CIVIC: Manual or Automatic?
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CIVIC: Manual or Automatic? Hi all-
I'm just about to buy a civic (03/04 model, whichever I can get). I wanted all your opinionss on whether I should buy a MANUAL or AUTOMATIC transmission?
I can drive both fine. I like automatic because it's wonderful in traffic. I love manual because it gives me control. I have test driven both and am happy with both.
So my question is more of, how much more POWER/SPEED do I get with the manual (EX models) as compared to the automatic civics? Is it a pain to shift in traffic or not too bad?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I just am having great difficulty deciding which I should buy.
-anton
ps. Those who have MANUAL civics, please tell me about it -- your experience with acceleration (highway/city/hills/etc). Thanks!
I'm just about to buy a civic (03/04 model, whichever I can get). I wanted all your opinionss on whether I should buy a MANUAL or AUTOMATIC transmission?
I can drive both fine. I like automatic because it's wonderful in traffic. I love manual because it gives me control. I have test driven both and am happy with both.
So my question is more of, how much more POWER/SPEED do I get with the manual (EX models) as compared to the automatic civics? Is it a pain to shift in traffic or not too bad?
Any suggestions would be appreciated. I just am having great difficulty deciding which I should buy.
-anton
ps. Those who have MANUAL civics, please tell me about it -- your experience with acceleration (highway/city/hills/etc). Thanks!
I wish I was asian
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From: chantilly, Virginia, US
Rep Power: 336 i'd say this depends on how much stop and go traffic you drive in.
the clutch isn't hard to press in, but do you want to be pumping your leg a lot?
there is more of a power loss with the auto tranny compared to the manual tho.
If you plan to go turbo, people with SF turbo haven't had any problems with their auto or manual trannys.
the clutch isn't hard to press in, but do you want to be pumping your leg a lot?
there is more of a power loss with the auto tranny compared to the manual tho.
If you plan to go turbo, people with SF turbo haven't had any problems with their auto or manual trannys.
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i was a previous automatic owner and love my 5 speed now. Faster than auto though. In traffic it reallly doesn't bother me cause i love to shift and i don't find all the footwork tiresome. (think of it as excersise)
All in all get the stick man!!!!!!
there's another thread to about manual or automatic and people explain why or whatever.
All in all get the stick man!!!!!!
there's another thread to about manual or automatic and people explain why or whatever.
i just bought a 04 manual, i test drove both and it just seemed to me like it manual had more power mainly because you are in control, plus i like the fact i can downshift. that's just my $.02. i'm happy with the manual in traffic as well, but then again i've never had an auto.
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From: Livermore, Cali
Rep Power: 489 I have a manual EX Sedan... and I love it. I wouldn't trade it for an automatic SI.
I haven't driven an Auto civic, so I can't compare them. But I got a short shifter, header, intake, muffler... all that stuff so you can hear the purr of the car when it shifts, it's an awesome sound. And the best part is the control, YOU decide when it shifts.
As for traffic, I don't mind a bit. Eating in the car or whatever is just about as easy whether you have a manual or an auto. But I love my 5 speed, the sounds it makes, the power it has, the control *I* have, and even the short shifter and light-up shift **** just make it perfect... *MY CIVIC*.
But there may be some out there that like their auto civics. It all depends, also, on how comfortable you are (hills and traffic) and how good at multitasking you are. I don't have a problem with hills or traffic, and I get far too bored when driving an auto (I constantly am trying to shift when there's nothing to shift).
So that's my take. I couldn't recommend a 5 speed enough over an auto.
Other positives:
Cheaper to maintain
Cheaper to replace
Cheaper to initially buy
More power (significantly)
More to customize
Makes you look cooler (if you're into a ricer or racer look)
-JW
I haven't driven an Auto civic, so I can't compare them. But I got a short shifter, header, intake, muffler... all that stuff so you can hear the purr of the car when it shifts, it's an awesome sound. And the best part is the control, YOU decide when it shifts.
