Is an automatic or manual better for a miata?

Im going to buy a used miata, and im not sure which transmission is better. I have no interest in racing the car, but instead simply driving it and having it as a fun convertible. I dont know how to drive a manual, but if the stick shift is really that much better for this model, I will try and learn.|||In all cars, the manual transmission is more reliable, lighter, and faster.





Manual versions of cars accelerate to 60mph up to 1.5 seconds quicker than their automatic counterparts. And have 1-5mph higher top speeds.





Manual transmissions are lighter so they make the car handle better and get better fuel economy.





They are also more reliable and much cheaper to maintain and more fun to drive.|||WADR to C7S, automatics are more reliable and cheaper to maintain (since they rarely break). The fun-to-drive factor is strictly a factor of the desire to shift a lot or not. We drive Miatas for fun, not for good gas mileage or racing 'Vettes. Ours is a red 97 with auto so everyone can enjoy!

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|||Automatic is more boring and waste more petrol than manual geardrive|||A manual Shift will get better fuel Mileage and is typically fun to drive under low stress situations.





An automatic is better for high stress driving situations such as construction and long waits in highway traffic. You foot won't get sore from holding the clutch in for a long wait.





If you are a smoker, a manual shift will get in your way as well





I prefer an automatic over a manual|||Manual without question.


Manual transmision + rear wheels drive + convertible = FUN|||I like CS7's answer, but I would like to add-


The manual in the Miata is a nice smooth shifting transmission. The hand brake should be used by a novice when drifting backwards is a problem. By setting the handbrake and using the hand to release the brake, your two feet are cleared to learn how to use the clutch and gas pedal to get moving on a hill (incline).


The hand brake can also be used when idling a long time or you can just put the car in neutral instead of holding the clutch in at all times.


I would not think twice - Manual (5 speed).|||You're going to love this car whether it's an automatic or manual.





I'd pick whichever one you're most comfortable with (sounds like automatic).|||automatic is better. no more clutch slippage.|||Manual absolutely. The automatic sort of kills part of the Miata's spirit.|||If you have much city driving (stop, stop, stop,stop) driving its then up to you. For me shifting has become part of the experience of owning a Miata. But I now drive the long way to work because its open road. But I would not sit in slow city traffic in an auto.