automatic or stick shift ?
- Thread starter REDROVER
- Start date
HillbillyfromAL
Explorer
Stick I like the control better. The lower first gear ratio is great for downhill control without burning up brakes. If you can get it in a stick shift there's no reason not to. That's one of the few things I wish was different on my Discovery. Then again I've been driving stick shifts since I was 14 unless you count ATV's then since I was 9. Unless its a cruise around ATL in bumper to bumper traffic car get a stick, and even then it's not bad as long as you know how to work it.
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
Manual.
I Leak Oil
Expedition Leader
Normally I prefer a manual. Been using them all my driving life and the benefits outweigh the down sides if you ask me. In very technical terrain an automatic has it's advantages. If its a choice between rover transmissions I'd go with the auto just because they are more robust than the rover manual transmissions.
tacr2man
Adventurer
I think it depends on what vehicle and where you intend going , both have for and against . In really remote travelling then stick , as its more easily fixable (from a local or your own knowledge basis in most cases) . Plus you can tow start , for most cases not possible in an auto. Off roading then auto will usually make you look a better driver , as it allows more concentration on positioning, as the gearing can sort itself out , plus there is a torque multiplication factor! , but autos dont like working hard in soft sand for long periods especially in high ambient . These are all generalisations as the decision needs to be done on a case by case basis with all the facts taken into a/c. JMHO
Ray_G
Explorer
The classic 'it depends' answer comes to mind. Application plays a huge role. I've had 2 5spd Discoveries and an automatic; there is a reason I looked for a 2nd 5 speed when my auto died. That being said the ZF transmission is generally regarded as being more robust than the R380 but I think that's an academic argument for most folks.
Wheeling was easier with the auto (less thought involved in the managing of the vehicle, more time spent on what the terrain was going to influence). Economy is better with the 5 speed, as is ability to climb hills and get around town.
r-
Ray
Wheeling was easier with the auto (less thought involved in the managing of the vehicle, more time spent on what the terrain was going to influence). Economy is better with the 5 speed, as is ability to climb hills and get around town.
r-
Ray
UnfrozenCaveman
Explorer
An automatic Rover is silly easy to drive on and off road...a manual is fun but requires a little more thought. Oh and there's the time my auto trans cooler line failed while drip Inge across Nebraska. 
You choose.
You choose.
JeremyT101
Adventurer
I have an auto in my disco, but my previous car was a manual. I have to say for just around town driving, the auto takes the cake. Sitting on the 401 for 2 hours in stop and go traffic just trying to get across town, which maybe 4 hours later would only take you 20 minutes, but you have to go now..... you get the point. On the open roads, or offroad I have been told that a manual allows for more control, and I see that. I think if i got another car I would go manual, but with a truck, I have never driven anything but an auto.
David Harris
Expedition Leader
I'll have to go with manual overall for a 4x4. Much better control in most conditions, especially descents. If you fail on a steep hill, you can shift into reverse and safely descend back down under control. Fail on a hill in an auto and there's not much you can do but rely on the brakes and hope you don't slide out of control.
Yes, rock crawling is easier with an auto and it is better in sand and mud because you can shift without losing momentum. Also, an auto can shift while submerged if the breathers are plumbed high up. However, autos are really hard to keep cool when slogging it in most off-road conditions, and the heat is transferred into the engine cooling as well.
When an auto breaks off road, it's usually finished. Similarly, when the starter goes on an auto you're done without a replacement. Autos are more expensive and complicated to repair, and usually heavier than manuals as well. Also, just look at any truly professional off-road vehicle and they're mostly manuals from the factory. The only exception I can think of is the Gelandewagen and the H1, both originally military vehicles, so probably aimed at ease of use by multiple drivers with differing levels of driving skill.
David
Yes, rock crawling is easier with an auto and it is better in sand and mud because you can shift without losing momentum. Also, an auto can shift while submerged if the breathers are plumbed high up. However, autos are really hard to keep cool when slogging it in most off-road conditions, and the heat is transferred into the engine cooling as well.
When an auto breaks off road, it's usually finished. Similarly, when the starter goes on an auto you're done without a replacement. Autos are more expensive and complicated to repair, and usually heavier than manuals as well. Also, just look at any truly professional off-road vehicle and they're mostly manuals from the factory. The only exception I can think of is the Gelandewagen and the H1, both originally military vehicles, so probably aimed at ease of use by multiple drivers with differing levels of driving skill.
David
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dwh
Tail-End Charlie
This has been covered here before.
I prefer an automatic - IF the valve body has a mod (like a B&M) that allows the tranny to be LOCKED into gear. With a B&M valve body - you stick it in first, it stays in first. You stick it in second, it stays in second.
And, as mentioned by tacr2man - torque converters don't just convert, at high input shaft speed and low output shaft speed, they multiply torque. Stick a C6 with B&M valve body and Traveler torque converter behind a mildly built 460 and you can strip the splines of of a 31 spline Currie 9", or a Dana 44. (Don't ask me how I know.)
EDIT: WOOPS! Just noticed this was in the Rover section. My bad. Dunno if there is a valve body kit for Rovers...
I prefer an automatic - IF the valve body has a mod (like a B&M) that allows the tranny to be LOCKED into gear. With a B&M valve body - you stick it in first, it stays in first. You stick it in second, it stays in second.
And, as mentioned by tacr2man - torque converters don't just convert, at high input shaft speed and low output shaft speed, they multiply torque. Stick a C6 with B&M valve body and Traveler torque converter behind a mildly built 460 and you can strip the splines of of a 31 spline Currie 9", or a Dana 44. (Don't ask me how I know.)
EDIT: WOOPS! Just noticed this was in the Rover section. My bad. Dunno if there is a valve body kit for Rovers...
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Rovertrader
Supporting Sponsor
Another point to consider is a Disco or Defender feel a bit sportier and more powerful with the manual. Rover motors are not known for their power, and the extra cog of the 5 speed gets a bit more out of the motor, and as stated above, the auto scavenges a bit of power/torque. And the manual is just more linear putting you in better touch with the vehicle, IMHO.
Ford Prefect
Expedition Leader
Automatic!!! For CERTAIN
Anyone who says you have more control in a Stick is just barking! If you want the control going down hills, just put it in 1st and it does great. Plus not need to fight the truck off road, the point is to hit the trails, not fight your own rig. I personally see no reason at all to get a stick shift. Yes the fuel econ is a touch better, but very much negligible IMHO
Anyone who says you have more control in a Stick is just barking! If you want the control going down hills, just put it in 1st and it does great. Plus not need to fight the truck off road, the point is to hit the trails, not fight your own rig. I personally see no reason at all to get a stick shift. Yes the fuel econ is a touch better, but very much negligible IMHO
roverrocks
Expedition Leader
Automatic. I do a great deal of off roading in my Disco and find the auto much more versatile and safer in all situations from difficult to easy. Manuals are more fun overall but I prefer the auto though many times I wish I had a 5 speed auto.
Antichrist
Expedition Leader
I forgot to point out that my opinion is based on owning and driving both a manual and an automatic Disco.