Hey forum, I’ve been thinking about getting a 2015-23 GT and can’t decide between manual and automatic. It’s my first time considering a manual, so I’m nervous about whether I’d really enjoy it long-term. Manual sounds more fun, but I’m worried about the downsides. Anyone have advice to help me decide? Thanks!
I’ve had two manual Mustangs and I’ll tell you, the automatic might be faster, but that’s not what matters to me. I’m not trying to race everyone every day. I want the driving experience to be fun, and a manual makes it a lot more enjoyable. The only time I wouldn’t recommend a manual is if you live in a place with a lot of traffic, like LA. Learning it was easy for me—I watched YouTube and got the hang of it, especially getting the car moving smoothly in first gear. Once you get that down, it’s a breeze. I say go for the manual!
@Gordon
This is really helpful, thank you!
Once you get used to it, it’s like riding a bike—you just do it without thinking. You could go years without driving manual and hop right back in. I had a manual GT in college, sold it in 2018, and got another one this year. It feels just like before. Driving a manual connects you to the car in a way an automatic can’t. Get the manual, and you’ll be glad you did. Plus, there’s nothing like the sound of that engine when you shift at high rpm!
@Ellison
I just got my first manual car, a GT PP1, a month ago. The first few weeks were tough, especially getting going on inclines, but now it’s not too bad. I’m so glad I went manual. OP, listen to this guy.
@Gordon
Wow, autos are faster now? It’s different from when I had my 2004 Mach 1. I’m older now and drive a Civic LX, but even so, I still enjoy the manual—just adds a bit of fun!
Devi said:
@Gordon
Wow, autos are faster now? It’s different from when I had my 2004 Mach 1. I’m older now and drive a Civic LX, but even so, I still enjoy the manual—just adds a bit of fun!
Stock for stock, the 10-speed auto is about 0.6 seconds faster in the quarter-mile compared to the 6-speed.
As someone with an automatic, I’ll say go for the manual. I never realized how much more I’d enjoy my car after buying it. The manual would definitely be more fun, but I drive in a lot of stop-and-go traffic in the mornings, which makes me hesitate a bit.
I had the same dilemma. I went with a 2020 GT with a manual, and I have zero regrets!
Manual makes you feel more connected to the car. The rush of pulling gears is unmatched. I call it my 4th gear 100 mph-high.
I’ve got two manual Mustangs, one for daily driving and the other for weekends. I’ve been driving manuals for over 30 years. Manuals for life!
If it’s for me, I’d always go manual. It’s just more fun and you get to learn more about driving.
Always manual. I don’t get why some people think there are drawbacks. I’ve been driving manual all my life, and it’s the only way for me.
Aeron said:
Always manual. I don’t get why some people think there are drawbacks. I’ve been driving manual all my life, and it’s the only way for me.
I get what you’re saying, but I’m worried about the stop-and-go traffic. My brother always complains about that with his manual car.
@Oak
I’ve got a 2020 manual GT, and honestly, compared to other manuals I’ve driven, stop-and-go traffic isn’t too bad. The clutch is easy, and if you get a 2019+ model, it has rev matching, which makes shifting fun and smooth. Sure, long traffic jams aren’t ideal, but even with an auto, it’s still a pain.
@Oak
I live in a big city, and it’s not too bad. Is it annoying? Sure. But do I regret my manual? Not at all. Traffic would suck either way, manual or auto.
@Oak
I drove a 500whp Corvette in some of the worst traffic cities during rush hour for years. Either you love it, hate it, or get used to it. You won’t know until you try.
Aeron said:
@Oak
I drove a 500whp Corvette in some of the worst traffic cities during rush hour for years. Either you love it, hate it, or get used to it. You won’t know until you try.
True.
I had a 2019 GT with a 10-speed auto for four years, and I recently got a 2021 Mach 1 with a Tremec. Honestly, I don’t miss the auto. It felt boring in comparison. A few of my buddies had issues with their MT82s, and I’m glad I have the Tremec now. It’s perfect for racing and low maintenance if something breaks down.
@Hutton
That sounds rough, and it definitely makes me lean more toward manual. Thanks for the input.