Most driving enthusiasts would certainly agree that nothing beats the feel of a traditional, row-it-yourself manual transmission. As the term goes, “real men use three pedals,” right? Not so for former Top Gear man Jeremy Clarkson, according to his latest posting on Sun Motors.
In his rant, Jezza asks why people would even consider a manual transmission these days, and likens people who buy a car with a manual gearbox as those who would say, “I don’t need a television with a remote control. I’m perfectly capable of walking over to it and changing the channel myself.”
He goes on to say, “the only people who would buy an old-fashioned gearstick manual are the sort who choose not to have a washing machine because they prefer to clean their clothes in the local river.” In reference, he points out that more than 70% of all cars sold in Britain employ manual gearboxes, and that more than 70% of Britain’s car owners are therefore “mad.”
Of course, Jeremy isn’t looking to create controversy just for the sake of it. He concedes that the manual gearbox has a place if you’re on a racetrack for instance, where a manual makes a person go “all tingly”. However, with the majority of cars spending their time in a city environment, he describes a car with a manual gearbox as “annoying.”
Automatic transmissions of today are certainly more efficient and effective compared to before, with most even capable of shifting gears quicker than any human ever could. Certain manufacturers have even abandoned the manual gearbox altogether including Ferrari and Lamborghini.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Would you rather have a manual or automatic transmission in your car? Let us know in the comments below.
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There is no such car that can shift gears in 8ms, stop spreading bs
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AI-generated Summary ✨
Comments generally agree that manual gearboxes offer a more engaging driving experience and are more cost-effective to buy and maintain. Many enthusiasts believe that shifting manually provides better control, safety, and driving satisfaction, especially on open roads or in spirited driving. Some argue that automatics, including CVTs and DSGs, are improving but still lack the tactile feel and immediacy of a manual, with debates over speed and reliability. A few comments mention the convenience of automatics in traffic and highlight that modern transmissions like 6-speed automatics or paddle shifters are suitable for daily city driving. Overall, the sentiment favors manuals for enthusiasts but recognizes automatics' practicality for regular commuting. Off-topic or inflammatory remarks are filtered out.