electric-auto manual or manual with clutch pedal, your favorite?

[mr_Cash]

if given a 'no extra charge' order choice, of the

smart current usa electric automated manual 5 sp transmission (no additional clutch pedal)

or,

a standard 5 sp manual (with additional clutch shifting pedal),

which would you order, as your favorite?

[eqwalker]

I still would opt for the automated manual. I've had a manual and in rush hour traffic it just killed my left leg and hip on operating the clutch. I said never again to a manual.

[JanetMermaid]

I want to enjoy driving, not struggle with shifting up and down in heavy traffic and at the ever-increasing number of red lights around here.

[kurt013]

I had an automatic in 1976 and swore never again, just too boring to drive. But if I only make that mistake every 32 years, it will be ok. I just hope I don't fall asleep and drive into a tree.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by eqwalker

I still would opt for the automated manual. I've had a manual and in rush hour traffic it just killed my left leg and hip on operating the clutch. I said never again to a manual.

Must have been something wrong with the clutch. Unless you have a multi-disc competition clutch, operationof the pedal should be feather lite. Otherwise a stiff clutch means iminent failure.

[lhoboy]

Originally Posted by JanetMermaid

I want to enjoy driving, not struggle with shifting up and down in heavy traffic and at the ever-increasing number of red lights around here.

It really becomes second nature after much practice and absolutely effortless in heavy traffic unless something is wrong with the clutch. The only time I regretted having nothing but manual cars was when I had a broken leg.

Automatics (or automateds) just aren't as fun to drive.

[mr_Cash]

at the time driving an automatic, with several 4 and 5 speeds in my past,

and before loosing interest in the chevy hhr, i took an hhr test drive with the standard 5 speed manual, and typical extra clutch petal.

the shifting was solid, firm, smooth, a joy, an inspiration, putting an instant grin on my face. the std manual with clutch pedal, was nice. good. a delight.

[cains10]

In almost forty years of driving, I've only had one car with an automatic and one with an electric-auto-manual. The automatic was nice and worked well with the turbo engine, but the DSG was really not like a manual. So, given the choice, I'd pick a manual. But since that's not an option, I'll be fine with the auto-manual. Since most people in the USA drive automatics, that's the best stragety for marketing.

[propes]

Won't vote on this one - I'd prefer an automatic. I understand why MB went with the automatic manual, and I don't have a problem with that. But c'mon people, it's time to join the late 20th century.

[spdickey]

No way do I want to crawl through Los Angeles traffic with my left foot pushing in the clutch. I'll take the smart way with this car, thank you.