I just want to apologize to the guy at the gas station with the C4 Corvette...

tuna55 wrote: I like sticks in my cars, but currently I only own one, and it is road worthy. That being said, though, if you've ever driven a really fast car (like 10's fast) with a hard shifting automatic, it really does work to your advantage. I can also understand how a big turbo would be much happier behind a traditional auto between shifts, but I've never driven a stick car with one to compare for myself. There are places and purposes for each.

You're right on with the turbo comment. Our modified 87 944t is a manual and our 09 Solstice GXP coupe is an auto. The 5 speed auto in the GXP shifts faster and keeps the car on boost...not to mention it is much easier to launch.

while not a performance car, I bought my 2011 Fiesta with the "Powershift" transmission. I was going to go for the 5 spd, since that is what I have driven for years. After getting a chance to try the PS all by myself, no salesman nanny and doing some internet research , that changed my mine. OK, it doesn't have shift paddles but Ford has programmed some interesting shift patterns. Particularly with the shift lever in the L position. I like it..

To me, regardless of how smooth a newer automatic is or how much of a performance advantage the "manumatics" might give, etc, etc...a nice shifting old fashion manual is just more fun for me. On the streets, I'm not worried if I could shave tenths of a second off my shift time with a paddle shifter, I just want to enjoy my drive. My NC Miata's gearbox puts a smile on my face every time, and it's got 3 pedals. Cool thing for me is that even my wife drives manuals and enjoys them.

Most automatics have a manual function now. Even my Kia Sedona minivan does. It takes 5-7 seconds to respond to a downshift request, but it's there. Yawn....

After saying that, my DD is a slushbox Volvo brick. Needed a cheap new DD and this was a deal I couldn't pass up. The way I look at it, that just makes it all the better when I hop into the Miata.

Klayfish wrote: To me, regardless of how smooth a newer automatic is or how much of a performance advantage the "manumatics" might give, etc, etc...a nice shifting old fashion manual is just more fun for me. On the streets, I'm not worried if I could shave tenths of a second off my shift time with a paddle shifter, I just want to enjoy my drive.

I agree to this.

As for the famed new M3's DSG box, as soon as someone tosses me the keys to one for a test drive, I'll give you my verdict. My birthday is comming up, someone could make it memorable

Something is telling me instant shifting could be hellafun. I'll always own a manual, though there may be room in my garage (once I get a big one) for a twin clutch box.

I was once asked "How Was It" after a run on Deals Gap "The Dragon" I responded "it was pretty good but I was stuck behind a Gold Wing most of the way", the person who asked immediately turned and walked to his..........Gold Wing :-(

Adrian_Thompson wrote:

Cotton wrote: Does Ferrari even offer a traditional ( 3 pedal) manual trans in any of their cars these days?

Nope, two pedals only these days. Not that I put much value in what Ferrari do or don't sell.

I do.

BOT, auto boxes are rather impressive depending on the vehicle. Big block muscle cars work quite well, luxo barges and worthless crap like Camrys also respond nicely to autos.