See definition 2b, below:

Main Entry: Phi·lis·tine
Pronunciation: 'fi-l&-"stEn; f&-'lis-t&n, -"tEn; 'fi-l&-st&n
Function: noun
1 : a native or inhabitant of ancient Philistia
2 often not capitalized a : a person who is guided by materialism and is usually disdainful of intellectual or artistic values b : one uninformed in a special area of knowledge

 

LOL! I wouldn't say uninformed - uninterested is a better word.

 

I can appreciate an automatic transmission. Our truck has one. Our sedan and both Minis are manual though - I guess I enjoy rowing through the gears and having control over what the car is doing. With the advent of really advanced "semi automatic" gearboxes though the gap in the two is becoming smaller and smaller. I still actually *like* having to take my hand off the wheel to shift though.

 

This is like the arguement for non-synchro trannies! "Real men don't need synchros!" But you can shift faster with them. The DSG and some of the SMGs are showing that a computer controlled manual gearbox (a real manu-matic) is faster, keeps more power down, and can outperform an standard manual. Pretty soon, the REAL sports cars will all have this type of paddle shifter, and the peddal shifter will be gone.... Except for cheap cars!

But really, you don't have to understand why someone wants an automatic, and you don't! That's fine, Vive La Difference!

Matt

 

I think all new Ferraris come with the paddle shifter now. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

My husband is a real fanatic about having a manual in a sports car, but I had to order my MINI with the auto. He test drove the new steptronic in the S and said, "I think I found an auto I like - order it!"

 

Another snow dweller here. My neighbor is a ski resort! It only flashes on rare occasions as I know how to drive in snow and slush, but it's nice to know it's there when some idiot from downcountry does something incredibly stupid that forces me to take evasive action in sloppy conditions.

If you want to save money, get rid of the automatic. Keep the DSC.

Pete

 

The F1 transmission is an option on all Ferraris, but not standard. I think the only car it comes standard is the Enzo, which isn't in production anymore, anyways.

BMW caved on the M5 when too many people complained about the SMG and decided to offer it with the standard 6 speed manual as well. And they decided to not even offer SMG on the new M Roadster....

 

Have you test-driven the 6-speed MCS? I suggest you do a comparison between the manual and the automatic to be sure you really don't want the 6-speed. It's really a fun Getrag tranny.

 

No, I haven't test-driven a manual - I don't want to break the thing! I may have driven manuals before, but not enough to feel comfortable test driving or even owning one. If I'm ever lucky enough to own a Viper (which is my dream car), I would find a driving school to really learn, while at the same time driving around an old manual beater car so I wouldn't feel bad about tearing the heck outta the tranny. Until then, though, I'm in no rush.

 

Ok since we're already off topic, does anyone else tend to prefer cars that don't offer automatic trannys? I always give a nod of approval when I see a car company do such a thing. Examples: 02-04 Cooper S, Honda S2000, Lotus Elise/Exige, BMW M Roadster, ect...

FYI nothing against autos or auto-manuals, just don't like the computer shifting for me. If I was physically unable to drive a manual, I'd probably get an automatic.

 

Yes on new Ferraris the automatic tranny is a $10,000 option!

And kudos to BMW for making almost all their car's with a manual tranny.

 

I like manuals & I like autos. My MCS is a manual & I love rowing it through the gears. My Miata is a manual & I also love rowing it through the gears. My Forester XT is an auto & it's a fine ride. My wifes A4 is an auto & it's a fine ride too. Pick what works for ya. I won't make fun of any nice car auto or manual.

 

Wow!! That's insane. But I guess if you can already afford a Ferrari, another ten grand is nothing.

 

well you can alway opt for an older version of a 'true sports' car..... but whats the fun in that

 

The Enzo and Challenge Stradale only came with the F1 transmission and no manual tranny is/was available. If you think $10k is bad for the F1 transmission, have you seen the price for carbon ceramic brakes????!!!! I think the cost to replace the Enzo's brakes are over $25K.

 

Plenty of fun to be had that way...

 

Dahling, if you have to ask...