370Z 7AT vs DCT / DSG Auto?

SunnyDays · 02-21-2018, 03:56 PM

Hey all,

I will soon be in the market for a 370Z and am undecided on manual or automatic.

I have driven DCT / DSG automatic based cars and am curious how the 7AT compares?
For reference I was not that keen on the DCT / DSG boxes as they often at times felt a unpredictable in terms of up-shifts and down-shifts but also could feel laggy in manual mode. Additionally I felt at times that the car was abit boring to drive despite the performance. Do you think I will get on in with the 7AT in the 370Z or should I skip it and go for the manual?

I am tempted by the 370Z manual syncro rev match but am concerned about the weight of the clutch being very heavy and also the performance of the automatic seems considerably better? Additionally it seems like the manual gear boxes have issues such as the CSC?

All advice appreciated

Thanks

CRiZO · 02-21-2018, 04:58 PM

Sounds like you want a manual.

Personally I was dead set on a manual until I drove both transmissions, since it was near impossible to find one I wanted in manual. The automatic really surprised me and ended up choosing it as I sit in traffic more than anything.

It has its expected downside, like if you're just cruising and decide to floor it in automatic, you have that awful "annnnnnnddddd hangonimsequentiallydownshiftingthreegears NOW" downshift. In manual though when driving hard it's quick, faster than what I remembered automatics being. I can't imagine you'll be satisfied with it though if you don't like dual clutch.

I didn't like manuals syncro rev, and the clutch felt bad in every one I drove. Though if I had something else for commuting and the Z just for fun, I'd get the manual and replace the clutch and shifter.

cv129 · 02-21-2018, 09:53 PM

I've previously owned a DSG equipped Jetta, while concurrently owning a 7AT G37 and a 6MT Z.

Now, a 7AT FX50 (same transmission as the G) has replaced the Jetta.

The 7AT does not compare to the DSG box. DSG's shifts were absolutely seamless, and had faster reaction time in manual mode. The 7AT drives like a auto tranny car, everything is a heartbeat slower than the DSG. I've ridden in my friend's F10 M5, Audi S7, Benz C63 AMG, X5 50i, all of those transmissions were smoother, faster, crispier better than our 7AT (I know...they cost a whole lot more too).

Our 7AT in isn't too bad and I still have fun. It's not piss slow, but I fantasize having a DCT/DSG in my G.

Jayhovah · 02-21-2018, 09:56 PM

If you have ambitious modding plans, the MT is the way to go...

nis350 · 02-21-2018, 11:59 PM

the older e46 M3 SMG wasn't that good, but the current versions DCT/DSG/PDK are wonderful gearboxes. the 7AT in the Z is a very old slushbox.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cv129

The 7AT drives like a auto tranny car, everything is a heartbeat slower than the DSG. I've ridden in my friend's F10 M5, Audi S7, Benz C63 AMG, X5 50i, all of those transmissions were smoother, faster, crispier better than our 7AT (I know...they cost a whole lot more too).

V8Nissan · 02-22-2018, 03:21 AM

I debated auto vs manual for quite some time and chose the 7at. I'm very glad I did. I drive 100 miles a day to work. I drove both cars but was hesitant to buy a manual due to all the ongoing CSC release bearing issues. I don't drive my 7at in auto mode ever though. I use the paddle shifters exclusively and drive my car just like a real manual 100 percent of the time. It's weird to get used to driving this way at first but I love it and it's nicer for commuting in traffic than a true manual. It shifts RIGHT NOW when you hit the paddle, no delay. The tranny downshifts automatically as you slow down so you arent clicking through 7 gears. The manual mode of the 7at gives you full authority to hold the gear to the Rev limiter and it doesn't shift up unless you tell it to from my experience. It also locks the driveline and drags like a manual when you let off the gas about 95 percent of the time. I have to say I'm not a huge fan of this transmission in full auto mode though. Paddle shifting is the 7at's transmissions strong area.

Also the automatic has Rev matching when using the paddle shifters

Jhill · 02-22-2018, 04:29 AM

Honestly they all have pros and cons. Not sure what your traffic is like in the UK but if it’s anything like the busier cities here then personally I would take the 7at (as I did). The up shifts are fast (arguably faster than a manual) the downshifts can be a little slow but not noticeable when actually spirit driving. The manual and dct will suffer in traffic but that’s about it. The 7at and dct’s do also have the benefit of not allowing mis shifts.

