Stick vs Auto

[fsm2121]

Auto v. stick? I ordered an '04 330ci w/performance package and have had it for 15 months now. I ordered it with steptronic so my wife could drive it. Indeed, she insisted. Also the sales staff suggested the steptronic for better resale because it would appeal to a larger crowd.

In 15 months, my wife has driven it twice. I say if you want a manual, and I did, I would not get the steptronic again especially with the performance package. The steptronic seems to be a great transmission, I've had no problems with it, but nothing compares to the experience of driving a manual and especially with the performance package. It is a great handling car. Oh yes, the time she drove it she said, "It's a beautiful car and I like the steering wheel."

 

[Chesty Bonds]

I have no problem with automatic transmission, but when it is a sporty vehicle, I think it is best to always go with the manual transmission.

Bloody Oath!

 

[Section_8]

I point to the traditions of Americans in relation to the rise of the automatic in the US:

We like to do too many things at once, that includes driving our car while: Reading a paper (Ever been in ATL gridlock?), screwing with makeup (anywhere USA), yelling at kids, fooling with radios/CD's, and the ever dreaded CELL PHONE in the EAR.

(sarcasm off)

Nothing wrong with Autos - I prefer to still row my own for now.

SMG FTW!

 

[MrElussive]

I agree with Section_8, but it's also that most people don't care about driving, they just care about the car. They just want to roll up to a place and look good and get the girls' attention and stuff like that.

 

[Section_8]

I agree with Section_8, but it's also that most people don't care about driving, they just care about the car. They just want to roll up to a place and look good and get the girls' attention and stuff like that.

True Story.

I'd relate this to Drivers Licenses in America as well. DEAD people can get a license renewed, What's it take to keep some of these fools off the road?

(Shoot forgot to turn off the sarcasm again!)

 

[PhatBimmer]

Soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo like if I figure correctly Steptronic just has the computer activate the solenoids in the auto tranny to upshift when you have it on the gear selection mode?

On the other hand I love SMG

 

[Pete K]

I agree with Section 8 and Mr Elussive that there are way too many dopes out there with very little driving skill and a whole lot of ego. Getting a license in this country (US) is a joke. I work in construction management and spend a lot of time out there building roads. You wouldn't believe the things I've seen! Just ask a cop.

As far as the stick vs. manual goes I wouldn't even consider an auto. I understand it's a pain in traffic, but if traffic got that bad here I'd move! No matter how good an auto is it just doesn't give me the satisfaction of shifting it myself. I love practicing heel and toe shifting. When you get it right it's like magic.

If you truly LOVE to drive how can you compare the involvement of shifting it yourself vs a computer doing it for you. It's like saying masturbation is as good as real sex.

 

[PhatBimmer]

Auto trannies are alright, I grew up with them and I guess that just makes them more acceptable. Then again I grew up with a manual and thats good as well and nicer if you wanna feel like "sporty". Or you can do like JC said and buy yourself a SMG (like I would) and go around with your golf bag and clubs and think your Michael Schumacher lol

 

[newbold1]

I prefer to have an auto because the constant manual shifting of gears gets to be a chore. When I am commuting to and from work in traffic I really don't want to have to keep fooling with it. On an open stretch of road a manual can be more fun but from a practical perspective I really spend a lot more time just trying to get from point A to point B and the auto makes the drive a lot easier for me.