Quote Originally Posted by pup2 View Post
Is it just me or does the manual provide a more precise level of control? Lalo na kung manual na gas vs auto na diesel? As in if you just need to move 3 inches, di ba parang mas madali? -- Lalo na kung manipis ang shoes mo like mocs or something.
A manual always provides more precise control compared to ATs, as you are in complete control of how much of the engine's power makes it to the ground, and at what torque-multiplying ratio it is applied (i.e.: what gear).

Most common automatics experience hesitation and indecision in picking gears. Either they wait an additional half-second to confirm that, yes, you want more power, or they drop down a gear even when you don't need it, at the slightest sign of an incline. Also, they get flummoxed in many dynamic sitautions, like cornering, and rummage around for the right gear. If they pick one that's too low, say good-bye to the racing line and hello, curb.

Common ATs here refer to torque-converter jobs... trannies which suffer the additional indignity of having to drag a big torque converter through the slush we all call transmission fluid. At high HP levels, this drag becomes inconsequential, but for small engines, it's a big handicap.

CVTs provide smoother function, but their logic function is also as limited. The additional control provided by semi-automatic functions help alleviate some of this, but then, the computer almost always errs on the side of safety, giving you less control.

SMG and DSG are the best ATs around, but then, they're not true ATs, they're robotised manuals.