Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Autos & Motorcycles
  4. / Auto Performance And Handling
  5. / Auto Performance And Handling Information
  6. / More Auto Performance And Handling

by diablo_bt on December 6th, 2006

diablo_bt

Question

Help answer this question below.

What gives better performance? A car with a manual or automatic transmission?

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 38 helpful answers below.

  • by gmeades on May 27th, 2008

    gmeades

    Both...!

    My 2001 Dodge Stratus has an "auto-stick", which allows you to operate the car as an automatic, or to switch to manual shifting. Both are useful. If you're looking for fast starts and acceleration, you can't beat manual shifting for optimal rpm's before shiting. When driving more leisurely, letting the car shift automatically lets you relax and just enjoy the ride.

    Cheers...!

    An interesting note:
    My grandfather, who was born in 1889 and witnessed the entire history of the automobile in this country, used to tell me stories of all the various models of cars and their features that had come and gone along the way. One of the things he used to tell me was how after WWII the automatic transmission had been invented "for women", who had difficulty with the clutch/gas/shifting business and would tear their nylons, along with difficulty driving with heels on.

    This information was repeated by others who lived through it as well over the years, including women, who told anecdotes of trying to learn to drive a "manual". I myself had three aunts (one by marriage) who never did learn to drive after becoming so discouraged at not being able to master the stick-shift.

    I searched for some reference for this on the web, and so far this is what I've been able to come up with:

    "It could be fairly argued that the automatic transmission, with its simplicity and ease of use, offered up the automobile to the masses, fulfilling the promise of President Herbert Hoover, whom a generation earlier had promised "a car in every garage and a chicken in every pot." At the very least it widened the vistas of an increasingly mobile workforce, fed the flow of migration to the suburbs, and welcomed women back into the economy following the war effort."

    The automatic transmission did this by offering a "no-muss, no-fuss" form of shifting. No more missed shift gates. No engine lugging or racing. No torn-stocking, high-heel clutch-pedaling dramas. None of that. Just press the gas and go.
    http://wiki.answers.com/Q/How_does_an_automatic_transmission_system_in_automobiles_work

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by SusieQ on May 27th, 2008

    SusieQ

    I prefer automatic.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Little_Piggy on January 11th, 2009

    Little_Piggy

    Definetly manual all the way.

    In the UK most cars are manual. But what is interesting though is that if you pass your driving test in an automatic car, then you are only permitted to drive automatic cars on your licence, but if you pass in a manaul then you can drive both. Hence, most drivers in the UK will drive manuals and will probably prefer them.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by squarepeg on May 28th, 2008

    squarepeg

    i drive both, but i prefer stickshift.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by curious on May 26th, 2008

    curious

    Stickshift, nothing better then jamming a rod.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Mikeisha on January 11th, 2009

    Mikeisha

    An automatic.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by E as in egg on May 28th, 2008

    E as in egg

    Stickshift. Automatic transmissions are only available here on special order.
    Guess I wouldn't know how to drive any other way.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Meg is exhausted on May 28th, 2008

    Meg is exhausted

    Stickshift, all the way. I get bored when I drive automatic cars. Driving standard makes me work for it;)

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by 8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009 on December 6th, 2006

    8 Jan 2004-10 Dec 2009

    Usually a manual. Automatics use torque converters instead of a clutch so some power is automatically wasted right off the bat.
    Automatics sometimes shift when you don't want them to. Maybe you want to hold 3rd gear just a little longer to make that hill. Maybe you want to AVOID 2nd gear while exiting a corner to avoid spinning your tires on the gravel/loose dirt/ice.
    For the most part, manuals also have bettergear ratios. Most automatics I've driven have a tall 1st gear which hurts off the line and the other 2 or 3 gears were so widely spaced that the engine RPMs dropped right out of the bottom of the powerband.

    There IS one place where automatics are preferable though; bracket racing. Because they shift the same on every run with no possibility of human error or varying reaction times they can run more consistently. And in bracket racing, consistency is better than speed.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Spicy Hot on January 11th, 2009

    Spicy Hot

    Manual

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Suby the Coat on January 11th, 2009

    Suby the Coat

    I like the manual. Both for cars and Motor Cycles.
    I like shifting gears. I like the clutch and break and accelerator pedels for me to step on.
    I feel in control only with these.
    No automatics for me.

    • Like
    • Report

    3 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Taciturnu on January 11th, 2009

    Taciturnu

    My first prerequisite is that my car has a manual transmission. Anything beyond that can be compromised.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Brian I on January 11th, 2009

    Brian I

    I hate automatics, although I'll probably get one when I get old and lazy.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Prunesquallor on January 11th, 2009

    Prunesquallor

    An automatic is ok if you are feeling lazy, but I prefer a manual. All my cars except one have been manual.

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by CaptainHarley adores his life penguin on January 11th, 2009

    CaptainHarley adores his life penguin

    Neither! I greatly prefer a manual Harley! : D

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by sickofgames on January 11th, 2009

    sickofgames

    manual,better for the planet and have never driven automatic

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by Ec-nal Licensed Bootie Inspector on January 11th, 2009

    Ec-nal Licensed Bootie Inspector

    Depends on the vehicle and the intent and conditions of the proposed journey yo...

