what do u guys prefer??

I drive both on a regular basis, both have advantages

gokart fun of the auto, just sit back and press go...

full control in the manual, with the benefits of economy too.

Hardly any manual cars over here. All autos.

no sport mode in a manual, not just for "sport" driving, but changing down at the touch of a button. The clincher. :-)

If tractor I would go for auto but if petrol manual is a must have for me

TaxiManDan wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 03:28:

what do u guys prefer??

DSG, but can't afford a Skoda Superb.... ;)

The auto box on my 2.2 has been cleaned, fluid changed and had the software updated at VX main dealer and it works pretty well, but bogs down a bit sometimes due to lower rev up-changes on new settings, yet up-changes too late on kickdown overtakes-but it is ok for an old design.
It's a heavy car and the auto has no engine braking on the twisties, so is best at cruising.

I'd prefer manual for enthusiastic B-roads and auto the rest of the time given the choice, hence my love of DSG.

I had an 2008 Evo X with the SST (like DSG) box as a competition prize for a few days and that box was great-the Evo X is much more comfortable than earlier models and was almost a cruiser in auto and soft settings yet razor sharp and fully controllable in paddlechange and sport.  Lovely!

If I was a rich man, lalalala.... etc

Manual as we live in the country. too many changes needed on local roads for an auto.

as said, use sport mode for engine braking.

I can see why the 2.2 will struggle with an auto though. Needs another 2 pots.  ;)

chrisgixer wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 09:43:

as said, use sport mode for engine braking. I can see why the 2.2 will struggle with an auto though. Needs another 2 pots.  ;)

Even in sport mode, it does not have the control of a manual.  My 2.2 does go well but likes to be revved-I'm not altogther convinced the X22XE engine and box are that well suited together-the engine pulls sweetly enough but is smothered by the 'box unless caned-which is pointless considering the stodgy dynamics.

I struggle to fuel the 2.2 (and keep it in 100% order throughout-see list!) so a more complicated and thirstier V6 is out of the question.

I like the comfort and smoothness of my 2.2 auto-it is a nice car for little money, but in no way perfect (even now!).

Maybe I have just been spoilt by running newer technology like the DSG and SST?  I must say, I do like the option to adjust settings on the move-between comfort, normal and sport for the engine/box and chassis-it makes the car perfect to hoon and perfect to cruise-at a touch of a button.

My Omega is a bit hard, noisy and underpowered to cruise effortlessly all day and too clumsy and vague to hoon around in-it suits gentle driving with the occasional kickdown overtake...

TaxiManDan wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 03:28:

what do u guys prefer??

Manual i prefer,but just got to put up with it being auto for now,but great in the traffic though. ;)

I agree mar auto is great to drive when in traffic jam. But not to great to look at the gas gauge ;D

perhaps this is the wrong time to ask me as ive just changed my autobox,,,AGAIN >:( >:( ;D

Auto...all the time.. no contest!..There again I suppose it might just be my age beginning to show and desperate to avoid a left hip, knee and ankle joint replacement  :-)

There has to be a manual in my life. Couldn't have an auto as my only car but given that I've got access to manual cars to get my "fix" I'm happy with an auto. Omega.

The 3.2 has plenty of grunt for the times when it's not quite on the ball with gearchanges and I find mundane commuting journeys much less tedious in an auto.

If it was my only car, or a less powerful Omega, it'd have to be manual. Not sure how to vote now. :-[

Kevin

Auto's all day long.  :y Left in D, better in traffic, better cruising. Best of all Flat out! Push button to lose top gear, shift it manually when you need it, then floor it. Full bore changes much faster in auto with almost imperceptible changes most times. Had both, wouldn't have another manual, change and clutch not that good anyway inmho.
Auto fuel consumption can often be just as good as manuals when left to own devices too.
(DSG bit better, Honda ishift terrible as is Vaux easytronic and Citroen ESG....)

I'm a manual man but autos do have an advantage if sat in traffic alot.

My first auto since the 1970s even at 2ltr I just love it. The little button on top of the gear selector can make it an interesting drive.

