Originally Posted by
StanSeven
I laugh when I hear this. I'm as much a car guy am a bike guy. Automatics out perform manual transmissions in every way except maybe fuel economy, and that's slight. Quarter mile acceleration time differences are several te the of a second difference in some models. The intelligence on a race course or twisting roads on gear selection can't be matched except for the very top professionals. For braking or just slowing down, you can select a gear just as easy in an auto than a manual.
I pretty much agree. I can't believe the mileage difference still falls in favor of the stick. With high end automatic transmissions having as many as 8 speeds and computer control of the shifting, I don't see how the average ham-fisted, lead-footed schmoe could get better mileage with a stick. Maybe the various Formula 1 drivers who hide behind other identities on the 41 can do it, but it would be a very rare thing. To beat the computer, every shift would have to be perfect. Fat chance!
As far as more fun, well whatever burns your gas. Vroom, vroom!