Driving a manual transmission vehicle is way better than an automatic vehicle, amirite?

I love my manual but I don't really believe that it measurably reduces distracted driving haha

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Yeah if anything shifting gears becomes as ingrained in you as every other part of operating a car. Your left leg wasn't doing anything to begin with and you can most definitely shift with something in your right hand, so it's not like it's physically limiting you somehow either.

by AdFast 2 weeks ago

For about the first month of learning, i tried to not go anywhere unless i had to. It was such a hassle. Glad i stuck with it.

by anya77 2 weeks ago

Same with me I'm just as distracted in each.

by Awkward_Map_8905 2 weeks ago

I think the causation goes the other way though. People who drive manuals want to drive. They like driving. Most people would rather teleport.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I had a friend, an equipment operator, who would drive his manual Colorado with his knees while doing tasks like rolling a joint. I legitimately witnessed this man roll a joint one-handed while eating fried chicken with another hand all while using a knee to shift and another knee to drive. While pulling a trailer. Irresponsible yes but the man's ability to do it all easily at once was insane.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I have a stick shift and I'm on my cell phone all the time while I drive. I'm on my phone right now driving.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

It definitely impairs my ability to be distracted, driving at lower speeds. I like that I have to pay more attention because it also makes me feel more in tune with the car.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I think it does, I have an automatic and a manual, I am 100% more careful in the manual lol

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Nothing worse than getting cramps from a heavy clutch.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Came here to say this lol have fun not trying to destroy your clutch and constantly stalling out during rush hour lol

by Sorry_Team4975 2 weeks ago

I've sat in Miami rush hour traffic twice a day for years in manual cars. It's really not as big of a deal as people make it out to be. But if you don't have enough experience to not stall out regularly, I can see how it might be annoying to drive stick shift in traffic.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

It's not a big deal but it's still annoying even if you know what you're doing, especially compared to automatic vehicles with active cruise control

by DistributionSure474 2 weeks ago

It is very annoying. It's way more fun in every other situation though and I feel way safer driving a manual vehicle during the winter.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

As a manual driver of 10 years, it definitely is annoying. Touching 1st gear just enough to inch yourself forward and then right back to neutral.

by anya77 2 weeks ago

You'll just stall if you don't have the habit of driving a manual

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

Your clutch will wear much faster if you don't know the release point

by Sorry_Team4975 2 weeks ago

Yeah, but you just quickly learn that

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

I've driven manual vehicles most my life and spend more time than I care in traffic. I've only ever had to replace one vehicles clutch, but it was shot when I bought the car.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

You're just bad at driving a manual if you stall that much

by purdylarissa 2 weeks ago

Skill issue.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I live in rural area so, can't relate

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I do regular track days and wouldn't trade the manual there. But for daily driving auto is so much easier.

by Historical_Regret222 2 weeks ago

Used to drive a manual with a burger in one hand, while my phone was propped between by ear and shoulder, shifting gears in SF Bay Area traffic.

by tfahey 2 weeks ago

Same I'll talk on the phone, eat fries, oil on my hands, looking for the street/exit, quickly take a sip of my drink, whatever and shift with my last free 3 fingers like a dance. I learned to drive stick on Pittsburgh hills so nothing phases you. Lol

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I didn't learn stick in San Francisco, but I spent a lot of time driving there, so I had a lot of hill experiences too. And your right, it is like a dance, once you get your rhythm you don't even think about it.

by tfahey 2 weeks ago

personally I'd want my mind to be focused on as few things as possible while operating a giant metal box going 80mph

by Adolph71 2 weeks ago

It's not that hard and becomes muscle memory or instinctual that you don't even think about it. Plus you're not shifting when you're cruising at a 80mph unless you're down shifting for whatever reason etc

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Say what now? If accelerating hard, 45 is just second gear in most cars and still first gear in many performance cars.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

It greatly offsets distracted driving/cellphone use because you are busy with your hands Funny you mention this because I saw a guy yesterday coming home from work talking to someone on their phone in a 1970 Chevy Monte Carlo, I was in disbelief because I was stuck behind them on the highway going home.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

There's a high chance it was an auto, since the Monte Carlo used to be a higher tier car, god forbid it had 3 on the column, now that would be scary

by Felipahyatt 2 weeks ago

ah I did not know that. I just didn't think it was automatic because I saw his arm shift gears, but I could be wrong.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I'm not going to say how I know this, but it's totally doable to drive a stick, smoke a cigarette, drink a coke and text at the same time

