New Guy… big question!

[dpAtlanta]

I mentioned to the wife that my truck was getting old she said why don’t you get a new one?
***DING-DING-DING***
I have had so many pickups for so many years, I suggested to her that I repeat some old history.
She loved my old International Scout II…………… so how about something close, a Bronco?
Not even close she said, the Scout was so ugly, it was cute… but the Bronco is sexy!

The BIG question is manual or 10 speed auto?

I currently have a full size truck with and auto and a GT350 with a manual.
I love rowing gears… absolutely love it.
I could handle the auto truck because I have the Shelby.
But since the Broncos come with the option, will I regret not getting the manual if I get the higher horsepower & torque V6?

I have not driven either yet, so I have no basis as it relates to hp difference and manual v auto comparison in a Bronco.

I will be glad to trade Shelby drives for Bronco drives if local.
(Owner rides shotgun of course)

Any thoughts from those with experience?

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[Beach_Bum]

manual transmission is only available with the 2.3L

 

[BOLD Renegade93]

I own the 7-speed and have driven a 2.7 with the auto. 2.7 is a bit quicker using the butt speedometer but I don’t regret the manual at all. I still feel like I have plenty of power to do what I need to do. No issues with on-ramps or passing traffic etc. I am going to get the Ford Performance tune on it and am looking forward to a bit more oomph.

 

[KillerPenz]

That's your call, I drove manuals when I was younger, now I could care less for them.

And I prefer the V6 over the 4 banger. Has more passing power at speed. Don't get me wrong though, I still hate both engines, but no V8 available.

So for my use, it's V6 + 10 speed. But this is your purchase so you do you.

 

[Dover157]

I say go for the manual and the advanced transfer case. The 2.3 is not that much less power than the 2.7 and the crawler gear with the 94:1 gear reduction in 4L is awesome off road.

 

[Tricky Mike]

It sounds like deep down you really want the manual. Trust your gut.

 

[dpAtlanta]

It sounds like deep down you really want the manual. Trust your gut.

I do… but I would like to know what the difference feels like between the two engines.

 

[bellboyfab]

As some one who daily drives the manual and Offroads it I couldn't be Happier with it. should also point out the manual dosent come on every trim. No manual option on the outer banks, wildtrak, everglades, and heritage limited.

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

You're going to get allot of biased answers so here's mine ... 2 door manual, why! Because they exist! Yes it has the smaller engine but I've driven mine thru Atlanta traffic and had no problem holding my own in the fast lane. To me it's always funner to select my own gear based on what I'm responding to or anticipating with traffic.

Coming from a full size truck the 2 door is pretty much all the passenger space you have in the cab but no bed. If you're a loner like me just fold the rear seats down and you have plenty of space.

 

[Valhalla]

I haven't driven the manual at all. I love my V6 power. I tuned it after a year and wow! I have a 1996 with the 5.8 and the V6 blows it out of the water for power and torque. I love my sasquatch badlands. I don't enjoy the shift after 14 years of driving 18 wheels with gears my left is tired... my experience for what it's worth.

 

[Tricky Mike]

I do… but I would like to know what the difference feels like between the two engines.

Both engines are on lots everywhere, see if you can drive both. Finding a 7MT will be hard though.

Giving up 30hp to be safe from cam phasers was an easy call for me.

 

[dpAtlanta]

I own the 7-speed and have driven a 2.7 with the auto. 2.7 is a bit quicker using the butt speedometer but I don’t regret the manual at all.

Was the seat-o-the-pants meter fairly close between the 2.3 and the 2.7?

 

[BOLD Renegade93]

Was the seat-o-the-pants meter fairly close between the 2.3 and the 2.7?

Honestly it was. Close enough that I didn’t think twice about going with the 2.3 and 7-speed. Wanted to row my own gears more than any other option

 

[dpAtlanta]

Giving up 30hp to be safe from cam phasers was an easy call for me.

Now I have to search cam phasers…. No idea what this involves.

 

[Fordified1]

Now I have to search cam phasers…. No idea what this involves.

What Tricky Mike is eluding to is the 2.3 has been the more reliable of the 2 engines.

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