corsia logo

Off Road: Manual or Automatic?

Off Road: Manual or Automatic?

Nothing quite beats the feeling of conquering rough terrains. The ground shakes you to your core, but you are its master, not the other way around. And it’s amazing to know you’ve driven across places only few can conquer.

That’s the beauty of having an off-road vehicle. However, not everyone can afford to buy an ATV or a buggy, which are designed exactly for that purpose. So what’s the next best thing? A 4-Wheel Drive, of course!

Why 4WD Is Better Than AWD for Off-road

Before we tackle the issue of manual vs. automatic, I just have to take care of a common misunderstanding. Do you know the difference between 4WD and AWD?

Firstly, 4WD means 4-wheel drive, while AWD means All-Wheel Drive. The differences are many, and I won’t be going into that much detail. However, if you want that, check out this article.

The general thing you have to know is simple. A 4WD handles off-road better. It’s designed to do so. AWD is simply “off-road capable.” It can get you through rough terrain, but it won’t be as efficient at it. Also, you may get stuck if you are overly confident.

So, if you are planning on going off-road quite often, a 4WD is for you. If you just want to dabble from time to time, an AWD will serve you perfectly.

Manual vs Automatic – Should You Care About That?

If you are a car enthusiast, you may scream “Manual!” to everyone driving an automatic. But surprise, surprise! Manual is not always the answer. And although everyone should learn to drive stick, this is not the point today.

Many people have the misconception that an off-road vehicle has to be manual. This isn’t true. Actually, most new cars come with an automatic transmission. You may not even have a choice of manual if you only look locally.

The truth is simple. If you are not a good manual driver, you won’t get much benefit from that. On the other hand, even if you are good, it takes some getting used to driving manual on a rough terrain. That being said manual isn’t all bad. Let’s check out why!

Reality vs Myth

There are a lot of statements thrown out there, which are simply not true. Sure, the topic of stick shift vs. automatic is quite divisive, but fact is fact. There are two things I have to address.

Firstly, automatics don’t give you a better miles-per-gallon ratio. This can be the case for newer cars now, but off-road is a totally different story. It all depends on the way you drive and how you handle your vehicle.

Secondly, driving manual is not always the preferable choice. There are many situations when automatics can be the better option. Do you want to use your off-road vehicle for general purposes as well? If you are used to automatic, it will serve you much better then.

The Pros and Cons of Automatic

As with everything else, the two transmissions also have good and bad sides to them. What characteristics do you value the most? Comfort or control? Easy riding or reliability? Speed or stability?

An automatic transmission is the best choice for people who are either new to off-roading or new to manuals (or both). You have to be pretty comfortable with the stick before you hop on an off-roader.

Additionally, an automatic transmission is simply better for easy riding. If you don’t mind going slow and you want to enjoy the experience that way, go with the auto. They are also generally more comfortable to ride as you don’t have to press the clutch constantly.

But there are some bad sides to that as well. Sometimes you may feel you are totally out of control with an automatic. You can’t force the engine into higher RPM. So you won’t be able to go over something steeper to your relative position.

Moreover, going downhill will often require you to have your foot glued to the brake. Automatics have a weird way of shifting through gears. In a moment you might be going very slow, while suddenly you are rushing like the wind.

The Pros and Cons of Manual

The stick is all about control. You want higher RPM? You have that. You want to go down the hill at a steady pace, without constantly pushing the brake? Go ahead and do it.

You can enjoy a ride that’s much more fun, although that’s quite subjective. However, there are many things that make manual a bit tougher to drive.

Even if you are familiar with stick shifts, you will still need some practice with rough terrain. That’s because the usual progression of “1st, 2nd, 3rd…” with shifts isn’t present. You don’t just accelerate and switch into next gear. You have to know which gear is better for what terrain. And that can vary from vehicle to vehicle.

If you are generally new to off-roading, it is good to start with the basics. Don’t think that experience with manual transmissions transfers so well to off-road vehicles. Hubris is bad.

Buying An Off-road Vehicle Out of State

Sometimes if you want to find the best deals, you just have to look out of state. And when it comes to an off-road machine, you can’t just pick any car that comes your way. You have to do your research and then find the best.

However, buying a car outside of state presents its own challenges. You can’t really check the car out unless you go there personally and spend money on that. You also have to find a way to transport it. At least with that, you are in luck.

Corsia Logistics can take care of transporting your new off-road vehicle. We offer excellent rates and extensive services with both open and closed carriers. You can get a free quote right on our website now.

Have You Decided Yet?

Is your mind set on buying a manual or an automatic? If not, I hope that at least you now know that there are options. And that off-road vehicles are great.

Whatever you go with, you will definitely find rough terrain thrilling. Corsia Logistics wishes you to have a great time. But don’t forget – always drive safe!

