt and can't let anything die... you always need the reassurance of sneaking in the last word. Nobody here was getting butthurt until you came in here spreading your seed. It doesn't take talent to be annoying and obnoxious... just takes a flawed personality.

The shtick of making insulting comments, then 5 posts later saying we're soft or that we get "butthurt soo easily" is rather pathetic and childish. I understand you're trying to prove your dominance of the human race, but a lot of people here are already sick of your pisspoor attitude. Is there really anything to gain from making people despise you other than gaining a sick satisfaction? TheMan and dommog are two members that have caused stirs in the past with their direct, in your face approach... but I respect them because ultimately, they always have a rock solid point behind their comments. You, on the other hand rarely have anything important to say other than that we're prone to butthurting. We get it... you're the top dog and we're all subordinate to you. Satisfied? (I'm sure you are because you'll feed on anything remotely ego-boosting).

So, have you proved your dominance enough yet or do we need to bow down to you some more to keep repairing your insecurities? Not sure what it is in your life that makes you so miserable and mean... but there are plenty of people here that can hold discussions in civil terms without resorting to needless insults. Just because you can be rude to others, does that mean it's necessary to? Grow up, and get an ounce of humility in your life... it might just do you some good.

 

[jeebusm3]

Sorry, I need to get back into this to back up rweatherford, he's is spot on. Pal, YOU'RE the one that gets butthurt and can't let anything die... you always need the reassurance of sneaking in the last word. It's really pathetic. If you want to call us weak and getting butthurt, I don't give a damn. Just don't know what you're trying to prove with being mr bad ass here... all you're doing is killing your credibility making plenty of enemies. If that gives you your jollies (and it seems to from comments you've made), carry on. Just don't think you're impressing anyone in the process. You can tout all of your car magazine knowledge to high heaven, but if you have to be a dick every time you click the submit button, no one's gonna give your opinion the time of day. TheMan and dommog have a direct, in your face approach... but I respect them in the end because they do it to make their usually rock solid points. You're approach is more for the purpose of smugness.

No I don't know everything. in fact, there's a lot I don't know... and I'm not afraid to admit it. I'm open to learning things and holding discussions with other members. Your method is making a controversial point, then barking when someone disagrees with it. Have an ounce of humility dude.

EDIT: jeeb = added to Ignore List. I'm sure he'll gloat and be proud of himself over this, good for him. He just isn't worth the aggravation he spreads around. Yes jeeb, you aggravate people... mommy must be very proud. just so you know, I'm TOTALLY "butthurt"!! oh, the agony!

I'm sure you won't even notice this, since you have me on ignore....but I've never been around a group of people than can't take discussion like this. What you fail to see here, is I have an opinion on this matter. That's all it is. And having a passionate opinion on certain matters, often brings on good debate. Everyone wins from a good debate.

Today, I had a good, passionate debate with a crazy hick that loves George Bush, guns, the war in Iraq, etc... (as you can tell my opinions differ) We had a blast all evening over it all. Tomorrow it's back to business.

You few guys that get so angry over opinions need to lighten up. I figured the minivan crowd wouldn't have a sense of humor but I truly expected the quirky Mazda5 to have a different set. Maybe you guys would have more fun on siennaforums.

 

[jandree22]

I've completely changed my post, and removed you from ignore.

My current feelings towards your style are unchanged. I respect your knowledge, but not your way of talking to people. Debates are one thing, being unnecessarily condescending is another. I know you think I, and others here are "weak"... I'm just sorry you have to place that label on us. I thought this place was a breath of fresh air from the Impreza and Civic forums I used to be a member of with constant flaming. You don't seem very happy with our friendly atmosphere, so rather than try to flush us weak beings out, it might be easier for you to find somewhere else to rant.

 

[jandree22]

I won't go as far as apologizing or removing what I said, but on the other hand, it's a free world and I don't own this site. Honestly, just ignore my feelings on the matter and say what's on your mind and I'll try to just stay out of it in the future. It's ultimately up to the Mods to decide what's appropriate and what's not.

