Almost across the board the auto's are being rated in higher towing
capacity. This is because manuals can't cope as well with heavy load stresses
when you suddenly brake, swerve, start, etc... etc... (they tend to snap
shafts, etc.) Even the Big Rig's are going automatic. The automatic
transmission is starting to overcome the limitations it had in the past as new
technologies push it's envelope. The problem with manual transmissions is
that there is no room for evolution. It's remained essentially unchanged
since the early years of automotive transport.
I predict that eventually you won't be able to get a manual transmission.
The autos equal them in almost all aspects now, and have advantages a manual
can't and never will achieve. You stick worshippers can continue to row your
gears... but for how much longer, who knows...
(Oh, and as far as sniper rifles, the FN-FAL is considered accurate enough
for the job, as is the Galil (both fully automatic assault rifles), and the
Barnett .50 cal sniper rifle is a semi-auto. Only the "old" sniper rifles are
still bolt action "manual" weapons. All of these old rifles will be replaced
by the US Military in just a few years, with at least semi-auto rifles. Out
with the old tech, in with the new: it's the way of things)
Shaun H.
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