Re: Slightly OT: Where have all the manual trannies gone?

From: andy levy (andy-dml@levyclan.us)
Date: Sun Jul 20 2003 - 13:16:54 EDT


Jon wrote:

> Hey all,
> <rant type="tirade">
<snip>
> Does nobody know how to, or like to, use a clutch anymore?
> </rant>

If it makes you feel any better, Jon, my '03 is the first manual I've
ever owned/driven, and I love it.

I think the decline in sticks has a few origins:
* Convenience (people are lazy)
* Multi-tasking (can't eat, drive, fool with the DVD player, work the
GPS nav system and talk on the cell phone while managing the clutch & stick)
* Crappier commutes (stop & go traffic)
* Fuel economy. With the advanced electronic transmissions and engine
controls, automakers can probably get better EPA numbers if they're in
control, rather than offering a manual. I have a friend w/ a Toyota
Prius (the hybrid gas/electric) - you can only get an auto in it because
the whole car is one integrated system and needs that level of control.
* The perception that it's more "primitive"

-- 
-andy

http://home.twcny.rr.com/andylevy/dakota - andy-dml@levyclan.us -------------------------------------------- "Whatever Adam does, do the opposite and you'll be fine" -Bob Tom --------------------------------------------



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