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Automatic vs. ManualJan 13 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Aw, Moonmoods...I can't believe it's finally come to this: We actually disagree about something. It had to happen, but we bucked the odds for a long time didn't we? Automatic vs. Manual transmission may be a subject that is divided somewhat among gender lines. As Moonmoods pointed out, there is a certain feeling of control and power with the stick. It isn't that women don't want power of course, it's just that we've always been able to wield it without having a stick. Modern automatic transmissions are gradually fazing out manual gearboxes. Many automobiles with six- or eight-cylinder engines are no longer available with a manual gearbox. 4 speed automatics are now available and as with a manual, more gears mean better performance and fuel economy. The price for automatics has come down as well. Shifting can cause frustration in traffic, as streets and highways have become more conjested, whereas an automatic is more relaxing to drive. On a personal level, my first car was a standard. I was constantly anxious, especially when the car behind me was too close. Properly co-ordinating clutch and throttle is an art form, one I never mastered. In addition, it's nice to have a free hand (and not just to apply mascara on the way to work). Come to think of it, almost every "woman driver" joke could have been inspired by my lack of ability using the manual transmission. Hey..maybe we didn't disagree after all. Manual vs. Automatic is like vanilla and rockyroad. It pretty much depends on your taste. The good news is, you can still use a stick for a little while longer. Enjoy it while you can. Meanwhile I'll do my part to make the world a safer place by not driving a standard. As Elaine on Seinfeld would say, "I don't know how you guys drive around with those things!!!"  |
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