Quote:
Originally Posted by Brian Carlton
You might find this interesting:
The SD has a four speed automatic.
I have just as much control for all upshifts and for the 4-3 downshift as you have in your manual 240.
I press on the go pedal, and, when I want to shift, I simply lift my foot ever so slightly and the SD takes the next higher gear. No HAL-1000 calling the goddamned shots. When I want a 4-3 downshift, I simply touch the shifter and pull it back one notch.
I get the benefit of a manual transmission without a clutch. It's far superior to a clutch and a shifter for daily driving.
The only downside is the difficulty of downshifting 3-2. It's almost never required, however and I've never missed having it.
You're wedded to a manual gearbox for all the traditional reasons and refuse to look outside the box at a system that is superior in just about every respect for a daily driver.
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Changing the gear when YOU want to change the gear has very little to do with why many people choose a manual. Sure I can change gears when I want in my wifes Honda. The paddle shifters work great.
Problem is, that the added cost of maintenance, and in my case the added TIME it takes to maintain it, since I do my own work, PLUS the enormous repair bill in the event that it lays down, is a negative toward the slush box.
An intangible for me is that I just enjoy driving a stick shift. It narrows my choice of cars when I'm shopping, but for me it's worth it. For others, they are perfectly willing to maintain the auto's and pay the repair bill if it happens, and enjoy what they see as convenience of the automatic. That's fine! That's why they make different cars, because different people like different things.
My ol' 300E is now my work car. It just hit 330K miles. Still has the original clutch and transmission. Never been touched. It makes a fun and economical car for whipping that 20 miles of winding and hilly road to and from work every day.
For others, their automatic might be the most pleasant part of their day. I'm glad they enjoy it.