JJH

iTrader: (1)

Unfortunately, this car will be my daily driver - in snow, rain, or sun. I'm wondering what is better for the snow. This will be my first manual car, I've driven them before and caught on pretty quick though.

Also have a bike so that helps.

LIQUID0401

Manual is always better

johnny3

Automatic is better, doesn't break the tires loose as easily as a manual.
If the snow is very deep these TL's aren't worth a flip, they're to low.

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

Doesn't matter IMHO- get some dedicated snow tires.

Blooze

ggesq is right, if you are having to drive through a lot of snow, snow tires are the way to go. That being said, to answer your question, a manual would be better. More control over throttle (feathering the clutch, which you of course wouldn't do normally) and IIRC the manual TL's have limited-slip diff's which will definitely aid in traction.

mugen-k

iTrader: (2)

I've asked this same question to a few of my friends since although I've driven a manual for quite sometime I've never had to in the snow before.

Concensus was what was already said, better because of more control.

mynameisraj

Manual is superior in the snow. Just shift early and keep your revs low.

Jesstzn

And get dedicated winters and MOST of all it depends on the connection between the brain and the gas peddle

KN_TL

iTrader: (3)

Agree there 100%. In either case it's just an adjustment in driving style. But dedicated snows are a must on all corners.

ez12a

might want to even try starting in 2nd in slippery conditions.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

In my tested opinion the manual is better in the snow. The manual has Brembo brakes and a posi front axel, the Auto has neither. The BEST for snow is BLIZZAK PURE snow tires. It will go through the snow like a TANK !!! I have also owned all kinds of tires including BLIZZAKS. I drove a 2010 2SS/RS LS3 Manual Camaro for 26 months year round in Northern IL. The first winter I had New BLIZZAKS with 150 pounds of sand and salt over the rear axel. IT WAS A TANK in the snow !!!

ggesq

iTrader: (1)

^ Wait, I thought the AT TL-S does have Brembo brakes.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

I have owned BOTH an auto Type S and a manual Type S through Chicago winters. Even though im having no problems with my current 6mt Type S in the snow, I would absolutely rather be driving the automatic in the snow. Its just a lot easier to not have to worry about shifting and messing with the clutch and even the slightest amount of excessive gas will result in spinning tires. So I dunno how many of the guys that say manual is better have owned both cars, but coming from actual experience I would rather drive the auto on those snowy days.
Either way though here in Chicago the number of actual days that the roads are covered in snow is so minimal that it doesnt even really matter. Its already late January and we have had what, a total of two days where the roads have had snow on them.

I have never tried snow tires as I dont see it necessary since the car does just fine with stock tires, but if you live in a place with lots of snow then I can see snow tires being beneficial.

For the 3 days the roads are snow covered a year my vote goes to automatic, for the other 362 days that they arent, get 6mt!!!!! :-)

Hope this helps.

James

heza

6MT - because it's nice to idle start in first and get rolling, drop in 2nd or even 3rd to control the engine's power. i just always say 6MT because i hardly use brakes rev-matching and downshifting to slow down car well before needed to pop my ABS circuit off. too each their own, but those are my

JERU

The bigger deal is the tires you are using. Dedicated snow tires are a must if you are concerned about snow. And the 6 speed is a gem when you want a controlled decent down snow covered hills, etc. You have some of that control in an Auto with 1 and 2, but that's about it. Name of the game with manual is control...

But the other side of the coin, is you better know how to handle a manual, stall the engine at the wrong time (stepping on the brake without the clutch, etc) and you could get into trouble, sometimes you need to keep those front wheels moving to get out of a small slide or something like that...

lokijibber

I've owned a CL-S with AT, and now have the TL-S with 6MT (and other previous cars with MT) and driven them all in the snow. I always prefer manual for most of the reasons stated. If wheels start to break loose, you can just go to a higher gear where the effective torque is lower. Typically, there is an advantage of downshifting over braking, but the sequential AT can do that too -- get the winter tires with which ever one you choose.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

I never really understood why people do this. Why would you rather put excessive wear on your engine, transmission, and clutch (and reduce fuel economy), when there are brakes that are designed to stop the car and take all the wear?
I dunno, just doesnt make much sense to me for day to day driving. Use the brakes, they are made to stop the car, they are cheap and easy to replace.

mY sLOW UA6

^Rev matching is proven to provide LESS wear on the clutch due to the decreased time that you have to use it to perform smooth downshifting.I had a AT 03 TL-S and I now have a 6MT 05 TL. The newer TL definately allows for more control over the car in the snow. But to each their own.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Ok then let me clarify, why downshift in the first place?!? I have had manual and automatic trannies since the day I got my license and under everyday normal driving conditions never see the need to downshift. What im getting at is push the clutch in, put it in neutral use your brakes and be done with it.

Well I guess the majority here says manual is better/easier in snow. I am soo surprised by that. My automatic Type S was a breeze to drive in the snow and never once felt that just because I have a clutch and stick shift that I felt more in control over what the car was doing in snowy condition. With automatic acceleration was MUCH less touchy and makes it a lot easier to accelerate. No having to worry about which gear to be in, or if your letting off the clutch too fast or too slow etc etc. The OP did not ask which car would be better around a snowy race track in the mountains, he said its going to be a daily driven vehicle and his first manual at that. How would it being a manual be better for him? I see no reason that it would be.

