Manual?

[shubox56]

That's as geriatric as I can get

Your father is a wise man. HELL, at times it's difficult just to get out of bed.

I'm definitely planning for the future and will see where the chips fall.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

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[R3G]

I think it depends on how you want to drive it, driving a manual is more engaging experience IMHO but Autos have simplicity to them and not having to clutch between red lights is a blessing in traffic. I've owned both. Have a dark horse on order with the M6 Tremec, but I love driving my Bronco with the A10 and its a similar transmission. My only thing on the A10 is 10 gears seems like too many for a sports/muscle car and its constantly shifting and using the paddles in this case is more annoying so I usually leave it in auto shift mode. Previously Auto transmissions used to have jerky shifting and a poor experience but this isn't the case anymore. Ford has tuned their current A10 transmissions quite well over the years in all their vehicles and they are buttery smooth. I wanted the manual for nostalgia reasons mostly I guess, as even I can't complain about how good modern auto transmissions are but this could be my last manual car I think.

 

[Frogdog1]

I truly appreciate all the opinions shared — whether it’s manual vs. A10 from a reliability standpoint, which is faster, or which is most enjoyable. But you’re right: what I was really looking for was feedback on ease of use, especially for those of us no longer blessed with youth.

From what I can tell, this forum leans toward a younger crowd — folks in that sweet spot of life where they’ve “arrived” and can support an expensive hobby. As a long‑time enthusiast, it makes me happy to see the torch being carried forward.

I sold my 56 Chevy exactly 30 years after buying it. In that time, I swapped three motors, a transmission, rear ends, and countless mechanical and aesthetic elements ; 100% all me in a townhouse garage. As retirement approached, the car became a serious handful. Keeping a 671‑blown motor dialed in was a constant effort, and eventually I made the decision to let her go. My best friend, who owns wicked 55 and 56 Chevys, thought I was crazy — maybe he was right. But my thinking was to buy a new‑school hot rod with just enough nods to the past to keep me happy. Something I could enjoy in retirement, keeping my hot‑rod identity intact without all the headaches that came with my 56.

So, long story short, what I’m really after is insight into the ease of driving a modern manual. My only memory of driving a stick goes back 55 years, and it was a nightmare thanks to the hilly area I lived in. I don’t know where my body will be in 5, 10, or 20 years (God willing), so I’ll test drive both and make the call. With winter here, I’ve got several months to hunt for the right deal. And if that deal turns out to be a manual, I came here hoping to hear from the “geriatric crowd.”.

Man, you've "aged yourself" terribly throughout this thread and I think this forum has more than it's share of "older people". My dad bought a Coyote Mustang at 86 y.o. and enjoyed every minute of it. Maybe you have health problems or something but you'll be here to either enjoy what's left, or worry about it. Live it one day at a time and do what you want and have fun with each day. All you have to do is go test drive both transmissions and make a decision. Both are good IMO. It just doesn't matter that much to me what transmission other people have. Sorry, just had to say it and give you something to think about. There are young 70 y.o's and old 70 y.o's..... Sometimes it's a decision.

 

[shubox56]

No worries Frogdog. Enough has been shared on this subject with every opinion appreciated.

 

[Killshot58]

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.

Go for the Manual! I initially bought an automatic because I thought it would be nice for a change not having to shift gears. Once the novelty of the new car wore off I was really wishing I bought a manual. So, I sold the automatic for a loss and bought another brand new one with manual transmission. Night and day difference for me! No regrets! The driving experience was so much better. I'm not into drag racing so I'm ok with cruising along and shifting gears. Be careful with your choice.

 

[shubox56]

Go for the Manual! I initially bought an automatic because I thought it would be nice for a change not having to shift gears. Once the novelty of the new car wore off I was really wishing I bought a manual. So, I sold the automatic for a loss and bought another brand new one with manual transmission. Night and day difference for me! No regrets! The driving experience was so much better. I'm not into drag racing so I'm ok with cruising along and shifting gears. Be careful with your choice.

DANG! That hurts! GT or DH with the Tremec?

 

[LouG]

Fast? Faster than what? Every nice electric car on the road will smoke you… that’s why this “I’m faster with my auto mustang” is hilarious argument.
Again, if you’re in a class at a drag strip, yes automatic wins.

