Quick Poll. Yes, Another Poll. This One About Transmissions.

[Dustman]

I find it interesting that the votes are evening out just a little more towards the manual transmission. Might have something to do with the large number of those with past or current motorcycle experience on this forum - no strangers to manual transmissions.

 

[KC_Cacti]

Even though I can drive manual, its automatic all the way for me! I hate using a manual in heavy traffic and since this is a commuter car it has to be automatic.

 

[Charlie G]

I find it interesting that the votes are evening out just a little more towards the manual transmission. Might have something to do with the large number of those with past or current motorcycle experience on this forum - no strangers to manual transmissions.

On that note, I'd love if they used a sequential shifter. I imagine that would make the AMT conversion painless too, though I don't know much about them. I've only ever owned automatic cars, my current being a CVT. But motorcycles did made me pretty comfortable with manual.

 

[ElioJoe]

Probably a stick! Been driving a 1995 Jeep Wrangler all these years with a 5 speed and plan on keeping it too! My daughter will get an automatic.

 

[checho]

Manual transmissions are fun, but in the bay area in California where traffic is very heavy an automatic is better, or when crossing the border from Mexico to the USA, at any main checkpoint, traffic is crazy, it can take several hours to travel a distance smaller than a mile, in this case an automatic is a must, also a good air conditioner that will not overheat the engine is a must, anywhere where traffic is extreme an automatic makes life easier.
The important thing for automatic transmissions to last is to have proper cooling, most automakers use the same radiator for cooling the engine also for cooling the transmission and this is a very bad idea, it is a lot better to have a dedicated aluminum radiator it makes a big difference on the transmission.
It happened to me on a ford van, the internal division that separates the water from the oil was broken internally no external leak, and the transmission was ruined from the water entering the oil.
The problem with cars in general it is that is very difficult to put a dedicated transmission radiator since there is no space available for it, and they have to go in a location that gets a flow of air, in trucks it is a must to install one, since the space is usually available.

it would be very nice if the Elio had a dedicated radiator for the transmission.

 

[BlioKart]

Manual transmissions are fun, but in the bay area in California where traffic is very heavy an automatic is better, or when crossing the border from Mexico to the USA, at any main checkpoint, traffic is crazy, it can take several hours to travel a distance smaller than a mile, in this case an automatic is a must, also a good air conditioner that will not overheat the engine is a must, anywhere where traffic is extreme an automatic makes life easier.
The important thing for automatic transmissions to last is to have proper cooling, most automakers use the same radiator for cooling the engine also for cooling the transmission and this is a very bad idea, it is a lot better to have a dedicated aluminum radiator it makes a big difference on the transmission.
It happened to me on a ford van, the internal division that separates the water from the oil was broken internally no external leak, and the transmission was ruined from the water entering the oil.
The problem with cars in general it is that is very difficult to put a dedicated transmission radiator since there is no space available for it, and they have to go in a location that gets a flow of air, in trucks it is a must to install one, since the space is usually available.

it would be very nice if the Elio had a dedicated radiator for the transmission.

Doesnt need one its a AMT not a true AT

 

[Bert]

I've only owned one automatic in my life. Manual please, and not a silly "paddle" shift either!!

 

[Mr Deleon]

I will be getting an automatic. Here in Wisconsin, in the snow and on country roads, you need both hands just to make sure you are staying in your lane all the time.

 

[Mike W]

Automatic. The cabin of the Elio is big enough but still a bit more confining for the driver than that of the usual side by side configuration. More than likely sufficient space has engineered into the area needed to shift without knocking your knuckles on the cabin wall or otherwise aggrevating contact while trying to beat the Smart Car off the line! So, the automatic will be just fine.

 

[wayne kemp]

Automatic.......harder to hold a super sized drink and shift a stick.
40 years ago I would have said can't shift and have your arm around your sweetheart.