5.0 V8 - Automatic vs Manual

[Trackaholic]

Why don't people purchase automatic transmission Mustangs? I'm planning on buying one in a country where everyone drives automatic cars but I would like to know why choose manual?

I think there are many who purchase the automatic in all areas, but the choice these days is less about performance and more about the driver's desire for interaction with the car.

Most of my driving is on mountain roads, where it is fun to run through a few gears, rev match, and keep my left leg involved in the experience. I therefore prefer a manual over an automatic (even over a dual-clutch automatic).

Others, who spend lots of time in the city, moving through traffic, starting in first gear frequently, might prefer an auto. Or someone with bad knees, or someone who prefers the consistency of the auto and would rather focus on other aspects of the drive (the exhaust note, the scenery, the feeling of acceleration, etc.). For drag racing an automatic is almost always faster due to the improved launch consistency and the natural "launch control" characteristics of the torque converter. There are many reasons one might prefer an automatic.

I'd get the manual every time, but I seem to be in the minority given how many people are choosing the high-end automatics these days. Maybe not in the minority on a forum like this, but in general the stick shift seems to be dying off. Many exotics don't even offer a manual anymore, and Porsche pulling it from the GT3 is pretty telling.

I guess the nice thing about the anniversary edition mustang is the ability to get the track pack with the auto. I don't think that will be a valid combination on the regular car.

-T

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[stang]

I think there are many who purchase the automatic in all areas, but the choice these days is less about performance and more about the driver's desire for interaction with the car.

Most of my driving is on mountain roads, where it is fun to run through a few gears, rev match, and keep my left leg involved in the experience. I therefore prefer a manual over an automatic (even over a dual-clutch automatic).

Others, who spend lots of time in the city, moving through traffic, starting in first gear frequently, might prefer an auto. Or someone with bad knees, or someone who prefers the consistency of the auto and would rather focus on other aspects of the drive (the exhaust note, the scenery, the feeling of acceleration, etc.). For drag racing an automatic is almost always faster due to the improved launch consistency and the natural "launch control" characteristics of the torque converter. There are many reasons one might prefer an automatic.

I'd get the manual every time, but I seem to be in the minority given how many people are choosing the high-end automatics these days. Maybe not in the minority on a forum like this, but in general the stick shift seems to be dying off. Many exotics don't even offer a manual anymore, and Porsche pulling it from the GT3 is pretty telling.

I guess the nice thing about the anniversary edition mustang is the ability to get the track pack with the auto. I don't think that will be a valid combination on the regular car.

-T

Thank you for such an accurate reply. I honestly thought it increases performance and thus was planning on going for a manual car, even though the license I will obtain is automatic (you get to choose between manual/auto) and might've had to undergo further manual training.

There are no mountains whatsoever in my city so I guess it is disadvantageous to get a manual car. I believe it will be a little hard if I get an auto as well since I will be commuting for an hour twice a week. The cars I have at home are all automatic and my dad (or anyone I know) never got a manual here.

I wish Ford offered dual-clutch transmission because I think it offers the best of both worlds. The engine's revs in dual-clutch (or manual) sounds much better than automatic IMO. Surprising to see many people are very interested in manual transmission! I will go for automatic transmission then. Wouldn't want to constantly shift gears especially in traffic. I just can't wait to get a Mustang.

 

[JoeDogInKC]

The automatic in the 2015 will have paddles AND rev-matching, BTW.

 

[stang]

The automatic in the 2015 will have paddles AND rev-matching, BTW.

I believe that's what I was looking for and not the dual-clutch transmission. Just started learning these car terminologies so I don't know much really. Thanks for the clarification!

 

[Tony Alonso]

Surprising to see many people are very interested in manual transmission! I will go for automatic transmission then. Wouldn't want to constantly shift gears especially in traffic. I just can't wait to get a Mustang.

It's been part of the driving experience for the Mustang since the beginning. As mentioned by the other poster, it's very tied to how much pleasure you get in the interaction itself. I have had mostly manual cars and use them for daily commuting. The main downside I see in this arrangement in slow-moving stop-and-go traffic because of the continues need to manage the clutch pedal. I still find overall enjoyment despite that situation because I don't experience it frequently in the daily commute.

I do believe I would enjoy a dual-clutch transmission because of the reason you mention. That fact, along with fast shifts and feel when the gears change, is what would replicate the manual experience for me.

In this car, with the torque output, both transmissions are equally good choices, in my opinion.

 

[stang]

It's been part of the driving experience for the Mustang since the beginning. As mentioned by the other poster, it's very tied to how much pleasure you get in the interaction itself. I have had mostly manual cars and use them for daily commuting. The main downside I see in this arrangement in slow-moving stop-and-go traffic because of the continues need to manage the clutch pedal. I still find overall enjoyment despite that situation because I don't experience it frequently in the daily commute.

