Thread: Auto Vs. Manual....

I would argue that a manual will break traction befor an auto as the torque converter doesnt bite like a clutch, ive watched many friends cars bog down in sand when they change gear[but that could also be there driving style or lack there of]. Personally i prefer autos[both my range rovers were] and i fitted an auto to my 300tdi defender about 2 years ago[and later the disco transfer case], i find i can crawl slowly up nearly anything[detroit and trutrac fitted late last year] and the auto is much easier on the drive line. As for hill decent i was rather scared on the first scary one with the auto- but locked in low 1st it just went so slow i hardly needed the brakes-no runaway at all. Its a personal choice, i do on average a 1000ks a week in the car for work[often towing] and play fairly rough on the week ends, the zf is super smooth and no more dodgy clutch master cylinders.
Richard

I think realistically, it comes down to the driver.

With the issue of riding the clutch, it's just as damaging (probably more) riding the torque convertor. The TC is the hottest part of an auto and when they're loaded at low rpm, the oil will super heat and melt the clutches. Hence why autos always had 1, 2, 3, D etc. Much of muchness, comes down to the driver.

Both

Mixed together.

Would love a DSG in my D1

Originally Posted by Disco Muppet

Perhaps it's a Td5 Vs. Tdi thing
I was quite shocked at just how slow and controlled it was in low 1. No brakes needed at all, I could have walked down faster.

More a ZF4HP22 EH vs a ZF4HP22 thing...

Your torque converter clutch can lock up in 1st for descents.

Ours can't...

Originally Posted by B92 8NW

More a ZF4HP22 EH vs a ZF4HP22 thing...

Your torque converter clutch can lock up in 1st for descents.

Ours can't...

Ahh, that makes sense.
Personally I prefer to drive manuals, as I like shifting gears
But the auto is very convenient.

Originally Posted by Disco Muppet

Ahh, that makes sense.
Personally I prefer to drive manuals, as I like shifting gears
But the auto is very convenient.

Whilst my Disco has been off the road (4 months and counting!), I've been piloting Troopies and rather enjoying driving a manual 4x4 again. First gear is incredibly low.

I think next 4x4, I'll be going back to a manual.

After over 30 years working with 4wd's covering the full spectrum from series 2’s to modern day Japanese and off road trucks, I would have to say that your original post muppet is not wide of the mark.

For anything sandy or where breaking traction is a problem then an auto wins every time in my book. I still prefer a manual for the steep down hill engine braking, but this is far less important with the electronic aids these days.

Cheers

Steve

Originally Posted by Carnut1100

Really slow stuff there is an auto advantage...riding the clutch wears it out faster.
In every other situation I'll have a manual thanks.
Better economy, better engine braking, better control all round.
If first low is low enough you won't be riding much clutch anyhow especially if you have a bit of torque to play with.
All in all ill have manual thanks.

I agree with Carnut's second last sentence. If traction is the worry and low 1st isn't doing you any favors, that is one hell of a track. Might be time for air lockers. You can't beat the downhill control of a manual.

Cheers,

Danial.