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Not sure about one that old, but every Monte Carlo from 80s, 90s to 00s I've ever seen has been automatic

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

American cars have been mostly automatics for a while

by Miserable_Knee_409 2 weeks ago

If you need to drive a manual transmission car to not be distracted by your phone, you're just a bad driver and shouldn't be driving.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Exactly

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Sex is better than masterbation

by CapitalCalendar7693 2 weeks ago

And then there's Buddy.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Nah. Masturbation is so peaceful and relaxing

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Not when I do it.

by Kyleigh65 2 weeks ago

My daily drive is a manual, and I honestly don't understand people who say manual cars are more fun, what is so fun about shifting a stick?

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

Because macho , testostrone , beer , sex , get back in the kitchen etc.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Honestly I don't, I don't understand how driving a manual car makes anyone more manly

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

Not all stick shift cars are fun. But fast stick shift cars are fun.

by Educational-Bit 2 weeks ago

It's more engaging. Performing smooth downshifts at the right time can be very satisfying. This is all prerequisite on you enjoying driving in the first place and driving something other than a gutless economy car though.

by Herberthagenes 2 weeks ago

Most gutless economy cars are manual though

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

When you get that extra oomph of power from revving higher than you need, it's a fun feeling. And then when you do shift it's a mildly satisfying feeling, like taking a poop haha. Overall that feeling of being a race car driver is fun.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I guess I don't know what that is because my car is pretty slow, but yeah driving fast can be fun

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

Actually engaging and having full control over the throttle + rpms? Maybe you aren't really pushing the envelope in your car and the whole thing is lost on you.

by Interesting_Coat 2 weeks ago

You control when the transmission shifts, if you have a slightly louder exhaust than stock it sounds pretty nice especially when you hit that downshift rev match.

by Branson01 2 weeks ago

I know that, I drive a manual car, and so do most other people with cars where I live, and I don't see the fun in that.

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

I can do everything while driving a manual that I can in an automatic..

by Mckenzielisa 2 weeks ago

No thanks.

by Any_Plastic4692 2 weeks ago

Not a single real reason other than "maybe it'll cut down on distracted driving"

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I've heard it's better on gas. So far the only real reason I've heard but I don't even know how much of a difference maker it is. Got into it with people at work bc I said willing manual drivers in 2024 are pretentious and I've yet to be proven wrong

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I got a motorcycle for pretty cheap. It's a manual and that's a pain. But it's Japanese so it'll last forever and is easy to fix. I'm also pretentious, but it's unrelated.

by deion32 2 weeks ago

I say this as a car guy who races regularly - no one engages in more self-fellatio than car guys driving stick lmao. Yep, you get to be more attentive while driving - because you need to make sure your gear is right or you'll stall on this hill. Ever have to sit in traffic in a stick? PITA. Manual transmissions wear out faster, and unless you're shifting perfect (I promise most of us are not), they're less fuel efficient. Don't get me wrong, when my car is hurtling towards the apex of a corner on the track - yes I need to control the exact gearing. Gimme the stick. For the city-commuting daily, though?? Auto me plz. Can you imagine the dumbest person in a car - and then mixing in the concept of clutch control & shifting? lmao

by hester40 2 weeks ago

While I agree with everything else, I don't think you need to be more attentive while driving stick to prevent stalling since after the first couple of months it should be muscle-memory anyways. There's still a lot of places where most people drive stick and it's not because they think it's fun. Hell, one of my uncles in India has a car that's stick but doesn't have a tach. I mean automatic is obviously better for the vast majority of people, but it's not like the average driver driving stick without having issues is unheard of elsewhere in the world.

by AdFast 2 weeks ago

Yeah I may think about what gear I'm in or want to be in once a day, and only when I've been coasting with the clutch disengaged for a second. Other than that, it might as well be auto

by Holiday-Escape 2 weeks ago

Honestly, the knowledge required to drive should be ALOT more and driver's licenses should be harder to get an maintain.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

You could just put the phone down as well.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

It's not the they're bored, they are responding to notifications, texts, etc.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Especially in the snow

