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The Virtues of Driving a Stick Shift
By Andy Lee
For many years, manual transmission cars have been the preferred choice of driving enthusiasts. However, with the increasing availability of automatic transmission cars, many drivers have chosen to forego the joys of driving a stick shift. In this post ,I will discuss the virtues of driving a manual transmission car and why it is still a viable option in today’s world.
Better Control
One of the main virtues of driving a stick shift is the level of control that it offers the driver. With a manual transmission, the driver has complete control over the car’s acceleration, deceleration, and gear changes. This level of control is especially useful when driving in challenging conditions such as snow, rain, or on steep inclines.
More Engaging
Driving a stick shift is a more engaging experience than driving an automatic. With a manual transmission, the driver must constantly be engaged with the car, shifting gears, and adjusting speed to match the road conditions. This level of engagement makes driving a stick shift more fun and rewarding than driving an automatic.
Better Fuel Economy
Manual transmissions are generally more fuel-efficient than automatic transmissions. This is because manual transmissions do not have a torque converter, which is a component found in automatic transmissions that can reduce fuel efficiency.
Better Resale Value
Manual transmission cars generally have a higher resale value than automatics. This is because there is still a significant market for manual transmission cars, especially among driving enthusiasts.
Lower Cost
Manual transmission cars are generally cheaper to purchase than automatics. This is because the cost of manufacturing and installing an automatic transmission is higher than that of a manual transmission.
It’s Simpler and More Reliable
Automatic transmissions are incredibly complex. When they fail, it’s thousands of dollars to repair or replace an automatic. A manual transmission, on the other hand, has very little chance of failure. The very worst case is that you need a new clutch.
Not Many People Will Ask to Borrow Your Car
Have an awesome sports car that everyone wants to drive, but you’re not down with the idea? Tell them it’s a manual and see how that number drops. Not many people know how to drive a manual, and those who do usually don’t feel compelled to borrow other people’s sports cars.
It’s Safer
When you drive a stick-shift, you need two hands pretty much all the time. That means you’re less likely to text, talk on the phone, or “zone-out.” You’re always working the gear shift. In fact, many parents believe that their children should drive vehicles with manual transmissions, as these young drivers will be less likely to text while they drive.
If You Know How to Drive a Manual, You Can Drive All Cars
It’s a little thing but knowing how to drive a manual is a skill. That skill allows you to drive all manner of vehicles, especially a) commercial vehicles and b) classic vehicles. Maybe you can help your buddy move his dad’s old Corvette someday…
It’s A Great Anti-Theft System
With so many people not knowing how to drive a stick (perhaps as much as 80% of new drivers, and about 50% of all drivers), there’s a good chance that a potential car thief isn’t going to know how to drive your car if he or she tries to steal it.
The Ole Battery Start Trick
If you ever find yourself with a weak battery, give your car a rolling start and pop it into gear — try doing that with an automatic! Actually, don’t try that with an automatic…
It’ll Make You Cooler
Say what you will, but there can be no argument on this point: If you see a sports car with an automatic transmission, you’re disappointed. Perhaps even judgmental. But if the car has a manual? That’s cool. Manual transmissions are cooler. Plain and simple.
Driving a Manual is More Fun
The last – and very best – reason to drive a stick: It’s a heck of a lot more fun. Nearly every person who has owned manual cars and automatics will tell you that driving a stick shift is by far more pleasurable. It’s a tactile, engaging experience. It’s a connection between driver and machine.
Driving a stick shift offers several virtues that make it a viable option for drivers in today’s world. With better control, a more engaging driving experience, better fuel economy, better resale value, and a lower cost, it’s no wonder why so many driving enthusiasts still prefer manual transmission cars.
I was thinking about... 