Author Topic: stick/auto (Read 1531 times)

MiloMorai · « **Reply #30 on:** June 29, 2007, 06:06:35 PM »

All at once, almost, stick (jeep - summer job), auto (Dad's car) and motorcycle (my vehicle).

I find that a stick makes me a better driver as one has be conscious of what is happening - no cell phones, coffee, other drinks, distractions as both hands are required. Auto transmission driving makes one lazy.

Every kid should be required to only drive a standard till they get their full license. (we have graduated licensing in Ontario)

texasmom · « **Reply #31 on:** June 29, 2007, 06:16:59 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Halo
Probably always better to learn on a stick so you can drive whatever you want after getting a license.

Already some families don't have manual transmissions, and maybe some day the only sticks we'll have will be options on fancy auto/stick combo transmissions with clutches a relic of the past.

I agree. I'm one of those families who doesn't have manual trans cars, but TxDad & I both learned on stick.

Driving is right around the corner for our oldest son. So we were thinking about getting another car ~ manual. Heck, the car payment & gas for the 3rd car will probably cost less than gas alone for our 2nd car.

Furball · « **Reply #32 on:** June 29, 2007, 06:34:04 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by wooley
In the UK and most of Europe, something like 95% of people learn on sticks. If you sit your driving test in an auto, you're only allowed to drive autos.

Sticks are the norm in most cars until you get to the luxury saloon classes. In fact, auto's have a bit of a stigma attached to them for younger drivers.

Yup, that is right from my experience. Most people drive manuals and you are correct on the driving test.

Automatics are annoying, if you want to accelerate, they just rev and go nowhere. I love driving, and really enjoy using the gears on a manual.

bj229r · « **Reply #33 on:** June 29, 2007, 07:14:31 PM »

I learned on my big brother's 1974 Ford Maverick--3 speed, converted to floor, thankfully. Have had a few autos over the years (being able to hold coffee and steer is big on my list:aok ) But paying $ 1400 to get P.O.S. automatic tranny rebuilt has soured me, along with living at the top of a mountain--(manual is a MUST) now we have 3 cars/suvs, and 2 bikes, all with sticks. Xterra was $1000 cheaper with manual tranny, which is what I wanted anyhow

superpug1 · « **Reply #34 on:** June 29, 2007, 11:02:15 PM »

I started learning on a golf car at 5...stated with those until i was 14, then i tought myself on a 63 chevy c10 292 straight 6, 3 on the tree. then i drove a 92 sunbird around. Now i have a 87 c10 with an automatic. but i can pretty much drive anything with wheels...

lasersailor184 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 30, 2007, 08:06:12 AM »

My dad tried to teach me how to drive stick on an Ford Ranger that was almost as old as I was. I failed miserably.

A couple of years later I was working at a camp, and they were towing a 700 pound boat out of the water which probably had 100-200 pounds of water in it. What's more, they were doing it with an old WW2 army Jeep. Add onto that a ridiculously steep incline.

Someone backed the jeep down, I helped line up the boat on the trailer, tied it up...

Then they handed me the keys.

Nothing quite like a trial by fire situation.

I can drive stick now.

lazs2 · « **Reply #36 on:** June 30, 2007, 08:37:52 AM »

You are kidding me... there are people who can't drive a stick?

lazs

Maverick · « **Reply #37 on:** June 30, 2007, 11:47:34 AM »

Sure are Laz, just like there are people who can't use a seat belt.........

Hornet33 · « **Reply #38 on:** June 30, 2007, 11:54:39 AM »

Learned with both. Dad had a stick shift Ford F-150 truck and Mom had her Olds Delta 88 battleship. First truck I owned was a 81 Toyota SR-5 5 speed. My Dad made me get used to using the clutch by taking me up to the lake and parking on the boat ramp. Then I would have to hold the truck in place using just the gas and clutch. Really teaches you how to feel what the truck is doing that way. I drive an auto now though.

lazs2 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 30, 2007, 12:01:28 PM »

mav... difference is... I can and do use a seatbelt... just not all the time and only when I choose to.

Pretty hard to compare skill of driving a stick to being so frieghtened of your government that you buckle up and buckle under.

It's a bad law.. it is our duty to break bad laws.

lazs

Maverick · « **Reply #40 on:** June 30, 2007, 12:08:26 PM »

Lighten up francis, it was a joke.

texasmom · « **Reply #41 on:** June 30, 2007, 04:15:29 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by bj229r
But paying $ 1400 to get P.O.S. automatic tranny rebuilt has soured me, along with living at the top of a mountain--(manual is a MUST) now we have 3 cars/suvs, and 2 bikes, all with sticks. Xterra was $1000 cheaper with manual tranny, which is what I wanted anyhow

LOLOL~ BJ, I thought your avatar was a nice GI Joe, drinking a cup of Joe... there's cussing (and not the little kind!) on that thing! LOLOLOLOL!:lol

lazs2 · « **Reply #42 on:** July 01, 2007, 10:06:20 AM »

automatics have a 20-60 hp drain on the rear wheel hp. They make up for this somewhat with torque multiplication... with very high hp cars... 600 plus.. they can be quicker in a straight line because they are easier to control and shift quicker. Anyone who has full power shifted a stick in a car with even 400 hp knows what I am talking about.

lazs

eagl · « **Reply #43 on:** July 01, 2007, 10:16:01 AM »

lazs,

Doesn't take 400hp to mess up a power shift... I looped my firebird in a 1-2 power shift, and it only has about 320-340hp. Dunno exactly how much hp it has because although GM rated it at 305, most owners of the same car are getting around 295 at the wheels on the dyno, which means it's making much more than 305 at the crank.

In any case, even a stock LS1 f-body will loop during a full power shift if you're not really careful or if anything isn't quite right (uneven surface, one tire a little worn, etc).

lazs2 · « **Reply #44 on:** July 02, 2007, 02:24:15 PM »

a little hint for you guys who drive a stick... if you have some hp...

When you full power shift make sure that your left hand is not at the 12 oclock position.. use the 6 oclock hold.. you will find that you are much less likely to oversteer the car and spin it. We all learned this at the drags when the fast cars all had 4 speeds and not much in the way of tires.

lazs