@Akbar
Performance of any kind of transmission depends on driver’s skills of driving specially manual Trans. Automatic Trans gives a bit of releif in managing gears. But driver is also required to engage proper auto options while climing up hills, decending or on slippery or Snow-bound areas. You can have an idea of both by going through the advanteges/disadnavteges of both transmission and decide which one will suite you according to offroding area or routes.
I personally like auto transmission when I am travelling with family but if I am without family I prefer manual trans for my serious offroading adventures. Since I have bought the Toyota Surf 1996 SSR-G I have loved this offroader becouse of it’s performance even in Auto-Trans. It has given me all the pleasure of Power, Performance, Reliability, Off-roading and Driving Pleasure specially SSR-G with Intercooler model. It has an option of Electronic Controal Transmission, Electrnic Control Shock Observers (Hard Shock Option) for serious off-roading. Thoug it is Auto trans but with the option of ECT U can get an extra acceleration within the same auto gear.
As you mentioned about your rough terrain I myself have taken my Surf to such a rough terrains where there are no roads and none of the Vehicles were there before. And ma surf was just saying “take me where you want to”.
I will recommend you Toyoa Surf SSR-G with intercooler the new import from 1996 to 2000 model. Unless you choose some other SUV, choice is yours.
FYI, here are is the comparison (Adventages/disadventages) between Manual Trans & Auto Trans.
Manual transmissions are typically more efficient than automatic transmissions. This is because manuals generally involve a clutch instead of a torque converter, which can cause significant power losses and because an automatic transmission introduces parasitic losses through the high pressure hydraulic pumps it requires. This results in both better acceleration and fuel economy.
Manual transmissions generally require less maintenance than automatic transmissions.
Manual transmissions normally do not require active cooling, because not much power is dissipated as heat through the transmission.
The heat issue can be important in certain situations, like climbing long hills in hot weather, particularly if pulling a load. Unless the automatic's torque converter is locked up (which typically only happens in an overdrive gear that would not be engaged when going up a hill) the transmission can overheat. A manual transmission's clutch only generates heat when it slips, which does not happen unless the driver is riding the clutch pedal.
An example: the driver, anticipating a turn, can downshift to the appropriate gear while the steering is still straight, and stay in gear through the turn. This is the correct, safe way to execute a turn.
Another example: when starting, the driver can control how much torque goes to the tires, which is useful for starting on slippery surfaces such as ice, snow or mud.
Another example when the driver is attempting to pass a slower moving vehicle by making use of a lane with opposite traffic, he can select a lower gear for more power at exactly the right moment when conditions are right to begin the manoeuver. Automatics have a delayed reaction time, because the driver can only indicate his intent by pressing the throttle.
Many people prefer driving a car with a manual transmission because it provides a more direct interaction in the driving experience
Many people feel that driving a manual forces the driver to pay more attention to the road and to other cars, making it more difficult to become distracted.
Disadvantages of Manual Transmission:
Manual transmissions require more driver interaction than automatic transmissions.
A driver may inadvertently shift into the wrong gear with a manual transmission, potentially causing damage to the engine and transmission as well as compromising safety.
Manual transmissions are more difficult to learn to drive as one needs to develop a feel for properly engaging the clutch.
The smooth and quick shifts of an automatic transmission are not guaranteed when
operating a manual transmission.
Manual transmissions are slightly harder to start when stopped upward on a hill, but this is overcome with a little experience.
Many people feel that driving a manual forces the driver to pay more attention to the road and to other cars, making it more difficult to become distracted.
