Automatic or Manual?

“When buying an imported car, should you choose left-hand drive or right-hand drive?” This is a topic that often sparks debate, and preferences vary widely from person to person.

Most imported cars are originally designed for “right-side driving with left-hand drive,” so left-hand drive models are said to be easier to operate in many ways. On the other hand, since Japan drives on the left side with right-hand drive cars, some argue that right-hand drive vehicles are easier to drive on Japanese roads.

In other words, it comes down to whether you prioritize “vehicle operability” or “ease of driving on Japanese roads.”

Thinking about this, I recently realized that at home, we have:

① Right-hand drive, automatic transmission (AT) – Porsche Panamera (971)
② Right-hand drive, manual transmission (MT) – BMW 320i
③ Left-hand drive, automatic transmission (AT) – Porsche 911 (964C2)
④ Left-hand drive, manual transmission (MT) – Porsche 911 GT3 (991.2), Boxster GTS (981)

all covered (though only German cars).

…That’s just crazy! (ﾟдﾟ)!

So, based on actual driving experience, I decided to explore and write about the differences between left-hand and right-hand drive.

My Perspective as a Woman

① Right-hand drive, automatic transmission

First, about the right-hand drive AT Panamera we have at home. Since Japan drives on the left side with right-hand drive cars, I feel no discomfort driving the Panamera; it’s quite easy to handle.

I used to think that “having the turn signal lever on the left would be awkward,” but once you get used to it, it’s no problem at all. Occasionally, after driving a domestic car as a loaner, I might confuse the left and right levers once or twice when switching back to the Panamera, but that’s about it (laughs).

However, with a wide car like the Panamera, it’s a bit tricky to gauge the width, and I tend to drive closer to the center line. So, for larger cars, I sometimes think that “left-hand drive might actually be easier to drive.”

② Right-hand drive, manual transmission

The car I drive most often is the right-hand drive MT BMW 320i. Before driving it, I heard that “with a German right-hand drive manual, you have to operate the shift lever and turn signals all with your left hand, which is tough,” but once you get used to it, it’s no problem at all.

Also, since I’m right-handed, I’m used to steering with my right hand, so it feels natural to steer with my right hand while operating the shift lever and levers with my left.

③ Left-hand drive, automatic transmission

The left-hand drive AT car we currently have is the air-cooled Porsche 911 (964C2).

Honestly, I’m not used to left-hand drive cars, so I feel a slight discomfort every time I start driving. However, when making left turns or parallel parking to pick up my child from kindergarten, being able to see the left side clearly makes it very easy.

But when merging onto a main road from a highway interchange, the right rear blind spot is very hard to see. With a right-hand drive car, you can check it immediately, but with a left-hand drive, there’s a blind spot on the right rear, which can feel a bit scary when merging.

④ Left-hand drive, manual transmission

The left-hand drive MT cars we have now are the 911 GT3 Touring and the Boxster GTS. Driving a left-hand drive manual isn’t particularly difficult, but what I still can’t get used to is steering with my left hand.

Just the other day, when trying to shift into 5th gear, I accidentally turned the steering wheel slightly to the right. I guess that’s because I’m extremely clumsy… (-_-)

When driving a left-hand drive manual, you really need to be able to steer smoothly and naturally with your left hand alone.

Next, I asked my husband to share his thoughts.

Next page → What my husband prefers: left-hand or right-hand drive?