Why I'll always choose a manual gearbox...

Pretty soon you won't have the choice.

You don't "drive" an auto, DCT, DSG, PDK car..... You are simply a passenger who is steering.
 
Maniac said:
Why? So you can miss gears like at the start of the video and lose valuable time? :poke:
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That's exactly it. :thumbsup:

It's not about being the fastest. It's about perfecting something that is actualy very dificult to get right every time. Think of it like a golf swing. :thumbsup:

(I suspect, in that situation, Ayton would have loved a DCT though, as he did want to be the fastest.)
 
How many heel and toe on the road? I use it but then again I like to blip the throttle between changes in any case - all part of the fun.

Interesting to see the technique so love this video - especially like the modulation of the right foot - looks quite heavy - surprised - thought there would be more finesse and less on off on off. For that reason - really interesting - good post!

:driving: :thumbsup:
 
ford orion and Vauxhall cavalier were relatively easy to heel and toe in, but I've never really got the hang of bmw's bottom hinged pedal.
 
Auto is the only way - especially with the paddles!

An old pal of mine uses the "I like to be in control" statements - Invariably he has to make panic gear changes 'cos he's in the wrong gear!
 
paulgs1000 said:
How many heel and toe on the road? ....................... - all part of the fun.
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I think this is it.

I heel and toe (or at least try to :wink: ) on the road, it's not needed, I could quite easily enjoy my drives without heel toe action, but then again, I enjoy it more for trying.

That it's a complex skill that's difficult to master adds to the enjoyment imo. You sense of satisfaction when you pull off a great change is immense, especially given the work put in to learning how to do it.

For me, in a sports car I'll always choose manual (if I have the option). For track purposes, if I'm looking to go as fast as possible, then sure the newer auto boxes are quicker than manuals. But I drive to enjoy my driving, not to go as fast as possible (else I'd be banned).

Everybody is entitled to an opinion, and enjoy driving for their own criteria, which I completely understand....I just disregard the opinions of those who can't see the appeal of a manual. :fuelfire:
 
This pretty much explains the purpose of a manual transmission and rwd.

[youtube]N15v6CTcLN8[/youtube]

Choosing an automatic is a bit like choosing awd imho. Not wanting to think, not wanting to control, not wanting to excel on a personal level.
(this applies mostly to sportscars obviously)
 
There's far too much emphasis on going ever faster these days. I never thought I'd say that. DCT may lead to quicker acceleration but frankly my car accelerates pretty damn quick anyway so I'm with Steven and I'll take the manual every day of the week thanks.

I'm going to be honest now, my car is almost too quick for use on public roads. Just a few seconds (a lot less than 10) and you are going well above the motorway speed limit and the M isn't THAT quick by modern standards. I'm starting to find it a bit frustrating and constraining. The opportunities to go banzai safely are getting fewer and fewer in number. The new M5/RS6/E63 are a classic example. They are going to lead to one thing - being in front of the magistrates, pleading for your licence.

My replacement for the M will be manual and it will be used on the track, where I can enjoy it properly without fear of losing my licence. I don't need a DCT because I'm not chasing lap times.
 
If I thought for one minute I could change gear better and more optimally than a computer then I would have got a manual box. That being said video is great, the throttle feathering is brilliant.....
 
original guvnor said:
There's far too much emphasis on going ever faster these days. I never thought I'd say that. DCT may lead to quicker acceleration but frankly my car accelerates pretty damn quick anyway so I'm with Steven and I'll take the manual every day of the week thanks.

The opportunities to go banzai safely are getting fewer and fewer in number. The new M5/RS6/E63 are a classic example. They are going to lead to one thing - being in front of the magistrates, pleading for your licence.
quote]

Good point - it's even a real issue for me as I consider moving from a 2.0 litre which I can exploit and enjoy on the road a lot of the time, to a 3 litre. . . . .we shall see.

:driving: :thumbsup:
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Sketchley said:
If I thought for one minute I could change gear better and more optimally than a computer then I would have got a manual box. That being said video is great, the throttle feathering is brilliant.....
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So where will you draw the line Sketchley? When computers also control the acceleration, braking, and steering more optimally than you can, will you be happy to enjoy your "sportscar" by just getting in and pressing the ignition?

Surely some enjoyment has to come from the process and not merely the outcome?
 
StevenH72 said:
Sketchley said:
If I thought for one minute I could change gear better and more optimally than a computer then I would have got a manual box. That being said video is great, the throttle feathering is brilliant.....
Click to expand...

So where will you draw the line Sketchley? When computers also control the acceleration, braking, and steering more optimally than you can, will you be happy to enjoy your "sportscar" by just getting in and pressing the ignition?

Surely some enjoyment has to come from the process and not merely the outcome?
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Does that include all the stuff like Anti lock brakes, Traction Control, Stability etc etc we have on modern cars ?

If we want seat of the pants motoring its a Caterham 7 of Westfield !
 
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