Driving a Manual After a Long Time

The other day, when I went to pick up my youngest daughter from kindergarten, I drove the Boxster GTS (manual) for the first time in a while. After that, I took a short drive around the neighborhood before heading home, and since it was a clear, sunny day, it felt really great.

And once again, I thought, “Manuals are so much fun!”

When I got home, I said, “Manuals are seriously so much fun! Operating the clutch and gears yourself, feeling like you’re truly driving the car—it’s just really enjoyable!” My husband responded like this:

Yeah, manuals are definitely fun. But when you’re on a long-distance tour, driving through city streets with lots of traffic lights or stuck in traffic, I think automatics are better. Manuals can be a real hassle in those situations.

That’s true. Since I only drive manuals occasionally, the feeling of controlling everything myself feels fresh, which probably makes it feel even more “fun!”

GT3’s PDK vs. Manual

The question of “which is more fun, manual or automatic?” is often debated. But in reality, it depends on the situation you’re driving in, the engine, displacement, torque, and many other factors.

My husband recently shared his thoughts about the 911 GT3 Touring he used to drive:

The manual GT3 was really fun, but I felt like I couldn’t quite handle it perfectly. Since it has a racing engine, there were many moments where I had to be careful in 1st and 2nd gear. Also, when cornering, you have to shift with one hand, so I felt like I couldn’t fully focus on the GT3’s high-performance handling, which was a bit of a waste. So if I ever get the chance to buy the next 992 GT3, I think I’d choose the PDK.

Of course, some people find the GT3 manual more fun, while others prefer the PDK. It really comes down to personal preference.

Why I Chose a Manual

Amid all this, I recently ordered my own manual car, and I took some time to think about why I chose a manual.

After reflecting, I realized it all comes down to one thing: “because it’s fun.”

Most of my driving is everyday use—picking up the kids, grocery shopping, driving around town—and for that kind of driving, manuals can be quite a hassle.

Every time you hit a traffic light or someone cuts in front of you, you have to shift gears, so automatics are definitely easier and more comfortable.

But I love the “feeling of being in full control while driving a manual.” If I don’t operate it properly, the car will stall or behave oddly, so I’m always making decisions, and that feeling is enjoyable.

Also, with a manual, it’s easy to see your driving improve. Whether it’s “no more shift shocks” or “smoother starts,” the progress might be small, but it’s rewarding to feel your skills getting better with every drive.

For me, after removing my automatic-only license restriction about three years ago, I couldn’t get the hang of driving manuals at all. I thought, “Driving a Porsche manual myself? That’s just a dream, probably impossible.”

So now, being able to drive a manual is such a joy. Honestly, I want to roll down the window and shout to passersby, “Look! I’m driving a manual right now!”

Totally self-indulgent, I know. lol

First drive after delivery of my manual BMW 320i

Most people would probably find manuals “too much trouble,” but since I find it fun, it just goes to show how personal these feelings are.

Both manuals and automatics have their own charm and fun, so in the end, the happiest thing is to drive the car you genuinely enjoy.

As for my manual car, the factory is apparently shutting down again in July, so who knows when it will be delivered… I guess I’ll just wait patiently.