Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: omegasport on 10 December 2010, 19:30:41

Title: is a manual better than auto
Post by: omegasport on 10 December 2010, 19:30:41
hi guys can any1 help me with this i have an auto and thought about changing to a manual and hints for me please

thanks
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Jimbob on 10 December 2010, 19:31:53
well, a manual can be both faster, and more economical than an auto...

All down to personal preference.
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 10 December 2010, 19:33:12
Really it depends on personal preference and style of driving.

I like driving both, but at the moment have an auto that I love ;) ;)
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Kneepad on 10 December 2010, 19:33:30


Fight !!!!!!!
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 10 December 2010, 19:49:12
Automatics are for winners! I much prefer driving an auto, especially round town where you can't really drive but follow the (lesser) car in front. Yes I suppose manuals are faster, but IME from a standstill only. As we aren't drag racers I find when I put the auto elite in sports mode it kicks down then the transmission locks and it's as quick as anything, with the plus point of not having to faff on with that gearstick thing. Some have said that at certain speeds autos are faster than the manuals due to to gearing. This certainly seems to be the case in my Elite, it's like a rocket.

The manual MV6 is fun aswell though, but i generally find I've got to work the box alot, and prefer the elite.

Having said that, fuel consumption from the elite is 20mpg, and the mv6 is 26, both urban, majority short journeys.
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: omegasport on 10 December 2010, 19:49:35
well with my auto i dont drive fast at all i do 70 to 80 on a motorway and when pottering around i only just presses the throttle to pick up speed this week on monday i put in 50 quid and got 150 miles out of the car 120 was motorway and 30 round town does this sound good for an auto
thanks
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Jaymd on 10 December 2010, 19:54:00
i have an auto and i love it to bits after driving mostly manuals since i passed my test but i have had more problems with auto boxes than manual. but i have been told the clutch wears quicker on a manual than an auto thats a tough call
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 10 December 2010, 19:54:08
Depends on the price of your petrol, but it's not good. The consumption in my elite isn't that great compared to others on here, despite the fact it is very well looked after and I generally drive it more sedately.

By your figures you're talking £100 for 300 miles. I normally put in £75 ish depending on price and get 300 round town. As you have done mainly motorway miles, which should give better mpg, this seems even worse. What engine have you got?
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 10 December 2010, 19:55:20
Quote
i have an auto and i love it to bits after driving mostly manuals since i passed my test but i have had more problems with auto boxes than manual. but i have been told the clutch wears quicker on a manual than an auto thats a tough call

Automatics don't have clutches, not proper ones in the omegas anyway
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: omegasport on 10 December 2010, 20:01:08
ive got a 3.0 elite ive had it now for 3 weeks and its got full history and just had a service and belts done 1 moth before i purchased it and smooth as anything and not a rattle from it its done 110000 on a 1998 3 owners from new
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 10 December 2010, 20:03:33
Quote
ive got a 3.0 elite ive had it now for 3 weeks and its got full history and just had a service and belts done 1 moth before i purchased it and smooth as anything and not a rattle from it its done 110000 on a 1998 3 owners from new

Is it an elite or an mv6?
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Jaymd on 10 December 2010, 20:05:58
lol im a typical blonde teenager "havent got a clue" lol
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: omegasport on 10 December 2010, 20:08:25
elite?
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 10 December 2010, 20:12:37
Quote
elite?

Just that on your profile it says MV6. MV6 and Elite are trim levels so it can't be both. On my logbook it says MV6 but the car is actually an Elite, a mix up either at the DVLA or at Vx.

Someone said that 2000, being the changeover year (my Elite is 2000), resulted in a mix up at the factory, which could explain why my Elite is registered as an MV6.
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: omegasport on 10 December 2010, 20:21:04
mine is a propper elite even stated on logbook i check all details before i bought it i just need to change the mv6 bit on profile .so at the end of the day the manual is better round town and on long runs than an auto if u drive steddy?
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 10 December 2010, 20:30:45
No, the point I was making is that i think an automatic is better round town due to not having to change that gearstick thing and use that strange pedal on the left.

