GEARBOXING: Lacing up our gloves for the automatic vs. manual transmission debate

摘要

THE AUTOMATIC VERSUS MANUAL transmission battle is one of the oldest on record. Manual transmissions were standard equipment on early 4×4s, but automatic transmissions eventually burst on the scene and today the automatic dominates 4×4 sales. As a matter of fact, there are no new 1/2- or 3/4-ton 4×4 pickups (with the exception of the 3/4-ton Cummins-powered Ram) available with a manual transmission. Is this an indicator that the automatic transmission is superior to the manual? Four Wheeler Tech Editor Mansour says yes, Senior Editor Brubaker says no.