Auto or Manual?
#43
05-21-2008 | 02:48 PM
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
From: pennsylvania
I've had a number of autos and manuals over the years.
I'd have to say that you DO get much more control
with a maunal. My 6 speed rubicon would idle down impossible
cliffs at a fraction of a mile an hour. The auto wouldnt engine brake to that extent. That being said, this is a FIT. I bought the AUTO.
Usually when you are deciding, remember that most AUTO's have less gears and are at a disadvantage. With a 5speed auto, the odds are much more even. You have a free hand to eat with or for your girl/guy. Mileage is about the same. Auto's resell better because not everyone can drive stick. I didnt actually drive the manual fit, but I saw the number 0-60 from both. But I dont find the auto lacking. I almost never floor it anyway as that hurts MPG. If you hurt your leg dirtbiking or whatever, the auto is nice. I'd say only get the manual if you really enjoy driving like you are race car driver. The sport model will give you more engine braking that the base model due to the paddle shifters
With other cars, the manual is much more desirable as they are usually lacking a few gears.
I'd have to say that you DO get much more control
with a maunal. My 6 speed rubicon would idle down impossible
cliffs at a fraction of a mile an hour. The auto wouldnt engine brake to that extent. That being said, this is a FIT. I bought the AUTO.
Usually when you are deciding, remember that most AUTO's have less gears and are at a disadvantage. With a 5speed auto, the odds are much more even. You have a free hand to eat with or for your girl/guy. Mileage is about the same. Auto's resell better because not everyone can drive stick. I didnt actually drive the manual fit, but I saw the number 0-60 from both. But I dont find the auto lacking. I almost never floor it anyway as that hurts MPG. If you hurt your leg dirtbiking or whatever, the auto is nice. I'd say only get the manual if you really enjoy driving like you are race car driver. The sport model will give you more engine braking that the base model due to the paddle shifters
With other cars, the manual is much more desirable as they are usually lacking a few gears.
#44
05-21-2008 | 06:55 PM
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 370
From: SLC
I've had a number of autos and manuals over the years.
I'd have to say that you DO get much more control
with a maunal. ... I'd say only get the manual if you really enjoy driving like you are race car driver. The sport model will give you more engine braking that the base model due to the paddle shifters.
I'd have to say that you DO get much more control
with a maunal. ... I'd say only get the manual if you really enjoy driving like you are race car driver. The sport model will give you more engine braking that the base model due to the paddle shifters.
You have a free hand to eat with or for your girl/guy. Mileage is about the same. Auto's resell better because not everyone can drive stick. I didnt actually drive the manual fit, but I saw the number 0-60 from both. But I dont find the auto lacking. I almost never floor it anyway as that hurts MPG. If you hurt your leg dirtbiking or whatever, the auto is nice.
Also, 0-60 times don't tell the whole story. It doesn't even tell a little bit of the story, IMO. SL55 AMG's are all autos. They are great cars, and very FAST. However, very boring to drive. I had more fun in my S2000, banging through the gears and tossing it around turns. The fact that it was about half as fast as the AMG didn't matter. It's just more fun with 3 pedals.
#45
05-21-2008 | 11:12 PM
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 41
From: pennsylvania
the ability to clutch start in case the battery runs out, easier maintenance, and better reliability.
Respectfully disagree here. With cars like a Buick Regal or even the TL, I can understand that the majority of the buyers are looking for an auto. But there are tons of Fit enthusiasts that would never touch an auto. I believe that I can sell a 5-sp over an auto just as fast, if not, quicker. And, in fact, I am going to bet that in a few years, manuals will be more sought after.
Also, 0-60 times don't tell the whole story. It doesn't even tell a little bit of the story, IMO. SL55 AMG's are all autos. They are great cars, and very FAST. However, very boring to drive. I had more fun in my S2000, banging through the gears and tossing it around turns. The fact that it was about half as fast as the AMG didn't matter. It's just more fun with 3 pedals.
Respectfully disagree here. With cars like a Buick Regal or even the TL, I can understand that the majority of the buyers are looking for an auto. But there are tons of Fit enthusiasts that would never touch an auto. I believe that I can sell a 5-sp over an auto just as fast, if not, quicker. And, in fact, I am going to bet that in a few years, manuals will be more sought after.
Also, 0-60 times don't tell the whole story. It doesn't even tell a little bit of the story, IMO. SL55 AMG's are all autos. They are great cars, and very FAST. However, very boring to drive. I had more fun in my S2000, banging through the gears and tossing it around turns. The fact that it was about half as fast as the AMG didn't matter. It's just more fun with 3 pedals.
2 Mostly what I meant is that if someone NEEDS to buy a car. . .and you have a stick, you've cut your audience down. No one CAN drive Stick but NOT drive Auto.
3 I also know what you mean here. . .my 600cc motorcycle was fun because you could wind out the gears. The 750 , fun, but less winding. my friend's 1000cc. . .wind out first gear and you're already speeding on the hiway so you feel "less fulfilled"
However, I feel a need to defend the auto as its much better than "NEVER GET THE AUTO!"