I find the automatic and manual return the same mpg on a long run.
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Darth Loo-knee on 10 December 2010, 20:50:24
Quote
hi guys can any1 help me with this i have an auto and thought about changing to a manual and hints for me please

thanks

This is one that can be debated for a lifetime. . .   ;D it all comes down to personal perference really.
What are you wanting the car to do for you?
If you want to be part of the driving experience, (what is it my Dad says " full drivers pack") then a manual .
If you want an easy relaxing time driving, that is certainly no slouch then perhaps an auto is for you.
A manual will return better mpg though.

I have owned both. For me an auto is brilliant on a motorway, put your foot down and he/she picks up their feet enough too suprise many a road sharing driver. . .
I now have a manual which seriously puts a smile on my face each time I drive him. I actually forgot how much i enjoyed a manual.

Daz x  :y
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: hoofing it on 10 December 2010, 20:58:22
Im just a lazy git and like my auto :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: gsizoli on 10 December 2010, 21:25:50
It depends on you. I had both, auto is a lasiness compared with a manual, furthermore if you push on  the auto your fuel economy will be horrible.
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: felix777 on 11 December 2010, 00:17:53
but an omega is not called a luxobarge for nothing!...they are made to cruise,,if high speed town overtaking is your thing,,then you would have bought a golf gti....and on the 8,th, day,,he made an omega!!!!! ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: skyblue on 11 December 2010, 00:38:13
Had both but give me an auto anyday of the wk ( thats coming from someone who hated the thought of driving an auto until he drove the brotherinlaws Auto)
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Kevin Wood on 11 December 2010, 00:56:22
An auto makes a good commuting car, IMHO. A bit more thirsty in urban driving, not a lot in it on a motorway run, but easier in traffic.

They are not good when "pressing on" on the twisty roads, IMHO, and it's here that I find myself hankering for a manual. If only the Omega's manual box was a bit better I might be tempted to convert mine. :-/

Kevin
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: feeutfo on 11 December 2010, 02:34:56
Given the traffic across the country, and the roads on my commute, auto. But that's not to say any old auto will do, the omega auto is very good IMO.

Any sort of driving for fun though, manual. But not an omega manual...steam powered signal box anyone? ;D  ;)
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 December 2010, 04:10:16
Not spent much time in a plod one then chris? Want to drive gently? Just go 1st2nd5th. Want to drive quickly? 1st.2nd..3rd...5th, holding it in gear a bit. 8-) capable of 0-60 sprint in sub 7 seconds, manual box can't be that bad?(as long as you don't force the changes). ::)

£30 unleaded in my 3.2 manual, used as a taxi, will see between 120 and 170 miles depending on how I drive it and the mix of journeys. As a comparison, my 1.8 vectra does between 140 and 210 miles on the same amount. :-/

Once had an auto Granada Cosworth which was a very capable car, always wished it had been manual though. :-/
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Malcolm_D on 11 December 2010, 08:13:54
As most have said it is down to personal preference but give me an auto elite every time :) Smooth and relaxed around town, effortless and luxurious on a run, and if you want a bit of poke sport mode and kick down will provide ;) As for consumption figures - not ever, ever to be mentioned! :-X
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: tunnie on 11 December 2010, 08:29:36
your going to get so many different opinions, each saying their choice is best. I have access to both, I choose manual because i get bored driving autos...
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: millwall on 11 December 2010, 10:33:32
Quote
Im just a lazy git and like my auto :-* :-* :-*
 same here :y i do a lot of driving in london and having a auto is loads better when stuck in traffic
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Shackeng on 11 December 2010, 11:56:50
Quote
i have an auto and i love it to bits after driving mostly manuals since i passed my test but i have had more problems with auto boxes than manual. but i have been told the clutch wears quicker on a manual than an auto thats a tough call


That may be because the manual actually has a clutch. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Martin_1962 on 11 December 2010, 19:53:19
Autos are easier to drive after foot surgery :y :y
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Omegatoy on 11 December 2010, 20:22:06
yes!!!
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Lampynoiseboy on 12 December 2010, 00:03:10
Quote
Once had an auto Granada Cosworth which was a very capable car, always wished it had been manual though. :-/

wasn't that the one they couldn't get a manual box to take the punishment? or was that only the Scorpio Cosworth?

