which do you prefer and why

[FL-4runner]

Which do you prefer manual or automatic? and why?

For off-road use?Why?

For on road use?Why?


I have a 5-speed i was just wondering where everyone else stands, and what advantages or disadvantages thanks.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

Auto all the way. Not as much control, but much more convenient.

 

[pbcolt]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/40811-manual-vs-automatic-poll.html

 

[96743runner]

I'd prefer a manual. IMO more fun to drive and unlike an auto tranny, a manual one won't heat up in stop and go traffic and off-road. They also have no risk of getting pink milkshaked (easy to prevent on an auto though). Our 3rd gen 4Runners are kinda slow and I think that the manual transmission gives it some pep too.

 

[brian2sun]

I think for off road, an auto is usually better because you won't get a sore leg after pushing in the clutch in all day long. You also won't burn up clutches which is a common issue when you off road a manual.

That said, I think the ideal setup for off roading is a 5 speed with a crawl box or stacked t-cases. Then you can let the clutch out and it won't stall, it'll just crawl at a slow idle. With a stock t-case however, an auto is easier on the driver and makes climbing steep stuff less risky (manuals can stall and roll backwards). In the hands of a good driver it doesn't matter much though, you just get used to whatever you have.

 

[Satter]

Standard for the highway crusing. :driving:

 

[sn0wrunner]

Yeah i would say that you would have way more control in an automatic offroad, than in a manuel. That is unless you have dual t-cases.

I dont care how good someone is with a clutch, two footing it in an automatic offroad gives you way more control.

My vote is automatic. Not saying that automatics are better, just saying i prefer an auto. However, if i owned a sports car i would prefer that to be a stick.

 

[theizzardking]

Yeah i would say that you would have way more control in an automatic offroad, than in a manuel. That is unless you have dual t-cases.

I dont care how good someone is with a clutch, two footing it in an automatic offroad gives you way more control.

My vote is automatic. Not saying that automatics are better, just saying i prefer an auto. However, if i owned a sports car i would prefer that to be a stick.

This.

4runners are not sports cars so shifting through corners is ridiculous in one of these things and even as a dd and off road it's auto all the way even as a dedicated trail rig i would choose auto unless i lived somewhere that was predominantly rock crawling territory then dual cases and stick.

The way i look at it sports cars should always be stick and trucks should always be auto never driven a proper paddle shifter so don't know how i feel about those but the guys on top gear seem to be warming up to them so they may be good now a days lol

How about a paddle shifter set up for 4x4 lol has it been done?

 

[doylee4693]

even tho I have the 5 speed i am kind of wishing now that I got the auto.I have always owned standard but wish i had v6 auto.i have the 4cyl so 5-spped is nice to have for the little bit more power it offers over the auto tranny

 

[trailmix]

My first 3rd gen was a 5 speed with a supercharger and i loved daily driving that truck, it was a blast! but for my second 3rd gen i decided i wanted an auto because i plan to wheel this one more and i like the idea of an auto offroad, although my 85 runner that is strictly a trail rig is a 5 speed with 5.29s and a single case on 33's so it does just fine. I love manuals but this automatic sure is convenient.

 

[004Gunner]

Auto mostly for traffic jams but also because the wife doesn't know how to driva a manual. I think auto is an advantage in off roading too

 

[Jon]

Auto all the way! Only fallback of an auto is parasitic loss from tq converter, pump and heavier rotating assembly. But on the upside you can always tune autos to shift at the exact same time and throw in a big stall converter for launches. Then again nothing beats banging gears in a fast car.

 

[bike]

I've always driven a manual and definately prefer it. Only auto vehicles I've driven have been a couple friends cars and work trucks. I'd personally take a manual in nearly every situation I can think of, even in traffic. I actually find it easier and more relaxing letting the vehicle engine brake instead of dancing between the gas and brake pedal every 2 seconds. There have been a couple spots offroad on steep rock lines where the auto may have been nice but overall I'd rather the manual.

 

[criera]

Ive had both, so here's the deal. When i had my second gen i had a manual but really yearned for an auto. Now I have a 3rd gen auto, but i miss the manual. Grass is always greener? End of day i'd probably choose another auto. I dont miss stop and go with the clutch.