Manual Vs Auto

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Jonnyb1990

Jonnyb1990

Well-Known Member
Posts
2,013
Location
Gloucestershire
Afternoon fellas,

Wondering what your opinions are on automatic transmissions green laning are,

Only driven an Auto D4 and it drove me up the wall (refused to change gear when I wanted it to)

Looking at a 300tdi D1 auto currently owned by Cirrus
 
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I have owned both auto and manual 300tdi disco off roaders (currently running auto), I have to admit I enjoy my auto plus it's easier for the Mrs. Its an easier days off roading. When you start to bog down just put your foot in, don't have to worry about missing a gear change
 
I've heard mixed things,

On one side you dont have the control that is sometimes needed

and on another its better as you think more about the route than the gear,


Could be an interesting first trip lol
 
Jonnyb1990 said:
I've heard mixed things,

On one side you dont have the control that is sometimes needed

and on another its better as you think more about the route than the gear,


Could be an interesting first trip lol
Click to expand...

you haver more control of torque put at the wheels with an auto
 
Jonnyb1990 said:
I've heard mixed things,

On one side you dont have the control that is sometimes needed

and on another its better as you think more about the route than the gear,


Could be an interesting first trip lol
Click to expand...

well look at how semi trucks/lorry's are going to autos. and the construction equipment, and heavy military trucks. If it was not any good would you thing the would go there. A mechanical/standard is far cheaper to build for auto manfactures
 
Thor1950 said:
well look at how semi trucks/lorry's are going to autos. and the construction equipment, and heavy military trucks. If it was not any good would you thing the would go there. A mechanical/standard is far cheaper to build for auto manfactures
Click to expand...

Stick shift

cheap auto security in USA
 
I have had both and found the auto much easier on and off the tarmac.
I was concerned that hill descents would be hairy in the auto, but low range in 1st / 2nd was very controlled on a very steep slope.

Hill climbs are safer with no need to dip the clutch.

But fuel economy is poor.
I can only just afford to run a disco, so I'm back in a manual :( but I'm getting 32mpg against my old auto which averaged 23mpg
 
Jonnyb1990 said:
Afternoon fellas,

Wondering what your opinions are on automatic transmissions green laning are,

Only driven an Auto D4 and it drove me up the wall (refused to change gear when I wanted it to)

Looking at a 300tdi D1 auto currently owned by Cirrus
Click to expand...

It all depends on how skilled you are in driving a manual transmission. Based on your question, you don't have a lot of experience with them, so it will take you some time to gain the skills you need.
It doesn't take long, and once you figure it out it will be second nature.
In a lot of ways the auto is easier - if you get wheel spin in the snow, one of the easier ways to deal with it is to lightly apply the brake.
That will send power to the other wheel, the one with traction.
Needless to say, this is easier with an automatic, as there are the same number of pedals as you have feet. :D

I think the manual gives you more control, but that is me :eek:
 
Thor1950 said:
well look at how semi trucks/lorry's are going to autos. and the construction equipment, and heavy military trucks. If it was not any good would you thing the would go there. A mechanical/standard is far cheaper to build for auto manfactures
Click to expand...

Nearly all HGVs over here are going into automatic gear selection of an manual gear box not an actual auto box

Fire engines and dust bin wagons and some very heavy haulage fit proper auto boxs
 
Iann said:
Nearly all HGVs over here are going into automatic gear selection of an manual gear box not an actual auto box

Fire engines and dust bin wagons and some very heavy haulage fit proper auto boxs
Click to expand...

despise my 'auto' box in wagon. stupid feckin thing, changes gear at the most inappropriate times. drive it in manual round town.
like that I don't have to stir it though and only flick a switch to change.
 
Jonnyb1990 said:
I've heard mixed things,

On one side you dont have the control that is sometimes needed

and on another its better as you think more about the route than the gear,


Could be an interesting first trip lol
Click to expand...

I hate to correct but.. You have the choice of locking each gear giving you the control you need. But in traffic it's so much nicer and way more pleasurable to drive. My next car has been chosen as it is an Auto with the paddle shift. Don't think I will ever go back to manual for a daily driver again. No need for the redline so no need for a manual!
 
All interesting points,

I have done a scent amount of time off road but nothing serious, and in a 90, was sure it was going to be a different experience and my driving style will change off road I'm sure because of it,

Fun times ahead me thinks
 
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Both have their own bonuses and it's each to their own really. Personally I would worry more about the condition of a d1 than what box it has.

Currently on my second auto d1 and have also had manuals too. With a decat, straight through centre pipe and egr blank they pull really well while getting close to 30mpg too

Off road I prefer the lower ratio of the manual for descending but the auto is good for the constant power to the wheels.
 
I prefer the auto, and compared to some auto 4x4s I've owned, I especially like the tranny in my RRC. Plus, an auto is superior in snow, which is found in abundance around here 5 or 6 months out of the year.
 
Took my auto D2 off road a few times and although it felt very strange and a bit 'out of control' at first I have to say that once I'd got used to it I was very impressed with it.
 
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