manual or auto?

[raptor86]

hey guys, im wondering if you guys can tell me all pros and cons of having an automatic and a manual gearbox. Im am getting a new truck soon and i really am torn.

From what it seems, changing tranny fluid in the manual is much easier than in an auto. It seems like a manual is a simpler design. IF this is true, then is a manual less problematic/more reliable?

How do they differ in snow/offroad conditions?

Just any advice would be greatly appreciated as i can see you guys know what your talking about.

BTW, i was planning on getting a new explorer sport but since there discontinued im going with the blazer zr2 (i think) thanks.

 

[Con Seann3ry]

I think manuals are a lot easier to work on. But automatics have the advantage of the torque converter, so if you get stuck in snow you can just gradually apply power, while with a manual you have to slip the clutch and stuff. There are already a posts on this somewhere though, so you should try the search button.

 

[Billy177]

whatever floats your boat, they are both reliable nowadays and the new autos dont need service for 100k no fluid no nothing on the new explorers

 

[raptor86]

what do u think is better and gives more control for towing and driving in snow

 

[Billy177]

auto hands down

 

[jimbo74]

Originally posted by raptor86
what do u think is better and gives more control for towing and driving in snow

depends on your driving skill but in general automatics are better for towing and long huals in a light duty vehicle......

 

[XplorerKid]

Originally posted by raptor86


BTW, i was planning on getting a new explorer sport but since there discontinued im going with the blazer zr2 (i think) thanks.

why not get the newest used sport you can find??
like find a low miles.... GOOD condition 2k2(if they had them cant rememebr)

i would do that instead of the ZR2

unless your going for the offroad look fro mthe factory than i would get the ZR2

they are nice

PEACE

 

[raptor86]

power is linear in an auto correct? smooth as silk.

now that i think about it, if i had a manual and i was going to tow someone witha rope or whatever, unless i stayed in the same gear, once i go to change gears, thats rope is going to lose tension and then when i get back on the gas its gonna jerk the vehicle around. Or am i wrong?

 

[jimbo74]

again, depends on the driver.....

but a stick will be more prone to jerk the rope versus an automatic that generally stays consistant performance wise....

 

[raptor86]

well no matter how good you are, its impossible to keep the acceleration consitent. Right? at some point, you gotta put in the clutch and/or let off the gas.

Well i like knowing that i know what has happened to the vehicle from day one. I a perfectionist when it comes to maintening things. Especially my truck, dirtbike, and atv. I guess ill go with the auto. If i want the rush of a manual, ill just beg my dad to let me take out the vette.

 

[Hokie]

Originally posted by raptor86
power is linear in an auto correct? smooth as silk.

now that i think about it, if i had a manual and i was going to tow someone witha rope or whatever, unless i stayed in the same gear, once i go to change gears, thats rope is going to lose tension and then when i get back on the gas its gonna jerk the vehicle around. Or am i wrong?

Pull or tow? If you're pulling someone out of a mud hole you ain't gonna be shifting gears. And if you're towing something, the brief pause for shifting will not be significant enough to do anything unless you make a habit out of side stepping the clutch while towing

 

[jimbo74]

well if you are a good driver, you can manipulate it to be very consistant...... but for towing and snow in a light duty application, an automatic is going to serve the best.... also the zr2s aretn really that capable offroad they arent as modifyable as a regular blazer too, there parts are more specialized, harder to find, and cost more... personally, if going to a blazer, get the standard 4x4 version and modify that...

 

[Hokie]

FYI: Every semi and big rig on the road is a manual

 

[raptor86]

so u think i should go with a manual then?

Even if your towing someone with a rope it wont jerk the vehicle?

I like manual cause it seems as if theres less to break, but when i drive through city traffic i can see how it would be a real pain. Especialy if your looking at maps and have no idea where your going.

 

[jimbo74]

i know that, thats why i said light duty..... a semi is also constructed a lot differently than moms explorer or the honda pilot or whatever........

 

[Hokie]

Manuals are better in the snow. engine braking and downshifting to keep constant power on the wheels vs. coasting and sliding. Atleast this is true with front drivers

 

[jimbo74]

both have their pluses and minuses... in snow, i was htinking that its going to be smoother starting and stopping and worse becuase of popping a clutch..... but a stick will give better engine braking......

 

[Hokie]

Dude, you're thinking too much. Get whatever you want. Its personal preference. All we're saying is when it comes to performance, its 6 one way, 1/2 dozen the other.

 

[raptor86]

sorry jimabena, i missed the part in the post where u spoke of the zr2. Well, im not doing hardcore offroading. Just dirtroads, driving on grass and dirt pits. Nothing wild. Are u saying that even if your going to keep it stock the zr2 is bad?, or just if you plan on modifying it further?

 

[jimbo74]

im not saying its bad... im saying in terms or replacing parts and such, they are harder to come by, and cost more intially..... also if you want to modify later down the line, you may or maynot be able too.... parts i have seen, like lifts and aftermarket stuff says not for the zr2... you arent supposed to modify them i guess.... they are more capable then the regular blazer, but less friendly to the consumer i guess....