Why we should all drive manual cars

[tnoice]

The problem with today's society is many parents are not requiring their children to learn how to drive manual. I just had a discussion with a friend of mine the other day that said that driving manual was pointless, because all cars are going automatic, and he did not care if his son ever learned how to drive a manual. Many Parents these days do not want to cause their children any discomfort, and apparently driving a manual can lead to frustration and discomfort (according to my friend) My first car was a manual, so if I did not learn....I would not be driving.

Problem #2, driving a manual conflicts with our ability to drive, talk on the cell phone, drink our coffee, and eat a hamburger. (It might have said that in the article, but I did not read it, so I am going off the cuff)

problem #3, people compare the PDK or Ferrari's system to the far superior shifting than what a human could do. That is true, however driving is not always about flawless shifting. It is about being connected to your car, mechanically and listening to what your engine is doing while you drive, and not always having a computer control everything you do. Driving a manual gives you a sense of accomplishment when you have perfect, rpm matched, shifts. Of course computers could do this better, as well as automatic transmissions, but do we really want that?

I am sorry...but I will be one of the tzarish parents that will require my daughter to know how to drive manual, because her first car will be a manual transmission. Otherwise, she will be stuck at home, looking at her parents, not having any fun.

[dbazos]

Well said Tnoice.

I drive both manual and automatic. But for true satisfaction, nothing beats the connection that you get from a manual. I'll never shift as fast as a PDK but I'll have a bigger smile.

[shadrach74]

I would like to echo the comments about n drivers of manual cars being more engaged. I truly enjoy driving in Europe because the drivers are more engaged. I believe this is likely due to the fact that most of them are actually driving their cars as opposed to acting as passengers that have to go to the trouble to steer. I really enjoy driving in places like Rome and Florence where even the smallest econobox driver has ther had in the game (and what a game it is)! They make eye contact, they move quickly and precisely (if not always predictably). After spending a few days in that environment, US drivers seem like sleepy zombies that struggle just keeping it between the yellow lines...

[jb92563]

Originally Posted by tnoice

Problem #2, driving a manual conflicts with our ability to drive, talk on the cell phone, drink our coffee, and eat a hamburger. (It might have said that in the article, but I did not read it, so I am going off the cuff)

There's the crux of the matter for the new generations, they need to interact with their media devices which is more difficult with a Manual.

I bought the Boxster as a true sports car, not a commuting box(although I do use it for that as well so I can get more driving time).
I enjoy the sport of driving and shifting is part of the fun.

although a computer can do it better, I want to have the fun myself. PDK paddle shifting sounds like a nice in between option for dual utility.

Also, to me, knowing that the engine is coupled to the drivetrain by a fluid makes me feel like I'm always losing something of the available HP, and in fact this is so, and why fuel milieage for Automatics is typically a few points lower than a manual.

For my manual Jeep Wrangler, knowing that I can push start my car if necessary is another bonus of manual. In a difficult situation in a remote area it can make the difference between life and death,(Zombie Apocalypse or dead battery in a bad neighborhood)

[MBDiagMan]

Originally Posted by tnoice

The problem with today's society is many parents are not requiring their children to learn how to drive manual. I just had a discussion with a friend of mine the other day that said that driving manual was pointless, because all cars are going automatic, and he did not care if his son ever learned how to drive a manual. Many Parents these days do not want to cause their children any discomfort, and apparently driving a manual can lead to frustration and discomfort (according to my friend) My first car was a manual, so if I did not learn....I would not be driving.

Problem #2, driving a manual conflicts with our ability to drive, talk on the cell phone, drink our coffee, and eat a hamburger. (It might have said that in the article, but I did not read it, so I am going off the cuff)

problem #3, people compare the PDK or Ferrari's system to the far superior shifting than what a human could do. That is true, however driving is not always about flawless shifting. It is about being connected to your car, mechanically and listening to what your engine is doing while you drive, and now always having a computer control everything you do. Gives you a sense of accomplishment when you have perfect, rpm matched, shifts. Of course computers could do this better, as well as automatic transmissions, but do we really want that?

I am sorry...but I will be one of the tzarish parents that will require my daughter to know how to drive manual, because her first car will be a manual transmission. Otherwise, she will be stuck at home, looking at her parents, not having any fun.

Both of my kids learned to drive manuals and both drive manuals as adults. Both of them have told me about comments from friends when they get in the car and see them driving a manual. This indicates to me that very few young people have the first clue about driving one.

[Topless]

Like it or not, manual trans are going the way of drum brakes, hubcaps, manual choke, cassette players, and landau tops. In 5 years few will still be available on new cars. You will always be able to find a nice vintage sports car to keep your left foot active though.

[NoGaBiker]

Originally Posted by tnoice

The problem with today's society is many parents are not requiring their children to learn how to drive manual.

Really? That's all you've noticed?