I've driven 3 speed autos and agree NEVER GET IT. it cant get out of its own way. Not so with the fit
#46
05-22-2008 | 01:51 AM
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 370
From: SLC
1 How True about the clutch start.
2 Mostly what I meant is that if someone NEEDS to buy a car. . .and you have a stick, you've cut your audience down. No one CAN drive Stick but NOT drive Auto.
3 I also know what you mean here. . .my 600cc motorcycle was fun because you could wind out the gears. The 750 , fun, but less winding. my friend's 1000cc. . .wind out first gear and you're already speeding on the hiway so you feel "less fulfilled"
However, I feel a need to defend the auto as its much better than "NEVER GET THE AUTO!"
I've driven 3 speed autos and agree NEVER GET IT. it cant get out of its own way. Not so with the fit
2 Mostly what I meant is that if someone NEEDS to buy a car. . .and you have a stick, you've cut your audience down. No one CAN drive Stick but NOT drive Auto.
3 I also know what you mean here. . .my 600cc motorcycle was fun because you could wind out the gears. The 750 , fun, but less winding. my friend's 1000cc. . .wind out first gear and you're already speeding on the hiway so you feel "less fulfilled"
However, I feel a need to defend the auto as its much better than "NEVER GET THE AUTO!"
I've driven 3 speed autos and agree NEVER GET IT. it cant get out of its own way. Not so with the fit
I test drove an auto Fit first, and definitely wasn't bad and if I had one, it wouldn't be the end of the world.
#48
05-26-2008 | 02:20 AM
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 157
From: Palm Beach County, FL
Agree 100% Drive a manual Fit on a back road where you can row the gears a little. If that doesn't make your decision easy then you have no soul.
This car has the best shifter of any car I've owned and it is more fun to drive than any car this practical has any right to be and a big part of that is the excellent manual transmission set up.
No offense to anyone else here, but the only way I'd chose an automatic is if I had some kind of disability or sciatica or something that made it really painful or impossible to operate the clutch.
This car has the best shifter of any car I've owned and it is more fun to drive than any car this practical has any right to be and a big part of that is the excellent manual transmission set up.
No offense to anyone else here, but the only way I'd chose an automatic is if I had some kind of disability or sciatica or something that made it really painful or impossible to operate the clutch.
#49
05-26-2008 | 08:43 AM
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 587
From: Wash DC Metro
I've had AT and MT both on on-road and off-road vehicles. I'd take the MT for fun and control, AT for traffic and teaching my kids to drive. If you don't have a specific reason to get the AT then get the MT.
I once had to drive a car when I had a broken collar bone. I was glad that vehicle had an AT.
Maintenance on an MT is easier than AT - no filters, fewer changes, doesn't need special fluids usually.
The idea of getting one AT and one MT actually sounds pretty good if you can afford it.
I once had to drive a car when I had a broken collar bone. I was glad that vehicle had an AT.
Maintenance on an MT is easier than AT - no filters, fewer changes, doesn't need special fluids usually.
The idea of getting one AT and one MT actually sounds pretty good if you can afford it.
#50
05-26-2008 | 10:50 AM
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 106
From: Woodbridge, VA
What about for tall people??
I'll be getting a 2009 Fit the moment they are available.
I have test driven the 2008 AT and loved it.
I was considering taking a MT for a test drive, but I have always had one issue with most MT's:
I am 6'4". And I do fit rather well in the 08 Fit (and I heard the 09 will have even a bit more legroom AND a telescoping wheel, which will be awesome as the seat will be all the way back). BUT, any MT I have ever tried to drive, except for trucks, has given me problems. I do fit in those cars, but when having to move my left leg the travel distance of the clutch, it becomes a pain. My left leg will often hit the steering wheel, or the door, basically I have enough room for my left leg, but not enough to MOVE it around to operate the clutch.
Any of my long-legged fellow drivers care to chime in?
I have test driven the 2008 AT and loved it.
I was considering taking a MT for a test drive, but I have always had one issue with most MT's:
I am 6'4". And I do fit rather well in the 08 Fit (and I heard the 09 will have even a bit more legroom AND a telescoping wheel, which will be awesome as the seat will be all the way back). BUT, any MT I have ever tried to drive, except for trucks, has given me problems. I do fit in those cars, but when having to move my left leg the travel distance of the clutch, it becomes a pain. My left leg will often hit the steering wheel, or the door, basically I have enough room for my left leg, but not enough to MOVE it around to operate the clutch.
Any of my long-legged fellow drivers care to chime in?
#52
05-26-2008 | 11:30 AM
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 597
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Wonder why there's so much difference among the MPG of people on this site. Of course most of it is due to differences in driving styles, but I almost always get 34-point-something combined. And I drive fairly reasonably, but not like a grandfather (which I am).
Back to the subject.
I believe the highway MPG is better with the auto, because the engine is running 25% slower at 80MPH with the auto than it is with the manual. Or, if you look at it from the other side of the equation, the engine is running 33% faster at 80MPH in a manual than it is in an auto.