Mick

Auto, Auto, Auto, Auto, Oh and Auto. Why would anyone want anything else in UK traffic? Also I live in the country, and could'nt be bothered with all that changing required on windy (not windy) roads. ;D ;D ;D

deffo auto :y

Always auto (with "S" regularly used!) 8-) 8-) :y

Got to be manual, much better in my opinion, and gives you more control even if you use sport mode in auto it's not a manual. Only thing I like auto's for is when I'm cabbing  ;D

I've only ever had two manuals in 25 years, the clutch went on both, lol, and I'm too lazy to mess about changing gears, way too much hassle

for the car if the engines big enough then auto every time small engine cars lack the power to make auto smooth

for the 4x4 then got to be manual for control off road and for towing (auto tends to overheat when towing)

For big comfy lazy cruisers - auto,it suits them and it suits they way the like to be driven imo.
In a smaller/sportier/quicker car - manual.

" automatic " on my 2.5 V6 - the kick down sounds so sweet

will not buy a manual ever.  :)

rob in gib wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 17:56:

..... (auto tends to overheat when towing)

Do they?  :-?
Mine doesn't when towing my 1 ton(ne) caravan and the temp stayed put for 150 miles towing a weight for weight Omega home.   ;)

..... and I'm not sure about the man/auto offroading bit either. A mate used to off road in an auto Range Rover cos he reckoned they were better at it ......  :-/  ;)

Andy B wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:26:

rob in gib wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 17:56: ..... (auto tends to overheat when towing) Do they?  :-? Mine doesn't when towing my 1 ton(ne) caravan and the temp stayed put for 150 miles towing a weight for weight Omega home.   ;) ..... and I'm not sure about the man/auto offroading bit either. A mate used to off road in an auto Range Rover cos he reckoned they were better at it ......  :-/  ;)

4x4 autos do tend to overheat if towing large loads at speed can not comment on auto cars

and i have driven a lot of different vehicles off road and find autos dont give the same level of control

rob in gib wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:33:

[ ....... and find autos dont give the same level of control

But the 3 pedal-ers all say that anyway!!!  ::) ;) ;) ;D :y

I've owned both, and still regularly drive both but I do prefer a manual! Auto makes driving very easy but soooo lazy!

Both have their good/bad points, auto is fab in traffic, manual is good for spirited driving in lanes etc. ::)

I wouldn't walk away from the right car just because of its gearbox! :y

Andy B wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:42:

rob in gib wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:33: [ ....... and find autos dont give the same level of control But the 3 pedal-ers all say that anyway!!!  ::) ;) ;) ;D :y

I find that I have more control driving an auto, always in the right gear, two hands on the steering wheel, etc. etc...

Ljay wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:49:

......... Auto makes driving very easy but soooo lazy! ...........

................. and ????????  :-/  :-/  :-/  ;)

Omega 3.0 - has to be auto.  Peugeot 205D - has to be manual.

I had a Mondeo CDi auto before this - absolutely undriveable - never in the right the gear. 

I've been driving autos for 30 years or so, but the Omega is the first I've ever had where I have never needed/wanted to change down.  (OK - one time - leaving a dual carriageway in frosty weather and the slip road looked a bit glassy.)  I have to admit I wasn't happy with the way the Omega handled the winding lanes in Suffolk, but then I discovered what sport mode was for. 

Let's face it, in the UK, for 99% of the time, you're either on a motorway/dual carriageway or you're stuck in traffic.  Motoring for pleasure? Forget it! 

So auto every time :) :) :)

Auto Addict wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:55:

Andy B wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:42: rob in gib wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 18:33: [ ....... and find autos dont give the same level of control But the 3 pedal-ers all say that anyway!!!  ::) ;) ;) ;D :y I find that I have more control driving an auto, always in the right gear, two hands on the steering wheel, etc. etc...

i'll have to try that 1 day.  :)

if they say drivin an auto is lazy then im gonna put some slippers in mine and change mi name to lazy mclazyman

even in a rush hour traffic deffo manual !!!

cem wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 21:44:

even in a rush hour traffic deffo manual !!!

auto auto auto auto

I'd have to say manual. Yes you have the "button" & you can manually shift the box but it still does'nt give the same degree of control. Autos have thier place, traffic, cabbing etc & a good strong kickdown is a riot, no arguement there.
     Ideally i'd like the manual MV6 for being an arse in & a 3.2 facelift elite est for wafting around in (perhaps that'll be two cars i buy from Broocie!!!)
      Ultimately manual. I prefer to drive the car not have it drive me.

