Automatic Vs Manual

[ToastedVeggies]

So I'm looking at getting a bronco, but I'm kind of in a predicament here. I'm looking between the automatic and the manual. I've seen some mixed reviews with the automatic, but not really much with the manual. I've been wondering how the 10spd auto performs on this car. I remember using a Transit that has the 10, and that was surprisingly smooth and gave the van some gusto. Seem some slightly different opinions with it on the Mustang. On the Bronco I've seen some people like it and it works well, but some would rather have the manual. I like manuals, but don't like heavy clutches. I live in a place with lots of stop-and-go's. Does the bronco have a light or heavy clutch? Also wondering about the shifter. Does it vibrate from the engine and twist from the torque like some other rear drive sticks? I don't do really any kind of modding and/or offroading. Only thing I'd need 4WD for is snow and ice. I'm also wondering about the auto's reliability. Seems like 7 foward + 3 overdrives is a bit excessive and complex.

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[cjacobalpinetx]

Th 10 speed is nice and returns solid not 45mpg I can get 26mpg mixed city k am getting 20-21.

75+mph it sucks on gas.

now I do find it odd coming from the bmw 8 speed autos. Not a fan of how it down shifts in cruise control. My BMW will hold a set speed and use brakes to slow car vs down shift to engine brake.
In the mountains it aucks.

 

[Montana Bronco]

Get the 7MT.

 

[Felix808]

The auto is really good & you can shift it manually & lockout gears . If you want a manual you want a manual, I use to be in that camp. For snow & ice, I would prefer the Auto

Edit: If you want the 2.7 auto is the only choice. Torque is King!

 

[Squatch]

Do you really like manual transmissions?

Easy clutch, fair friction zone, no tractor/JK rattling around. It's great and I have about 8-10k out of 15k on it driving in flip-flops and Miami rush hour. It's just great.

I really liked the 10spd on my F150, though, but the Bronco got a little brother of that one.

 

[MNBigfoot]

The Chinese manual transmission problem thread, is approaching 4000 replies, the auto trans problem thread is approaching 30 replies. About 80% of Broncos have the auto.

 

[JerryC]

We've had both. In every measurable way the auto is better. Easier, faster, better mpg.

But if you love driving manual transmissions there's no comparison. The feeling of being more connected to the machine. Always in control of what you gear you are in. The feel of direct drive power to the wheels. Hitting the perfect downshift in the corners. An auto just can't replace that.

 

[hemiblas]

I drove the manual and it is fun. Not heavy at all. Shifts were a breeze. I have the 2.7 auto, but the lag at startup really bothers me. Sport mode helps, but it is still slow off the line. The manual doesnt have any lag since you are in control. I say if you like the manual get it. The 2.3 has plenty of power.

 

[amazingjason]

I like manuals, but don't like heavy clutches. I live in a place with lots of stop-and-go's. Does the bronco have a light or heavy clutch?

Also wondering about the shifter. Does it vibrate from the engine and twist from the torque like some other rear drive sticks?

The clutch is light.

The shifter doesn’t vibrate or move around much.

There is very little slack in the drivetrain. When you let on or off the gas in gear, it doesn’t lurch back and forth. I’ve had about 10 stick shift cars and the Bronco is the best in this regard.

Jason

 

[jsoa]

I like manuals, but don't like heavy clutches. I live in a place with lots of stop-and-go's. Does the bronco have a light or heavy clutch?

You can always buy a softer clutch spring (not that the OEM is stiff, I like the feel of it)
https://www.steeda.com/steeda-555-7032-bronco-clutch-spring-kit

 

[DaddyMuffin]

Hey OP - this topic has been talked about a lot on this forum. Search around.

My two cents - Ford did a great job with the 7MT - I’ve got one and it’s the best manual I’ve ever driven (and I’ve had lots of cars with MTs, including expensive sports cars).

I also wheel and the MTs awesome off road. Love the crawler gear. Never had any issues with shifting in the rocks.

I’ve also driven and wheeled the auto at off roadeo. Liked my MT a lot more. Very happy I’ve got a stick.

 

[ToastedVeggies]

Okay great. I think I'll look at the manual then!

 

[ctskier]

Don't understand the comment preferences for an auto over manual on snow and ice? No way. Manual offers so much better control. Down shifting instead of using brake is a no brainer for me.

 

[Felix808]

Don't understand the comment preferences for an auto over manual on snow and ice? No way. Manual offers so much better control. Down shifting instead of using brake is a no brainer for me.

Because an auto will be much smoother shifting. Smooth is what you want on ice.
Again, you can manually shift up & down & lock out the gears in an auto.
But the debate will continue to live until the end

 

[Poppavein]

Maybe it depends on the trim package, but ordering the MT prevented me from getting an interior upgrade, hence no heated seats.
I don’t mind, love the MT and I don’t need those gadgets.

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