Help me decide: auto or stick

[mirror70]

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[Bob O]

Been there; done that. Bought my '00 RS in manual and couldn't drive it for *****, I plain sucked. I had never owned a manual and only driven one for a total combined time of 15 minutes(both pickups as well). I am a complete convert now, kind of a manual nazi, I will never own a slushbox again. If I lose a leg, I will get a prothestic with a clutch de-presser-attatchment thingy. You won't regret getting it once you learn how to drive it. I do recommend a loud exhaust to help you learn as you can hear what the engine is doing better that way. I drove around for the longest time with the radio off just so I could pick up on what the engine was doing so I would know when to shift or not. Eventaully you learn to do it by feel, but the sound will help.

Bob

[Midwayman]

the real question for you is this: Is a car a appliance or a passion.

If you just want to get from point a to b and dont *really* like to drive and get the most out of it, get the auto

If driving is a passion, get the manual. That easy. Im a manual Nazi too.

One thing to consider is if you are going to be in heavy traffic, especially stop and go traffic, a manual can be a pain. You gotta love driving stick to want to do it in Chicago rush hour. I love stick.

[Overtime]

Appliance? Come on, it's not a freaking toaster.

It all boils down to control vs. convenience. Most of us who went with convenience wish we went with control. But it's your call.

[Midwayman]

Hey, its how alot of people treat their cars. I mean how else could 90% of the cars out there sell if people didnt treat them as appliances to get them from point A to B. *shrug* By the simple fact that you're on a car forum probably means that you're not like that.

[96Lconversion]

GET THE STICK!

[llonman]

Get the stick. I have a 97 OBS AT, and wish I had a stick almost everyday...Except sitting in DC traffic.

[vicster]

it already sounds like you're leaning towards getting the manual. if that's the case, then go for it. you'll probably be disappointed if you go with the automatic. there are more people who regret getting the auto than people who regret getting the stick. plus the $aving$ don't hurt either.

[gavin]

It's really just a matter of preference. The 4eat is a very responsive automatic, but it will not give you the level of performance that the manual will, on dry roads.

The manual is fairly weak, but 4-5psi shouldn't be a problem. You may have to replace the clutch, eventually, but I don't think you'll blow gears like you would with more boost.

As for the torque distribution, the automatic will handle better in the snow than the manual since it is an infinitely variable torque distribution, and 'senses' slip before it occurs - that's the Subaru claim, anyway. The manual will do just as well, assuming you know how to drive it, but the automatic is more fool-proof.

[karl_hungus]

manual = better performance, better gas mileage, more fun

auto = more money

its your decision but I don't think I'll ever own an automatic

[inpreza kid]

i currently have a auto RS and wish it was a 5 speed too. they are more fun but a auto is fun to drive too. its really up to you.

[Fish]

like this is even a valid question..

STICK!

[slim speedy]

I have an auto, its still VERY fun to drive, and throw around. I rarely regret buying it, although I'm fairly certain I will get a manual for my next new car. I just need to learn to drive one better first.

[subymamma]

Driving a manual in heavy traffic for years and years did nerve damage to my left foot. However, someone with big gorilla feet may not ever get the same thing.

I have the new OBS now, auto, with a Ganzflow air intake. If I ever need to take off really fast, I use 1-2-3, but don't do this on a regular basis. But, merging in traffic is fine with the air intake, the boost is really cool. When you floor it and the car shifts down, then down again, it moves along quite nicely!!

[dirk.gecko]

given a clean choice, there's nothing BUT stick

dirk

[ba_feitl]

stick = praise and adoration from all that is holy !


auto = get made fun of, even by the bums in the alley


but hey it's all up to you
Brad

[gavin]

You diehard stick guys need to just mellow out. This question is, and always will be, a matter of preference.

Why do you assume that your priorities apply to everyone? The manual can do things the automatic can't. The auto can do thing the manual can't. Deal with it.

[mirror70]

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