Both have their places in the market both on and off road. Having owned both manual and auto 4wds and driven heavy trucks with both it really comes down to application of the vehicle in the task that it has to do. For a relaxed boring drive hop behind a auto if you want to have a spirited fun filled drive with something to do rather than just being a steering wheel attend drive a manual. 😀
Great video to everyone involved and its good to hear from the other side of the fence. I fully agree with "One day at a time", I used to prefer manual because Auto's only had 2 gears but now especially in city traffic I prefer auto Although for work I drive heaviy loaded standard 1 tonne utes (both the same make/model and age and spec level)and prefer the manual especiually through the hills for both power and speed controll and engine braking. Probably comes back to the extra ratio as well My own car is a 100 series 1hdt fte auto as the standard manual offered drives like a truck and not very user friendly
During a water crossing, if you change gears with a manual transmission you risk getting water in the clutch which can cause issues in the future. With an automatic transmission, however, you can change gears or stop driving and no water will find its way into the gearbox. This makes automatic transmissions the better choice for you if you know you’ll be facing a lot of water crossings with your 4×4.
@@WholesaleAutomatics Hhhm not sure we have a clear winner here - I thought it was autos reading from the top but there are more fans of Manuals further down the page ... thank goodness hehe :-)
@@WholesaleAutomatics if you want to learn about how a real CVT transmission works, I suggest you read about the Fendt Vario transmission. That would be one of the only real CVT's around....
I've always been a manual fan unless I was pumping 500hp+, but after getting an auto 80 series I must admit I love having an auto offroad though I would like better gear selection like the newer autos
During a water crossing, if you change gears with a manual transmission you risk getting water in the clutch which can cause issues in the future. With an automatic transmission, however, you can change gears or stop driving and no water will find its way into the gearbox. This makes automatic transmissions the better choice for you if you know you’ll be facing a lot of water crossings with your 4×4.
I have been a diehard manual fan for all the years I have been driving but I have now switched to an auto in my 4x4 and love it. I do still have manuals in my street cars and would never switch to an auto in those but for off road and towing I now prefer the auto.
After having 4 manuals that I truly loved, I have now gone to the dark side according to my mates and have a 200 Series Landcruiser, that towing a 3.5t off road van, that makes the hills, particularly in Tassie, feel like ant hills and it never misses a beat and if needed over 1000km a day, I still feel relaxed and fresh at the end. Auto for me now and forever! 👍
Having driven auto & manual 60 series & 80 series cruisers I do prefer the simplicity of the manual and the confidence of reliability. Downhill Manual is best for the engine braking but throttle control is best in an auto. So it depends on what you are using it for. But the older autos have worse gas mileage which is a game changer for me.
In the Army I was forced to drive autos. I have even owned one auto 4x4. I love manuals as I do not have to argue with my gearbox and have some piece of mind. Manual all the way for me. I am just here because I love the guys at Wholesale Automatics. My off road rigs are a 1984 K10 Stepside and a 1986 Ford F250 each have a manual.
I had always had manuals until I test drove back to back when it come to buying my newest Ute. The control of the auto was crazy and felt safer on the more harder tracks. 👌🏼
During a water crossing, if you change gears with a manual transmission you risk getting water in the clutch which can cause issues in the future. With an automatic transmission, however, you can change gears or stop driving and no water will find its way into the gearbox. This makes automatic transmissions the better choice for you if you know you’ll be facing a lot of water crossings with your 4×4.
my fortuner is auto and its great for everything but i drive a toyota workmate ute and the basic package is manuel and its great too so it is a case of aplication its just like you dont see electric 4x4s crawling in the bush . great show
I’m a manual fan but as I’m now an amputee it’s autos for the times I can’t wear my leg. But the auto is heavy duty a larger cooler and set up that I change gears so really it’s a clutchless manual
Hold a gun to my head, I’m a manual transmission bloke. Driven both on and off road, and both definitely have their place. I drive a manual at the moment, and driving through gridlock in a manual every morning can be a pain in the rear, I’ll admit that. I do love the control that a manual gives you, and also I love the fact no one wants to borrow your car because they either can’t or don’t want to drive the manual. I also had a Ford Territory that completely destroyed its auto after the rubber lines that went from the box to the cooler perished, slowly leaked the fluid everywhere and ended up with a gearbox of neutrals. $3500 later….
Driving 90s european cars. I love the 3l V6 with automatic. Also running 2.5 Liter turbo diesels, which only come as manual. Not usable in city driving, but great for cross country and trailer pulling.
