[LongBeachJim]

I drove manuals throughout my 20's (I'm in my 50's now), and I swore that I'd never drive a manual transmission ever again, as I began to earn money and could afford nicer cars.

When the 124 first arrived at dealers, I tested a red automatic and fell in love.

That being said, I tested a manual last week and the generous salesman allowed me to take a long drive along the beach in Santa Monica.

SOLD. The gears and response in Auto are just blah in comparison. Also, the manual seems so much more appropriate for a little roadster.

I'm waiting for the Abarth in manual transmission. Hurry up, please.

 

[zvezdah1]

I've boatloads of manual cars. I'm 56 and I'm completely over the need for a manual. I just want to get in and drive. It's just a preference thing.

 

[Chipshot]

I'm with you, Jim. My Spider will be my fun-to-drive car. Part of that fun will be shifting. I commuted in a manual Miata for two years and rarely found it a chore in stop-and-go traffic. I can't see my reaction to it being much different 10-12 years later. Getting in and out of the car may be a different story, however.

 

[Stewie]

I definitely have to spring for the manual as well. Especially when I'll be taking it through some windy roads and what not, nothing feels better than running through the gears.

 

[MotoPete]

I've currently a '13 Subaru BRZ S which is automatic, and whilst it is unquestionably the finest automatic transmission I've ever driven it's still just not the same as a manual when it comes to driver engagement.

So one that note I've ordered a manual Abarth in Rosso Costa Brava 1972!