You know I haven't seen one of them here. This isn't the Mustang forum.:bowrofl:

Umm... do what people still do today? drive manual cars.

There are people who would say you are compensating for something by driving a sports car in the first place. if you're happy with the car you drive then nothing that anyone says to you about its styling, transmission, color etc will bother you. Its only if they kind of like their car but regret getting it for some reason that they will be offended. If you see someone driving a lowered PT cruiser with a spoiler, hood scoops, and plates that say 'PT OR DIE' theres pretty much nothing you can say to them about their car sucking thats actually going to matter to them.

Um......Age really has nothing to do with it for real car enthusiasts. I'm surprised that's a surprise to you. I'm over 60 and in the past 3 years have had an Audi TT, '08 Corvette, Mini cooper S, VW GTI, and the Z. All but the Mini have been 6 speeds. Back on topic, if I were to do it again I'd probably go with the 7AT....It is really an excellent transmission and nothing to be embarrassed about.. If that choice compromises your manliness, then you have more problems than the car can cure...

I do wish I'd gotten the manual, but, at the same time, I'm quite happy with the automatic.

Primarily because the way I drive a manual - I use neutral a lot. I also skip gears when appropriate and shift smoother than an automatic because I know what I'm doing more than the car can anticipate what I'm doing...for example I love to drop the hammer and accellerate quickly, but then let off and roll in neutral. Same with stop signs. I'll drop in neutral and brake. Sometimes I'll engine brake...but not always.

Can't do that with the auto, unless in D mode. If you use the paddles or auto-stick to get in a gear where you want to be, you're committed to that gear.

With a manual, say you want to pass someone, you can downshift it and ride the clutch a bit until you're ready to jump out and go. With the auto, you blip it a gear or two down, and you're engine is already racing and is committed to whatever RPM you're sitting at.

In those situations, a stick would be better.

What I don't miss about the stick is jerking. For example, I like to take it very nice and easy in my driveway so I don't scrape. I leave it in D and the car is very calm and responsive. With a stick, I'd be in 1st or 2nd and ride feathering the clutch.

The other thing is that I don't like the idea of having a clutch to burn out. With the auto, I will never burn up a clutch. I was driving around the other day and managed to light the car up in 1st through 2nd with the auto-stick before it grabbed in 3rd. I know this because it was fish-tailing in the rear ;)

This car is simply amazing...auto or stick. I probably would enjoy the stick more, but, at the same time, the auto in some ways keeps me from being stupid with it. Stick + high performance + inexperience w/ high performance dynamics = probably totalled by now, even though I've driven a stick most my life...

Anyhow...

I would of prefered a stick but I am loving the automatic since it does have manual shifting options with the whole flappy pedals and auto-stick.

but yeah 6000+ bucks less and no waiting for 3 months > manual

Well said Mod, I have the 7AT and auto in the Max.....no regrets at all. My mom is 63 years old and still rolls her 83 280ZX (excellent shape) 5spd manual that she has had since new.

Love my 7 AT choice. Good thing I have it too. I had a serious crush injury at work 3 weeks ago and fractured my wrist and most likely will need surgery to repair torn ligaments. Otherwise I would be driving the Corolla everyday for awhile..:(

It freaken hurt like a SOB:icon14:

i like my cars MT, but AT is nice too. they have their goods and bads.

The decision between AT or MT is heavily a function of preference. Once the technical difference are put aside (which I think with today's great AT designs, in terms of performance we are roughly 50-50) it comes down to driving pleasure.

I have just learned to drive manual, and as you can imagine, a 370z is a tough teacher! I couldn't be happier with my decisions. Not everyone knows how to drive manual, and I like the looks that I get when I drive one! I feel more in tune with the car, (and that doesn't mean that I can drive it any better, just a feeling).

I love the 6MT! It is me versus the clutch!

huh... driving MT is not hard at all. i dont even think when im shifting up/down heel toe, etc. if you need to think, just keep at it and it'll be second nature.

Stick.............
 

REASON:
I have been a stick man all of my life and I'm 67. I know that several prefer the auto and there's nothing wrong with that. It's just I feel that the stick is much more fun for me..............
:tiphat:

hell n0

If you want a Sport Car then MT, if you want a luxury one go AT!

Thanks for the kudos. Get this: my other car is the Miata I've owned for 15 years!