My last manwell was my first Omega, 2.0cd. Loved the car but always felt underpowered (much like the 1.8 mondeo- 2.0 was much better). Went to a 3.0 elite PFL auto and that was it- on my 2nd one now  :)

Had 3 Mondeos, 1 manwell then 2 autos- much prefered the auto, only went for the manwell Omega as needed a car quick & it was very cheap for the condition.

If I ever get the Ferrari or Aston Martin I want (328GTS or DB7GT), then I'll go back as they are meant for "real driving", but as I live too close to London's orbital car park, auto is perfect.

Haven't reset the MPG for about 5 months, tells me 26mpg, which is reasonable for the size engine & weight IMO
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: feeutfo on 12 December 2010, 03:10:47
Quote
Not spent much time in a plod one then chris? Want to drive gently? Just go 1st2nd5th. Want to drive quickly? 1st.2nd..3rd...5th, holding it in gear a bit. 8-) capable of 0-60 sprint in sub 7 seconds, manual box can't be that bad?(as long as you don't force the changes). ::)

£30 unleaded in my 3.2 manual, used as a taxi, will see between 120 and 170 miles depending on how I drive it and the mix of journeys. As a comparison, my 1.8 vectra does between 140 and 210 miles on the same amount. :-/

Once had an auto Granada Cosworth which was a very capable car, always wished it had been manual though. :-/
Quality of the shift, length of the throw, travel on the pedal all be it not the boxes fault. Performance mentioned is down to the engine and gearing, which would improve further still if the box was more precise. It just feels like stiring a half empty bag of spanners with a wooden spoon. To me anyway.
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: 05omegav6 on 13 December 2010, 19:18:59
Quote
wasn't that the one they couldn't get a manual box to take the punishment? or was that only the Scorpio Cosworth?

Type 9 'box goes straight in, and with a bit of jiggery pokery with the exhausts, there is room for the transfer box and four wheel drive. 8-) how to make a great car better... never had time/money to get this done. where was that lottery ticket? I'm sure there was 5 numbers on it :-/
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Tony H on 13 December 2010, 19:36:00
Quote
An auto makes a good commuting car, IMHO. A bit more thirsty in urban driving, not a lot in it on a motorway run, but easier in traffic.

They are not good when "pressing on" on the twisty roads, IMHO, and it's here that I find myself hankering for a manual. If only the Omega's manual box was a bit better I might be tempted to convert mine. :-/

Kevin
I know what you mean Kevin. One of the things I miss driving an auto is the engine braking of a manual. One way to achieve a bit more "driver involvment is to turn the T.C off, press the "S" button, select second gear which will still take you to 80 MPH this will give you a modicom of engine braking for the corners :y A word of warning though don't have the current fuel consumption displayed on the MID :o
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: geoffr70 on 13 December 2010, 20:16:03
Automatics rule
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Psychoca on 15 December 2010, 12:48:10
Personal preference is for Manual...

That said, I haven't driven a car with a good automatic gearbox or that many Automatics...

Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: Lampynoiseboy on 15 December 2010, 13:09:39
Quote
Quote
wasn't that the one they couldn't get a manual box to take the punishment? or was that only the Scorpio Cosworth?

Type 9 'box goes straight in, and with a bit of jiggery pokery with the exhausts, there is room for the transfer box and four wheel drive. 8-) how to make a great car better... never had time/money to get this done. where was that lottery ticket? I'm sure there was 5 numbers on it :-/

I stole it. This is why I'm driving a 9 year-old Vauxhall....... :o
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: 05omegav6 on 15 December 2010, 21:06:49
Quote
I stole it. This is why I'm driving a 9 year-old Vauxhall.......

 ;D ;D ;D That's where it went...
Nevermind, easy come, easy go...
Title: Re: is a manual better than auto
Post by: 2woody on 15 December 2010, 21:31:43
Quote
Personal preference is for Manual...

That said, I haven't driven a car with a good automatic gearbox or that many Automatics...


I have a '83 Bentley Turbo with an old-fashioned Hydramatic Turbo 400 - a set-up so good that I sometimes can't tell when it's changed gear, even if I try. It's perhaps the only car I wouldn't change to manual.

auto great if you live in central London.

and great for towing

but no use for "driving"