I think manual. It also saves on gas!

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

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..

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.

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

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.

Stickshift, nothing better then jamming a rod.

I prefer automatic.

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

standard only for me

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

i drive both, but i prefer stickshift.

Automatic for the most part.

stickshift is the best;)

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

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

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

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.

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

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

An automatic.

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

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.

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

manual,better for the planet and have never driven automatic

Neither! I greatly prefer a manual Harley! : D

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

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

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

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.

Manual. I have more control of the car on the snow with a manual one.

Manual

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.

Definitely automatic. Guess I'm just lazy.

auto for long drives and daily use. stick for going fast, and having complete control, and getting touch with your true, inner nascar.

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!

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

Stickshift :)

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/