I know absolutely nothing about car engines, transmissions, etc. In regards to the Cobalt, what kind of advantages and disadvantages are there to automatic and manual transmissions?

I've noticed manual gets better mileage and always does better in racing. Are automatics just convenience?

(And I put this in 2.2 because I have a 2.2 and I'm mainly looking for answers about the 2.2)

 

Pretty much

 

Well... suck. I have an automatic and I'm regretting buying it. Oh well...

 

I have an Auto too, dont be ashamed

 

yea basicly if your into performance, look into a manual. Manual allows you to shift at desired rpms, specifically at the redline... about 6500rpms, while an automatic will automaticly shift you before then... Automatics however will responce to how much pressure is put on the gas pedal (i.e. you floor it, you're gonna hit higher rpms rather than if you gradually push the pedal in). If you're not going with an SS though i'd just recommend getting automatic if you do indeed end up with a base model.. unless you plan to heavily mod your car. Automatics are convenient, especially if you're using the car for commuting, or as a family car and what-not.

 

Automatics are pretty nice when it comes to driving in traffic but a manual is just too damn fun : )

 

also many aftermarket forced inductions were designed on manual transmissions so you're somewhat out of luck there... for now...

 

auto:great for traffic, and big ass hills; manual: great for everything else!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Okay, well... I want to mod my car for sure, but I don't want it to be a waste.

 

Well really depending on how much money you are willing to put down on the table, your not going to see huge improvements unless your willing to invest thousands of dollars

 

i totally agree with this!
manuals are a lot more fun to drive!

 

I have an auto and like it. I kinda wish i wouldve saved the 800 bucks and got the manual but i do alot of city drivig so its just easier to drive an auto. Also the hole forced induction aftermarket thing i believe is just BS about how auto are gonna have to get a new trans to be able to handle the torque and what not. As far as racing in an auto L comes in handy

 

I have an auto, and the pressure responce is correct, floor it and you will get to about 6500 rpms.

Although, I got to shift my step-brother's 06 GS Eclipse into fifth once, it was fun. I'm just going to learn how to drive manual, and wait for a 2012 Camaro SS w/ six-speed transmission.

 

Manual > Automatic.......Manual FTW

 

I disagree w/ the big hill comment, i was down in TN over the weekend and the cabin we stayed in was in the smokeys so we had to clim some serious hills and my manual did amazing on the +55degree uphill grades in the rain no less, and i never even broke traction just dropped into 2nd or 1st and grunted my way up. Plus going down the "big ass hill" was easy b/c i just engine braked down the hill saved alot of brake pad wear.

 

i don't knwo about anyone else... but if i go WOT my 2.2 auto shifts right before redline anyway, and i never have to worry about missing a gear or something...

 

You own an automatic. Let me ask you this:

What do you do with the car?

What do you want to do with the car?

How much do you want to mod it?

The automatic transmission in the Cobalt is in many regards very superior to a manual. But you have to be clear on what you want to do with it.

 

*two thumbs up* Totally agree. Definitely stick with a manual! This is only my second car, but I don't think I'll ever go back to auto!

 

auto tranny...well its an option I'm glad I didn't pay for. its a good thing manuals are standard

you can still mod your car but just be aware that you'll be a step behind a manual version with the same mods unless you get into some tranny work but its not cheap.

 

I will say this...

Power wise, if you know how to build a car correctly, transmission type doesn't really matter. Don't believe the hype...

People see my car and that it's turbocharged but see that it's an automatic and their faces turn upside down like I had turbocharged a Kia Sportage. If they knew anything about cars, they would know the advantages of having an automatic while being boosted.

 

Never lose boost, baby!!