What's the difference between an automatic and manual transmission?

[Beekbmwm3]

First of all, I got bored today and started to read this thread...Personally I think it's pretty funny. Seeing people expressing their opinions, some with prior knowledge and others without, is interesting.

Personally, I have an 04 E46 M3 with SMG and think it is one of the best cars ever made. My last car was a Mitsubishi 3000gt SL with a 5 speed manual stick. It was a great car and I loved having the power to shift. However, I chose the SMG in the M3 because it is incredibly fast. I test drove both the manual and the SMG and even though the manual is great, how can you argue with not having a clutch to deal with and being able to put it in auto when there is traffic?

I love the SMG, although I do think they could make a few improvements. However, you have to appreciate others opinions, like the fact that the SMG is one of the best innovations ever from BMW. [bmwdance]

[bmwdance]

Go drive your car and be happy! [driving2]

 

[Section_8]

OMG kill this thread, I got a headache re-reading the first 2 pages..

/edit: Wallie abuse removed.. Forgot I was old now (See old fogies thread).

Best line in this thread: If it's good enough for F1 it's good enough for me

AMEN! (From a gear rowing maniac)

 

[Montana]

Shit, took me five minutes to scroll down to the end of this list!! You guys crack me up. Remionds me of those two hackers in the movie "The Score" going at each other.

SMG etc. may have it's benefits and performance edge. I drove an 04 M3 with paddle shifters and it hauled ass. However, I enjoy my 6 manual because of the total driving experience and the input from me that connects to the whole performance. THAT is the real difference. You can never substitue the true human element.