In an age of automated everything, there’s something refreshingly engaging about driving a car with a manual transmission. For many enthusiasts, driving stick isn’t just about getting from point A to point B—it’s about the journey itself.
I know it seems wild to think driving can be fun. You have been fooled to think operating an automatic is similar to a manual when both activities are called driving. It’s night and day. You are much closer to being a passenger than you are a driver.
You can come up with all the excuses in the world to avoid driving manual, but at the end of the day, who are you fooling, only yourself. Don’t miss out. Experience what driving really is before you criticize it.
Engaged Driving – Not available in automatic
Driving an automatic is a fine choice, and it’s great for learning the basics of the road. But after a while, the thrill wears off. You’re just there, hands on the wheel, feet hardly doing anything. No challenge, no real engagement—just like a passenger telling a driver where to go, or like operating your own Uber for yourself.
With manual, though, you are in control of everything, from how much power hits the wheels to the exact timing of your gear changes. You don’t just sit there giving commands; you and the car are a team.
Think about it:
- In your auto, sure, it’s easy. But is that ease fun or boring?
- With manual, every drive can be joyous. You have fun dancing with the car rather than simply being along for the ride.
- Your footwork, your timing, your rhythm, every driver has fun rocking their unique personality while driving stick.
Choose Fun Drive Manual
It’s a no brainer—manual is a fun choice. Sure, it’s a little more work, but that’s what makes it rewarding. You’re focused, engaged, and less likely to get distracted.
Skill Development: A Rewarding Challenge
Learning to drive stick is a skill that offers a tangible sense of accomplishment. The learning curve might be steep, but it’s incredibly satisfying when you nail that perfect shift.
There is nothing satisfying in an automatic after maybe the 2 hour honeymoon phase when you’re getting familiar with the car. But once that’s over, the ease of operation, the lack of skill required, just makes it no fun.
I’m not bashing automatics. It’s a great tool. It’s great to learn to drive in an automatic. It’s easy to launch, just stomp on it. If I want to go fast, just stomp on it. Merely stomping on the gas gets old fast. It’s no fun especially when there are speed limits. This is why I would always choose to drive stick. If I was taking a ride, I would prefer an automatic.
Participation and skill involved makes an activity more fun imho.
- Manual is like cooking a great meal from scratch vs. microwaving a frozen dinner.
- Like skiing or snowboarding down a mountain vs. sledding down a hill
- Playing an musical instrument vs. pressing play on a music device
You get the idea. Being involved makes it fun. Driving manual is not reserved for street racers and car enthusiasts. You deserve to have fun and be happy behind the wheel. Don’t be misled by promises of convenience when you know how miserable it is to just sit there. You paid for the gosh darn car, you should get to drive the gosh darn car, dammit!
Direct Feedback and Connection
Driving stick gives you something automatics can’t: honest feedback. Every shift, every slip of the clutch, and every stall teaches you something about your driving. There’s no pretending.
It’s not going to lie to you like your grade school teacher telling you that you can be whatever you want to be. It’s not going to lie to you like your car’s automatic transmission telling you that you’re a smooth driver. The manual transmission will boldly tell you—and all your passengers—that you suck, right to your face.
But that’s the beauty of it! It’s a no-nonsense connection between you and the machine, with no artificial filters. You get better, and you feel the improvement. This direct connection to the vehicle’s mechanics is both informative and oddly satisfying. So Much Fun.
You can learn to do a LOT of cool sh#t
Driving a manual transmission opens up a world of advanced driving techniques that can enhance your experience behind the wheel. From precise engine braking for smoother deceleration to rev-matching for seamless downshifts, the skills you can acquire are both impressive and rewarding.
Techniques like heel-toe shifting elevate your performance driving, while double-clutching allows for smoother shifts and even assist in timing in my experience. Additionally, mastering launching for quick starts, anticipatory shifting for optimal performance, skipping gears, and even bump starting (push starting) can transform your driving prowess. This is only the tip of the iceberg of Fun.
The Thrill of Mastery
There’s a unique pleasure in mastering driving skills. Conquering hill starts and perfecting smooth acceleration off the line are achievements that bring a sense of accomplishment in the beginning. Rapid, smooth shifts become second nature as you hone the habit with every drive.
The better you get, the more you want to get better. As you focus on having fun, you are also focusing on driving, eliminating all distractions and becoming one of the better drivers on the road. Thank you for being a responsible driver and choosing fun over convenience.
A More Forgiving Attitude on the Road
Interestingly, the joy of driving stick often translates into a more positive attitude on the road.
When you’re engaged in the intricacies of manual driving, you’re more likely to let others merge into your lane and exhibit greater patience toward novice drivers. As you focus on your own driving pleasure, road rage tendencies tend to decrease, allowing for a more harmonious experience on the road.
Simply put, you’re less of an a**hole when you’re having fun. If I’m already miserable sitting in an automatic, you sure as hell not cutting in front me. I get that. Love your drive, drive a manual. Peace.
A Holistic Driving Experience
Every aspect of driving becomes an opportunity for enjoyment when you’re behind the wheel of a manual transmission. Slowing down transforms into a game of smooth downshifts, while accelerating turns into a symphony of well-timed gear changes.
Even routine drives become chances to refine your skills and deepen your connection with your vehicle. Driving manual changes the entire dynamic of your driving experience. You will find a whole new appreciation for fun driving.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, driving a manual transmission isn’t just about nostalgia or being a “purist.” It’s about actively participating in the driving experience, developing a skill, and finding joy in the simple act of controlling a vehicle.
In a world where driving is often seen as a chore, mastering the stick shift can transform it into a rewarding hobby. Why drive as a chore that drains your energy when you can drive for fun and gain energy? So, the next time you’re in the market for a car, consider giving manual a try—you might just rediscover the fun in driving, and make our roads a better place by choosing to be a better driver.