I do believe I would enjoy a dual-clutch transmission because of the reason you mention. That fact, along with fast shifts and feel when the gears change, is what would replicate the manual experience for me.

In this car, with the torque output, both transmissions are equally good choices, in my opinion.

I will go for the automatic transmission simply because of the ease of driving it for sometimes long commuting, and the lack of need to go for manual transmission training.

I don't quite understand the difference between paddle shifting and DCT. They both seem like the same thing. I just researched on both and still couldn't find an answer. My dad has a Range Rover and he can simply switch the gear and use the paddle shifters.

I believe I will get as much pleasure simply listening to the sound of the Mustang (I might change exhaust and muffler if too low, I very highly doubt I'll have to). I love listening to the car sound and I think I'll enjoy it most when driving automatic. Thanks for sharing your experience. Highly considerate your responses in making my choice and judgement!

 

[Zshazz]

I don't quite understand the difference between paddle shifting and DCT. They both seem like the same thing. I just researched on both and still couldn't find an answer. My dad has a Range Rover and he can simply switch the gear and use the paddle shifters.

DCT = Dual clutch transmission. Essentially, it's two "manual gearboxes" attached together and a computer controls the gear selection and clutch engagement for both. One gearbox selects odd gears and the other selects even gears. Basically what happens is while the car is driven by one set of gears, the computer selects the correct next gear the user will likely want in the undriven gearbox. So when you shift, the gears "change" by simply disengaging one clutch while simultaneously engaging the other. Hence, it gives you ridiculously fast gear changes (many can change in merely 50ms, or 0.05 seconds), gives you the same "acceleration characteristics" as a manual (which means more efficiency), and is automatic.

The big problem with them are that they are typically less resilient than a manual or "standard" automatic (essentially it's two slightly minaturized manual gearboxes, so it makes sense). Better ones that can take more power are more expensive to produce, so you usually only find them on cars with relatively little horsepower that need to maximize fuel economy (Ford's PowerShift) or high price tags (Porsche's PDK). Another problem is that their performance varies on the quality of the software driving it. Ford's PowerShift initially had some less than stellar reviews but software updates to the transmission has improved things quite a bit (not speaking from personal experience, just what I've read).

Some automatics can be made that are really quick at shifting and can have user-selectable gears. See the new C7 Z06 automatic for something that can approach a DCT (although, I've no first-hand experience with that auto, but it's something I wouldn't mind trying out). So, a "traditional" automatic can be very good.

So you can get paddle shifters with a regular automatic, but it's certainly different from a mechanical/technological POV.

 

[stang]

DCT = Dual clutch transmission. Essentially, it's two "manual gearboxes" attached together and a computer controls the gear selection and clutch engagement for both. One gearbox selects odd gears and the other selects even gears. Basically what happens is while the car is driven by one set of gears, the computer selects the correct next gear the user will likely want in the undriven gearbox. So when you shift, the gears "change" by simply disengaging one clutch while simultaneously engaging the other. Hence, it gives you ridiculously fast gear changes (many can change in merely 50ms, or 0.05 seconds), gives you the same "acceleration characteristics" as a manual (which means more efficiency), and is automatic.

The big problem with them are that they are typically less resilient than a manual or "standard" automatic (essentially it's two slightly minaturized manual gearboxes, so it makes sense). Better ones that can take more power are more expensive to produce, so you usually only find them on cars with relatively little horsepower that need to maximize fuel economy (Ford's PowerShift) or high price tags (Porsche's PDK). Another problem is that their performance varies on the quality of the software driving it. Ford's PowerShift initially had some less than stellar reviews but software updates to the transmission has improved things quite a bit (not speaking from personal experience, just what I've read).

Some automatics can be made that are really quick at shifting and can have user-selectable gears. See the new C7 Z06 automatic for something that can approach a DCT (although, I've no first-hand experience with that auto, but it's something I wouldn't mind trying out). So, a "traditional" automatic can be very good.

So you can get paddle shifters with a regular automatic, but it's certainly different from a mechanical/technological POV.

I believe the Mustang might really benefit from the DCT then. That along with paddle shifters will make the drive perfect plus it'll sound amazing. Though I wouldn't want a low-quality DCT installed and as you said, price will definitely go up. Since Porsche produces sports cars, they're better off having DCT installed than automatic but I believe Mustang is better off with automatic transmission. Unfortunately I find manual to be a little difficult and requires a lot of effort when compared to automatic, and although I haven't personally trained for manual, I do not plan on training as I would like to enjoy the music and the engine's sounds without getting distracted by changing gears and clutches and so on. In addition, no one drives manual in my country simply because you never know when you get stuck in traffic (sometimes for more than an hour). Paddle shifters will suffice for me when I want that extra sound or when simply feeling like it. Don't need the extra shift of speed of the DCT anyways as I will not be racing with my Mustang.

