Ok I wanting to know what people think/prefer in a diesel an auto or a manual. I have always had gassers with autos (execpt for my car). However I have always prefered manuals in deisels I have drove but I've always used them for pulling heavy trailers.

I'm curious about differences in fuel milage, performance and durability (with added power and torque) between the two. I have decided my next truck will be a diesel but I haven't made up my mind about an auto or manual though. It will be a daily driver and used for pulling a trailer.

If it makes a difference about the tranny the truck will be a 2006 Dodge. I only say this because last I knew (1990-2001) Dodge doesn't have the greatest reputation with auto trannys.

 

I would buy the auto. Every one including me would love to think the manual is stronger and better but there not. Ford and GM have both quit putting manuals in trucks in part because no one buys them any more and they cant handle the power of the new diesels. Dodge cuts the power on the manual ones now because they cant handle it. The autos of today are nothing like the ones of yesterday.

As far as the mileage it really depends on you. If you drive the manual smooth and keep it in the optimal operating range it would probably do better but most people cant keep them in that range and end up hurting overall mileage. Plus a manual is harder on the engine.

 

Everyone loves manuals with a diesel. Except me. And people with built autos.

The manual is "bulletproof" and its more fun to drive sometimes. But, an auto is FAST. and A built auto will transfer the power as well as a manual and you have full throttle upshifts.

 

As far as my "european" experience does allow to participate:

automatic transmissions were always heavier and consumed a bit more fuel due to higher transfer friction losses.

2much mentioned it already: modern diesels have alot of power and the power is limited now to protect the manual transmission.

If you don't mind constant shifting and you go for mileage choose a manual transmission.

 

I got a manual and it can be fun at times but there is times I wish it was automatic, such as when I'm in slow traffic. This isn't my daily truck though- it's mostly for fun and some work but if I had a choice, I would of gotten a automatic.

 

my truck is an auto and i wish i woulda waited to get a manual one instead. i witnessed the other day the power difference between the transmissions. my friend has an identical truck only a 5 speed and it pulled harder and took off better than my auto. im ready to rip my auto out for a manual. people can say what they want but if it were me i would get a 6speed instead of an auto. if you are leaning toward gettin a 6 speed look for a late o4 or early 05 and get an NV5600 imo they are a tougher trans than the G56 in the newest models

 

Work Truck = Manual ('91)
Play Truck = Auto ('07)

 

Thanks for all input guys sounds like its about a 50/50 split between the two .

 

I prefer manuals, and as for Ford and GM not putting sticks in anymore, I don't believe it is because they are making to much power, it's because nobody knows how t properly drive a manual anymore. I know of quite a few guys who drive 500+ hp trucks with both sticks and autos, and the guys with auto's are constantly haveing to work on the tranny, and the ones with the sticks that can actually know how to drive them, don't have near the trouble, you just have to get the right clutch, you can't skimp, if your not sure, just go to the bigger one. One guys daily driver is in the 800hp range with a 6 spd, and he has been diving daily on the current transmission setup for all of the 2.5yrs that I have known him, because he knows how to drive it, he has put the same setup in much less powerfull trucks and they will destroy it in a month, because they can't drive. Just my 2cts.

 

4 speed auto just doesn't have enough gears for heavy towing. A built auto can take a lot of abuse when it comes to a sled pull or a dragrace. But that is a lot different then pulling a 20K trailer. Pulling a heavy trailer you just can't beat a manual.

The death of manual transmissions will be from the lack of sales not a lot of people use there truck for heavy towing. Dodge is the only truck you can now buy with a manual and I heard that is only 7% of there sales.