As for traffic, I don't mind a bit. Eating in the car or whatever is just about as easy whether you have a manual or an auto. But I love my 5 speed, the sounds it makes, the power it has, the control *I* have, and even the short shifter and light-up shift **** just make it perfect... *MY CIVIC*.
But there may be some out there that like their auto civics. It all depends, also, on how comfortable you are (hills and traffic) and how good at multitasking you are. I don't have a problem with hills or traffic, and I get far too bored when driving an auto (I constantly am trying to shift when there's nothing to shift).
So that's my take. I couldn't recommend a 5 speed enough over an auto.
Other positives:
Cheaper to maintain
Cheaper to replace
Cheaper to initially buy
More power (significantly)
More to customize
Makes you look cooler (if you're into a ricer or racer look)
-JW
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From: Bay Area, CA
Rep Power: 401 Re: CIVIC: Manual or Automatic?
Originally posted by contradictum
I can drive both fine....
Is it a pain to shift in traffic or not too bad?
I can drive both fine....
Is it a pain to shift in traffic or not too bad?
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From: 650 (SC_RWC) CA
Rep Power: 332 STICK IS BETTER OVERALL. BUYING AN AUTOMATIC IS FOR THOSE LAZIER DAYS. IF YOU HAVE MORE OF THEM THEN GO WITH AN AUTOMATIC.
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From: Jersey Shore
Rep Power: 311 You can save a lot of money on manual too. Generally they're harder to sell, so if there's one that's been sitting on the lot for a few weeks chances are you can really get them down on it. I got my manual 03 EX last year for about 3,800 less than I expected to pay. I think it was over 4k off the sticker.
Escaped Convict
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From: Westminster, California, US
Rep Power: 368 hey its almost or pretty much an extra second faster..
I can't imagine driving this lowly power engine with an auto.. and not to mention lose another gear..
oh man.. chugging along...
although when I'm in traffic, I feel like i'm riding a freaking bicycle. left, right, left, right.. god.
I can't imagine driving this lowly power engine with an auto.. and not to mention lose another gear..
oh man.. chugging along...
although when I'm in traffic, I feel like i'm riding a freaking bicycle. left, right, left, right.. god.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
Rep Power: 412 http://www.7thgencivic.com/forums/sh...nual+automatic
Please use the search function next time. I know you are new, but this has been covered. It is YOUR choice. Go test drive them both and decide what you want. Everyone is going to have their own opinion.
Please use the search function next time. I know you are new, but this has been covered. It is YOUR choice. Go test drive them both and decide what you want. Everyone is going to have their own opinion.
Sometimes, I can see right through myself ...
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From: 757
Rep Power: 481 I drive an auto and I'm perfectly happy with it. Traffic is just a PITA and I don't feel like dealing with up and downshifting every 50 feet.
Honestly, I don't see any reason that an econobox needs to be a stick. It's not like you're getting any extra advantage of shifting it all the time. Gas mileage is the same as far as I've seen. Stick shifts should be reserved for those kind of cars the can actually make use out of them - like sports cars and whatnot. Just opinion, so flame away if you feel the need.
Honestly, I don't see any reason that an econobox needs to be a stick. It's not like you're getting any extra advantage of shifting it all the time. Gas mileage is the same as far as I've seen. Stick shifts should be reserved for those kind of cars the can actually make use out of them - like sports cars and whatnot. Just opinion, so flame away if you feel the need.
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From: Crystal Lake, IL
Rep Power: 0 I have an auto, and let me tell you it is a great transmission, smooth, and great timing, but I would give anything for a Stick Shift. You can control the power, and it is more fun to drive.
Hail to the king baby
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From: NorCal
Rep Power: 315 If you plan on Drag racing, I would suggest an automatic...it keeps your times more consistant.
If you plan on SCCA STS racing or NASA racing get a tick shift.
I chose the Manual
If you plan on SCCA STS racing or NASA racing get a tick shift.
