Hi, Guest
Manual always for my own cars (current and previous Subarus) but will admit to prefering the automatic of the Focus for stop and go commuting and city driving.
The 4 speed auto of the Focus is OK or better than the old 3 speed autos anyway. Now that there are 5 and 6 speed autos plus CVT's plus these paddle things the performance advantage of a manual is disappearing and in some cases automatics are now faster and more fuel efficient too. On some cars the manual "option" precludes some of the more advanced ESP's and the like.
I still like manuals for country drives, hills and winter especially. Good skill to have when renting a car in Europe.
If it wasn't for foreign markets the manual tranny would have disapeared from North America decades ago. I believe I read a while back only 5% or the cars on the road here actually have manual transmissions fitted and it is an option on a scant 15% of models available.
Age: 38
Next car: manual, a coupe of some sort
The 4 speed auto of the Focus is OK or better than the old 3 speed autos anyway. Now that there are 5 and 6 speed autos plus CVT's plus these paddle things the performance advantage of a manual is disappearing and in some cases automatics are now faster and more fuel efficient too. On some cars the manual "option" precludes some of the more advanced ESP's and the like.
I still like manuals for country drives, hills and winter especially. Good skill to have when renting a car in Europe.
If it wasn't for foreign markets the manual tranny would have disapeared from North America decades ago. I believe I read a while back only 5% or the cars on the road here actually have manual transmissions fitted and it is an option on a scant 15% of models available.
Age: 38
Next car: manual, a coupe of some sort
2001 Focus ZTS 2004 WRX
"I'm just here for the camping"
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"I'm just here for the camping"
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=687620231
TEAM P.I.T.A. FTW!