Auto Vs Manual

[Oldbravada19]

Ok guys here is an interesting question that i thought i would face. i am actually asking the question should i buy a manual or an automatic. now i know convential wisdom would say manual every time. but the cars would be a 2.2 5spd or an auto 2.5 gt. im not planning to autocross or drag race this car. an occasional spirited drive will be had but mostly i want a nice driver that is reliable and fun to drive. i am seriously doubting my desire for a 5spd. but i haven't driven the legacy auto. is it any good?

What would you guys do?

ohh the reason that i can't get a gt 5spd is they are too expensive and rarely for sale. so i have a seller with an auto

[Huffer]

Manual, regardless of the car. Your brain (if you train it right) will be able to maximise the use of the torque band much better than the outdated logic that sits in the automatic TCU.

Unless you're crap at shifting :lol:

in addition, the 5spd is lighter, and generates less heat than the auto.
excessive heat in a transmission = death.

Mark will chime in and say that the 2.2 is better than the 2.5 also. I've not had the problems with the 2.5 like some owners have, but I have had my fair share of trouble with the auto.

[deadlydave]

I've got the 4eat, 2.2 liter, and it's stood up to my less-than-gentle commutes to and from college every semester. I love it, but....

If you even have an inkling of getting a manual, even the slightest desire--go for it. After my accident, before this leggy got rebuilt, i had a choice, and i didn't think my desire for a standard, also a 2.2L was worth it. I was way wrong. I love the 4eat, but MAN i want a stick so bad. and that 5spd was a wagon too :mad: DOH!

[Reason]

If it's going to be a daily driver commuter car I would go with the .....auto (yes I said it). I have 2.5 GT auto and I hate it, BUT love it at the same time. There are some days when I just want to sit back and not shift and bang my left foot on a pedal. I had a CRX 5 spd I would use to have fun with (which I miss a lot right now). If you plan on driving the car hard and don't sit in traffic get the 5 spd, sucks it a 2.2 and has no turbo, but that can change. Good luck with your decision.

[Wiscon_Mark]

Shane, have you ever driven a 2.2L? It's really not that bad. Actually, I'd probably take it over the 2.5 unless I was doing an N/A build.

Honestly, I've never craved a 4EAT and I drive city all the time. It's even more nice having control when speeds and such change so much more often.

[scottzg]

manual is the only way to go if you want the car to handle. To get any lift off oversteer in an auto you have to set the car up VERY loose (weight transfer is dulled by the torque convertor), and then you can't control it with much precision. FWD and FWD based AWD needs a stick for anything besides commuting.

[phi11]

ohh the reason that i can't get a gt 5spd is they are too expensive and rarely for sale. so i have a seller with an auto


doesn't an auto COST MORE???,


LEGACY GT, 5 speed, love it,
IMPREZA RS, 4 auto, it's ok.

[Huffer]

doesn't an auto COST MORE???,

It does on original sale, but these days on used cars (especially BDs) they're less because there's more of them around.

[sansMYSTi]

Every car I have ever owned has been manual until my current 2.5 GT auto. I always found a manual a pain in the ass in stop-and-go city traffic. Plus, trying to be smooth with shifts and take-off when passengers are in the car really ruins the driving experience. I also, in my less experienced days with the manual, spun off the road when downshifting too early while on a slippery highway. So for practicallity reasons with a commuter vehicle that is not going to be raced, I would say go with an auto.

That being said, the auto in my GT is quite sluggish and, IMO, not too much fun when trying to drive with spirit. But I crave a manual less with my Legacy than I craved an auto with my STi, WRX, and Celica (all manuals).

[Oldbravada19]

ok thanks to all for your contributions. i still am up in the air but I now have time to make the choice because my GT auto was sold before i could make an offer!! i guess the woman sold it to a nephew so thats understandable. anyway. to answer some questions Huffer, i'm sorta crap at shifting. i can get around town but lack the experiance to drive quickly in a 5-6spd. the only standard car that i have driven is my dad's Porsches. his old one is a '69 with so much slop in the linkage that you could be in any given gear at any time and they all look the same. and the other is a 2000 Boxster S which he rarely lets me drive. all told i probably have about 12-14 hrs behind the wheel of a sitck. i live in a town that is all hills so i would learn quickly though. im going to keep looking for a stick. because i have driven a 2.5 outback stick and that was ok even though the clutch on that particular model was all sorts of messed up. there was about an inch and a half of engagement before it was "clamped" which made for some ruff starts. anyway keep your eyes and ears pealed and if you hear of anything pm me or email me heck call me (607) 351-8416 and leave me a message. i want a legacy real bad even if i have to make it a gt looking clone i will have one!!!!!

[Plays_with_Toys]

For the record, my 2.2 has as much get up to it as most 2.5 outbacks I've driven. ALOT of automatic outbacks come through my driving school, the occasional auto, and I have never been impressed with the extra .3 liters. I think the subaru has a really nice clutch, it doesn't grab too hard, and something you might ask about that 2.2 is if it has a hill holder clutch. They ROCK! Makes starting on a banked surface so much easier.

