Anyone like the dial shifter?

[Scupking]

I thought I would hate it before I got my Mav but I don't mind it. It would be nice if it would stop spinning once you hit drive or park. Also if it had more of a notch feel so it was harder to accidentally spin.

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[olderbudwiser]

I think it may have been a Canadian Mercury, as the US models had buttons to the side.
images:


We had a '57 Commuter 2-door wagon that I remember some details of. Very nice looking.

Looked around a little. Edsel cars had center shifters. This vehicle was purchased used. Maybe some gear head made a change if not. Let's assume my old brain is not working properly.

 

[grumpyunk]

Looked around a little. Edsel cars had center shifters. This vehicle was purchased used. Maybe some gear head made a change if not. Let's assume my old brain is not working properly.

I remember going to the Edsel dealer before the cars were shown, poking around in the lots behind and around the showroom. The dealer also sold Renault. If that tells you anything. Besides Ranger, Pacer, and Citation, they had Dauphine, 2CV and 4CV on the showroom floor. I may have the Renault model names incorrect.
Mom did not want young hands poking at the controls, and was determined having the shift control on the left side of the steering wheel prevented us from causing a wreck.
To start the engine, you turned the ignition to ON, and then pushed on the N/S button. Neutral and Start all in one control. You had to push hard to get past the detent. Lots of $$$$ on that design and manufacture. Guess they had the bucks back then and could afford ventures down side lanes of design.
If you note, the button layout was different for the two model years.... More $$$$$.


This is what we had:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/908599235/1957-mercury-station-wagon-photo

 

[legs1957]

Love the dial shift, makes it feel like more room in the console area

 

[Guv]

I do not care for it, at all. Our 300C at least stopped at the end of the selections.

 

[LuxMavHP]

I know but it would still be nice to not need to look at anything.

If you don't like it, that is fine and a personal opinion. However, no matter what type of shifter one has, for safety's sake if nothing else, don't you ALWAYS look to confirm what gear you are in?

 

[AutobahnSHO]

Automatic transmission shifter on the steering column is far superior for console and interior room, but most people think that's "not as fancy"....

 

[LuxMavHP]

No one likes it... Not older people and not younger people.

Bit of a sweeping statement. I guess I am "no one" as I think it is innovative, and out of the way. Personally, I do like it.

 

[brucerob62]

not a fan but its a small thing..Im getting used to it

 

[Jayna]

i would like to ask all, does anyone like the diel shift. i personally do not like it. so I am on a mission to see if there is a way to put a hand held shift like an f150. does anyone agree. thank you

No. It's a little stupid.

 

[Mavonorder]

Bit of a sweeping statement. I guess I am "no one" as I think it is innovative, and out of the way. I DO like it.

It's based on a hands on survey I participated in several years ago. After trying out 5 or 6 cars from various makers with all sorts of shifter technologies, I liked the traditional shifters best. I asked the guy running the survey if the older people (like me) liked the stick shift and the younger people liked the other types (e.g., rotary knobs, push buttons, etc.) And he said no, almost everyone liked the traditional stick shifters and almost no one liked the other varieties regardless of age. This survey by the way was exclusively involved with just the shifting mechanics.

 

[voldemartian]

It's based on a hands on survey I participated in several years ago. After trying out 5 or 6 cars from various makers with all sorts of shifter technologies, I liked the traditional shifters best. I asked the guy running the survey if the older people (like me) liked the stick shift and the younger people liked the other types (e.g., rotary knobs, push buttons, etc.) And he said no, almost everyone liked the traditional stick shifters and almost no one liked the other varieties regardless of age. This survey by the way was exclusively involved with just the shifting mechanics.

That's probable true but people always prefer the look and feel of familiar technologies. That same survey in 20 years probably wont even include stick or column shifters. I'm waiting for the day gear shifters will be on the touch screen.

I much prefer the look and feel of a traditional 6 speed manual with a clutch. Its more fun and I feel more in control of the engine. But that's old tech. Its not as efficient or reliable (or cheap) as modern transmissions so they are probable gone for good.

 

[LuxMavHP]

Obviously the aesthetics aspects are a personal preference thing. If it is possible, then the question would be is it practical from a cost stand point. I could be wrong, but it seems like it would be cost prohibitive.

 

[Fitzovich]

Not a fan of it, but I’ll get used to it. There are other things I find more of an issue than the shift dial.

 

[Gottahavmav]

That's probable true but people always prefer the look and feel of familiar technologies. That same survey in 20 years probably wont even include stick or column shifters. I'm waiting for the day gear shifters will be on the touch screen.

I much prefer the look and feel of a traditional 6 speed manual with a clutch. Its more fun and I feel more in control of the engine. But that's old tech. Its not as efficient or reliable (or cheap) as modern transmissions so they are probable gone for good.

Feel the same way about 6 speed manual. I feel I always need to have car with manual trans., for the fun & control of driving. Have mustang gt.(seasonal though). Had fun driving the 3 kia,s with manual transmission and fwd , and have great control with the manual & fwd, kind wish the maverick had a manual trans...still waiting on the orange eco boost fwd. Hopefully hear something soon

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