F55/F56 Manual or auto w/paddle shifters?

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Jun 10, 2014 | 05:12 AM

#26

SeppTB

4th Gear

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 364

Likes: 1

From: Syracuse, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by darex

Seems to me that those who truly love and drive manuals don't find them burdensome to operate, because it's second-nature. Those that complain that they have too much stop-and-go traffic to contend with for a manual with seem rather phony to me, or at the very least, I'm not very sympathetic to that argument. Only those with physical ailments which are eased by an auto- or those who don't know how to drive a MT get my recognition. As for the rest of you, buying a MINI without a manual transmission is just plain weird to me

Your judgement and disapproval of my preference is noted.

Jun 10, 2014 | 06:47 AM

#27

Sirjojo

1st Gear

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 12

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

For safety issue I went with manual

I fall asleep with automatic, even with paddle shifters. The left legs is key to my driving.

Jun 10, 2014 | 07:04 AM

#28

boki

3rd Gear

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 227

Likes: 22

From: Bronx, NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by darex

Seems like a lot of folks are giving-up their FR-S/BRZs early. May I ask why? Personally, I never felt drawn to that pitcher of Kool-Aid.

^I can't answer for him but here's the experience of a few friends of a friend - the whole RWD platform and peppy 200 hp engine of those cars gives you a lots of fun but only when driving at 9/10 and upward. Doing that is only advisable on the race tracks and then the car shines (with upgraded tires of course). But many people try it out on the streets and some of them even try drifting just like that - then the crappy (low roll resistance/gas saving, Prius sourced) tires give up traction easily and you meet with the curbs so fast you don't know what hit you. A few of banged up wheels, suspension components and bends later and some people are giving up on the idea altogether.

Jun 10, 2014 | 07:35 AM

#29

torpeau

4th Gear

Joined: Feb 2014

Posts: 509

Likes: 1

From: Left coast of Fla.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kg4fxg

Having an automatic allows me to enjoy the ride, chat on Amateur Radio, play with the Nav system or HK stereo. And I smoke e-cigs and sip coffee. So a plus all around.

Talk about distracted driving!

Jun 10, 2014 | 08:59 AM

#30

darex

5th Gear

Joined: Feb 2005

Posts: 837

Likes: 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by SeppTB

Your judgement and disapproval of my preference is noted.

Just my opinion. Not trying to be a jerk, most especially to you. :-))

Jun 10, 2014 | 10:30 AM

#31

jbewley

5th Gear

Joined: Oct 2008

Posts: 752

Likes: 1

From: Emmitsburg, MD

Quote:

Originally Posted by darex

I highly doubt too many of you have more stop-and-go city traffic to contend with than I do (stopping nearly every tiny block for stop signs, bikes, pedestrians, etc., in "Euro-scaled" Center City, Philadelphia) and yet still I chose a manual again, and every time. It's much more fun, safer (keeps you alert and engaged), gives better immediate power, and is THE BEST theft-deterrent ;-).

Stopping every block for a stop sign is one thing. DC Beltway traffic during rush hour is another completely. Three feet, stop, four feet, stop and on and on for hours. I had an auto in those days.

Jun 10, 2014 | 10:37 AM

#32

TheBigNewt

OVERDRIVE

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 5,602

Likes: 107

From: Arizona

My 2007 MCS was manual and it was just fine. I don't do much stop and go traffic though. I went AT this time (paddles are standard on mine) and it's excellent. Personally I think the AT has come a long way since my 2007 (I drove one and wasn't impressed). I can see why a lot of people go AT. It's faster, gas mileage is at least as good, and it shifts really fast both up and down.

Jun 10, 2014 | 01:28 PM

#33

dongood

4th Gear

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 361

Likes: 1

Quote:

Originally Posted by darex

... As for the rest of you, buying a MINI without a manual transmission is just plain weird to me ...

+1
I'm stuck in a loaner MINI right now and I just hate the automatic.

I drive in stop and go rush hour traffic on a daily basis, and sure my left foot occasionally gets a little sore, but that's the trade-off I will gladly pay for more fun on the weekends.

BTW, my wife and daughter both drive manuals. If I don't drive my roadster into work I know my wife will take it out for a spin. I suspect her next car will be the 4 seater cabrio.

I never understood why American women are assumed to be incapable of driving a manual. Is this bias also common in Europe?