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I just wanted to say manual transmissions are great, and makes driving more enjoyable

by Remarkable_Leg394 2 weeks ago

Can't beat that sound of a perfect downshift.

by Branson01 2 weeks ago

Or dropping a gear to disappear

by caspermarta 2 weeks ago

This is a very common opinion

by West-Location 2 weeks ago

I prefer driving manual

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Lol if you NEED a manual just so it keeps you busy enough so you dont get on your phone, that isnt a positive for manual. You have a phone addiction.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

My manuslw forester got me out of so many jams in the snow in the Sierra

by Schinnerfrieda 2 weeks ago

If you're addicted enough to your phone that you have to look at it while driving then you'll do so in a manual or an automatic.

by shaynarunolfsdo 2 weeks ago

Oh God it really is. You're just so much more in tune with everything. Get that speed up and you feel like one of the fast and furious crew. Lol

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

wouldn't know, don't care

by Disastrous_Fault 2 weeks ago

Absolutely

by Ornkraig 2 weeks ago

The distracted driving part is a good point, but the fact you have more fun driving a manual than an automatic is not. Most people are not driving a car because it's fun, they're driving because they have to to get to a specific location (eg work). It's only natural that they'd seek out the most simple and least stressful way of getting to that destination.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

As a former manual driver, I assure you it does not cut down on distracted driving

by DistributionSure474 2 weeks ago

Fun to drive, especially with rear wheel drive. Plus, the bonus of being able to start the car, that has a dead battery, by getting the car rolling and letting out the clutch.

by Zestyclose_Tour_1996 2 weeks ago

This saved me a couple hundred in a tow fee no doubt. My starter crapped out at night while I was about to leave work. The parking attendant told me that that was the issue and there was nothing he could do, "Unless you drive stick." So he got behind the wheel while my boss and I pushed. I was so grateful for that. Of course he made me super nervous when he told me, "Just don't stall."

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Your first point just isn't true. My friend drives manual and is still on his phone. That seems more like a personal decision not tied to what type of car you drive

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Ah, at last I've found my people.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Totally agree. Especially turbo charged

by MathematicianIll7441 2 weeks ago

I dont think I've ever seen a turbo that was an automatic..

by eberthilda 2 weeks ago

A couple thousand dollars cheaper to buy is a pretty big conceivable way they are better.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Sounds like didn't look very hard. Plenty of trucks and SUVs make them and nearly all are cheaper

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I understand it being better for driving for pleasure, but I rarely do that. I'm typically driving with an intentional destination and don't want the drive to be more work than it has to be

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

It's much more fun and engaging that's for sure

by Aggressive-Data-4809 2 weeks ago

The few people I know that drive manual transmission talk and text while driving those vehicles.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Uhhh, having had a manual for much of my life, eating, changing the radio, and answering the phone while shifting just meant you were a really good multitasker. I believe age and wisdom are why I drive safer, even as now it is an automatic.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I drove manual for a long time...once I started having to actually commute in rush hour traffic, it became super annoying having to constantly shift up and down and use the clutch. Open road, it's fun as hell. Pretty hard to find a manual transmission these days it seems. The last one I had, I had to special order it.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Mind being busy isn't a good thing. You want your attention on the road and vehicles not on your gears.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Distracted driving with more driving.

by Emoore 2 weeks ago

I've driven a manual in traffic while holding my partner's hand and eating ice cream. Tell me again how it prevents distracted driving?

by Jaskolskialaina 2 weeks ago

if your attention span is so bad that you can't drive a normal car without using a phone then you shouldn't be driving

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I like the gas mileage I get from driving standard

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Put it this way: for economy and sports cars, a manual transmission is essential. For others, an automatic is great

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I appreciate knowing how to drive a manual. If I ever get on the amazing race I'll never look like a fool on tv 😂 But companies are increasing doing away with manual even as an option.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

What about people who focus on the road, drivers, environment, and not their toys? Shifting would be an unnecessary distraction.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I'm all manual but I also used to text while riding my cbr900rr through SF so I doubt it would reduce distracted driving much. Where there is a will, there is a stupid way

by Paucekrosalinda 2 weeks ago

Not a chance lmao. I learnt to drive manual but have driven automatic for years now. Wouldn't go back to manual. If you can't keep your hands off your phone for 5 minutes, driving a manual isn't going to change that! People are likely looking at their phones when they're cruising anyway, not going up and down the gears at intersections. Once you've been driving manual a while, it becomes mindless also. You're not actively thinking "press the clutch, up a gear…", you just do it

by blazestamm 2 weeks ago

Stalling doesn't damage the engine

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I'll enjoy never having to replace a clutch, thank you

