Want opinions automatic vs. manual transmission

[kimona]

Originally Posted by Motorhead6T5

http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Sp...aris&trimid=-1

If you would click this link you will see a performance section,compare the sedan m/t with the sedan a/t.


M/T 0-60=8.84 1/4 mile=16.97 1/4 mile trap speed=84.00
A/T 0-60=10.29 1/4 mile=17.96 1/4 mile trap speed=77.30

That almost 7 mph difference shows a huge differance in power put down to the ground,and the 1 sec quicker in the 1/4 seals the deal.


You can tell yourself whatever you want to help yourself sleep at night though.

Unfortunately, most manual shift drivers are not competent enough to match these 1/4 mile times. For the vast majority of drivers, the automatic transmission will prove faster and more fuel efficient.

Listen, I'm not knocking manual transmissions. I've owned and rebuilt dozens of imports with manual transmissions. I still own and regularly drive several lovingly cared for sport cars; bugeye Sprite, Sunbeam Tiger, Cooper S, and MR2. I enjoy driving with the manual transmision in each of these cars.

I also raced Class "C" sedan all over Canada for many years, so I fully appreciate the performance and driveability of manual transmissions.

But the Yaris is not a sport car, and most drivers are not sport car enthusiasts, but just regular guys looking for a neat little fuel efficient car that they can add a few well chosen accessories to make it look more sporty.

After test-driving the Yaris stick shift, I was dissapointed; this is not a performance tranny and clutch... far far from it! Sure you can make some mods to modestly improve it, but it will never...

Anyway, what I am saying is that for most owners, the Yaris is a daily driver, and the automatic transmission just makes more sense. Period.