Thoughts on getting a manual ecoboost after driving automatics all my life

omelet1978 · Jul 23, 2015

Hi,

I'm thinking about special ordering a manual ecoboost but I've been driving an automatic in all my cars. I figure if I'm going to get a Mustang I might as well get a manual.

I'm on a work trip and my car is a manual (an old Ford Ranger) and I've been driving it for a couple days...and by driving it I mean stalling out in pretty much every phase of driving lol.

It's an adjustment, but I was just wondering how long it takes to get used to a manual and why everyone is always raving about them.

Thanks!

moates88 · Jul 23, 2015

All of my owned cars where auto, but I taught myself to drive standard due to a job I had awhile back. My mustang was my first standard car, and it all came back naturally on how to drive it. Each car is different, especially when the clutch engages. Just practice practice. You won't regret it

73MachI · Jul 23, 2015

Personally, I simply prefer the driver engagement of a stick for my recreational driving. It's probably just because I learned how to drive a stick so that's what I have always preferred. It seems more sporty to me, but at the same time I recognize that is a fallacy. I don't have a lot of experience with an auto & paddles so I can't really compare. It's like me buying a Mustang - I didn't even test drive a Camaro, I knew I wanted a Mustang. That was just part of the table stakes, along with a stick.

I can't speak to an EcoBoost stick; I test drove a V6 auto and a GT stick, and bought a GT stick. With a GT, you'd pretty much have to try to stall it. So much torque is available.

Ron Avery · Jul 23, 2015

I have driven a manual all my life and have never owned an automatic. I understand the view that it's much easier in traffic and sometimes it's nice to drive my wife's automatic for a change. BUT, there's really nothing truly as satisfying as making the perfect up or down shift, hearing that wonderful blip of the exhaust and being in total and complete control of the car you're driving.

There are a number of reasons why manuals are great.
1. You control and drive the car, it doesn't drive you
2. It's a lot of fun
3. It's a great anti-theft device
4. Most of the time a manual doesn't cost extra when purchasing a new car, when available

The learning curve really all depends on the person. My wife who isn't a car person learned in a couple minutes and my daughter who is a car person took months to learn.

As far as getting one in the Mustang, there's no question. It's an all round better car with a manual transmission. Check out my daughter's review of the Eco with a stick: http://girlsdrivefasttoo.com/2015/06/25/2015-ford-mustang-ecoboost-convertible-review/
Ron

MichaelKael · Jul 23, 2015

Ron Avery said:
There are a number of reasons why manuals are great.
1. You control and drive the car, it doesn't drive you
2. It's a lot of fun
3. It's a great anti-theft device
4. Most of the time a manual doesn't cost extra when purchasing a new car, when available

T

^ This ! Easiest way ever to save 1500$ IMO :headbang:

Wblv17 · Jul 23, 2015

stick all day. one of the many reasons the new gf stays, she drives my gt better than me. plus she a v8 girl and as a couple of them

Rogues Gambit · Jul 23, 2015

Stick... I had to compromise a little when ordering mine, ended up with an auto that I can still use to my advantage (Let my sisters experience the mod bug first hand since they can't drive stick) and then hopefully next year, I can order a '16 or 17 GT/Shelby/etc. with a Manual

Imo, either way you can't go wrong. End of the day, it's still a Mustang

Socalmustang · Jul 23, 2015

Another vote for stick over auto, I learned how to drive stick on this car.

More practice=faster learning
less practice=longer time to learn

Engagement point is a little tricky...A lot of people take the spring out and like it...Personally, I pretty much got use to it and will leave it

doulos4jc · Jul 23, 2015

3 to 4 weeks you'll have a good feel for the stick. I'll go through phases...most days my shifts are silky smooth, then I'll have brain farts and have an occasional rough shift or two. Soon enough it will be second nature and you don't have to think about it, it just happens. With the manual you are united with the driving experience that no automatic can duplicate.

boolean · Jul 23, 2015

STICK!!!! (it is faster with the Roush knob)

jrt6 · Jul 23, 2015

Another vote for the stick shift! No hate towards the automatic, really just buy what you need or want, but the manual is so so so worth it. You're not even paying for the manual where as the automatic adds like 1500 to the MSRP.

It just takes practice. Find a flat empty parking lot (local high schools on the weekend are great for this) and just practice finding where the clutch starts to engage so you can nail a smooth start off. I've shown this video to my mom and my brothers so I could teach them in my car and they did great: He gets bonus points because he drives a mustang too haha.

Also, if you don't like how the clutch feels consider removing the assist spring. it does add more weight to the pedal but its not too bad, and no where near as stiff as Subaru clutches i've driven. Here is a thread on it: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13497

There is honestly no better feeling than driving my car and going through the gears. It's a lot more connecting than just pushing a button. I was driving a 4 banger automatic camry before this so i vowed whatever car i bought next was going to have a stick shift.

Also at least in the US, it's one more theft deterrent

.

boolean · Jul 23, 2015

jrt6 said:
Another vote for the stick shift! No hate towards the automatic, really just buy what you need or want, but the manual is so so so worth it. You're not even paying for the manual where as the automatic adds like 1500 to the MSRP.

It just takes practice. Find a flat empty parking lot (local high schools on the weekend are great for this) and just practice finding where the clutch starts to engage so you can nail a smooth start off. I've shown this video to my mom and my brothers so I could teach them in my car and they did great: He gets bonus points because he drives a mustang too haha.

Also, if you don't like how the clutch feels consider removing the assist spring. it does add more weight to the pedal but its not too bad, and no where near as stiff as Subaru clutches i've driven. Here is a thread on it: http://www.mustang6g.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13497

There is honestly no better feeling than driving my car and going through the gears. It's a lot more connecting than just pushing a button. I was driving a 4 banger automatic camry before this so i vowed whatever car i bought next was going to have a stick shift.

Also at least in the US, it's one more theft deterrent .

This guy said what I wanted to say but was too lazy to type in so I just posted a pic. :thumbsup:

Horse · Jul 23, 2015

I say stick, b/c all my cars have been stick. (Have driven auto rental cars too.)

It's your decision to make.

As you have a manual car at your disposal, you might want to take the opportunity now to practice driving the stick, and see if/how you will like it. Don't get discouraged by the stalling and rough starting etc. Practice makes ...

kz · Jul 23, 2015

If you enjoy driving, then stick and don't think twice about it.

MagneticA · Jul 23, 2015

Depends on your driving habits. Are you one of those who enjoys drinking/smoking/eating/texting/etc. while driving? If so, get an automatic transmission. Do your hands and legs get bored while driving and you feel like you're just getting from point A to point B? If so, get a standard transmission. I'm not saying all auto drivers have bad habits. But if you have bad habits, it'll be a little safer in an auto. Personally, the destination is merely a byproduct of the journey. A stick makes the journey a little more interesting. That's one reason I enjoy it. When driven correctly, it'll also give you more control over your car in hairy situations.

Thoughts on getting a manual ecoboost after driving automatics all my life

omelet1978

Well-Known Member

moates88

Well-Known Member

73MachI

Well-Known Member

Ron Avery

Well-Known Member

MichaelKael

Well-Known Member

Wblv17

older fart

Rogues Gambit

Banned

Socalmustang

Well-Known Member

doulos4jc

......looking^

boolean

Well-Known Member

jrt6

Well-Known Member

boolean

Well-Known Member

Horse

Well-Known Member

kz

Well-Known Member

MagneticA

Well-Known Member

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