Got to be a manual.

Performance

A MANUAL 2.5 v6 does 0-60 in 8.2sec's

A AUTO 3.0 V6 does 0-60 in 9.0 sec's

A AUTO 3.2 V6 does 0-60 in 8.0 sec's

Economy

2.5 manual      27mpg
3.0 auto         25mpg
3.2 auto         23mpg

And lastly driving enjoyment, the manual is the winner hands down IMHO 8-)

pembroke wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 11:00:

Got to be a manual. Performance A MANUAL 2.5 v6 does 0-60 in 8.2sec's A AUTO 3.0 V6 does 0-60 in 9.0 sec's A AUTO 3.2 V6 does 0-60 in 8.0 sec's Economy 2.5 manual      27mpg 3.0 auto         25mpg 3.2 auto         23mpg And lastly driving enjoyment, the manual is the winner hands down IMHO 8-)

Do you know, I was thinking my 2.5 seemed a bit peppy! ;D

jereboam wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 19:30:

Omega 3.0 - has to be auto.  Peugeot 205D - has to be manual. I had a Mondeo CDi auto before this - absolutely undriveable - never in the right the gear.  I've been driving autos for 30 years or so, but the Omega is the first I've ever had where I have never needed/wanted to change down.  (OK - one time - leaving a dual carriageway in frosty weather and the slip road looked a bit glassy.)  I have to admit I wasn't happy with the way the Omega handled the winding lanes in Suffolk, but then I discovered what sport mode was for.  Let's face it, in the UK, for 99% of the time, you're either on a motorway/dual carriageway or you're stuck in traffic.  Motoring for pleasure? Forget it!  So auto every time :) :) :)

On a motorway/dual carriageway the two transmissions are equal, my manual 2.5 can be put in 5th at around 30mph and left their most of the time. My point, the manual offers many of the same traits as the auto but can be a damn sight more fun when needs be! ;D

All cars ought to be automatic with manual specified as a cost option in my view. Really it is like something out of the ark having to change gear particularly on todays congested roads. I am lucky where I live in having open roads but still prefer auto.

If the industry had spent money developing auto from the 70's on they would be far better and more fuel efficient.

Varche

Varche wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 14:15:

All cars ought to be automatic with manual specified as a cost option in my view. Really it is like something out of the ark having to change gear particularly on todays congested roads. I am lucky where I live in having open roads but still prefer auto. If the industry had spent money developing auto from the 70's on they would be far better and more fuel efficient. Varche

Some of us real drivers prefer our cars with the optional driver intervention pack!!! ;)
We can cope with having 3 pedals and doing more than 1 thing at a time!!! ;) ;D :P

Drive both, pro's and cons for Auto / Manual.

Think if I had to choose from one of my MV6's, it would be have to be manual.

If LSD fitted, defo Manual.

Has to be an Auto for me every time, because i'm an awld fart now and can't remember when the stick goes where LOL ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)

wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 21:47:

cem wrote on 09. Dec 2009 at 21:44: even in a rush hour traffic deffo manual !!! auto auto auto auto

;D :y

Amigo MX5 wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 10:33:

I'd have to say manual. Yes you have the "button" & you can manually shift the box but it still does'nt give the same degree of control. Autos have thier place, traffic, cabbing etc & a good strong kickdown is a riot, no arguement there.      Ideally i'd like the manual MV6 for being an arse in & a 3.2 facelift elite est for wafting around in (perhaps that'll be two cars i buy from Broocie!!!)       Ultimately manual. I prefer to drive the car not have it drive me.

cant say better.. :y

In fact...... Having commuted in the Westfield for the last couple of days after a long weather-and-maintenance enforced break, I am tempted to say that driving an auto most of the time makes getting back into a manual even more satisfying.. ;) Kind of a special treat where previously it was a chore.

