Date:         Wed, 12 Oct 2005 15:52:46 -0700
Reply-To:     Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Evan Mac Donald <macdonald1987@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
Subject:      Re: Automatic vs. 4 Speed Transmission
In-Reply-To:  <434D814F.3020304@charter.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

<snip>

While I have never driven the autotranny version of these vehicles, from
every bit of information I have gleaned from the Vanagon list the auto
tranny is hell-for-stout. Mile for mile it will give you fewer problems
than the manual tranny will. Also, the auto tranny has the added
advantage of being easily rebuildable by the home mechanic with
reasonable mechanical skills and a decent tool box. The manual tranny
requires special jigs for assembly and those suckers ain't cheap.

I suspect the auto tranny vehicle is easy to drive, and one on the road
and rolling along it's not much different than driving a manual tranny
in high gear. There is a big difference in city driving however, with
all the stopping and starting. manual trannies will wear you out in
heavy city traffic, 'specially around quitting time.

<snip>

The idea expressed is just about spot on. I have an '85 auto and an '84 manual. They both have the same anemic 1.9l, so that is not an issue. The ease of driving is definitely an issue! I hate trying to drive the '84 in traffic, cuz there are at least three shifts for every movement. First for about 12 feet, then into Second for the next 20 or so feet, then on the brakes and back into First... ...repeat until you are actually throught the stoplight, and start over at the next! I shudder at the unneccesary wear my poor clutch, throw-out bearing, synchros, etc., etc., see through this continuous repeated evolution. My auto trans has seen nothing more than fluid changes in its 250,000 mile life. It is still going strong, and it is my daily driver. It goes thru 10 miles of stop-n-go each day, each way, and has for the 9 years that I have had it. Plus all the soccer trips, grocery runs, collies to the vet or groomer...



The point about manual vs. automatic is back to the intended use. Daily driver - automatic, hands down. But for a "trip truck" or something that does not get that sort of abuse, a manual is usually a better choice. And not needing a jump for a dead battery is just one of the reasons...!




Evan Mac Donald

1984 Wolfburg
1985 GL 7 Pass.
1991 Carat Weekender
1972 Chevy P/U
1993 Bonneville