Manuel vs. Auto. And a few other Q's

[richard cabesa]

Does putting a Toyota auto in 2nd actually let you start in 2nd? Near as I can tell it still starts in 1st gear. Is that true? That might be one place where a stick would give you more control.

My "01 Tundra starts in 1st then shifts when placed in second.

My '91 F150 starts in second

 

[J_wings24]

I learned on a MT & have never really enjoyed driving a AT. It's fully a personal preference choice. I enjoy the Manual more b/c it gives me something to do on those long drives

Good luck!

 

[007]

A manual is better for clipping along better? I'm not sure about that. I also don't see how a manual gives better control over and auto on icy roads considering I drive on icy roads 7 months of the year, also most WRC rally cars are automatic sequential type gear boxes.

If I need to gear down you can just shift your auto into the desired gear or drive slower and drive to the conditions. If the truck under steers in a slippery corner a quick left foot stab to the brake and accelerate at the same time and the truck comes back to to steering around the corner. I also change tires in the winter to a 245/70/17 DM-Z3 Blizzak cause I have too.

It all comes down to personal preference in the end.

Transmissions in WRC cars are nothing like the automatics in a Tacoma. They are directly linked by gears not fluid, more similar to a manual. Before sequential shifting transmissions, rally cars used H-gate manuals over automatics.

The advantage is that you can match your rpm's and gear ratio to maximize traction and power. You can also maximize braking performance by utilizing the clutch.

On ice it is beneficial in that you can shift to a higher gear and minimize torque which causes wheel spin while accelerating. You can also shift at the optimal time and avoid any jolts which could cause the tires to break loose especially in a corner. The biggest advantage on ice is that you can disengage power smoothly and apply it again in the same manner.

 

[heeltoe989]

I learned on a MT & have never really enjoyed driving a AT. It's fully a personal preference choice. I enjoy the Manual more b/c it gives me something to do on those long drives

Good luck!

Very true, and if your going to buy a truck you have to drive them both and then make your decision on what you like.

When I talk to the dealer that did my SC install about transmissions, he was saying that the MT is a little weaker and they have a had a quite a few truck come back for warranty work for output shaft replacement. The AT in the new Tacomas is a very proven unit and very tough.

 

[heeltoe989]

Transmissions in WRC cars are nothing like the automatics in a Tacoma. They are directly linked by gears not fluid, more similar to a manual. Before sequential shifting transmissions, rally cars used H-gate manuals over automatics.

The advantage is that you can match your rpm's and gear ratio to maximize traction and power. You can also maximize braking performance by utilizing the clutch.

On ice it is beneficial in that you can shift to a higher gear and minimize torque which causes wheel spin while accelerating. You can also shift at the optimal time and avoid any jolts which could cause the tires to break loose especially in a corner. The biggest advantage on ice is that you can disengage power smoothly and apply it again in the same manner.

All true.

 

[007]

All true.

Thanks, I'm glad to be discussing this here instead of on another forum. I should have added that the Manual is by no means better than an Auto. The Auto excels at maximizing acceleration through constant power and torque multiplication. It is also better at hill climbing and carrying momentum through gumbo. I've wished for an auto through boulder fields as well.

 

[heeltoe989]

Thanks, I'm glad to be discussing this here instead of on another forum. I should have added that the Manual is by no means better than an Auto. The Auto excels at maximizing acceleration through constant power and torque multiplication. It is also better at hill climbing and carrying momentum through gumbo. I've wished for an auto through boulder fields as well.

I bet!

I must admit there have been a couple occasions where I have wanted a MT for pulling my Trailer. I tend to manual shift my truck in places with the trailer.

MT & Auto have there advantages and flaws. To bad we can't flip back and forth with the shift of a button or leaver.

 

[richard cabesa]

Thanks again, everyone.

I'll drive them both this weekend.

Now, if I can only talk the dealer into black fenders, grille and bumper on a TRD truck :hehe:

 

[lqhikers]

2008 trd4x4 access cab 6speed manual

as a old timer i like the manual for the following.down hill braking, i tow a small trailer with dual sport,kayak,etc a lot saves brakes which means $ saved,when 4x4ing in hot weather soft sand trails etc dont worry about overheating trans as i would with auto,dont know if this is true just my feeling,in emergency can be compression started in gear and the main reason i just love to shift! as i use my rig as a toy manual works fine,if i had to use for daily driver i would have auto! drive slow and enjoy "its the journey"