All my land cruisers have been manual my 105 series 5 speed was written off and I found a good 100 series fte Auto and love it the only issue is Beach work
Hi all, I'm feeling old, first car Austin A40 had 4 on the tree and a crank handle and I used it monthly mostly Saturday nights. Off road and work were Series 1 and 3 land rover, and dads 4x4 and (6x6 Blitz's (7 leveler between the seats in the cab and one outside the drivers side , no driver door) and most things with wheels from the 60's to now, currently watching the dual cab utes market the cost v's tech in so many makes and models. If i level it to long it make be electric. Thanks for the debate. Cheers
For serious off road I would choose a manual transmission, but for outback touring off the bitumen I prefer an automatic. I have had a series 3 Landrover and a 100 series Landcruiser, both manuals and now a Ford Ranger automatic. Old age has caught up to me and become lazy and my travelling around Australia has changed. Been there and seen that and now I want to see more. Cheers
Bought a 120 Prado auto as my wife had gone soft over the previous 10 years. Disappointed with engine braking compared with manual 80 series, but found manual Hilux could not creep in reverse out of the same driveway either. Have not had a chance to try the manual 4 cylinders in low range gnarly stuff, but auto does climb over rocks more easily.
When I got my license, there were zero automatic cars available in Aus. So I learned to double clutch into 1st with a three on the tree. First auto car was a 307 HK with powerglide. Now I drive an auto Patrol (equipped with Nomad) after having had a manual Jackaroo. My daily is an auto/manual with 2 clutches, my much loved MKV GTI - 14 years and no issues. So for me it's auto all the way, preferably with manual intervention possible. I don't care how many stick-pullers claim one can't drive if not driving a manual, they play with their stick so much they need specs..:) and they're wrong.
Manual with a extra transfer case for extra low crawling gears is my dream gearbox setup. Can do it also for autos. They are in many 4wds here in Iceland, we use them to crawl in snow but I am surprised not to see them in more builds in Aus.
It's a pity this first half turned into a slag fest and being so negative of each others products, but good to see the discussion moved to each side talking about the limitations each business sees, and the improvements you each make in your respective fields. And especially good that you both emphasised the driver issues. I know your businesses thrive on conversions, but why can't the manufacturers offer autos in GU and 79 series utes and manuals in the luxo barges.
I owned only manuals for 33 years of driving. In that time, I had driven some autos, but still bought manuals. In 2008 I bought my first automatic. I have not owned a manual since, nor can I see a circumstance where I would want to own a manual again.
Went from a Manual to a Auto but always found they were worse for fuel economy... over the past few years I've gone back to a Manual for 4wdriving/Touring/daily driver as I find it more involved in the driving process, thus helps keeping me alert/awake on long drives, but in saying that I will go back to an Auto in my retirement years. I think they both have good/bad points...
I have a manual VF2 SSV Commodore, my wife has a manual VW Golf, my son has a manual Rodeo and a Manual Jackaroo and I have an auto Jackaroo. We all like driving manual but I wouldn't switch my 4WD to a manual, I much prefer the auto transmission for off-road.
Gday, firstly thanks for taking the time to discuss which is best, it’s great to see 2 companies that are in opposition to each other talking about there products, I personally think it comes down to personal choice and driving abilities, for me it’s auto in the family car (Commodore) and manual in the Hilux (RN106), im a retired truck driver and always manuals and recently I drove a Allison Auto and I was blown away at how good it really was, definitely changed my opinion of autos in heavy vehicles, thanks again guys, cheers
I personally prefer auto off road for the control it offers. I’d love to see a how to video on towing heavy loads with an auto. I tow a 2.9t van. Would love some pointers on what to look out for. I tend to manually shift in hilly terrain to keep revs up but would love to hear from the experts.
Have driven both manual and auto vehicles from cars to 4x4 to buses. I believe they both have their places . However I much prefer, much prefer, to drive a manual 4x4 on the tracks and when I’m towing my van. I feel as though I have more control as a driver in both situations. Maybe it’s a personal thing , well so be it, but I’ll always prefer a manual. Thank you for the post, found good points from both sides, looking forward to follow up post.
Love this style of content. It has relevance to the ordinary 4wd owner. Any chance you can do a video on how to use an auto (in a 4WD) in all of the applications they are used?? When to use it manually and when to down and up shift. How an auto can change the driving characteristics of a car. It might address some of the misinformation and lack of understanding that exists. As everyone agreed in the video, a lot of people are unknowingly damaging their gearboxes.
