Manual Transmissions May Be Better For Your Brain Than Automatics
Japanese researchers now say that rowing your own gears could actually keep your brain sharper, and maybe even help fend off dementia. So yes, all that extra thinking and coordination isn’t just fun – it’s a legit brain exercise.
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23 Replies
2w
The only time a manual isn’t a lot of fun is in heavy stop and go traffic. I much rather drive a manual in winter weather because you have another option for deceleration and can “feel” the traction.
** Edited by GSOHokie01 at 7/12/2026, 10:29:36 AM
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
I also learned on manuals. Owned 3 on the floor, 3 on the tree, 4 on the
floor, and 5 on the floor. I brought my first child home from the hospital in a convertible Cougar. I figured that I needed to get a nice, new, safe, family car at that point. So I bought one of the only new cars I have ever had - a 1992 Explorer. But I factory ordered Cayman green, tan leather, and...a 5 speed manual. I loved that beauty and drove it until the wheels fell off. I would love to have another one now, but haha...an SUV with a manual? #dreaming
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
Safe? Good thing it didn’t catch fire in the garage.
(In response to this post by Coach McGuirk)
M
MikeVT85
2w
170k+ miles. Never had to have the clutch replaced.
** Edited by MikeVT85 at 7/12/2026, 12:34:49 PM
(In response to this post by UTPr0sim)
2w
Mine is a 2017, and I think that or 2016 was the last year Accords went automatic.
(In response to this post by UTPr0sim)
2w
deer. i couldn't find a late model fit 5-speed and i wanted another fit, so i caved and got a 2019 fit with auto transmission. that's the way it goes.........
(In response to this post by PhotoHokieNC)
2w
Ouch glad everyone was safe
(In response to this post by squarerootofone)
2w
...Hondas you could get with a manual.
The only BMWs with a manual option are the M2, M3 and M4.
Toyota offers one in the Tacoma and GR-86 for now, but the next Celica, MR-2 and Supra will have a manual option.
Mazda offers it in their Miata.
Subaru offers it in their WRX and BRZ.
Nissan - Z-car and ????
(In response to this post by UTPr0sim)
2w
Somehow I managed to find a Pontiac J2000, A Ford Escort (really a Mazda) and a Mazda 6 covering over 30 years. Before that had a little British sports car. Got practical I guess with the CX5s w/auto.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
2w
steering wheel was an adventure for me when on one of the Caribbean islands about a decade ago.
** Edited by Nortazhokie at 7/12/2026, 7:54:55 AM
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
2w
Having to drive from the right front seat on the left side of the road seemed way too complicated even for my congenital left-handedness.
(In response to this post by Nortazhokie)
2w
since traffic in this metro area has increased a gazillionfold. Grinding along in bumper to bumper traffic, repeatedly upshifting and downshifting, cannot possibly be good for either a manual transmission, a clutch, or my haid.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
2w
after some years of lazy driving. I'm more alert and aware behind the wheel, and do feel mentally better after the effort.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)
2w
(In response to this post by UEMcGill)
2w
had the keys in it, at home, at work, at PK's, probably even Lot 5 Chicken Hill.
It was my early version of keyless entry 🤣
(In response to this post by PhotoHokieNC)
2w
ultimately be a victim of both Electric Vehicles and the coming self-driving vehicle transformation. People will never have to look up from their phones.
(In response to this post by EDGEMAN)