Standard Or Automatic

[C]

PS. Manual transmission is still the most popular in the UK by a large percentage.

Which is a shame considering the excessive numbers of incompetent drivers on Britain's roads who'd benefit from not having to change gear!

[patchz]

I find it interesting to see that many Americans claim to prefer manual. I was always led to believe that the majority of cars in the US are automatics. Statistics seem to bear that out. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=758867

I know from experience that it's virtually impossible to hire a car in the US with a manual transmission. (That's what converted me to Auto during my first visit.) I suppose you could get one if you really wanted one.

PS. Manual transmission is still the most popular in the UK by a large percentage.

You are correct Doug, the majority are autos. But sports car and many hot rod nuts prefer standard. And in larger cities, there are some standards available in rentals.

[ShaneG_old]

I find it interesting to see that many Americans claim to prefer manual. I was always led to believe that the majority of cars in the US are automatics. Statistics seem to bear that out. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=758867

Did you know that the Auto transmission is an option on most cars made here?

Since most Americans prefer one, they charge extra for it.

I prefer standard in small sporty cars, automatics in everything else.

[Hagar]

I find it interesting to see that many Americans claim to prefer manual. I was always led to believe that the majority of cars in the US are automatics. Statistics seem to bear that out. http://answers.google.com/answers/threadview?id=758867

Did you know that the Auto transmission is an option on most cars made here?

Since most Americans prefer one, they charge extra for it.

It's just the same here but not for the same reason.

[garryrussell]

A few people I've known have developed a fault in an automatic and the price of rebuilding the box has meant it's written off

however on guy who is a mechanic used to buy automatics cheaply in that state and convert them to manual for much less cost and he made a fair bit out of that.

Never heard them called standard..just manual

[gtirob01]

Manual without a doubt. I decide when to up and downshift. You can't "heel-toe" in an auto. Plus I just get bored and tired in an auto. 

Thats not to say there aren't some very good auto's out there, such as VW/Audi's DSG.

[C]

VW/Audi's DSG.

VW/Audi/Skoda's DSG...  

(and Seat's I suppose!)

[specter177]

I can drive a manual, but I'm not comfortable driving it. Keep thinking that I'll stall it in the middle of an intersection. My car is a select shift automatic. I like not having to worry about shifting unless I want to.

[VVM]

VW/Audi's DSG.

VW/Audi/Skoda's DSG...

[djbozz]

With a 4.6 V8 under my right foot, its gotta be auto