Manual?

[shubox56]

I’m a bit embarrassed to ask, but it’s been a long time since I last drove a manual. My first car was a 68 Chevelle with a small block and a stick. The motor was shot, so I rebuilt it in my high school shop with help from my teacher, who owned a 70 Chevelle 454 and a Corvette. The transmission worked fine, but the clutch was always a problem. I still remember sweating bullets on hills, terrified of rolling back when someone pulled up close behind me.

Now, at 70 years old, I’m considering buying another manual, but I’m nervous about the prospect. In my recently sold 56 Chevy, I ran a reverse manual valve body TCI Turbo 400 and loved it—the fun of a manual without the clutch. Realistically, I’ll probably play it safe with a 10‑speed automatic, but deep down I know the stick would be more fun.

For those with experience: what are your thoughts on choosing a manual at my age? Any advice or stories that might help me decide? I’m currently leaning toward either a GT Premium (loaded) or a Dark Horse (basic), though also looking at a base stingray.

Sponsored

 

[shubox56]

And for the record, no knee issues, but hip joints can get mighty stiff.

 

[Zig]

They have rev-matching and hill hold now

 

[Ewags81]

the car also automatically throttles up a bit when you slip the clutch, helping to prevent stalls. which can sometimes be a little annoying when you're barely trying to creep, but probably good for newer drivers. i haven't figured out how to turn just that feature off.

 

[TcarterGT2024]

The clutch feel is light. It’s not like they use to be. Mine is manual and even in heavier traffic it’s not a chore.

 

[Frogdog1]

I like manuals but own an automatic. Don't assume they aren't fun because this Mustang auto is fun and faster of course. I don't at all regret the decision to get one. Drive an auto before you write them off. Just another opinion.

 

[86pagt]

I was only set on getting a manual when I was ready to purchase in 2019… I found a car that had everything I wanted but it was an automatic… I test drove it and brought it home. It was way better than I anticipated… on to 2024 when I was looking for an S650 and only searched for autos since I like the 19 so much…my opinion is test drive both I think you will be surprised how good the automatic is..

 

[AZ_Ryan]

Easy. Drive both and see what you like.

Also keep in mind that the manual transmission and clutch on the GT and Dark Horse are different.

 

[garagely]

personally I really do not like the Manual trans in the base GTs of previous gen mustangs but I love the Tremec manual in the darkhorse. daily drivability is fine in my exp - hill hold is fine, rev matching is super smooth, clutch feels just as good as any other modern manual. I've made a flowchart which illustrates how I would advise others with same question.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

personally I really do not like the Manual trans in the base GTs of previous gen mustangs but I love the Tremec manual in the darkhorse. daily drivability is fine in my exp - hill hold is fine, rev matching is super smooth, clutch feels just as good as any other modern manual. I've made a flowchart which illustrates how I would advise others with same question.

^ I couldn't agree with this more. The Tremec is far superior.

 

[LouG]

I bought an auto because I could get it now, not in 6 months for the manual. If both were available it would have been a tough call.
But now there's something I've seen on reviews that concerns me, and that's the ridiculously tall 6th gear. That could be a pain here where we have no high speed roads.

 

[shubox56]

The only Mustang I've driven was an EcoBoost convertible on a recent trip to key West. I wasn't terribly impressed at the time, but I know a GT premium or Dark Horse will be a different animal. I will definitely test drive both along with test driving a base stingray.

I'm carefully reviewing finances before walking into a showroom; I don't want to get caught up in the passion of the moment without carefully planning retirement cash flow which will begin on January 1st. Finally letting go of my career at 70.

I truly appreciate all of the opinions shared. In regards to the automatic, will I like the paddle shifter?

 

[shubox56]

personally I really do not like the Manual trans in the base GTs of previous gen mustangs but I love the Tremec manual in the darkhorse. daily drivability is fine in my exp - hill hold is fine, rev matching is super smooth, clutch feels just as good as any other modern manual. I've made a flowchart which illustrates how I would advise others with same question.

I'm a flowchart kind of guy. Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Paul's stable]

I’m a bit embarrassed to ask, but it’s been a long time since I last drove a manual. My first car was a 68 Chevelle with a small block and a stick. The motor was shot, so I rebuilt it in my high school shop with help from my teacher, who owned a 70 Chevelle 454 and a Corvette. The transmission worked fine, but the clutch was always a problem. I still remember sweating bullets on hills, terrified of rolling back when someone pulled up close behind me.

Now, at 70 years old, I’m considering buying another manual, but I’m nervous about the prospect. In my recently sold 56 Chevy, I ran a reverse manual valve body TCI Turbo 400 and loved it—the fun of a manual without the clutch. Realistically, I’ll probably play it safe with a 10‑speed automatic, but deep down I know the stick would be more fun.

For those with experience: what are your thoughts on choosing a manual at my age? Any advice or stories that might help me decide? I’m currently leaning toward either a GT Premium (loaded) or a Dark Horse (basic), though also looking at a base stingray.

I'm in my 60's and I love my 24 Dark Horse HP manual it has the Tremec but the Mustang has a MG82. I you like doing something while you drive get a manual if you want a boring just push pedal and go get the auto and the auto is faster drag racing. I like going for drives in nice winding roads while rowing gears. I find it relaxing and exciting at the same time. I would suggest the Dark Horse with the Tremec. The HP option is nice but you don't need it to get the Tremec. Oh and I also learned stick on a 1968 Chevelle convertible great car to lean on it had a hot 350 and 4 speed.

 

[TMR]

Test driving is good advice.
I was in a similar boat. My first cars were all manuals. I went from 3 on the tree to a couple 4 speeds. But had not driven a manual extensively for 3 decades. I thought I wanted to get back in to manual. Then I was sure after a couple test drives. Now I am 3 to 4 weeks out from delivery of my 6spd Vert. I am a little rusty, but I'm sure I'll be sideways in no time.
BTW, my son was a doubter until I took him on a test drive, now he can't wait to learn!

Sponsored