Personally speaking, I don't consider EV's to be cars. Sustainable transport if you will.
I wouldn't race one under 160kmh in the same way sensible car drivers don't take on bikes.

 

[LouG]

I'm gonna have some ice cream...should I eat chocolate or butter pecan?

Both. Live a little.
BTW. As far as age and the ability to drive a manual goes. Go to Italy and see how many wrinklies have manual cars. Most of them. There are also a surprising number of manual rentals too. I was also surprised at how natural it felt to shift with my right hand.

 

[Neggytive]

the 10 speed auto's in these cars are very good, so far they are taking the abuse some drivers are giving them, and the gear ratios are the typical low first gear to get the tires spinning, it kind of jumps thru second and into third quick, and then up thru the gears.

7th is a 1 : 1 , everything above that is an OD and IIRC 10th is something in the .62 : 1 range for real nice highway driving. I have gotten 30 MPG in my 5.0 on the highway on long trips.

Now there are other things, like the different modes use different points and some think they are a tad firmer than in "normal" mode.

Plus you can paddle shift it temporarily to drop a gear or two then after 10 seconds after you stop thrashing on it it reverts back to automatic, plus you can pull the gear shifter into Manual mode at any point and paddle shift it.

So now we hit the big question, GT Premium, DH, or a low trim level Vette

I am pushing 67 in a month I have a 2024 GT Premium ragtop, with no go fast options

Before ford jacked the price up $8000 in 2 years and took a lot of features that used to come with packages out ( pony projection mirrors, lighted sill plated, stitching on the knee bolsters, charging for the B&O radio that used to be part of the 401A, but retaining the near $3000 price for the package and then adding a grand for the radio, removing the tire inflator and sealer kit, etc etc etc) the GT Premium was a pretty affordable car without the magna ride, big brakes and active exhaust. And the car still worked well without those very pricey options.

At what Ford is asking for a well optioned 2026 that has been stripped of a lot of features ... did I mention the Homelink garage door opener is now gone and not available on any trim level.... I don't blame you for looking at a Vette.

I wrote a check for nearly 57 grand for my car, 2 years later the same car would be closer to $65K. Sorry I don't think this is a car that commands that amount of money.

I don't know if I would have bought another Vette, I sold my pristine 47K mile 94 C4 to make room in the garage for the 7G Mustang so I have already done the Vette thing, but I can tell you I would not have paid more 57K for what this car is.

A 2LT Vette is a lot of car though and at 80K give or take it is one hell of a value when it comes to performance vs cost.

The price difference between a 1LT and 2LT makes buying the 2LT a no brainer considering the differences in the car. Buy once cry once right?

And the elephant in the room, the DH, sorry I can't justify the price compared to a Vette, BMW or even Porsche.

But it is all subjective, A mustang is a car you can drive every day, a Vette ot so much.

Here in FL where the roads are maintained Vettes are great. NH where the roads are OK not so much, Massachusetts where the roads resemble something from Afghanistan after a bombing raid not a car you want to be hitting potholes with with that low a nose.

 

[shubox56]

I hearya Neggy. I'm startled by the pricing. It's why I'm now considering a GT Premium with a few options like 401A (or is it 401K), Active Exhaust, B&O, and Brembos. $45,000 max as dealers reduce inventory. I'll set aside a budget for a few aftermarket additions like adjustable coilovers and new wheels. The add-ons after adjusting to the new ride. Though I will not know till I test drive, I'm betting I will not need PP being a straight line kinda guy.

This exercise is helping me set expectations. Very helpful.

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I hearya Neggy. I'm startled by the pricing. It's why I'm now considering a GT Premium with a few options like 401A (or is it 401K), Active Exhaust, B&O, and Brembos. $45,000 max as dealers reduce inventory. I'll set aside a budget for a few aftermarket additions like adjustable coilovers and new wheels. The add-ons after adjusting to the new ride. Though I will not know till I test drive, I'm betting I will not need PP being a straight line kinda guy.

This exercise is helping me set expectations. Very helpful.

