Driving was a major part of my job when I lived in Boston and I drove manual. Honestly it isn't very fun being in traffic, but I wouldn't say it's much worse than driving an automatic. It becomes old hat. It probably depends a bit more on how stiff the clutch is and other mechanical variables, but I would agree with another commenter here that it does make people better drivers. I would also say manuals aren't for everybody and that's ok, but I also think they should be the norm rather than the complacently comforting automatics that make everyone feel like they are in a golf cart rather than a large metal missile.

[–] entropicshart@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

With today’s technology, you turn on assisted cruise control and only worry about keeping the car in your lane, while it automatically accelerates/brakes through the traffic.

There is a significant difference in effort of driving manual vs automatic.

[–] IDontHavePantsOn@lemm.ee 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Yeah but that's cutting edge technology. Lane assist and automatic acceleration/braking is a tiny percentage of cars, plus it comes only on fairly high end or well optioned vehicles. Sure if I could afford a 70k robot vehicle that would be easier, but that's not really what we were talking about or comparing.

[–] entropicshart@sh.itjust.works 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

https://letmegooglethat.com/?q=which+cars+have+dynamic+radar+cruise+control

Since 2019 models like Honda Accord, Toyota Camry/Prius/Corolla, Subaru Legacy, and many others have had this tech; very far from 70k robots

[–] IDontHavePantsOn@lemm.ee 1 points 1 year ago

Once again, that's not the comparison. The comparison is between generally used transmissions, not manuals vs a small percentage of automatic transmissions that have the expensive add on computer/lidar controlled engine and braking systems.