That ship sailed long ago…
MY24
I think sometimes when people push back on AWD it's not to tell enthusiasts it's pointless. It's just a bit of a backlash to the fact that it's over marketed as a cure-all that will just magically make anyone behind the wheel a 200% more effective driver.
Its so funny to me when boomers blame millennials for the problems they created, and pretend its somehow our fault when we were literally children when they began. The proliferation of automatic transmissions is squarely based on boomer buying trends. I'm 31, so younger-ish millennial, and even when I was a kid in the 90s-2000s, the manual cars were very basic compacts or sports cars, none of which my boomer parents were going to buy to haul us kids around. My mom always had midsize or large sedans and dad always had a pickup (even his basic F-150s were automatic). They probably stopped driving stick somewhere in the 70s... damn millennials!
Exactly, they raised us. lol
That sweet Mercury Bobcat Wagon with the faux woodpaneling.... FoMoCo answer to the Chevy Vega 'Nomad'. Interesting Ford/Mercury went with a C-Pillar...and Chevy just went A-B-D Pillar in their Compact 2door Wagon.I think sometimes when people push back on AWD it's not to tell enthusiasts it's pointless. It's just a bit of a backlash to the fact that it's over marketed as a cure-all that will just magically make anyone behind the wheel a 200% more effective driver.
It's an effective, convenient, and fun tool for sure. Especially for those who understand it fully and have driving skill.
For the average Joe (which is majority of the market). Manufacturers are telling them a sledge hammer is better for everything that requires a hammer.
Queue Commercial that subtlety implies...
"Does it snow 2" once a year by you? Are you in dire need of 20lbs of bread, eggs, & milk in these moments but scared to drive in such conditions? Why reasonably wait until tomorrow for the snow to melt? Just buy AWD and get out on the road even though you're obviously timid and don't belong there!"
I remember when Dad could figure out how to get one of these old rear wheel drive, non locking diff, no traction control, land slugs to the campsite 1/2 way up the Mt. It was a challenge!
Not a good thing. Their goal is to get the Maverick into the same price range as a F-150-250.. And that is where it will end up.
How easy manual is to learn depends on the vehicle. Some are easy to learn, some are finicky.I must be a quick learner or driving a 5 speed manual isn't hard.
My first ever I FLEW to Wisconsin to purchase a rare vehicle and drove it home to Colorado solo. With 10 minutes of instructions and a trip around the block from the seller.
That is so true. I've been driving for nearly 50 years, so the clutch work is just second nature. The hardest situation I've encountered was with an F-150 towing 15,000lb grain wagon. 5 speed manual uphill start was a fine line between spinning the tires and snubbing the engine.4 on the column was interesting early Toyota Hilux feature.
People that have never driven a stick don’t realize, it’s your footwork that is the hardest part of the equation. Starting from a stop, on a hill, in a 3,800-4,200 lb car or truck with all of about 130 hp under the hood. No computer to help maintain engine rpm and Without a hand operated emergency brake. Just you and those 3 pedals
Shifting was the easy part.
Uff, at 16 years old I had a job delivering Microwave sandwhiches and Microwave popcorn on a long distance snack route in the midwest for one of my uncle's side businesses... (was the 80s and this was new tech and these food items were all the rage)... Had a 75 Ford Econoline Van w/ an enemic 6cyl, a sloppy 3 on a tree, and two loaded freezers (48" and 72") of cargo.... Really 'fun' in the winter months. Your desciption is perfect....4 on the column was interesting early Toyota Hilux feature.
People that have never driven a stick don’t realize, it’s your footwork that is the hardest part of the equation. Starting from a stop, on a hill, in a 3,800-4,200 lb car or truck with all of about 130 hp under the hood. No computer to help maintain engine rpm and Without a hand operated emergency brake. Just you and those 3 pedals
Shifting was the easy part.
Exactly, creeping in traffic, pulling a boat out of the water on a wet boat ramp, etc. I think it made people better drivers (here it comes) along with being more understanding of other drivers situations.
Innovative solutions for sure. We used 100lb feed bags for ballast. 8-10 of those boost the traction nicely. No beer required.Exactly, creeping in traffic, pulling a boat out of the water on a wet boat ramp, etc. I think it made people better drivers (here it comes) along with being more understanding of other drivers situations.
My Pop had a sweet 65 Ranchero with a 289 HiPo and a 3 speed manual transmission. We used to go to the lake fairly often and when it came time to pull the boat out of the water he would find 3-4 of the biggest dudes, (probably offer them a cold Lone Star) to sit in back of that little truck. It was still tires spinning and rubber burning.
Awesome memories
Sometimes stinking clutch too
Typical millennial!
I had to work my ass off, save my money and pay for my own first car which had a 5-speed.