Anyway, I'm not gonna hold a grudge and I'll move on, no hard feelings.

 

[jeebusm3]

I've completely changed my post, and removed you from ignore.

My current feelings towards your style are unchanged. I respect your knowledge, but not your way of talking to people. Debates are one thing, being unnecessarily condescending is another. I know you think I, and others here are "weak"... I'm just sorry you have to place that label on us. I thought this place was a breath of fresh air from the Impreza and Civic forums I used to be a member of with constant flaming. You don't seem very happy with our friendly atmosphere, so rather than try to flush us weak beings out, it might be easier for you to find somewhere else to rant.

I don't think you or others are weak. I just thought it was silly that you'd get peeved over my views. I know my style often takes getting used to. I am a member of a number of other boards (even run a few) where people honestly HATED me for the first few months, some longer, but are like good buds with me now...and actually make the effort to hang out with me in person when they come into my area of the country, etc. Some actual hire me to do work for their companies, even. (idiots I tellz ya (freak))

So I know I'm not crazy. But sometimes I forget that others don't quite feel me out that quickly. It's happened in real life (ie not internetz ok), where people didn't quite get me and got angry enough to start ACTUAL fights. And those people have ended up being best friends of mine.

I am brutally honest and often play devil's advocate simply because I can. oh an I can't speak for what goes on in the honda/acura boards. I haven't been an active member on them in 6+ years.


I know I've been a member of this site for like 3 years, but I really never posted on here until recently. So I'm basically a noob. I'll try to tame myself a "tiny" bit until you guys get the hang of me. I don't expect everyone to like me, but I bet some of you will.

 

[jandree22]

I am a member of a number of other boards (even run a few) where people honestly HATED me for the first few months, some longer, but are like good buds with me now...

I won't name names but I honestly had the same thing happen when I first joined here. Same deal, it ultimately was more of a misunderstanding than anything and after a month or two, just water under the bridge. We've been in good terms ever since. So I imagine it's the same deal with you. Obviously I do have a temper that can get out of hand, so I appologize for that.

Also, it wasn't necessary, but I appreciate your explanation.

 

[coolmazda5]

Off-topic comments but glad to see we are moving on.

Agree, this is a forum (a public meeting or assembly for open discussion), and every member is entitled to have and provide an opinion which might or might not make everybody happy. As long as we don't get into personal attacks and/or unnecessary+inflammatory comments we can be OK.

Also, keep on mind that the Mazda5 audience is not just car nuts but also moms and dads who have moved on and have families (after all is a family/people hauler, regardless of its race car soul, lol).

I like this forum because the bunch of expertise, experience and good feedback of its members. Silly enough, but partly due to this forum is that I got freakingly encouraged to buy a 2nd Mazda5, period (freak). In other forums I've seen opinionated members who I couldn't care less, except that their view is distorted because they don't own a Mazda5, and not even a Mazda.

All-right, now let's keep on topic. Manual Tranny rules, but don't be forced to buy one if you don't like it or don't feel comfortable driving it

 

[dfskinner]

When we were looking the dealer had two Mazda 5's, one manual and one auto........ the manual didn't have several things on it that the auto had, so we opted for the auto..... my wife was driving it at first, she liked it...... I've since started driving it for better gas milage (better than a V8 Mercedes ML430).......... I couldn't believe the difference..... I was spending approx $120 a week for the ML, and now I'm spending approx $ 50.00 a week....... I wonder how much more I would be saving if I'd bought the manual transmission....?

Driving approx 500 miles per week for work (Mon-Thur);

240 miles on Monday
10 miles on Tuesday
10 miles on Wednesday
240 miles on Thursday

 

[jeebusm3]

I wonder how much more I would be saving if I'd bought the manual transmission....?

probably not much, based on the MPG numbers I've seen people pull off on this board. Between the 5spd manual and the 5spd auto, I bet it comes down more to your right-foot than anything else. Between the 4spd auto and the 5spd manual I would expect a small advantage with the manual, in most any conditions, but some of the 4spd guys MPG numbers are amazing on here so...eh...