I've had many of both, and they both have their place, but for me, manuals get the tick simply because they provide a more interactive driving experience, and also because I'm a glutten for punishment and never back down from a tougher challenge
As been an old fella and learning in a manual it does take more skill to drive a manual my dad used to have an a AT114 Dodge v8 and turn it into a 4WD he had a manual gearbox in it out of the 7 tonne truck if you put it in first gear you could walk faster than it. A automatic is more relaxing to drive and safer for unexperienced drivers and a lot of people these days can't even drive a manual pretty sad but if I was going to buy a brand new 4WD I would buy an automatic on my bucket list. but at the moment I'm still driving manual lol
Both have they’re place in every situation long drive towing auto, For most applications in the 4x4 situation like standard vehicles with no lock up kits side by side comparison manual is better but on the road long drives or city driving auto
This was a great video, I’m manual for sure. I appreciate that an auto is the easier option for a lot of factors but I like to make the decision about what my Ute is doing. I just don’t get that sense of satisfaction in an auto. ( side note ) if you lose a gear in an auto or the battery’s shot.. can usually get around it in a manual. We’re a dying breed but I just feel at home there.
Is that spring over diff in the 79 and what diff you running? What oversized injectors you running Jacqui? Disclaimer: Got a 360 Gearbox and rear diff in my old 79. 360 provided beaut service, well, outstanding actually. kennym
Thanks for the blushing compliment Kenny! We are running a Dana 60 in the rear with mods and 70% injectors. 940nm & 240kw at the rear off the top of my head :-)
Think you got it a bit wrong Rob, the change to auto from the 90's on in cars, was because a lot of people buying performance vehicles wanted the "flappy paddle" type, to be able to drive like an F1 driver and it trickled down, especially in Europe. It started the push in top end cars and now people are bemoaning the lack of manuals available. Great vid and colab. I've owned both and apart from the lack of ability to bump an auto to me, it don't make a difference. If you chose the vehicle which will suit what you want it to do and drive it with sympathy, neither are a problem. My biggest bug bare today is the lack of people who cannot drive a manual. I think everyone should be able to just in case.
Long time since I have seen/been to 360.. best people in the business and honest people... only place to go for us manual lover's... or landcruzer killer..he he... hope you are both well...;))
I have never owned an auto 4x4. I love my manual just enjoy the driving experience I understand automatics can be better and easier and alot of applications but as far as drivers satisfaction go it's manual 100%
I prefer automatics in deep snow and sand hands down but that's whats works for me.. things sure changed when I upgraded my A442F hydro to the extreme valvebody and modified internals. also love my billet torque converter thanks wholesaleautomatics :)
Love the manual gearbox. They're more bush proof. But they need to be driven correctly. Towing should never be done in Top gear. My 89 Triton is supposed to have a 5 speed box. 5th gear has NOT worked for 5 years that I have owned it
Swapping my manual R380 to an auto ZF 4HP22 very soon... Shame Land Rover never offered the auto as a factory item other than in the V8's special editions.
Hi guys I’ve always been a manual guy … But now I’m getting older and auto’s have become so good it’s automatic all the way for me ! And I have Rod’s cooler and lockup kit on my Hilux tow rig Wouldn’t have it any other way! Cheers and thanks guys
This has gotten me thinking about swapping a CVT transmission out of a 2011 Nissan Juke into my 6.2 liter Hellcat swapped Suzuki Jimny. The Old Jimny trans is having a bit of trouble with the 881NM of torque and I have heard great things about the Nissan CVT.
I used my BMW X3 for a set of rock steps using the auto hold with the 8 speed auto and it was so much better than the other two primitive manual vehicles in the trip. as they could not load up the wheels without burning the clutches or spinning wheels , I also found the downhill assist amazing on the slopes that the manuals in 1st gear didnt hold without adding brakes and skidding. when it comes to making the vehicles safer and more capable forget the manual and use the technologies from this century
Loving the Challenger at the moment being an auto paddle shift But when I was looking to get a 4x4 I was only wanted to be an auto because they’re easier to drive off-road (only thing I don’t like about the auto is the first gear seems to be too long for going down steep hills)
Hi boys & girl an interesting topic basically autos have come a long way from the old 3 speed troublematics no one was very happy with them..remember the HJ autos with bad clutches falling apart so Holden fitted a large filter to get'em out of warranty. Back in the day I & XU1 with m20 easy to rebuild. Personally have had heaps of manuals first auto LC200 & not going back. You summers things up well it is the nut behind the wheel that causes the problem if it be auto or manual they can screw either and blame the manufacturer/mechanic !! Cheers guys.
Missed this one, love my manual troopy with the built 360 degree gearbox. Copes well with the tuned VDJ with all the upgrades making a stout 900NM at the rears but admit auto's are easier and likely better for most. My tuned Jeep Grand and Stinger are autos and great around town but love swaping gears in the troopy in the rough stuff, it's my Outback Porche (and cost me as much).
During a water crossing, if you change gears with a manual transmission you risk getting water in the clutch which can cause issues in the future. With an automatic transmission, however, you can change gears or stop driving and no water will find its way into the gearbox. This makes automatic transmissions the better choice for you if you know you’ll be facing a lot of water crossings with your 4×4.
