6 speed vs auto
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
2006 C230SS Blue/Black, 2003 SL500 Silver/Black
In my owners manual (it's a 2005 manual) it says that the manual has a better range than the automatic. The automatic definitely drives more conservatively than most of us because the computer tells it too, but I think if you take a comparable W203 stick vs auto and drive them exactly the same way you'll find the stick gets slightly better gas mileage than the auto.
I was reading the report on my car at Edmunds.com, and they say according to MB, for 2005+ the stick is the same speed 0-60 as the auto.
Honestly, I've driven the auto C280 (wife's car), an Auto E350 (loaner), and an auto CLK 500 (father-in-law's car). Asid from the fact that my car is a little faster than my wife's and the loaner, I just get excited every time I get in my car because I love driving a manual car.
It does suck in the city (oh and in stop-go-traffic I drive with my knees and send email on my Windows Mobile Samsung i730 PDA so I'm actually less safe than an auto drive
) but everytime I pull onto the free way and push it all the way 6,000 before I change and then I drop it into 6th, then back into 3rd or 4th for changing lanes then back into 6th for cruising, I just get a grin on my face because I think sticks are just SO much fun to drive.
What it comes down to man is your own personal preference. The only mechanical difference is going to be slightly lower gas mileage and a little more maintenance costs. You shouldn't take that into account unless you're considering keeping the car for more than 40,000/5yrs though, or not buying the extended warranty.
I was reading the report on my car at Edmunds.com, and they say according to MB, for 2005+ the stick is the same speed 0-60 as the auto.
Honestly, I've driven the auto C280 (wife's car), an Auto E350 (loaner), and an auto CLK 500 (father-in-law's car). Asid from the fact that my car is a little faster than my wife's and the loaner, I just get excited every time I get in my car because I love driving a manual car.
It does suck in the city (oh and in stop-go-traffic I drive with my knees and send email on my Windows Mobile Samsung i730 PDA so I'm actually less safe than an auto drive
) but everytime I pull onto the free way and push it all the way 6,000 before I change and then I drop it into 6th, then back into 3rd or 4th for changing lanes then back into 6th for cruising, I just get a grin on my face because I think sticks are just SO much fun to drive.What it comes down to man is your own personal preference. The only mechanical difference is going to be slightly lower gas mileage and a little more maintenance costs. You shouldn't take that into account unless you're considering keeping the car for more than 40,000/5yrs though, or not buying the extended warranty.
Don't get me wrong, I prefer manual. Both my 1961 XK150S and my 1973 Stingray at manual. More fun and because I know how to double-clutch, I can exit a corner much more smoothly and quickly than an auto, but as an adult, I cannot discount the advantages of having a slush-box.....which is why both Mercs are auto.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View, CA
His '06 C350 SS 6MT, Hers '07 C280 S Auto
The 7 speed auto gets better mileage than the 6 speed manual. This is a fact. Look online and you will see what I mean. The extra gear means closer ratios with a numerically lower final gear.
Don't get me wrong, I prefer manual. Both my 1961 XK150S and my 1973 Stingray at manual. More fun and because I know how to double-clutch, I can exit a corner much more smoothly and quickly than an auto, but as an adult, I cannot discount the advantages of having a slush-box.....which is why both Mercs are auto.
Don't get me wrong, I prefer manual. Both my 1961 XK150S and my 1973 Stingray at manual. More fun and because I know how to double-clutch, I can exit a corner much more smoothly and quickly than an auto, but as an adult, I cannot discount the advantages of having a slush-box.....which is why both Mercs are auto.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Montreal
2006 C230SS Blue/Black, 2003 SL500 Silver/Black
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View, CA
His '06 C350 SS 6MT, Hers '07 C280 S Auto
Damnit dude, I need to get the correct manual for my car! That's what I get for taking a big discount on a 2006 car the dealer drove for 3,800 miles. I didn't get the floor mats, owners manual or CD Changer magazine. I went back the next day and they gave me a CD Magazine, then they put in All-Weather floor mats for me (I dig the rubber man, what can I say) for free the first time I had it in for the NAV, but the manual is still this old one they had hanging around. I need to gets me a 2006 manual!
Sorry for hijacking the thread JD
Sorry for hijacking the thread JD
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Grand Cherokee Limited
lol its cool thanks for the opinions, i understand why some people want a stick and others auto, i quess if i want a stick buy a mustang to race around and play in for the benz ill stick with auto for the nights i wanna to a cruise out on the town with the lady's.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 653
Likes: 46
From: Twin Cities
Too many to list
Well, let me rephrase -- they are two types of people on the road: idiots and non-idiots. brydon - If you use your cell phone to send emails in your car while driving, it's obvious which category you fall in. I can't speak for them. What I can say is STATISTICALLY, it's found that manual transmission driver's are less likely to have fender benders.
Tee_Tz.
Tee_Tz.
Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Mountain View, CA
His '06 C350 SS 6MT, Hers '07 C280 S Auto
Dude I've never hit anyone while I was using my cell phone, even when I'm sending email. I've coasted at 2mph in my 02 WRX into a truck at the stop light, but that's because it was wet and I thought I was stopped!! The guy got out, said "haha you scratched my tow hitch!" got back in his car and drove away. I had a nice 2 1/2" dent in my aluminium hood, so, time for a CF one 
. But I only ever send email when the traffic is literally stop and go, and I put it down most times when we're on the go. I'm an IT Guy, we have to stay on the ball.
. But I only ever send email when the traffic is literally stop and go, and I put it down most times when we're on the go. I'm an IT Guy, we have to stay on the ball.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,159
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From: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
ML63 AMG
Wow....so there's only 2 types of drivers out there? idiots and non-idiots? and by using cell phones, you're automatically an idiot? If you can swear to everyone on here that you have never ever used a cell phone while driving, then you can claim that statement. Otherwise, please rephrase it again. And statistically, insurance premiums prove that manual cars are more likely to end up in fender benders...thus the higher premium.
Just a thought.
Tee_Tz.
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 773
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From: Turkiye
Waiting for W204 Facelift
1.Ricing driver like passing everyone using manual speed more
2.Feeling real driver ! using manual as you say
3.Going to two point, departure - arrival, safely using auto or manual
I am 3. point driver and I am good mood and relax using Auto !
