--- title: "Which Car Is Better Off With an Automatic Transmission?" description: "No matter what enthusiasts say, some sporty cars are actually worse with a stick. Which one would you skip the third pedal for?" date: "2024-02-08" modified: "2024-02-08" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/which-car-is-better-off-with-an-automatic-transmission" categories: - "Culture" - "News" - "QOTD" --- # Which Car Is Better Off With an Automatic Transmission? ![]() I know, I know: [automatic transmissions]() make a car automatically lame. I think I can speak for the group when I say driving is typically more fun when you do the shifting. However, every rule has exceptions. There have to be cars out there that are better with automatic transmissions rather than manuals, even if three-pedal purists won't admit it, right? There are obvious answers, like a [Mercedes S-Class ]()or a diesel pickup. Most people don't want to row their own gears in luxury cars or heavy-duty trucks. Instead, let's talk about sportier rides that offer both manual and automatic transmissions. I'll go first: the G80 [BMW]() M3 Competition. Few modern brands make cars with optional manuals, but BMW is one that still does, albeit on only a few select models. One such example is the BMW M3, as the standard car comes with a six-speed manual but the Competition model is automatic-only. (The same goes for the M4, and the argument still applies.) Having driven both extensively, I'm confident in saying that not only is the Competition the better car, but the automatic is actually a huge reason why. ![]() ![]() ![]() The regular M3 is less powerful, with just 473 horsepower from its 3.0-liter, twin-turbo inline-six, compared to the Competition's 503 horsepower. But power doesn't have as much to do with it. Instead, what makes the Competition better are two things: shift quality and gearing. The standard M3's manual has an infuriating clutch that's both vague *and* acts like an on/off switch, and its shift action is [rubbery and unsatisfying](). Then there's the long gearing, which saps the fun from the engine. In the [M3 Competition](), however, rapid-fire shifts from the automatic and shorter gearing make the powertrain come alive, and the end result feels so much more thrilling. That, combined with the little bump in power and torque, completely transforms the M3 from a pretty "meh" sports car to an epic one. Not only is the M3 Competition not bad with an automatic—it's head and shoulders above the manual alternative. Choosing an automatic transmission over a manual can often feel like an automotive sin, especially if internet trolls get word of your decision. However, as much as I love shifting gears on my own, it isn't always the best way. Is there a car you've driven that's better with an automatic than a manual? *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()