[ali_af]

My issue with automatic transmissions is that while they may be able to predict optimal settings in specific conditions, they cannot understand the overall conditions of traffic and operate accordingly.

An example is bumper to bumper traffic moving at high speed. Traffic may momentarily slow down abruptly, then pick up again. All automatic transmissions I have driven react the same when I release the gas, and then press it again as traffic speeds back up. They either stay in high gear, so the torque is not immediately available when traffic speeds up, or worse, they take a few seconds to downshift and then lunge forward.

With a standard transmission, I can put the car in neutral when I see brake lights ahead, slow down with the brakes if necessary, and when traffic starts moving faster, I drop into the appropriate gear for the speed I'm at and the torque I need.

[handzbagz]

You really shouldn't put the car in neutral if you're approaching upcoming traffic as you aren't in full control of the vehicle if you suddenly need power to get out of a developing situation.

You're also not getting the advantages of engine braking especially as most modern cars won't be pumping fuel to the engine if there is no load, instead your car is just idling in neutral.