I truly believe that if you aren't taking the car to the track, the PP and DH cars just aren't worth it. You are essentially just paying for extra cooling on the PP and extra cooling and suspension for the DH. The suspension on the non PP GT is still excellent. Especially if you add the K and strut brace. I agree that if you are a straight line, street driver kinda guy, you should save your money and get the 401A and active Exhaust. The only exception would be if you want to super charge it. Then I'd get the PP because of the auxiliary oil cooler.

Also be aware there are gear options that will change how the car feels off the line. I would definitely recommend. 3.55 gears in the base GT auto, and 3.73 gears in the base GT manual.

 

[Heritagedave]

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.

Here are my two cents,

I am 65 years old, and I have owned five Mustang’s.
Out of the five Mustangs, two were auto’s, one of them had the new 10 speed auto and the other had the 5-speed auto.
By far the 10-speed is a superior auto transmission over the old 5-speed.
But I’ve always loved the manual transmission which is what I’m driving now.
Even when I had the 10-speed automatic transmission, I ended up wishing I had the manual.

For me, when I drive my manual, as described by my wife, I always have a shitty grin on my face – LOL.
One does not have to drive fast when driving a manual transmission, just rolling through the gears on a nice windy road is all I need to make my day.
I can tell you this, the 2025’s Mustang GT manual transmission is very easy to drive. The clutch has a light feel, and I never had any problems with the manual transmission in my GT. My 2025 GT transmission worked just as good as my 2023 Mach 1 manual.

As others have already said, drive them both, then make your decision, but I suggest sticking to what your heart is telling you.
We manual transmission drivers are a dying breed.

Have fun!

 

[Neggytive]

do the math on the gear ratios on the 3.55 gears, besides being something like a $1000 option on the automatic cars, the auto gear ratios with 3.15's work out right, especially the first gear Ford is known for... super low. I posted the gear ratio chart back a couple of weeks ago when we were discussing 3.73 and 4.10 (4.09?) gear sets.

The peak torque us just under 5000 rpm, with 6 of the automatic gear ratios being more than 1:1 you are going to get the benefit of not only torque multiplication but being able to keep the car in the sweet spot where it gives the most ooomph

The stick cars need the 3.55's due to the lack of torque multiplication in 2, 3 and 4

Manual with 3.55's the effective gear ratios are
11.537 to 1 in first
7.916 in second
5.715 in third
4.402 in 4th
Fifth gear is 1:1 times 3.55 which is 3.55
sixth is an OD so 2.23 : 1

Now lets do the 10 speed and 3.15's and remember every automatic 3.15 car has been about 2/10's of a second FASTER in the 1/4 than the 6 speed

4.70 x 3.15 14.805 to 1 (that is going to get you moving quickly)
2.99 x 3.15 9.418
2.15 x 3.15 6.772
1.77 x 3.15 5.575
1.52 x 3.15 4.778
1.28 x 3.15 4.032
1.00 x 3.15 3.15
0.85 x 3.15 2.677
0.69 x 3.15 2.173
0.64 x 3.15 2.016

so which one is going to give you better torque multiplication, shift faster, and allow you to pick a gear that is going to keep you in or just above the peak power range and not drop drop too far to quickly recover back to the peak power area (4700 to 5000, shift at 5200 to drop back into the bottom end of the power band)

now for the optional 3.55's

16.685
10.6145
7.6325
6.2835
5.396
4.544
3.55
3.017
2.449
2.272

now a 19' 275/40R19 tire has a diameter of 27.6"

3.15 gears, 5000 RPM's
first gear 27.75 MPH
43.61 mph in second
60.64 in third
73.66 in fourth
85.78 in 5th
101.86 in sixth
130.39 in seventh
153 in 8th, and that is theoretical and the car is speed limited to something like 165
189 in 9th, theoretical in a vacuum no speed limiter
213 in 10th, again theoretical, not counting drag and friction

3.55's @5000 RPM's
1 24.62 MPH
2 38.69 MPH
3 53.81 MPH
4 65.36 MPH
5 76.11 MPH
6 90.39 MPH
7 115.69 MPH
8 136.11 MPH
9 167.67 MPH
10 180.77 MPH