Now even though im saying my opinion goes to automatic for possible daily use in snow, im by no means saying go and get an automatic car. I love driving my 6mt Type S its a blast. I was simply answering his question which was what car is better for daily use in snow for a first time manual driver. Without a doubt an automatic would be easier in this situation. With all that said, get stick ;-)

GoRavens

The 2008 Auto has Brembos... it was standard.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

It was?!? My base certainly didnt have the brembo's up front. My Type S sure does though :-)

aIRpeACE

iTrader: (2)

like guy said, manual is always better

GoRavens

I thought we were just talking about the Type S. The Type S Auto has Brembos upfront.

Ken1997TL

Tires tires tires.

A skilled driver shouldn't see any difference between a manual and an automatic in bad weather. It's a matter of preference.

Jackass

It is personal preference for sure. I "prefer" manual since that is what I have been driving for the past 15 years. I have driven my wife's auto cars in the snow and get around just fine. I just "prefer" to drive my car year round all the time....rain, snow, or sun.

Aman

As expected, the majority of those who own manuals will say that manuals are better, those who own automatics will obviously say automatics are better.

My : It doesn't really matter. If you're driving in snow so deep that having a limited-slip differential makes a significant difference, you really shouldn't be driving that day.

Think about it. Even if the transmission makes a difference, what will it help you with? Acceleration. Not something that should be a priority during winter driving. You want superior handling and braking. That comes with a good set of snow tires.

Bottom line: I think the 6MT is a more fun option day-to-day, but winter driveability should not play a part in your transmission choice, mainly because it should not have a part.

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

Oh, I just thought that all Type S's came with Brembo's was common knowledge, so I just assumed it was the base model being talked about. In that case you are correct ALL Type S's have the front Brembo brakes.

bouncer07

It takes experience to know. Just go out and try it on an empty parking lot to gain the skills and apply it to your daily life when it does happen. To downshift or to let off the gas, it all depends on the road conditions, but it both works on their ways depending how good you've driven in the snow. If you don't go out and apply these, you'll know at some point, but go out and learn when your young, it'll give you the greater skills at a young age.

Mug

Brembos won't make a difference on snow. I could see the argument that a manual tranny could be better for slowing down, but these cars have ABS and the AT downshifts for us. My AT usually does most of the braking when driving on ice (since you slow down way before your stop). Like others have said, tires are what make all the difference. In short, I also drive my Subaru after a big snow.

allin

I own an auto TL, but my previous car was a manual.

Tires are the key for winter driving.

That said, I find that accidents in the winter occur not because you can't accelerate. But because you can't stop.

I say Manual because the ability to use engine braking to supplement braking. This advantage is marginal. I think driving a Manual keeps you more engaged and therefore more alert in driving, which is a must when driving in snowy conditions.

So tires and awareness, with slight edge for manual.

cjTL

iTrader: (2)

As others have said, snow tires make the difference. All it takes is one good snowfall for you to be thankful you bought them.

anthracite_ftw

The manual definitely is more capable, solely due to the limited slip diff. Imagine you're trying to accelerate from 0mph off of an icy shoulder. With the automatic, you're more likely to sit there with one wheel spinning helplessly. The LSD in our manual transmission TL's will let you take off (somewhat) hard, even when only one wheel has traction.

Whether it's actually easier to drive depends on your skill level. The 6mt throttle is touchier, generally not a favorable trait in low-traction situations. You have to operate the clutch as well, which might divert some of your attention if you're a beginner at driving MT.

Bigger brakes make no difference, unless you are somehow driving your TL aggressively enough to cause your brakes to overheat. ...Highly unlikely in winter conditions!
Engine braking is possible with the automatic as well as the manual, but I wouldn't really call this an advantage. It puts more braking force on the front tires. I would be worried about breaking them loose with a botched downshift. Just use the brake pedal and let the electronics decide where braking force is needed most.

As many others have said, snow tires will make far more difference than anything else. My personal recommendation: General Altimax Arctic.

Bottom line: both of these cars are capable in the snow. If you enjoy shifting for yourself, then buy the 6mt.

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

Yes Sir. I didn't realize he said Type-S.

I stand corrected

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

I would suggest buying what YOU want. Its not a big difference. I had a close ratio 6-speed manual in my "year round" 2010 Camaro SS/RS. RWD-450HP in Northern IL.The car had all kinds of computor aided traction control that could be left on (for winter) or off (for summer)

I started out in 2nd gear all the time in the winter. But the BIG difference was BLIZZAK 245/60/18" tires. HUGE difference.

I suggest getting what you want and dont let winter make your choice.

flyromeo3

manual or Automatic doesn't matter to me.
I can drive both in the snow.

Sadly, ( PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS ) I have driven my s4 in the snow with summer tires for one season. Not once did I get stuck.
Matter of fact, I even pulled my neighbors pickup truck out of his driveway with my summer tires.

I wouldnt' recommend summer tires on a FWD in the winter to begin with.

it's a combination of driver experience & vehicle imo.

VicTL06

You guys drive your TLs in the snow? MADNESS!

NEWireless

Manual - turn off traction control.

I found that the traction control is so aggressive against normal slipping in the snow that is can cause the car to stall.

With dedicated snows, the TL-S 6spd is great!

jdm_94-07TypeS

iTrader: (10)

Why always is better??

jdm_94-07TypeS

iTrader: (10)

+1

a really good tires is the most important for the snow.

myron

iTrader: (4)

because race car