I chose the Manual
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From: Dtown, michigan
Rep Power: 0 i drive in a tonnnn of stop and go traffic and you just do it without thinking after very long.....i thought it would be a hassle but it wasn't at all
i'd say manual cause its fun, gives you control over the car
i'd say manual cause its fun, gives you control over the car
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From: WI NewBerlin
Rep Power: 0 i love my auto
forgot to add you can buy things that make your car shift like a manuel if you have auto.
saw on level 10's website they have something for 400 bucks a touch screen thing to go up or down a gear
forgot to add you can buy things that make your car shift like a manuel if you have auto.
saw on level 10's website they have something for 400 bucks a touch screen thing to go up or down a gear
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From: Bossier City,LA
Rep Power: 283 Originally posted by zapthycat
I have a manual EX Sedan... and I love it. I wouldn't trade it for an automatic SI.
I haven't driven an Auto civic, so I can't compare them. But I got a short shifter, header, intake, muffler... all that stuff so you can hear the purr of the car when it shifts, it's an awesome sound. And the best part is the control, YOU decide when it shifts.
As for traffic, I don't mind a bit. Eating in the car or whatever is just about as easy whether you have a manual or an auto. But I love my 5 speed, the sounds it makes, the power it has, the control *I* have, and even the short shifter and light-up shift **** just make it perfect... *MY CIVIC*.
But there may be some out there that like their auto civics. It all depends, also, on how comfortable you are (hills and traffic) and how good at multitasking you are. I don't have a problem with hills or traffic, and I get far too bored when driving an auto (I constantly am trying to shift when there's nothing to shift).
So that's my take. I couldn't recommend a 5 speed enough over an auto.
Other positives:
Cheaper to maintain
Cheaper to replace
Cheaper to initially buy
More power (significantly)
More to customize
Makes you look cooler (if you're into a ricer or racer look)
-JW
I have a manual EX Sedan... and I love it. I wouldn't trade it for an automatic SI.
I haven't driven an Auto civic, so I can't compare them. But I got a short shifter, header, intake, muffler... all that stuff so you can hear the purr of the car when it shifts, it's an awesome sound. And the best part is the control, YOU decide when it shifts.
As for traffic, I don't mind a bit. Eating in the car or whatever is just about as easy whether you have a manual or an auto. But I love my 5 speed, the sounds it makes, the power it has, the control *I* have, and even the short shifter and light-up shift **** just make it perfect... *MY CIVIC*.
But there may be some out there that like their auto civics. It all depends, also, on how comfortable you are (hills and traffic) and how good at multitasking you are. I don't have a problem with hills or traffic, and I get far too bored when driving an auto (I constantly am trying to shift when there's nothing to shift).
So that's my take. I couldn't recommend a 5 speed enough over an auto.
Other positives:
Cheaper to maintain
Cheaper to replace
Cheaper to initially buy
More power (significantly)
More to customize
Makes you look cooler (if you're into a ricer or racer look)
-JW
I know you are trying to make a point.
Well I have to say MANUAL ALL THE WAY.
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From: Knoxville, Tennessee/Durham, NC
Rep Power: 0 I was too lazy to read all the posts, but here's my two cents:
I drive a 99% stock EX coupe and a daily driver. I live in Tennessee, so there are plenty of hilly roads and traffic. I've never had trouble with traffic and the fact that I have a manual does not bother me at all.
As for acceleration, I'm very happy with my car's ability to accelerate. It's slow through second and kinda slow through third, but it has good pick up overall.
I'm definately biased towards manual, so I'm gonna say "Go manual"
I drive a 99% stock EX coupe and a daily driver. I live in Tennessee, so there are plenty of hilly roads and traffic. I've never had trouble with traffic and the fact that I have a manual does not bother me at all.
As for acceleration, I'm very happy with my car's ability to accelerate. It's slow through second and kinda slow through third, but it has good pick up overall.
I'm definately biased towards manual, so I'm gonna say "Go manual"
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