Why a Stick Shift Defines the Driver

That, my friend, is too bad...

 

Depends on the Car for me.
My 64 & 68 Corvettes I bought Manual. So the Argument of not knowing how to shift is out.
My 02 & 14 Vette I went Auto but those are more everyday drivers for me & I'm gonna need another Cup of Coffee on my Drive in.
Now for my F430 I wanted F1 all the way. The 430 just isn't a muscle car. Its like a Formula 1 Style Racer. I must say the F1 paddle shifting is nothing like the paddles on my 2014 Vette or Camaro... driving an F1 is closer to manual and a Coffee would be tough cause without the Auto Button you're pretty involved just like a Manual.
My Camaro SS is also Auto but that's my Winter Car... so if we're checking Man Cards I'd ask what anyone else is rocking in a Michigan Equivalent Winter... LOL

 

I can see how some would not the image of the boy racer hoodlum making noise blipping through the gears with a F1, like some character from Fast and Furious driving though town, Ferrari doesn't get that either, definately not a gentleman image lol.

Put on your red driving gloves, Ferrari shoes,Ferrari race shirt, scarf, and shades, rap that motor up and down from 11,000 rpm make some noise with that F1 lol, thats not the look for everyone. Wanna be Formula One drivers blipping up and down with their F1 transmissions on the boulevard.

 

Lol, what?

Unless you're driving around your neighborhood in the very upper end of the rev range, in which case you're making quite a lot of noise anyway, I cannot see how this is an issue.


Mark

 

You say that now. Drive one and then lets hear what you think.

I love stick shift. I have several stick shift cars. But the driving experience of these new cars would not really be in sync with a stick. The game has simply moved on.

 

Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Myself, I can't understand this point of view.

What's so much different about cars now that makes a manual trans a bad match?

To use the GT3 as an example again, seems to be well liked.

2018 Porsche 911 GT3 First Drive Review: As You Like It

 

I agree that everyone is entitled to their own view - that's cool.

What bugs me, is the constant debate that a stick is better. It's like arguing religion or favorite colors. No correct answer. Free market - buy and enjoy what you like best.

 

I agree 100%.

There's a difference between saying stick is better or stick is what I prefer.

To that point, it would make more sense to me if people said "I prefer F1" than "new cars can't work right with a manual trans".

 

If Ferrari made a ~$150k entry level car that was a lightweight (sub 3,000lbs), manual, rear-engined with at least 500hp, it could be their best-selling model.

But it would probably cannibalize sales of the more expensive cars. What they should do is what Porsche is doing, and at least offer manuals on limited-runs.

 

Ferrari did that with the F355 that was better than the 512TR in many ways.

 

Someone with $ will restomod a Ferrari like a singer 911. It will be gorgeous.

 

I can't believe it hasn't been done yet.

 

Yes and I wasn't taking about you specifically, Jim

 

Actually not a bad idea. 6 (six) Poseurs would buy the option BECAUSE its so rare. Only rub is if you'd buy one used you have to factor in a clutch for all the bad driving. Instead of belts it would be "does the car have a new clutch installed on purchase?"

 

I have two manuals and one paddle shift. My philosophy is that I buy only those cars that have manuals , not only because I prefer them but also if we stop buying them then there is no business case for the automakers to make them. The exception was the 458, because it is beautiful no matter what trans it has

 

I have at least a dozen posts over the years about resto-modding 308GTBs like Singer. Modern electrical, brakes, rubber, etc. I'm actually surprised no operation has undertaken a batch of them yet.

 

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Can I get a custom license plate SYSYFUS

 

Its the reaction speed of the steering and other suspension components. I think the time it takes to shift would be off the pace of the other parts of the experience.

I think you have to appreciate these cars for what they are, as opposed to being upset for what they aren't.

I don't sit in my stick F430 and wish it had carbs. Or my F40 and wish it was NA. JMHO. In the end, its about what really excites you.

 

Excellent explaination, Jerry

 

Thanks Dave! I'm glad people are passionate about these things, because it means we all still care. There is so much drudgery out there, its good to have something to be passionate about.

 

every time you get to the front of the line at the DMV, they'll make you go to the back of another line.

 

Not one manual guy is saying Ferrari shouldn't make dual clutch transmissions. Lots of dct guys saying manual sticks are dinosaurs.

 

Well enough, I'll agree to disagree

 

great plate

While we're at it, we can re-start a few other threads too:

1) The best color for a Ferrari should be red
2) True drivers always turn of Stability Control, drive with no power steering, and ABS
3) Only Enzo Era Ferrari are 'true' Ferrari
4) The Dino is or is not a Ferrari
5) Digital gauges are better/worse than analog
6) Only V12 Ferrari are 'proper' Ferrari
7) Alberto Ascari is better/worse than Nikki Lauda
8) Brand X oil is the 'best'
9) You gotta change your belts every X years or Y miles, any other way is irresponsible
10) "True" enthusiasts drive their cars at least X miles a year...