I know some energy is lost in an automatic transmission, but not that much.
Either way, I'll keep my auto. I think it will outlast the manual. That being said, I will likely buy a manual Fit when this one is paid for, and will have one of each, to suit my mood at any given time.
Good, cheap cars. Ohh, yeahhhh.
Back to the subject.
I believe the highway MPG is better with the auto, because the engine is running 25% slower at 80MPH with the auto than it is with the manual. Or, if you look at it from the other side of the equation, the engine is running 33% faster at 80MPH in a manual than it is in an auto.
I know some energy is lost in an automatic transmission, but not that much.
Either way, I'll keep my auto. I think it will outlast the manual. That being said, I will likely buy a manual Fit when this one is paid for, and will have one of each, to suit my mood at any given time.
Good, cheap cars. Ohh, yeahhhh.
I tried the paddles, didn't like them & realized that for ME I wanted FULL engagement (a Clutch!). I am also happy to report that my BEST trip mileage was 44 mpg (driving 65-70 mph) , and I routinely average 35 combined city/hwy. When I'm driving the Fit, I feel comfortable doing things to be economical; on the other hand, when I feel the "need for speed", there is always the '70 Charger 500, or the 340 Challenger!! I LUV MY FIT!!!
'07 VBP Sport 5MTw/ minor appearance & comfort mods!!
#54
05-26-2008 | 02:00 PM
Master FitFaker. CHEA!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,317
From: Marble Falls, TX
I'll be getting a 2009 Fit the moment they are available.
I have test driven the 2008 AT and loved it.
I was considering taking a MT for a test drive, but I have always had one issue with most MT's:
I am 6'4". And I do fit rather well in the 08 Fit (and I heard the 09 will have even a bit more legroom AND a telescoping wheel, which will be awesome as the seat will be all the way back). BUT, any MT I have ever tried to drive, except for trucks, has given me problems. I do fit in those cars, but when having to move my left leg the travel distance of the clutch, it becomes a pain. My left leg will often hit the steering wheel, or the door, basically I have enough room for my left leg, but not enough to MOVE it around to operate the clutch.
Any of my long-legged fellow drivers care to chime in?
I have test driven the 2008 AT and loved it.
I was considering taking a MT for a test drive, but I have always had one issue with most MT's:
I am 6'4". And I do fit rather well in the 08 Fit (and I heard the 09 will have even a bit more legroom AND a telescoping wheel, which will be awesome as the seat will be all the way back). BUT, any MT I have ever tried to drive, except for trucks, has given me problems. I do fit in those cars, but when having to move my left leg the travel distance of the clutch, it becomes a pain. My left leg will often hit the steering wheel, or the door, basically I have enough room for my left leg, but not enough to MOVE it around to operate the clutch.
Any of my long-legged fellow drivers care to chime in?
you're tall my man.
i thought i was pretty tall.
i'm just 6 foot
#55
05-26-2008 | 02:01 PM
Master FitFaker. CHEA!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,317
From: Marble Falls, TX
there's no paddle shifter on that smiley ahahaha
#57
05-26-2008 | 03:53 PM
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 597
From: Atlanta, Georgia
'07 VBP Sport 5MT w/ minor appearance & comfort mods!!
BTW: 6'4" isn't really that tall nowadays..when you've got sophomores in high school standing 6'3", 250 lbs AND THEY ARE STILL GROWING......CHEMICAL MUTANTS!!!!
Last edited by fittmann; 05-26-2008 at 03:56 PM.
#58
05-26-2008 | 06:45 PM
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 143
From: Corona, CA
While you are partly correct... check this out!
https://www.fitfreak.net/forums/fit-...port-auto.html
#59
05-26-2008 | 06:47 PM
I'll be getting a 2009 Fit the moment they are available.
I have test driven the 2008 AT and loved it.
I was considering taking a MT for a test drive, but I have always had one issue with most MT's:
I am 6'4". And I do fit rather well in the 08 Fit (and I heard the 09 will have even a bit more legroom AND a telescoping wheel, which will be awesome as the seat will be all the way back). BUT, any MT I have ever tried to drive, except for trucks, has given me problems. I do fit in those cars, but when having to move my left leg the travel distance of the clutch, it becomes a pain. My left leg will often hit the steering wheel, or the door, basically I have enough room for my left leg, but not enough to MOVE it around to operate the clutch.
Any of my long-legged fellow drivers care to chime in?
I have test driven the 2008 AT and loved it.
I was considering taking a MT for a test drive, but I have always had one issue with most MT's:
I am 6'4". And I do fit rather well in the 08 Fit (and I heard the 09 will have even a bit more legroom AND a telescoping wheel, which will be awesome as the seat will be all the way back). BUT, any MT I have ever tried to drive, except for trucks, has given me problems. I do fit in those cars, but when having to move my left leg the travel distance of the clutch, it becomes a pain. My left leg will often hit the steering wheel, or the door, basically I have enough room for my left leg, but not enough to MOVE it around to operate the clutch.
Any of my long-legged fellow drivers care to chime in?
