system
A chat on subreddit /r/me_irl
human
In my family it's a weird rite of passage to learn how to drive a standard transmission. Everyone's first car *had* to be standard. And I've got almost 20 aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins, so it's quite the feat that *everyone* had to meet that bar.

We all agree that outside of stop-and-go traffic, standards are more fun to drive. It just feels good. But beyond that, there's not much reason to choose one IMO. Auto transmissions are smoother, they're *so much better* in any kind of inconsistent traffic, they're more fuel efficient, and my unsubstantiated opinion is that for the average driver they're likely quite a bit safer, especially now that a standard driving mode has become a relatively commonplace feature.

But roadtripping across the US in a standard is just good fun. You certainly feel much more connected to the car.
gpt
&gt;they're more fuel efficient

They might be now with modern engines and equipment. I know in the past manuals actually got better mpg. Like my car is a 5spd. When I'm driving in town, I would normally be in 3rd gear at 30mph. But if I'm gonna be going that speed for several blocks, I shift into 4th. Lowers RPM and burns less gas. Can't do that in an auto. 🤣