xx10Gt

select shift will never be the same as a true manual. obviously you have no clutch...plus i heard there can be lag on the shifts unless you get a tune to firm up the shifting points. even at that, get the manual.

Entaille

this is a defining moment in your car driving story where you'll look back at how you decided to man up and get a manual or you decided to talk yourself out of it with some gimmick auto shift features. it doesn't act like a manual, but it does give you control over which gear you're in. it's fun, but not necessary, the computer can probably shift better than you can.

you'll be able to drive the car, no problem. it might take you a week or two to work the kinks out, and you'll stall it, but you'll learn.

E_cox310

Get a manual man. You'll get bored of your car eventually if you have an automatic. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure it'll still be a blast to drive, but gas break gas break is just too so repetitive and boring for me. Only car that I will own that will be an automatic will be a luxury sedan or an SUV

JK 23112

A slushbox doesn't belong in a Mustang GT.....period! Get the manual.

05 Mustang

The manaul transmission will probably take some time to get used too....but once you do, you'll be glad you did!

BigMech

I was having the same debate when I ordered mine back in April. I had not driven a manual transmission in over 15 years, and my commute sometimes runs into traffic. In the end, I got the manual and I couldn't be happier with it. The test drive sealed it for me. Also, you can't get the track pack with the automatic, and it is an option I really wanted on the car.

Yes, you can choose the gear with the automatic, but it is just not the same as driving a real manual. I have a 2007 Charger R/T with a shift-able automatic, and it's a totaly different driving experience.

Unless you commute in stop and go traffic everyday, I say go with the manual. You feel much more connected to the car, and I think it makes the driving experience a lot more involving and fun!

kevinmalec

Driving a manual is a lot more fun than an automatic. Learning how to drive a 5 speed will take some patience and a little time. It's all about knowing how much gas to give, when letting up on the cluth. Also, getting familiar with each gear and the shift points. Once you get the feeling, you will be good to go!
Do you know of anyone that has a manual and can teach you?
I would recommend this, before you go and test drive a 5 speed Mustang.
Go to a parking lot with a lot of open space to learn. Then practice starting off on small hills and then move up to steeper hills. =-)

AWD2RWD

I've taught numerous people how to drive stick and some just don't get it lol. That being said You should definitely test drive both and see what your preference is.

Norm Peterson

Think of it this way - you won't be trying to learn how to work the shifter and the clutch at the same time you're learning all the rest of the stuff that goes with driving. With that much less mental load, it ought to be pretty easy.

You say you've been driving automatic all your life. While it's not clear just how long that might be, the fact that you're considering a stick-shift this time around tells me that you haven't completely locked your mindset into "automatic only" just yet.

You'll hear all the usual arguments either way before this thread is over, but keep in mind that whatever you buy, you're buying for you and not to impress any of us. Only you can decide which factors matters more to you than the rest.

I'm about as hardcore MT as it gets (we have not owned an automatic trtansmission anything in over 40 years), but I'd still rather hear that you bought the car you'll enjoy for your "right reasons" even if you do end up going with an automatic one more time. I'd just hope that you wouldn't end up having any regrets later.


Norm

StangingAround

Unless you have a leg problem or are trying to break records down the drag strip, I see no reason why you would get an automatic. A manual car is so much more exciting and is worth the extra haggle concerning traffic.

Just messing around guys but still funny.