Automatic or manual transmission

In my younger years I drove Manual and Automatic equally. In my old age I drive Automatic in my main transportation, An Audi A4. I have the advantage of both manual and Auto. with Tiptronic. In manual mode It drives like a manual just without a clutch. I have a 81 VW Pickup truck that has a 5 speed manual that I enjoy driving because it is so quick and very economical.

Asiel

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This is our first VW van, last one was a Toyota but didn't want to chance that with all the flack they're having.

How does the VW compare to other cars Marigold?

We had no clue but the van is basically a Chrysler Town and Country, the two companies merged. So far it handles real nice and the ride is very smooth.

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The VW van is basically a Chrysler but is modified by VW to have a different feel than you get in the Chrysler. They have modified the suspension and some interior treatment. Chrysler and VW did not merge. Chrysler is making the VW Van but that is all there is to their relationship. VW is the worlds largest automaker making brands like Bentley, Lamborghini, Porsche, Audi, and VW just to name a few.

I currently don't have a car since my old one kicked the bucket :( but my last one was an automatic. My next car will be whatever's cheapest since I really want to learn how to drive a manual.

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Originally Posted by Cataholic

Manual, the only way to drive! It isn't even a thought anymore....the foot and the hand on the shift work by themselves.

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Agreed - it's just second nature once you do it for a while. On rare occasions if I have to drive an automatic, I find myself using both feet instead of just one. Feeling for that invisible clutch is pretty funny too!!! Old habits die hard :D

I have both, so it's not even an issue for me. I do find the stick shift more controllable tho, and yes, manuals are better fuel wise.
AND, if for some reason you get a flat battery, you can clutch start a manual, and that will at least get you to a workshop or home....with an automatic yer stuck.

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Originally Posted by pomtzu

Agreed - it's just second nature once you do it for a while. On rare occasions if I have to drive an automatic, I find myself using both feet instead of just one. Feeling for that invisible clutch is pretty funny too!!! Old habits die hard :D

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Reminds me of the time I foolishly hired a car in San Francisco and spent a fair amount of time groping for my gear stick in the door pocket. :D

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Originally Posted by Killearn Kitties

Reminds me of the time I foolishly hired a car in San Francisco and spent a fair amount of time groping for my gear stick in the door pocket. :D

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LOL - I forgot that you build cars backwards in Europe!!! :p It must be strange indeed for Americans to try to drive from the passenger seat and on the opposite side of the road - and vise versa. I'd probably wreck within the first mile......:eek::p

I know - Europeans say that Americans are backward, and Americans say that Europeans are backward. That's like saying "what came first - the chicken or the egg"? ;)

I've owned several manual (stick shift is what I call it) and It's fun to drive but a pain in the arse in traffic and on steep hills. LOL!!
I prefer an automatic these days.

Amy

pomtzu

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LOL - I forgot that you build cars backwards in Europe!!! It must be strange indeed for Americans to try to drive from the passenger seat and on the opposite side of the road - and vise versa. I'd probably wreck within the first mile......

I know - Europeans say that Americans are backward, and Americans say that Europeans are backward. That's like saying "what came first - the chicken or the egg"?
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The only part of Europe that drives on the WRONG side of the road is the UK,
which includes England, Scotland ,Ireland and Wales.

I learned on automatic but currently drive manual. I LOVE manual transmission! I feel much safer driving manual. The only downside is that I end up driving for the entire duration of roadtrips cause no one else knows manual (or has a reliable car :P).

How do you drink your coffee if you have manual? :p

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

How do you drink your coffee if you have manual? :p

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I've ate ice cream cones driving in my truck, it can be done. ;)

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

How do you drink your coffee if you have manual? :p

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If you drive an automatic are you always holding onto a cup of coffee? You simply leave the coffee in the holder while you shift. :p

I too drive a manual and love it. I took my driver's lessons on an automatic then bought a car with a stick shift because it was cheaper. It doesn't take that long at all before it becomes second nature. The few times I've had to drive an automatic I had to sit on my left foot because it kept trying to push in the imaginary clutch... lol.

Okay how do you drink coffee, talk on your cell phone and put on your mascara :p

With the new law in Alberta, CM, you don't do any of that! ;):D

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Originally Posted by caseysmom

Okay how do you drink coffee, talk on your cell phone and put on your mascara :p

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Well if you have to do all that while driving, maybe you should just stay home. ;)

On a serious note I have had manual and don't think I would like it at this point in my life. My first car manual and not synchronized, anyone remember that?