I really cannot thank you enough for providing such a detailed answer and I've looked this up everywhere, but none of the websites provided a simplistic approach to defining DCT and explaining how it works. Ford supplier in my country has no idea when it'll be available here so I don't know when exactly I'll be getting it (maybe end of the year or beginning of next year). Enjoy your Mustang when you buy one!

 

[Tony Alonso]

In addition, no one drives manual in my country simply because you never know when you get stuck in traffic (sometimes for more than an hour). Paddle shifters will suffice for me when I want that extra sound or when simply feeling like it.

With a driving situation like that, I also would opt for an automatic. I think the 2015 Mustang finally has one that I would enjoy owning. Good luck on your purchase!

 

[stang]

With a driving situation like that, I also would opt for an automatic. I think the 2015 Mustang finally has one that I would enjoy owning. Good luck on your purchase!

Automatic all the way! Thank you Tony, good luck on your purchase as well!

 

[Shredicus]

Got my heart set on a manual. I've always driven autos so this will be my first manual. Thinking about picking up a manual beater in the meantime to become fully acquainted with a row-your-own but I'm fairly proficient already.

 

[ry1980]

Automatic all the way. Like manuals but I would like to drive it regularly, especially in traffic. Here is to hoping that the wheel mounted shifters will be responsive enough.

 

[KGrGunMan]

depressing thread is depressing...

Yea...:help::doh:

Why don't people purchase automatic transmission Mustangs? I'm planning on buying one in a country where everyone drives automatic cars but I would like to know why choose manual?

I've always wondered, why would anyone ever choose an automatic? I live in a land where the last statistic I saw said new car sales were 97% automatic and 3% manual trans...I really and truly do not understand why. I've driven tons of normal automatics, lots of 4,5 and 6 speed autos, I've driven lots of 5 and 6 speed manual transmissions, I've never driven a cvt or a dual clutch. The real problem comes down to control, in traffic manuals are drastically better than automatics because I can put it into first gear, let out the clutch and roll away slower than any automatic does, so while you automatic guys are riding your brakes saying "I'm glad I'm not on the clutch", I'm just coasting, not on any pedals at all; thats how I go through most of my traffic, not touching any of my 3 pedals and laughing at everyone ridding their brakes. How often do you change your pads? When traffic is stopped completely I'm in neutral, with my feet not on any of the 3 pedals. Aswell, if traffic all of a sudden picks up I can power away and take off faster in a manual than the torque converter takes to give you full power from low rpms. autos have a slight lag that you have to adapt to, manuals only do exactly what you tell them to do. I can see how a CVT has merit in both better fuel economy and better performance by holding the engine at a desired rpm, however reviews complain non stop about CVT's "feeling a like a rubber band", making them sound worse in that area than even normal automatics, so CVT's seem like more of a pain in the butt in traffic than even an automatic. Dual clutches do sound like they might have solved this issue in that the clutch is fully engaged like it is in a manual when you're not on the clutch. I might think about getting a dual clutch, but I'm going to use their argument against them this is my daily driver, not a race car a dual clutch might be faster on a race track, however what is your ratio of "street time vs track time?" using a manual, even in traffic, heel toeing makes you really feel one with the car, and puts such a big smile on your face that makes it so in traffic, you never feel bored. When you blip the throttle and throw the rpm's way up there than let it fall just a bit and "catch" the falling engine in the smoothest way while dropping down 3 gears all in one motion breaking last minute and extra hard, while tossing the car into the apex, late so you don't understeer and rotating around and stomping on the gas, already in the correct gear. How can my left hand pressing a pedal even expect to come close to that? sure, you're 0.02 faster than me, but like you said, this is a daily driver, I want to enjoy my self and have fun, Every. Single. Day. Oh yea; what is the cost of each transmission? :eyebulge: Why everyone doesn't buy a manual transmission is beyond me.

P.s. Practice makes perfect, if you don't use the skill, you lose the skill. if you use it every day, you only get better and better, don't let your incompetence with a manual transmission scare you, let it drive you to be a better you! Don't be the guy/gal who say's "I'm too lazy, I just want to sit there and do nothing" start being involved with your car, let a relationship between you and your car develop to a deeper level and watch your competency grow. so next time when someone asks you to drive their car and asks if you know how to drive manual you can proudly say, "of course I can, anyone with any intelligence at all can."

 

[Five Oh Brian]

KGrGunMan, you need to drive my '14 GT stalled automatic sometime. Maybe then you'll understand why an automatic can be very entertaining. I was pro-manual for a few decades - even my '11 Brembo GT was a last attempt to convince myself that manuals were the one true option. I am quite skilled at rowing through the gears. However, having owned several big stalled autos has shown me the light and I look for any excuse to drive my '14 GT. And, until you experience a stalled auto that's been tuned correctly for yourself on a daily basis, I fear you just won't understand.

 

[stang]

Here is to hoping that the wheel mounted shifters will be responsive enough.

+1

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