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by thumberlina on January 11th, 2009

    thumberlina

    I have an automatic car and I love it and I will not change it for a manual car never

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

  • by An0nym0us on May 29th, 2008

    An0nym0us

    Manual, I don't know how to drive an automatic.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by kelana on May 28th, 2008

    kelana

    If you have lots of stoppages especially in city traffic, Automatic will be the best choice as you do not have clutch plates to wear off. I worked and stay in the outskirt of city areas and my present choice is a manual Stickshift.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Dazed and Confused on May 28th, 2008

    Dazed and Confused

    Stickshift! I just feel like I have more control of the car, and it's more enjoyable for me.

    • Like
    • Report

    2 comments | Post one | Permalink

  • by Kurdawar on May 28th, 2008

    Kurdawar

    stickshift is the best;)

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Anonymous on May 28th, 2008

    Anonymous

    Automatic for the most part.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by car audio crazy on May 27th, 2008

    car audio crazy

    standard only for me

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by C.A.Y. is rather confused about it all on April 24th, 2007

    C.A.Y. is rather confused about it all

    manual. You decide what gear you should be in. they also usually have a faster top speed. saves brakes by downshifting

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by AVS426 on December 6th, 2006

    AVS426

    Manual because your taking advantage of the shift in gears much quicker then you would with an automatic, (i couldn't explain to you how lol)

    you have more control over what the engine is doing with manual and can be near-perfect in timing when you change gears, this cuts time if how long it takes for engine to run at a faster pace,

    automatic transmissions are set for you so you don't have to worry about moving up and down..

    better performance depends on the driver and the vehicle.. there are there are cars that go so fast that they HAVE to be in automatic because no one can shift quick enough..

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by turbowray on December 6th, 2006

    turbowray

    I think manual. It also saves on gas!

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Drifter on August 4th, 2008

    Drifter

    Stick, you cant say you can drive completely unless you can drive stick

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Shadow is Gone on May 28th, 2008

    Shadow is Gone

    "Stickshift". I feel it allows more precise control of the vehicle, especially in bad weather.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Shabba on April 29th, 2007

    Shabba

    These days it's a lot harder to say, even though from personal preference I'd still say manual.

    Autos have come a long way in the past few years. There are 5 and 6 speed autos with lockup torque convertors, tiptronic or manual shifting, adaptive shifting technology... etc. Newer automatic transmissions can give manuals quite a run for their money these days.

    The three main things that disadvantaged autos have pretty much been worked out:

    * Less gears. Usually autos only came in 3 or 4 speed variants where manuals were 4,5 or 6 speed. Having less gears meant wider gear ratios, which causes acceleration to suffer. Closer ratios give better acceleration. 5 and 6 speed autos have addressed that.

    * Torque converters. Torque converters are a fluid connection as opposed to the solid mechanical connection of a clutch. Being fluid, there is a degree of slip in the torque converter - which means power that isn't making it to the wheels. Improvements in torque converter design, and torque converters that lock up like a clutch, have really done alot to improve the performance of automatic gearboxes.

    * Automatic shifting. Most automatic gearboxes work on oil pressure. When the pressure rises or falls to a set level, it will shift up or down. Newer, electronically controlled automatics, and those with manual overrides, have improved their performance even more.

    Having said that, I'd take a six speed auto over a five speed manual any day... but then I'd take a six speed manual over all of them.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by kitty loves you on December 6th, 2006

    kitty loves you

    Definately manual, I have driven both and didnt like the automatic at all.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Starmaster on January 11th, 2009

    Starmaster

    When I was young....I drove a manual one for thirteen years. Now that I am older...forget manual, it doesn't make sense having to worry shifting gears while moving my left leg.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by debodun on January 11th, 2009

    debodun

    Definitely automatic. Guess I'm just lazy.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by DreAnna on January 13th, 2009

    DreAnna

    Stickshift :)

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Gymrat on January 13th, 2009

    Gymrat

    Well I'm just learning to drive, but i'm going for manual(stickshift or w/e you lot call it), that way I can drive both!

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by The0Rising on June 3rd, 2009

    The0Rising

    Transmission definitely gives better performance. A manual transmission out-performs an automatic, and the only reason you would like to get an automatic is for convenience. However, if you want better performance, get a manual.

    http://www.starkeith.net/coredump/2005/01/30/manual-vs-automatic/

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by Leeses Pieces is COATed in chocolate on January 13th, 2009

    Leeses Pieces is COATed in chocolate

    auto for long drives and daily use.

    stick for going fast, and having complete control, and getting touch with your true, inner nascar.

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by steelstr45 on January 13th, 2009

    steelstr45

    Automatic. You never have to worry about shifting, or maintaining the e-brake like crazy so your car doesn't roll away

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading What gives better performance? A car with a manual or automatic transmission? - which can also be phrased in the following ways:

  • Stickshift or automatic?

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

How can automatic beat manual
How long did it take to pass with automatic car
Can you change a automatic engine in a car for a manual one
Manual choke vs electric choke carburetor
What is better manual or automatic transmission

Answerbag

a Demand Media company