Why all the hype? 4 speeds

[VS29HIB]

Why all the hype about 4 speeds? I have seen comments like "a cuda 340 (originally auto) with a 4 speed conversion is worth just as much as a numbers matching auto car". Surely this can't be true??

My auto cars are so much more fun to drive.

And dont get me started on the hate for vinyl tops!

 

[pschlosser]

you may want to drive one, a 4-speed muscle car, with pistol grip shifter, before you finalize your conclusions. I own a nice auto car, but I would consider trading it for a 4-speed car. they are pretty wild and fun. are they faster? maybe. maybe not, but they are indeed more fun than operating the throttle alone.

 

[340sport]

In general, 4 speeds are fun. The experience of the drive while shifting does it for a lot of folks. Everyone has their own sense of enjoyment.

 

[Katfish]

I agree, never understood the appeal.
I had a 454 4spd Vette, it was a PIA.
And they are not faster, you can't shift faster than an auto.

 

[Chryco Psycho]

Never learned to drive an Auto ...

 

[Avalanche]

Most people drive these cars sparingly, so a 4 speed is great when you do drive them. Theres nothing like going trough the gears. I own a 4 speed and love it. If it was a daily driver, then maybe an auto would be just as nice. Maybe not!
I need to get me an auto and find out (never owned one).

 

[Steve340]

There is nothing like the sound of a V8 powered car going up through the gears of a manual transmission - even when being driven gently.
That is the appeal for me.

 

[Katfish]

Most people drive these cars sparingly, so a 4 speed is great when you do drive them. Theres nothing like going trough the gears. I own a 4 speed and love it. If it was a daily driver, then maybe an auto would be just as nice. Maybe not!
I need to get me an auto and find out (never owned one).

I think you hit the nail square on the head, a 4spd, like a convertible, seems like a good idea until you actually have it.
So I agree, they look great in the garage or at a car show. Everyone loves seeing that huge walking stick Hurst shifter.
But to actually drive it regularly, not so great.

 

[704406]

My 3 cents worth having owned both a 440 auto and a 440 4 speed with 4:10 gears you shift 3 times going across an intersection with a 4 speed and in traffic it’s not much fun
The 4 speed was a lot easier to put sideways however so maybe slightly more fun but long term it’s an auto for me owned mine for 54 years

 

[pschlosser]

like a convertible, seems like a good idea until you actually have it.

I had a love-hate relationship with my 1970 Barracuda convertible. It was great on warm sunny days, with the top up or down, but even with the top up, it's a cold vehicle when it's cold out. It definitely seems a "sunshine state" type of car.

 

[Katfish]

Most valuable car I've owned, 71 454/4spd/AC car, but the least fun to drive.
You'd think a convertible in FL would be great, it was awful 8-10 months of the year when the sun bakes you, drive 30 mins and you needed sun screen.
So it was OK, for the few months when it was cool.

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