Manual or Automatic

[pooyab]

I'm assuming everyone here appreciates the Mustang or else you wouldn't have one or be here. I have a dilemma and need some input. I want to buy the 2015 Mustang GT, but I'm stuck between manual or auto.

Auto
-I have a 60 mile commute in traffic pretty much everyday.
-It's been about 5 years since I've driven a manual.

Manual
-It's a lot more fun.
-I think a muscle car generally should be a manual.
-Performance Pack isn't available on Autos.

What do you guys think?

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[mj]

I'd go manual. I use my car for my sales route ( 300 miles a week ) and most of that is city. You get used to the manual after a while if you haven't driven one in a while -- it becomes second nature.

And it makes your car harder to steal!

 

[DHG1078]

I don't know how long you drove a manual for, but if you were proficient with a manual you will pick it back up in a day or two tops. I don't see it as anything to be worried about.

 

[Nick@JDM]

Manuals leave more room for complaint since it is very hard to design a clutch and shifter system that appeals to everyone. One person may hate the feel of the 2015 Mustang clutch compared to others he or she have driven and someone may love it compared to others.

An auto however is a lot more forgiving to personal preference since you are not physically involved with the shifts. A good tune goes a long way on an auto trans car. A well tuned auto car is quicker and more consistent than a manual every time. We will be spending a lot of time perfecting the 2015 Mustang Automatic Tune to ensure our customers get the best automatic shifting experience on the street and track. Auto tuning is kind of our specialty since there is a lot more involved in the R&D.

Given the circumstances of your commute and not driving a manual for some time I would probably go Auto. Before making a decision make sure you get a chance to drive both and see what one makes you smile the most.

I sometimes think people forget that a lot of the best Muscle Cars of the 60s were automatics and the auto technology was the thing to have back then especially when drag racing.

 

[Robinson02]

IMO

1. I know how to drive a manual pretty well, but in traffic everyday (town of 300,000 + commuters) it will drive you crazy. Stop, Go, Stop, Go, Stop, GO...STOOOPPPPP.
2. now a days, automatics are slightly faster than manuals (up for debate).
3. A lot more can go wrong with the manual
4. yea manual is way more fun to drive

 

[Ryudo83]

I imagine if your commute is 60 miles that most of that is highway. but for me i love rowing my own gears and my commute is not so much stop and go as it is just distance so it doesnt bother me. But i will say my STI was a bitch in traffic.

IMO though i think you should go with the manual. Its like riding a bike so the 5 year thing wont be an issue. Unless you had a terrible brain injury during that time or something

 

[Niko Chester]

I drive in traffic, too, though my commute is pretty short. The only thing that wakes me up the morning and keeps me awake at the end of the day is shifting. Currently, I'm driving a manual 5 speed Mazda 3 (my husband drives the Explorer, which is auto) and I can't wait to get my hands and feet into this Mustang. Manual all the way.

 

[fionic]

3. A lot more can go wrong with the manual

Wha?

 

[POOPonYOU]

I ordered MT even though I haven't driven MT in about 8 years. Oh well, I'll get used to it again.

 

[Patrick S]

its been 10 years since i have driven a manual. when i got my 05, it was in Southern California traffic, so, i went with auto. now, i have a longer commute, with less traffic, i went Manual.

it all depends on your commute type. will you be in 60 miles of stop and go? or will most of it be freeway speeds?

 

[EgoBoost]

Manual wins 3-2.

Auto
1. -I have a 60 mile commute in traffic pretty much everyday.
2. -It's been about 5 years since I've driven a manual.

Manual
1. -It's a lot more fun.
2. -I think a muscle car generally should be a manual.
3. -Performance Pack isn't available on Autos.

I traded a '13 Auto for a '13 Manual...and it cost me $3,000. Take Nick@JDM's advice and drive both. If you're planning on high HP the auto is preferred due to cost and reliability.

 

[Five Oh Brian]

In my case I went with an automatic because my car is a daily driver and I drag race it frequently. The automatic became the obvious choice. Your mileage may vary.


Sent from SYNC in my '14 Mustang GT...

 

[Seabee1973]

A lot more can go wrong with a manual....especially if you really are not that good at it... if you have not driven one in a while...it does come as second nature when you do. Manuals are much more fun when you drive it right. Most carjackers or those trying to steal your car really can't drive a manual so more likely they will be stuck...lol. ive driven a manual in an Audi TT since 2000... still original clutch after 100k miles even after my dad tried to drive it... gotta love that burning clutch smell, not! Things can also go wrong with an automatic especially the ones with the select shifting like paddle shifters.... unless it's a dual clutch design like in Audi or anything in the Volkswagen group, I wouldn't... just my opinion.... DSG rocks... its actually better than the standard manuals....... I am getting a manual for sure.... it's too fun to drive and Dallas traffic... there is alot of stop n go and a ton of construction all over the place..... definitely manual for me

 

[Seabee1973]

Forgot to mention... from car to car... manuals... clutch. Behave differently.... mine was pretty sensitive in the Audi... did not take much to release the clutch... got used to it but my first day in it.... was achallenge.... it was different than any other manuals I have ever driven.... the 14 Mustang GT felt very similar to my Audi

 

[Robinson02]

Wha?

yup. mechanical/clutch wise

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