Automatic vs. Manual Transmission

[GeorgiaGirl]

Okay, this GeorgiaGirl is still looking for her Fiat that is priced appropriately. I do have a question for all of you experts: I'd like to know any advantages/disadvantages you may know of regarding an automatic transmission versus a manual one. If I get a manual, I have to learn to drive it--still don't know how, but hubby promised to teach me without making me cry. Anyway, any and all thoughts, suggestions, and experiences welcomed. Thanks in advance.

Lisha Yeary

[CajunMike]

I've only driven an auto spider and can tell you that although an auto is less fun to drive it is really a joy when driving in town. The auto is a 3 speed and you are able to shift through if you wish. The lower gear ratio makes for lower revving on the freeway also. If you've never driven a standard then maybe the auto is a better choice for you. As a bonus it's a GM transmission and is fairly easy for any local shop to maintenance. I've always wanted to convert mine to standard but will probably stick with the auto when I do get it back on the road.

As a side note the autos i believe became available on the late 78 models which were poor performance cars due to pollution restrictions. Drop in a few performance upgrades and ditch the pollution stuff the auto should be a nice lively little car. I drove my car stock as a teenager through college and although it was sluggish from the line it had a good passing gear. Besides I had my moms Mazda 626 which was a standard when I wanted to scratch tires.

[Baz]

I have a 1977 Spidy that was auto. I converted it to 5 speed. I found the auto ok around town but reved too high on the highway for my liking...I found the 5 speed was ten times more fun and better grunt in the 2,3 4 gears than the auto. I think it makes the interior look much more cool than an auto shift...(maybe that is a guy thing)

I always felt that sportscars should never be auto or wear a towbar. I soon learned that that was not the case when I went to live in the US. Nearly cried when I drove my 1st Corvette....yup...towbar and auto.

[GeorgiaGirl]

[quote="Baz"]I found the 5 speed was ten times more fun and better grunt in the 2,3 4 gears than the auto. I think it makes the interior look much more cool than an auto shift...(maybe that is a guy thing) [/quo

It's not just a guy thing...I definitely like the looks of a manual transmission better. We owned a 1979 for a couple years and it was manual. Sure wish I had learned to drive it then. But, being pregnant, then having to drag two kids around meant no time for me to learn. I have the general idea, just need to put it into practice.

Thanks everyone for your input so far. Very helpful.

[djape1977]

first try driving any car with manual tranny. if you can, get a spider with manual. 10x more fun than auto and much faster.
however, 50% of women never master a manual shifter

and yes, auto box on a two seater... i'd shoot the person who first tought of it.

[Warren]

I have a 1979 automatic and it is a pleasure to drive for all driving except on the 70 MPH interstate (engine rev's about 4000 RPM so more noisy). Anything below 70 is fine so if you plan on a lot of city driving or rural hwys go with the automatic. If I want to drive a manual I get in my 1991 Alfa Romeo Spider.

My last retrofit on the car one day will be the electric power steering conversion kit but it is expensive; then driving in a parking lot will be much easier.

[GeorgiaGirl]

however, 50% of women never master a manual shifter

In your opinion, how hard do you think it would be to learn on an older Fiat? Guess we could keep an extra clutch around, just in case.

[4uall]

first try driving any car with manual tranny. if you can, get a spider with manual. 10x more fun than auto and much faster.
however, 50% of women never master a manual shifter

and yes, auto box on a two seater... i'd shoot the person who first tought of it.

Your stat is not only sexist, it is inaccurate. Score 1 for ignorance

[redcars]

I have an 82 Spider with 5 speed and the clutch action on it is very good. I would recomend it to use when learning to drive a stick. It is much easier to use than my Vibe stick. I don't know about the earlier Spiders but the 2l Spiders are very easy to drive. I also have an 81 Spider with an Auto it dosen't get driven much, but my wife will drive it and not the stick.

[Jimb]

[quote

Your stat is not only sexist, it is inaccurate. Score 1 for ignorance [/quote]


So how does one refer to stats that are specific to a gender without being sexist? I don't see that comment at all belittling. Would I be frowned upon if I were to say, for example, more women wear makeup than anybody else?

And isn't this thread subject about a women driver?

Just wondering.

Jim

[GeorgiaGirl]

I have an 82 Spider with 5 speed and the clutch action on it is very good. I would recomend it to use when learning to drive a stick. It is much easier to use than my Vibe stick. I don't know about the earlier Spiders but the 2l Spiders are very easy to drive. I also have an 81 Spider with an Auto it dosen't get driven much, but my wife will drive it and not the stick.

Good info. Thanks.

[GeorgiaGirl]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone. Great as usual!! Love this site. I've learned so much from some very knowledgeable people.

Lisha

[spidernut]

I have one Spider with an automatic and one Spider with a manual transmission. It is really a matter of how you're going to use the car. Here's my take:

In town: Automatic wins hands-down. Sticks are nice, but a pain in the behind when driving in town. The automatic is smooth, easy, reliable and very civilized to drive

On the freeway: The manual wins hands-down - no competition at all. The manual does turn lower RPMs, is generally quieter if the gearbox is in good shape. It has more power for passing because, as others said, the automatic runs at higher RPMs. I have never had a problem passing anyone, but the automatic is quite a bit slower when merging onto the freeway.

On winding roads: The manual wins again. It is sooooooo much fun shifting up and down, playing like you're a racer (something I don't recommend with little kids in the car). On long trips, the automatic wins because you're legs can get tired shifting up and down over long periods of time.

Maintenance: The automatic wins. The GM transmission is really a very, very reliable unit. There are no clutch cables to break, no return springs to squeek, no clutch pedal unit to tear through the firewall, no clutch components to wear out, the "gears" don't have the tendency that the manuals have to go bad, no synchronizers to go bad, etc. The autos are just great for reliability.

Looks: Manual wins. You can make the auto look better if you paint the plastic cover the same color as your console such as this:


Romance: The automatic wins. You just can't hold hands and drive, rest your hand on your honey's leg while driving in town with a manual transmission. You're too busy shifting with the manual transmission.

Fuel economy: Manual wins by about 2-6 miles per gallon depending upon driving conditions

Convenience: Automatic wins - it doesn't get any easier.

It is really a matter of personal preference. There are times when I like the manual better and there are times that I like the manual better. If you can, drive both and see what you think.

[fiat218]

get one of each and stop worring

[GeorgiaGirl]

I have one Spider with an automatic and one Spider with a manual transmission. It is really a matter of how you're going to use the car. Here's my take:

Wow, very detailed and such good info. I'm still going to learn to drive a manual transmission (as suggested by another), but I'm really leaning toward the automatic for its convenience and ease, and because I'll be using it primarily around town. Thank you SO much for all the info, and the picture on how to make it look so much better if I get that automatic--tremendous help!

Lisha