By virtue of having a "clutch" (or two in this case), this type of transmission while used in more "automatic" applications is technically a manual. It would probably have a similar automatic shifter, except that there would be a separate shiftgate to upshift or downshift gears.
I have terrible coordination between my various limbs so a manual would probably not do it for me (I would probably burn out several clutches before I could even consider getting used to it). But this allows me to have just as much fun, even if it is without a clutch pedal. Besides, this type of transmission is being used by race car drivers.
-------------------- "And slowly, you come to realize, it's all as it should be, you can only do so much. If you're game enough, you could place your trust in me. For the love of life, there's a tradeoff, we could lose it all but we'll go down fighting...." - David Sylvian FreeSpace 2, the greatest space sim of all time, now remastered!
Registered: Mar 1999
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I don't know why people think its so hard to work the clutch. It really isn't. Gas goes down, clutch goes up. Clutch goes down, gas goes up. Simple.
-------------------- I haul cardboard and cardboard accessories
Registered: Mar 1999
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Saltah'na
Chinese Canadian, or 75% Commie Bastard.
Member # 33
posted
As my brother would tell me, its not a simple case of what goes up and what goes down, it also depends on the force you apply the clutch, and the amount of gas you apply when resuming vehicular motion.
In all of my attempts to handle a manual transmission, it would usually result in me either stalling the engine, jerky motions and loud scraping noises as the flywheel contacts the clutch.
I guess I'm not a "clutchy" type of guy.
-------------------- "And slowly, you come to realize, it's all as it should be, you can only do so much. If you're game enough, you could place your trust in me. For the love of life, there's a tradeoff, we could lose it all but we'll go down fighting...." - David Sylvian FreeSpace 2, the greatest space sim of all time, now remastered!
Registered: Mar 1999
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posted
I prefer a manual. Better fuel economy for one, although modern automatics are much better.
Manuals are simply the norm in the UK, and you tend to find automatics in more up market cars. I've only ever owned one automatic, compared to four manuals, and that was given to me by an uncle (who I don't think likes me - the big end went after a month or so).
As for driving, the clutch-work becomes second nature after quite a short time. Takes about 2 - 10 hours driving lessons I suppose to get the hang of it.
-------------------- I have plenty of experience in biology. I bought a Tamagotchi in 1998... And... it's still alive.
Registered: Apr 2005
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This winter whenever I'd plow the driveway I kept thumping the floor when I'd go to slow down (plow truck is an automatic). Gets me at least once per session in an automatic vehicle when I've been driving my car for a while...
-------------------- I haul cardboard and cardboard accessories
Registered: Mar 1999
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Da_bang80
A few sectors short of an Empire
Member # 528
posted
Manual transmission cars are pretty fun to drive. Last month I did a burnout with some guys Mustang GT and it was awesome. The car was being written off so I figured I'd have some fun with it. Those V8 Stangs are a lot of fun. Just not very comfortable...
Using the clutch is MUCH easier when all you need is two fingers from your left hand.
-------------------- Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I cannot accept. And the wisdom to hide the bodies of all the people I had to kill today because they pissed me off.
posted
Glad you got out of the Pizza Delivery Snay! I snuck over to Snay.net and read it.
-------------------- Sparky:: Think! Question Authority, Authoritatively. “Believe nothing of what you hear, and only half of what you see.” EMSparks
Shalamar: To save face, keep lower half shut.
Registered: Jun 1999
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Daniel Butler
I'm a Singapore where is my boat
Member # 1689
posted
I tried to drive a manual once and crashed it. Good thing I was only going 5mph or so. It was just too weird to be doing something with my left foot; my brain kept thinking it was the brake. Also I couldn't concentrate on steering when I kept having to think about moving the stick around and the clutch and gas and so on. I was kind of panicky I guess I'm just not much of a multitasker...
Registered: Jul 2005
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I live in LA... I need an auto to deal with the traffic here.
-------------------- "It speaks to some basic human needs: that there is a tomorrow, it's not all going to be over with a big splash and a bomb, that the human race is improving, that we have things to be proud of as humans." -Gene Roddenberry about Star Trek
Registered: May 1999
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posted
Even I know that you're supposed to use the right foot for both pedals. I THINK.
-------------------- "Kosh, I'd like to introduce you to our Resident schmuck and his side kick Kick Me."-Ritten
"Fighting for peace is like screwing for virginity". -George Carlin
Registered: Jul 2007
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Da_bang80
A few sectors short of an Empire
Member # 528
posted
I was taught to use only one foot for both pedals, but I suppose whatever is comfortable for you works just fine.
I have such bad luck with 4 wheeled vehicles even I can laugh at it. I can't seem to go more than a month without getting into some situation or other. If I lived in a warmer climate I would definitely sell my truck and never buy another 4 wheeled death-mobile ever again.
-------------------- Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change. The courage to change the things I cannot accept. And the wisdom to hide the bodies of all the people I had to kill today because they pissed me off.
posted
Fab, didn't Dan say he felt like he was hitting the brake with his left when he hit the clutch?
Driving in Chicago and Detroit sucked with a stick, so I get where Mike is coming from.
I remember when my younger brother was so surprised my mom could drive a stick, and the disbelief on his face when she told him that is all they had when she learned to drive. A priceless moment.
-------------------- "You are a terrible human, Ritten." Magnus "Urgh, you are a sick sick person..." Austin Powers A leek too, pretty much a negi.....
Registered: Sep 2000
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Shik
Starship database: completed; History of Starfleet: done; website: probably never
Member # 343
posted
When I was your age, we didn't have any of this fancy engine & gear stuff you kids have today! No! The driver & passengers had to stuff their feet through the floor & run really fact to get the car up to speed!
-------------------- "The French have a saying: 'mise en place'—keep everything in its fucking place!"
Registered: Jun 2000
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![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
I guess I'm just not much of a multitasker...
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