Looking for opinions on automatic vs stick

[1handyhubby]

I'm looking at fords - F350 v10 dually between 1999 and 2005 and am wanting to know which performs better and holds up better, automatic transmissions or 5 speed manual transmissions. I'd appreciate y'alls opinions and experiences. I have an 11' 3" Lance but am looking to getting a Bigfoot with a slideout. I'd apperciate anyone with a 4x4 to weigh in too. Thanks.

[Bedlam]

We're well into automated driving with the advent of adaptive cruise control, ABS, stability control, traction control, parking assist and throttle management. You need to weigh the advantages and decide if you want to delegate some of your tasks to automation or continue with the older technology until it becomes extinct or obsolete.

While I enjoy shifting manually, I have not found a manual that has the capacity of the counterpart automatic. I still have other vehicles that are manual shift so I can get my "fix" if I suffer withdrawal.

[Bob__B]

I can shift my automatic manually if I choose.

[Stefonius]

A lot of folks claim that there's no difference between a "modern" automagic and a manual. I wonder how many of them will quietly accept driverless cars in the future. I'd be willing to bet a lot of folks will scream bloody murder about "loss of control over what the car is doing". Well, that is exactly how I feel about losing my stickshift and being forced into an auto.

[RWDIII]

IMHO This has been a non issue since the Modern 6 speed auto with tow haul has been out.

[whizbang]

How are your knees holding up? I had my last stick for 9 years. My knees were fine are the beginning...

Go with the auto.

[garbonz]

run100 wrote:
Bigfoot offers units with slides???

Not no more but up to 2009 they handsome pretty cool one's. Available used, of course.

[slickrock_steve]

I had my tranny rebuilt at a bit over 200 thousand miles, as the PO had beat the thing pretty hard. Soooo....I had a "Mojave Green" 3 disc torque converter put in, along with massaging the new valve body, and a billet input and output shafts. With the programing and upgraded extra clutches, if I am in "Tow Haul Mode", it will bang your head into the head rest when it shifts, and locks up in every gear very quick. Of course it does let the ole Cummins work it's magic and grunt when I need to pull a hill. ( she really rolls some coal!)
NOW I need to put an exhaust brake in, so coming back DOWN those hills is not so spooky

[Vinsil]

Kayteg1 wrote:
Bare in mind mpg tests changed in 2008
When old tests were showing rating at speed A and B plus urban driving, new test involve whole program including accelerating, slowing down, stopping, making it more like taxi driving.
So some drivetrains will shine in such tests more than others, but I don't think we should have illusion that fluid mixing automatic can beat economy of straight manual box on straight highway driving.
And this is what most of us do with TC

It will if the torque converter locks up, acts as the same as a manual then. Mine locks in 2-6th....and I'd put my auto up against any manual anyday...in both a drag race and towing. 🙂

[Kayteg1]

Bare in mind mpg tests changed in 2008
When old tests were showing rating at speed A and B plus urban driving, new test involve whole program including accelerating, slowing down, stopping, making it more like taxi driving.
So some drivetrains will shine in such tests more than others, but I don't think we should have illusion that fluid mixing automatic can beat economy of straight manual box on straight highway driving.
And this is what most of us do with TC

[billtex]

gdavidg wrote:
...also stick gets slightly better mileage.

I think you'll find with today's 6-8 sped autos that is not true. AFAIK all the autos are rated greater mpg and greater tow capacity.
Other than personal preference, there isn't much incentive to row your own any more.

[gdavidg]

Automatic for me, much easier in traffic and hills. But to answer your question, stick is much less money to fix if and when things go wrong, also stick gets slightly better mileage.

[spacedoutbob]

I always looked at it as what your preference is. I have always liked driving a stick shift more than a automatic. My previous camper truck was had a granny gear 4 speed. I didn't mind it, but that's me. My current truck happened to be a Automatic, I got such a great deal on it, I don't mind driving it.

Bob in Calif.

[DWeikert]

I'll jump in with my $0.02. I've always driven a stick and prefer them in my small cars. I've owned one pickup with a stick and I can't honestly say it improved the driving experience. My Allison (6 speed) shifts smoother than I ever could manually and it never goes searching for a gear like the old 3 and 4 speed autos used to.

The ONLY time I miss a stick in the truck is driving on snow or ice. It's far easier to push in the clutch when coming to a stop than to have to shift into neutral before the rear wheels idle me through the intersection. But that's just me needing to pick up new habits instead of those used from decades of driving a stick.

[Bob__B]

I don't want to be on a boat ramp or in San Francisco with a stick ..... been there ....done that ... Not fun starting at stop on steep hill and some idiot wants to be right on your bumper.

I got the truck I have so I'd have the Allison.