3.55's MANUAL transmission Tremec 6 speed @5000 RPM's

38.95 MPH
55.09 MPH
79.24 MPH
115.69 MPH
144.62 MPH
183.64 MPH


If you take the time to put this all in a chart I think you'll find the 10 speed with the 3.15's give the best performance when you are trying to keep the car in the power band

IMHO YMMV and anything past 7th gear in the Auto and 4th in the Tremec is an OD and you can forget making power in those gears, you'll eventually get to the limiter but once you cross 1:1 you do not have the benefit of torque multiplication

 

[AZ_Ryan]

I'm not disputeing any of the above. But 3.55s in the auto feel much snappier off the line compared to the 3.15s. Hence my recommendation. There is a reason Ford uses that ratio in the PP and DH automatics.

That also goes for the base GT manuals as they come with either 3.15s or 3.55s. I personally feel anything lower than a 3.73 on the manual feels slow off the line. That alone might be a good reason to upgrade to a PP or DH.

 

[Frogdog1]

do the math on the gear ratios on the 3.55 gears, besides being something like a $1000 option on the automatic cars, the auto gear ratios with 3.15's work out right, especially the first gear Ford is known for... super low. I posted the gear ratio chart back a couple of weeks ago when we were discussing 3.73 and 4.10 (4.09?) gear sets.

The peak torque us just under 5000 rpm, with 6 of the automatic gear ratios being more than 1:1 you are going to get the benefit of not only torque multiplication but being able to keep the car in the sweet spot where it gives the most ooomph

The stick cars need the 3.55's due to the lack of torque multiplication in 2, 3 and 4

Manual with 3.55's the effective gear ratios are
11.537 to 1 in first
7.916 in second
5.715 in third
4.402 in 4th
Fifth gear is 1:1 times 3.55 which is 3.55
sixth is an OD so 2.23 : 1

Now lets do the 10 speed and 3.15's and remember every automatic 3.15 car has been about 2/10's of a second FASTER in the 1/4 than the 6 speed

4.70 x 3.15 14.805 to 1 (that is going to get you moving quickly)
2.99 x 3.15 9.418
2.15 x 3.15 6.772
1.77 x 3.15 5.575
1.52 x 3.15 4.778
1.28 x 3.15 4.032
1.00 x 3.15 3.15
0.85 x 3.15 2.677
0.69 x 3.15 2.173
0.64 x 3.15 2.016

so which one is going to give you better torque multiplication, shift faster, and allow you to pick a gear that is going to keep you in or just above the peak power range and not drop drop too far to quickly recover back to the peak power area (4700 to 5000, shift at 5200 to drop back into the bottom end of the power band)

now for the optional 3.55's

16.685
10.6145
7.6325
6.2835
5.396
4.544
3.55
3.017
2.449
2.272

now a 19' 275/40R19 tire has a diameter of 27.6"

3.15 gears, 5000 RPM's
first gear 27.75 MPH
43.61 mph in second
60.64 in third
73.66 in fourth
85.78 in 5th
101.86 in sixth
130.39 in seventh
153 in 8th, and that is theoretical and the car is speed limited to something like 165
189 in 9th, theoretical in a vacuum no speed limiter
213 in 10th, again theoretical, not counting drag and friction

3.55's @5000 RPM's
1 24.62 MPH
2 38.69 MPH
3 53.81 MPH
4 65.36 MPH
5 76.11 MPH
6 90.39 MPH
7 115.69 MPH
8 136.11 MPH
9 167.67 MPH
10 180.77 MPH


3.55's MANUAL transmission Tremec 6 speed @5000 RPM's

38.95 MPH
55.09 MPH
79.24 MPH
115.69 MPH
144.62 MPH
183.64 MPH


If you take the time to put this all in a chart I think you'll find the 10 speed with the 3.15's give the best performance when you are trying to keep the car in the power band

IMHO YMMV and anything past 7th gear in the Auto and 4th in the Tremec is an OD and you can forget making power in those gears, you'll eventually get to the limiter but once you cross 1:1 you do not have the benefit of torque multiplication

Very interesting since I have the 3:15 auto. I don't find it lacks for anything power/speed wise with that rear end ratio. I've read the car is limited to 155, which doesn't matter to me.

Thanks for posting.

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