.. and by 'eck does it shift when the air's cold like this. :D

Kevin

First auto I had was our emina 7seater and it took a bit of getting used to at first (you know, that period when your left foot keeps looking for the clutch), then I got the vtec prelude which was also an auto (though considerably different from the esti!) and I havent looked back. Had I not had the prelude maybe I wouldnt have gone for the mig in auto form but now I'd always go for an autobox as its far more relaxing on longer journeys and in heavier traffic. Only time I miss a manual is on windy country roads where the "s" button doesnt quite cut it. As for the slightly heavier fuel consumption (and brake pad consumption!), I can live with that trade off. Auto gets my vote-oh,by the way, is it just me or do others find theyre also away from the lights first? ::)

jerry wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 22:17:

First auto I had was our emina 7seater and it took a bit of getting used to at first (you know, that period when your left foot keeps looking for the clutch), then I got the vtec prelude which was also an auto (though considerably different from the esti!) and I havent looked back. Had I not had the prelude maybe I wouldnt have gone for the mig in auto form but now I'd always go for an autobox as its far more relaxing on longer journeys and in heavier traffic. Only time I miss a manual is on windy country roads where the "s" button doesnt quite cut it. As for the slightly heavier fuel consumption (and brake pad consumption!), I can live with that trade off. Auto gets my vote-oh,by the way, is it just me or do others find theyre also away from the lights first? ::)

But never to 60 first  :y :y

Del Boy wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 22:27:

jerry wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 22:17: First auto I had was our emina 7seater and it took a bit of getting used to at first (you know, that period when your left foot keeps looking for the clutch), then I got the vtec prelude which was also an auto (though considerably different from the esti!) and I havent looked back. Had I not had the prelude maybe I wouldnt have gone for the mig in auto form but now I'd always go for an autobox as its far more relaxing on longer journeys and in heavier traffic. Only time I miss a manual is on windy country roads where the "s" button doesnt quite cut it. As for the slightly heavier fuel consumption (and brake pad consumption!), I can live with that trade off. Auto gets my vote-oh,by the way, is it just me or do others find theyre also away from the lights first? ::) But never to 60 first  :y :y

well, that is sadly true. The prelude did 0-60 in 6.5 secs so the mig feels a bit sluggish in comparison. On the other hand when Im doing 40 and some git in a Scooby's trying to get right up my backside I have  pressed the magic button, floored it and left him behind with his turbo lag :y

Del Boy wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 22:27:

jerry wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 22:17: First auto I had was our emina 7seater and it took a bit of getting used to at first (you know, that period when your left foot keeps looking for the clutch), then I got the vtec prelude which was also an auto (though considerably different from the esti!) and I havent looked back. Had I not had the prelude maybe I wouldnt have gone for the mig in auto form but now I'd always go for an autobox as its far more relaxing on longer journeys and in heavier traffic. Only time I miss a manual is on windy country roads where the "s" button doesnt quite cut it. As for the slightly heavier fuel consumption (and brake pad consumption!), I can live with that trade off. Auto gets my vote-oh,by the way, is it just me or do others find theyre also away from the lights first? ::) But never to 60 first  :y :y

Depends what you are driving, anyone want to put a Mig up against a Galant auto, given that it is faster than an MX5......and we all know what an MX5 will do to a Mig... :D :D :D

Big car, an auto, small a manual  :y

smoothomega wrote on 10. Dec 2009 at 23:32:

Big car, an auto, small a manual  :y

I would agree with that....... :y

hmmm, are we talking any auto or manual? Not really fair on the omega auto to include any old piece of crap auto you ever drove. There are some really really pants auto boxs about. Multi clutch flappy paddles a side, the omega auto is one of the most refined i've driven.

So, to be clear,
any auto v manual? Manual all day long.
Omega manual v auto. Auto all day long.