I’ve always had manuals always said id never own a auto and 2 years ago I decided too sell my manual 80 for a auto 105 so good offroad can approach obstacles very slowly 👌will he hard too get back into a manual now
Hi Rod and stew !! Iv been a manual man for 30years and now I've got a New Dmax with an auto and I'm loving it !!! Question tho !! I'm planning on doing big red and full desert run next year!! You mentioned about using hi/range in sand over heating the box !! What do I need to do to avoid this !! Thanks heaps!! Dan from NSW
In my 40+ years of driving and riding motorcycles, there's more engagement in the driving experience and enjoyment in controlling a manual vehicle. Having said that, there is a place for Autos for sure, but just not in my garage. 😁
I love how you talk about manual vs auto. Why does a car need 10 gears. I drive a road train with a manual gearbox. 18 gears and I can honestly say no auto gearbox in a truck can keep up to the manual. Car Auto gearbox’s have issues with solenoids. Autos if broken down can’t be tow started etc. manual all the way
I've owned and driven both on and off road over the years, a lot of years, and I can honestly say now I much prefer an Auto especially for soft sand and for better throttle control in more technical driving situations. I would think most don't realise how much shock loading the vehicle driveline is spared via the torque converter either. AUTO!!
100% manual. When I bought my 150 Prado GX (used), I went out of my way to get one with a manual gearbox - in fact, I just upgraded its clutch to an Exedy Safari Tuff. Automatics just bore me to tears.
I think the only advantage manuals have now is that they are a bit more “bush proof” for lack of a better term. Eg if you break a cog or get water in it, it’s not a catastrophe. But the modern auto out performs manuals in every way now. ZF 8HP in my Rubi is absolutely unreal.
This was an interesting conversation, I would like to see more content on this. I live in the USA in Colorado, I've done the the hard tracks "engineers pass" and harder. I've never did any 4x4 with an auto.... I'm curious... i think at some point I will not have a choice.
I am an manual driver. USA, Colorado. Have you brought your test vehicles here, I think we can make your autos better... love the content, I really enjoyed this episode. I think the other side could have been more informative with the pros of the manual transmission. I think they were being polite...
I love a manual when on a long trip or just a weekend play but I'm at the stage of going an auto soon but it depends on the rig you will drive as to what works in what
I have 3l v6 pajero 12 valve manual swb 98 model and 3l v6 24valve colt rodeo/triton 2001 model. Prefer the auto, just have so much more control. But the manual does have a more fun factor to it.
Had a manual prado 120, got auto bt50 but got bored with it off road, went back to manual, now trying auto again because i'm going big torque and apparently they're better for it.
I after driving manual cars and trucks most of my life bought a 2010 auto dmax, 210000 on the clock with no bullbar winch or snorkel on it . I always drove 4wd with manual gearbox, wasn't a fan of automatic transmission Its an automatic transmission. I was always on the thinking if you get flat battery or starter motor went you could at least tow start it . Quite happy with the auto. I just think that if it was newer generation auto behind it it would be better though I'm not sure . I'll tell you what it's a hell of a lot less strain and work on you at the end of the day driving an auto though , or is it the fact I'm getting older My wife has an xtrail with on of those cv transmission in it it reminded me of operating a harvester with hydrostatic belt drive. I guess it's the same thing
I love my manual road car, and didn’t have an option when I bought my FJ Cruiser. I far prefer my manual on the road, the auto is so easy though. Now, if I could just learn to drive it off road, I was interested to hear I shouldn’t be I D while on the sand… where do I find off road Auto tips?
I have a GQ 5speed manual. And love it. Also a Colorado 6speed auto love it now torque converter sorted. Would love you to do a torque converter upgrade. But gq I would like 5-6 litre upgrade 6 speed manual.
I need help, I have a Toyota Land Cruiser 1994 runs smoothly, However I have a small issue with the transmission. It shifts smoothly, but when I move down down the shift from park to drive it feels like something is holding the truck from moving forward but if I go from park to reverse and let the tires move a bit and then go to drive it’s all good. The truck has only 86k miles and is well maintained. Thanks for the help. Again, the transmission otherwise operates perfectly fine.
I would more detail around what happens when you try to drive forwards. What other things have you tried other than driving in revearse slightly. Email me on rodney@askorto.com.au
Always been a manual preferred driver Now living in the city Getting older so more prone to aches pains and less tolerant to injuries Sorry I wouldn’t buy another manual car Yes I own 3 cars 2 auto Ranger and levorg and a manual old skill manual hilux But would prefer auto For towing,touring, every day driving But I do prefer a manual when doing beach work
Manual gearbox is great and iv gone from auto to manual gearbox much better control with a manual gearbox auto runs on to much and if u manual shift a auto it locks up the back wheels as the gearing is different to a real manual gearbox
