Guy's I've always wanted a man trans 60's fastback. I wanted a new 05 GT with a man.... All because if I were to get a mustang, a sports car, why get it in auto?
But seriously what is it about a manual transmission that makes it better than an automatic when it comes to driving a sports car?
I couldn't afford a 05 GT so I ordered an auto v6, but there was a snag with the dealer and unfortunately my car didn't get ordered. BUT fortunately that gives me more time to gather info on what the big hype is about manual transmissions and if it is really the car I want.
I dont have a lot of experience on manual trans cars. I can drive a stick shift, but I dont have any long hours log'd in with traffic and such. I live in So Cal. where traffic is horrendus just about all the damn time.
In heavy traffic areas, I often wonder why I am in a manual trans car. But when I am in school at Fargo, ND, traffic jams hardly happen.
In So. Cal. I would get auto just to save my sanity and for convenience. But here and at my home Minneapolis, I really love the manual for what it can do over many auto's out there. I can accellerator faster and I enjoy the appearance of a guy that drives stick.
But looks aside, it is the acceleration as well as gas mileage (somewhat) that is appealing about manual trans.
I should add that I learned to drive a stick in one day. I have read how it works, but never tried it until I bought my Stang. I am not saying that I am that good, but reassuring you that it is fairly easy to pick up if you have done it before.
Thanks dude. I think I'm going to go with the stick shift. I've heard a few bad things about fords reputation with automatic transmissions, and with this auto being a brand new one, I am a bit unsure about it. I have a 71 ford F250 with an auto tranny and havee no problems with it. A main reasons why Im gonna go with the manual is cause its a sports car... ya know
It should free up a grand, and I can get a few options like the rims with the knockoffs, the interior accent package (maybe)... and still be under what I would've paid with the auto trans.
What do you mean by "rims with the knockoffs"?
I can only think of that being fake rims available online?
Beware of those, because some of them are really heavy. Also, since you are saving money, you should consider stereo system with touch screens. I don't know whether you are into stereo or not, but the first thing I upgraded in my car was the stereo system and Dynamat Extreme lining (since I can't handle the road noise that overwhelms the music at higher speed. Dynamat on the doors rear deck and trunk and ceiling cost me about $350.
I am concerned with the overall design of the 05 stang and plan on purchasing the 06 V6. I thought I would want GT, but gas mileage stinks. For now 02 stang is fun on the side for me. I have barely hit 14,000 and chances are it won't see 20,000 by the time I am ready to get the 06.
Please share your experience online like everyone else. I am sure I will get the V6, but chances are the power and name will get the best of me and rush my butt out to get the 05 GT in a month or two
When I went looking for a Mustang a year ago, I had a choice between a yellow 2001 5-spd coupe or a black 2000 auto coupe. I went with the auto because my drive to work is only three miles and it's through town. Plus, I drink my coffee on the way, so having to shift every two minutes would hamper the coffee hand. With the driving I'm doing the clutch would get worn out too fast. If I drove longer distances, I would prefer a stick, and it does have a higher "cool" factor.
All real sports cars have three pedals. Myself...I'll take the stick over the auto any day. It's cheaper to buy, cheaper to repair, doesn't create heat in your radiator and with a little talent you can do anything you can with an auto. As far as coffee? That's why they have cupholders.
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65-2&2, 63 Falcon vert, 32 coupe, 76f-250 4&4,72 Ranchero GT-Some is good,more is better,and too much is just enough.
I love having a manual tranny!!! For my cars I have had no other!! Now my Windstar is Auto, adn the wife likes it. She does miss her 5-spd rabbit covt. sometimes!!
as for freeing up the coffee hand, put it in a bottle, drink before you drive, or wait until you get to work. LOL
Fun factor= 5-spd. Auto for serious drag racing!!!
Good luck!!
I went with the stick, definately off the fun factor. I RARELY drink or talk on a cell phone when I drive, so I basically have a free hand, might as well use it for shifting.
On some days, after a really killer run or stupid long road march for PT, I wish I had an auto.
But then again, Cobras don't come with them
Manuals are more fun to drive in my opinion, but if I was going to spend alot of time on the 1/4 mile I'd be really tempted to get an auto. Bracket racing is a lot cheaper than heads-up racing and autos rule in brackets.
To each his/her own...but I don't think you are any less of a man if you drive an auto
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"The Lord and soldier are adored in time of danger - not before. Danger past, all things righted - God forgotten, soldier slighted."
- American Commentator
'03 GT Coupe - traded it for a...'04 SVT Cobra Coupe - Lemon Law turn in for a...'05 F-150 FX4 - gas prices prompted trade for a...'06 Fusion SE V6
Traded the ole lady's Mazda for a...'06 GT Coupe - 276.2 HP/289.3 Torque - Stock