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

It's no comparison how much more enjoyable it is to drive stick versus automatic. I will bever buy automatic if I have any choice in it.

by Interesting_Coat 2 weeks ago

Until you're trying to smoke a cigarette and drink your coffee on the way to work in traffic. Argg.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Can't smoke a blunt driving manual

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

How often are you changing gears on the highway?

by Nienowemely 2 weeks ago

After driving a manual vehicle for most of my life I can assure you I've been just as distracted as I am now driving automatic. Using your hand more doesn't make you focus more, you get used to it fast and you do it without thinking. You can still use your cellphone or become distracted doing something else. After 20 years of manual, I changed to automatic and I'm never going back

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

No it's not lol

by joyce56 2 weeks ago

that's not an unpopular opinion, maybe in America yes but in the rest of the world manual is the way

by OpportunityOk 2 weeks ago

I'm surprised with how concerned Europe is about efficiency why they haven't adopted autos yet

by Kochlia 2 weeks ago

A solid connection offered by a manual can improve efficiency by reducing lost power like through a torque converter. Also according to my friend in the UK he is noticing more cars on the road are automatic across the pond.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

That used to be the case for sure but in the US at least autos get 2-3 more mpg across the board these days and it's been like that for 20 years

by Kochlia 2 weeks ago

They have. Automatics outsell Manual in almost every European country.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

People want act like race car drivers in a Honda Civic so bad

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

correct

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

How am I supposed to hold my phone AND my beer though??

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Or you like grabbing diks & ballz gay boi. Manual is more fun but auto is so much easier. It ain't better

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Not an unpopular opinion whatsoever

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Heavy machinery is still manual mostly.

by Frequent_Pattern 2 weeks ago

No it's not, at least not where I live, manual is cheaper

by sprohaska 2 weeks ago

I just bought a 5 speed Civic last year.

by Interesting_Coat 2 weeks ago

Man I love driving my manual jeep. (Insert lesbian joke here) but. It's because it's fun. It's worse in every single way.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Found the 20 something whose knees don't hurt yet. Other than the fun factor, there is no legitimate benefit to driving a stick instead of an automatic.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

I've driven an automatic since I learned out to drive, and I've never had the urge to use my cell phone outside of occasional song skipping on Spotify. I'd rather be riding a train so I can scroll or play a game, but that's rural America for you. I hate driving, I want it to be as mindless as possible. I don't care if a manual is more "fun". Driving isn't a leisure activity. It's a way to get from point A to point B. If I want entertainment I'll queue up music or a podcast or bring someone to talk to.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Learning to drive manual won't change the fact that the vehicles are disappearing. Within 20 years they will be all but extinct. Electric cars generally aren't automatic or manual, so this will speed things up even more.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

You are not wrong, but you are also not right. Vroom vroom

by anibal15 2 weeks ago

All of my cars have been automatic. I just don't feel the need for a manual. maybe distracted driving due to boredom would be reduced I drive too fast to be distracted :D

by Ansleyeffertz 2 weeks ago

How old are you? I have driven manual all my life, and loved it. Recently, about 2 years ago, I bought an automatic, and for me, it's a relief. I'm 44, and tired of changing gears.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

agree they're more fun but would not want one everyday. Driving in traffic and trying to park on hills is awful in a manual.

by Miserable_Knee_409 2 weeks ago

Yes it's more fun in certain scenarios, but automatic transmissions are now more fuel efficient and last longer, theres no way I would go back to a manual for those reasons alone

by Intrepid-Lake-7942 2 weeks ago

It makes driving more annoying than it already is. No thanks.

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

i started out driving manual but switched to automatic and if im being honest i dont think i could go back to manual again without getting super frustrated. I was perfectly fine driving manual but as soon as i started driving automatic it made me feel like manual was just unnecessarily complicated. i dont really want to solve a dexterity puzzle every time i start my car to be honest

by Anonymous 2 weeks ago

Not if you drive in a city or traffic

by Legitimate-Abies 2 weeks ago