Some other issues I thought about, I could never let myself drive a modified automatic, unless it was a muscle car from the 60's-70's. It doesn't feel right. I also didn't want to add insult to injury when people looked at me funny for modifying a wagon, and on top of that having an automatic wagon. These were things I decided against. But another thing you need to consider is the amount of time you will spend in stop and go traffic, and how much time you'll spend in snow. I personally can not stand having an auto in snow, because they don't slow down from engine braking nearly as effectively as a manual, so you have to press the brakes and risk locking up sliding because of it. I've always felt that from a driver's stand point automatics have a very disconnected feeling, and that's never made me feel comfortable as a driver.

A few things to consider as you make your way down purchase alley, is possibly finding a GT/outback 5spd that hasn't had the headgaskets done, and talk them down. Remember the outbacks are the same 2.5 model as any GT but with raised suspension which is very easy to correct.

What years and trims are you looking at? 95-99, 2000-2004, wagon, sedan, etc...

Lastly, don't forget to check www.craigslist.org (http://www.craigslist.org) Just make sure you pick your state/region.

[Reason]

Look in our classified section, some of our members are selling cars.

[Oldbravada19]

im looking for a 95-99 wagon

[Huffer]

im looking for a 95-99 wagon

ooberdoob is selling in NC I think.

[losdiosdeverde86]

i think what a lot of you people are forgetting is that for those days when you're feeling "spirited" in your auto and wishing for the stick, you can use the shifter as a stick. 1, 2, and 3. i do that quite often. you can downshift the same, and it's nice because it won't go into the gear ou put it in until it's safe when you're downshfting.

[Reason]

I been doing that with my auto. Just dont try to race a V8 Camero thinking you have a slight chance lol

[losdiosdeverde86]

I been doing that with my auto. Just dont try to race a V8 Camero thinking you have a slight chance lol

a few years ago my wife (then girlfriend) was driving my car and some guy in a vet started revving at her at a stoplight.

long story short, theyy took off, she heard a pop, and watched the vet driver swearing at hitting the steering wheel in her rear view mirror.

[SHSU_RANGER]

im looking for a 95-99 wagon

DOOD HOLLA BACK MAN!!!!! I HAVE A 01 OUTBACK WAGON 2.5 N/A 5M/T WITH LOTS OF DEALER CARE UP FOR GRABS!!!!! WANT PIX I CAN SEND EM!!!!!!

[Svenerachi]

yeah i was going to say, i found a dood local that has a 98 GT 5spd with Weapon-R Intake and knock-off borla ebay headers with a ricey muffler that sounds pretty good. He said he had put a new clutch in recently with a kartboy short-shifter.

I'm running a 99 LGT 4EAT, i've got cometic head gaskets, K&N panel filter, stomrung de-cat midpipe and a reflashed ECU

yeah, i whooped his ass by about a car length and a half by the time I topped out at about 120. the needle was pinned out and i was stuck at about 6000rpm's, not able to get any faster

i was shifting using the gear selector and it definately wasn't even close, he said he was hitting all the sweet spots but i just pulled on him the whole time. he was aLOT louder, but i just walked on him. he was very, very pissed, we both thought he would win fairly easily considering his mods compared to mine.

i chose my mods wisely i guess. i DEFINATELY suggest the 4EAT. with some practice to can learn to manipulate the Auto almost as precisely as a manual, but its much more efficient shift. quicker, smoother, and at the perfect shift points determined by a computer.

[SacSubie]

What ever you buy make sure to check the Trans fluid see what the color is. If you can get a nice low mileage Auto for a decent price and you live in a area where traffic can really get to you like me (Cali) then go for it how ever I miss my 5 spd Mazda... its good for traffic too.. it helps you make them hole shots for lane changes and there’s nothing better than a 3rd gear downshift at 55mph to egg on some Honda lol... not to mention you have a lot more control over the car...

But make sure NO MATTER what to drive the car and feel comfortable.
There lots of information on what’s better and what’s best, but the best thing is a solid Trans check that fluid! Drive it... drive it hard... check every gear. Down shift in slow downs and see if the syncros are in good shape... a nice solid trans will prevent you from down shifting in a manual at too high a speed unless you blip the accelerator and bring the RPMS up to that gears higher RPM..

If you have auto make sure you can get into all the gears as well and check the acceleration from each gear...

That’s about all the advice I have... and I'm a moron... but I’m sure I miss informed something but that’s what I do when I look at buying.

One thing you will find here is a boatload of information and HELP... thanks to everyone who has been there for me!

[rallyfan]

stick is the only way to drive...stop & go traffic - no problem, i've been doing it for last 7 years...in my opinion, auto is for people who drive, only because they have to, and generally they hate driving....any car guy, and real car enthusiast should drive a stick.