And yes, i do find the auto is first away from the lights, while a manual is still looking for biting point. And being a 3.2 not much beets it to 60 either. :-)

chrisgixer wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 00:23:

hmmm, are we talking any auto or manual? Not really fair on the omega auto to include any old piece of crap auto you ever drove. There are some really really pants auto boxs about. Multi clutch flappy paddles a side, the omega auto is one of the most refined i've driven. So, to be clear, any auto v manual? Manual all day long. Omega manual v auto. Auto all day long. And yes, i do find the auto is first away from the lights, while a manual is still looking for biting point. And being a 3.2 not much beets it to 60 either. :-)

You were not at the York Meet then...... ::) ::) ::)

Vamps wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 00:28:

chrisgixer wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 00:23: hmmm, are we talking any auto or manual? Not really fair on the omega auto to include any old piece of crap auto you ever drove. There are some really really pants auto boxs about. Multi clutch flappy paddles a side, the omega auto is one of the most refined i've driven. So, to be clear, any auto v manual? Manual all day long. Omega manual v auto. Auto all day long. And yes, i do find the auto is first away from the lights, while a manual is still looking for biting point. And being a 3.2 not much beets it to 60 either. :-) You were not at the York Meet then...... ::) ::) ::)

Did you see me there?..... You seem unsure. Where you there?

I must be on the bus again. As said "NOT MUCH"

Mini cooper S's do by the way. Well, only one, driven by an attractive blonde girl.

chrisgixer wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 00:23:

hmmm, are we talking any auto or manual? Not really fair on the omega auto to include any old piece of crap auto you ever drove. There are some really really pants auto boxs about. Multi clutch flappy paddles a side, the omega auto is one of the most refined i've driven.

I've driven autos on and off for nearly 40 years, and I would agree with that.  As I said before, you can just leave it alone to get on with the job. 

I haven't driven any very expensive or fancy cars, so I can't really compare, but does anyone on here know of any better auto boxes?  :) :) :)

When I was 22 I drove a Cheverolet Camero with a 2.8 litre V6 and a manual gearbox. I lived in Oregon at the time and quite a few of my friends had Trans Ams, Cameros and Mustangs. Mine was always quicker that the V6 autos but no match for the V8's [smiley=evil.gif]

Cannot see the point in wasting energy moving a gear stick about :P

2 feet = 2 pedals .... Life could not be more simple .. :)

Entwood wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:44:

2 feet = 2 pedals .... Life could not be more simple .. :)

Absolute logic but what if you're a unipod?? ::)

Pitchfork wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 18:14:

Entwood wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 17:44: 2 feet = 2 pedals .... Life could not be more simple .. :) Absolute logic but what if you're a unipod?? ::)

Convert 1 pedal (I suggest the right hand one !!) to a hand throttle, leaves 1 foot = 1 pedal ... simple :)


Having said that .. a friend of mine who lost his right leg in a motorbike accident over 40 years ago has a modified disco auto, which is quite neat. Has an "extra" accelerator pedal to the LEFT of the brake pedal for him to use, but the mechanical arangement is such - and I don't know how its done - that when "his" pedal is available .. the "normal" one isn't.

When his wife drives the car, she pulls a lever and the "normal" pedal becomes active and "his" is deactivated.

Ensures that you can't put your foot on a pedal you might think is a clutch and choose full throttle instead !!  :)

It is a neat arrangement  :y :y

Entwood wrote on 11. Dec 2009 at 18:16:

..... Having said that .. a friend of mine who lost his right leg in a motorbike accident over 40 years ago has a modified disco auto, which is quite neat. Has an "extra" accelerator pedal to the LEFT of the brake pedal for him to use, but the mechanical arangement is such - and I don't know how its done - that when "his" pedal is available .. the "normal" one isn't.  ......

My father-in-law has a similar arrangement, he lost the use of his right side years ago due to a stroke. He has 2 accelerator pedals, as you say, when one is up t'other is down, there's 2 bowden cables connecting the 2 pedals.  :y