Save

Save

Save

Share our experience:
Are you ready to ship a car?
Recent posts
car shipping quote

Truckers Can Fight Sex Trafficking

If You See Something, Say Something! This is the slogan of the nonprofit group Truckers Against Trafficking, the organization’s main goal is to have more

Shipping a Rivian

Shipping a Rivian

Shipping an electric vehicle like Rivian requires several considerations. Here we will share some key aspects to keep in mind when you need to ship

Read more

Corsia Logistics team works hard every day to ensure reliable expedited car shipping service. Our customer reviews prove that.

5-Star Rated Car Shipping Company

5/5
5/5
5/5

they trusted us

and here's what they say

Simon Moore
Great company
Read More
Looking for a logistics company, to ship my car, from California to Illinois,my first search, then Corsia showed up, skeptical. Call and a very friendly secretary: Elena. She guided me through, I scheduled and as she explained, all when smooth as scheduled Very happy I did the right choice. I'll recommend this great Company to anyone that is thinking to relocate a vehicle. Thanks Corsia logistics for your honesty and professionalism!
Elizabeth Woodward
High five's all around!
Read More
Corsia was highly recommended by a friend in the automobile industry. We needed to transport a cargo van from Seattle to Florida. We contacted Corsia who quickly arranged transport within just a few days. Communication was outstanding! Just a few email confirmations and we were all set. Mike was great and arrived right on time and delivered to Florida on schedule. Tip-avoid the hornets nest of auto brokers on line and just contact Corsia for a truly great experience!
Carrol Tiffany
Amazing
Read More
Corsia has been amazing. Their prices are really competitive but more importantly their customer service has been 5-Star. Elena followed up with me every step of the way, making sure there was no miscommunication between me & the driver. We are using them to ship a 2nd vehicle & would not hesitate to use them again!
Tony Boyd
Definitely recommend
Read More
I have recently used Corsia for long time family car with sentimental value that was moved I have recently used Corsia for shipment of my vehicle from Oregon to Arizona by recommendation from other family member who also used Corsia in the past. I am very pleased on the service and the communication throughout shipment. Ken was my direct contact and kept me informed along the move The car was picked up and delivered as communicated. I did use a enclosed mover and the driver was also clean cut professional and treated car as his own. I would definitely recommend Corsia again with the experience I have had. Thank you. T
JW
Top notch
Read More
Top notch Transport - Porsche 997 Top notch! As easy and efficient as one could possibly imagine. Great customer service.. thank you Luke. Great prices. Check. Timely communications. Check. Clean transport trailer. Check. Supremely careful driver. Check. Timely arrival. Check. Don't mess around elsewhere, just call Corsica and feel confident your transports needs are going to be exceeded. My Porsche 911 rode like a Queen in her enclosed chariot. I've never needed a transport company before, and I surely will use them every time. Do yourself a favor, seriously. Call now.
Geet Mp Haryana
Reliable, efficient
Read More
Corsia rep (Elena) was very proactive. Helped ship a car from CA to GA. She checked in with me via email quote and several phone calls to find me the best possible quote for the fastest available service. After several communications, Corsia was able to schedule a vehicle pickup the next day. The driver communicated well, and the vehicle arrived in final destination faster than we expected in perfect condition. I highly recommend using Corsia's reliable, efficient service.
Cay Liptak
Clean, efficient, wonderful
Read More
Thanks, Corsia! Pickup was so clean, efficient, and wonderful -- my only recommendation is to make sure you schedule it during the day so you can fully review the car in the daylight. Drop off was equally wonderful, and the whole trip went down without a hitch (pun intended!). Seriously, Corsia delivered my Jeep from CT to California with no issues or bumps in the road!
Csaba Kovesdy
Truly positive experience
Read More
Corsia Memphis to LA, mid-size SUV. I looked at 4 different companies amd Corsia was the most responsive of them. While being responsive, they were not unduly aggressive: when I indicated that I need to wait a month before making a decision they stopped contacting me and only came back with a reminder when I really needed it. Once I decided to engage Corsia they found me a transport within two days and the car was delivered (from Memphis to LA) in another two days. I had a truly positive experience.
Kelly Torres
Highly recommend
Read More
Working with Corsia Logistics was a great experience. Working with Corsia Logistics was wonderful. They were able to find a driver right away to transport our car. They were in constant communication as to when the car was getting picked up and dropped off. The driver also communicated with me as to when he would arrive. I would highly recommend Corsia Logistics.
Amy Nelson
Excellent Organization
Read More
Corsia was an excellent company to work with while I transferred my car across the US. A friend of mine suggested I use them as they had been very organized and trustworthy with her own car. I researched a few different place but decided to go with Corsia and I'm so glad I did! Any questions I had throughout the process they answered quickly and clearly. I would definitely use them again in the future and recommend them for others to use.
Previous
Next