[SilentRacer]

in my opinion, auto is for people who drive, only because they have to, and generally they hate driving....any car guy, and real car enthusiast should drive a stick.

In my opinion, you have no idea what your talking about. :roll:

[rallyfan]

everybody is entitled to their own opinion....I really love cars and I love driving them, of course I'd rather drive on a race track or a special stage, then NJ & NY "highways", but I have to work and commute, and at the same time I try to make my daily commute as exiting as possible, and that's why I drive a Subaru 5sp not a Toyota Camry....btw - I've tried an automatic few years ago, and I couldn't stand it...driving was soooo boring.

[scottzg]

in my opinion, auto is for people who drive, only because they have to, and generally they hate driving....any car guy, and real car enthusiast should drive a stick.

In my opinion, you have no idea what your talking about. :roll:

doofus.

[d1giPhux]

I'd definitely get a manual. I have a 99 LGT 5spd, and it rocks! While i dont mind auto, i do prefer manual for the control over the "power band" / having more control over the feel of the car in general. I'm not sure if thats the real way how to describe it.. but even if you suck at manual.. everyone does at first. You will get use to it.. just start off nice and easy. Dont do what i did to my CRX (first car).. try to show off and fuck your tranny up!

While auto can be nice in traffic, manual can be JUST as much fun. I actually prefer my manual in traffic, and i dont like the way automatics "slush" around when shifting through gears.

The best place to learn more about shifting and such is in an open parking lot. Get use to first gear, as this will be the most important gear to learn. Once you learn first, the rest should fall into place.

If you dad has 2 manual cars, must say something about what her prefers too!

Good luck with whichever car you get.. but i highly suggest the 5spd.

[SilentRacer]

doofus.

Thanks for your brilliant input.

[JPaul99GT]

5MT.FTW... ive been commuting to school, in town, in traffic with a stick since i was 16. 5 years later i still wouldnt want an auto, and i drive in traffic for about 1.5 hours daily. and i mean stop and go traffic.

[d1giPhux]

Yea, i also drive through heavy traffic here, and when i lived in FL.. and there is nothing like having some fun in a 5spd! Auto to me.. just isnt as fun.. plus.. more reason to fall asleep at the wheel i suppose. HAHA :lol:

[Huffer]

Had both manual and auto Subaru's. I like the manual more. You feel more connected with the car, and you actually get to have a little workout.

Also, the MT cars are lighter, so that's the fuel economy argument for you.

The AT's are very unsatisfying, providing you are an aware and competent shifter, which I tend to think I am.

Given the choice between an 1992 Honda 5spd Civic and my 1998 Subaru Legacy GT 4EAT, I would choose the Civic every time. I could care less about the AWD, when I am in full control of the revs, I am in control of the car.

[Manarius]

I'm kind of stuck with the Auto in my car - does that mean I don't care?

My vote goes to the manual. Automatics are just too...sludgey to be any fun.

[shazapple]

Autos can be tickled into doing what you want if you spend some time with them and figure out how they work.

Manuals are like a hot looking woman. Lots of fun, but high upkeep and attention.
Autos are like the fat girl you dont want your friends to know about.... no no wait better analogy... the shy girl at the library. Sure they seem boring on the outside, but in the end they do the same thing (you just gotta hit the right buttons!)

[redlegacygt]

haha..shazapple, your analogies make me like my 4eat more :lol:

[LeeLee D]

I can trick my 4EAT into doing hard shifts, slamming into second and third, just takes alittle peddle work but man its hard on her guts

[d1giPhux]

If only a hot woman was as easy as my 5spd! LOL :lol:

[Plays_with_Toys]

If only a hot woman was as easy as my 5spd! LOL :lol:

They are. But its a 5 speed 80's mercedes diesel with an out of adjustment clutch and sticky pedal. Gotta figure it out first, and then once you do, gotta warm her up before you can take her out all day :lol:

[d1giPhux]

^ hahahaha, soooo true man! LOL that totally cracked me up. :lol:

[Wiscon_Mark]

Screw 4EAT, I really just think the 5MT is more convenient for how I drive-nice and relaxed. Seriously, I think the 4EAT really requires you to stomp the pedal to get any sort of accleration, and then you're revving sky high. IMO, I can stay between 2 and 3k on the tach while accelerating decently with the 5MT just the way I want to around town.

[scottzg]

Thanks for your brilliant input.
i hope someone else appreciated the irony, because it went way over your head :lol:

[Wiscon_Mark]

:lol:

Let's not get personal guys, this isn't what this site is about.

[Plays_with_Toys]

the shy girl at the library. Sure they seem boring on the outside, but in the end they do the same thing

Funny thing is... I named my car "Julie" just for this reason. On the outside its an unassuming shy library girl with secretary glasses. But when you get her out on your own and you treat her just right she's a wild ride. Julie seems like a suiting name for said library girl and for my wagon. :lol: