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I have driven manual transmission pickups in Seattle, no problem.
In fact, it was an old Ford "crunch box" 4 speed. Crunch box in that it had no synchronization at all, the driver had to double clutch it!
It is, of course, purely personal preference. Some of us old fogeys would have no trouble at all. Many new drivers don't know how to drive a manual transmission, and don't have any desire to learn.
IMO, that is their loss...
Location: West Los Angeles and Rancho Palos Verdes
13,583 posts, read 15,657,392 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by notnamed
Yay, I prefer a manual in traffic. As long as it is one with a really light clutch.
Same with me. If the clutch is only a little heavier than the gas pedal, then why not drive a manual in traffic? It's actually more preferable to me, because I really hate fighting the torque converter.
It does take a little bit of driving skill to be sure, that is, actually paying attention to the movement and flow of traffic in front and around you and do a little predicting but I find it pretty easy in my commute in very heavy traffic (fortunately only for a couple of miles). I probably brake only as 1/5 as much as the average commuter and manage to pretty much just keep it in 2nd and 3rd- having a turbo along with a light clutch helps.
Even when I've been stuck in traffic for far longer I can still drive within those same parameters keeping a good distance (but not so much that a high profile pickup or SUV gets in front of me- I aways welcome little cars in front of me though), and just move on through. No texting allowed.
You'd have to certifiably insane to want to drive a manual transmission in LA. When we go there to visit family, I engage the adaptive cruise control and never touch the brake or gas pedal until we arrive at our destination. You'll need a knee replacement by age 25 if you drive a manual.
Absolute misery in stop and go traffic!!!! I always drove a stick, moved to the SF Bay Area and thought I would die in bumper to bumper traffic. Guaranteed sciatica. I got an automatic and the angels sang.
Plus, forget about trying to drink any coffee while driving.
Now, in the country? You bet. Long drives with no traffic? Lots of fun.
Not much of reason to prefer auto to a manual in traffic. Ok, no clutch, but in bumper to bumper you have to deal with the creep. Now, an automated manual might be preferable. After having three pedals for forever, I have an auto now, and I really really miss the manual.
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