The 7at in auto mode will feel like a basic auto though. So depends what your after, for me it’s perfect since the car plays double duty as dd and track car so I have all the regular bolt ons with stillen exhaust that is quiet at cruising but loud enough on throttle accompanied by the 7at which is smooth at cruise yet aggressive and fast enough when tracking.

jchammond · 02-22-2018, 04:37 AM

Being 6’6” tall, the MT was out,,,shifted too many gears in past with a clutch.
My Z had 93,000 mi. on it when it got crashed out & thoroughly enjoyed the 7A/T.
I added a Quaife Helical locker to the base 3.357 open diff & made it get both Wheels pulling when it was time to roll.
I’ve never driven the other Transmission’s you listed; but I learned quickly the speeds that this one would up shift/downshift....and would pull it over in manual mode to drive/cruise at desired rpm’s.
As all newer transmissions try to reach the tallest gear possible for maximum fuel mileage.
Look at the gear ratios in chart & you’ll see why it’s very quick down low & through the gear-box,,,just wish 6th gear was in the 1:15 range vs. the first of 2 OD’s.
Stock sized tires & low fuel,Little weight in back ran 13.1@105 in qtr.(CAI & FI exhaust was mods-no Headers)I performed a gear swap to the 3.69 ratio & woke it up down low...with tire’s that we’re really oversized for the strip/ ran 12.9@106 (1/2 fuel+tools & other junk in car...I know I could get closer to mid 12’s...but I got totaled by an uninsured motorists on 1/21/18.
I would definitely purchase another one & enjoyed the option to either bump-shift or paddle shift while in manual mode.
My 2cents.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jhill · 02-22-2018, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchammond

Being 6’6” tall, the MT was out,,,shifted too many gears in past with a clutch.
My Z had 93,000 mi. on it when it got crashed out & thoroughly enjoyed the 7A/T.
I added a Quaife Helical locker to the base 3.357 open diff & made it get both Wheels pulling when it was time to roll.
I’ve never driven the other Transmission’s you listed; but I learned quickly the speeds that this one would up shift/downshift....and would pull it over in manual mode to drive/cruise at desired rpm’s.
As all newer transmissions try to reach the tallest gear possible for maximum fuel mileage.
Look at the gear ratios in chart & you’ll see why it’s very quick down low & through the gear-box,,,just wish 6th gear was in the 1:15 range vs. the first of 2 OD’s.
Stock sized tires & low fuel,Little weight in back ran 13.1@105 in qtr.(CAI & FI exhaust was mods-no Headers)I performed a gear swap to the 3.69 ratio & woke it up down low...with tire’s that we’re really oversized for the strip/ ran 12.9@106 (1/2 fuel+tools & other junk in car...I know I could get closer to mid 12’s...but I got totaled by an uninsured motorists on 1/21/18.
I would definitely purchase another one & enjoyed the option to either bump-shift or paddle shift while in manual mode.
My 2cents.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I’ve seen others do the gear swap for the auto. I don’t think I’ll go that route if/when I need do replace my vlsd with something else. I used to have a low geared car and it gets a bit annoying on trips but I’m curious if the speedo can be recalibrated for the z, also heard you lose cruise control? I’m not sure why cruise control would be effected (I understand the speed you picked wouldn’t actually be what your going). With GM you could get special programming from GM to reflash for the diff gears but not sure what people do for the z.

My curiousity has me interested

jchammond · 02-22-2018, 05:12 AM

Speedo is determined by the output shaft sensors on the diff cover; so regardless or 3.36,3.90,4.36 speedometer will be accurate as long as your rear tires are near 27”.
As far as the cruise- mine worked great unless I stabbed the throttle & elevated it up above an un-recognized speed by eco for cruise...as before it peaked at around 90/3000.
Was going to see if tuner could recalibrate ecu to learn it/ but didn’t get that far before accident.
The 15’ & up Nismo Tech’s come with 3.69 gearing on their 7A/T’s; while the manuals get 3.92’s

jchammond · 02-22-2018, 05:30 AM

About 150-250 rpm’s more@cruising speed w/3.69’s vs 3.36’s; depending on your speed (55-75)

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Zingston · 02-22-2018, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jhill

Honestly they all have pros and cons. Not sure what your traffic is like in the UK but if it’s anything like the busier cities here then personally I would take the 7at (as I did). The up shifts are fast (arguably faster than a manual) the downshifts can be a little slow but not noticeable when actually spirit driving. The manual and dct will suffer in traffic but that’s about it. The 7at and dct’s do also have the benefit of not allowing mis shifts.

The 7at in auto mode will feel like a basic auto though. So depends what your after, for me it’s perfect since the car plays double duty as dd and track car so I have all the regular bolt ons with stillen exhaust that is quiet at cruising but loud enough on throttle accompanied by the 7at which is smooth at cruise yet aggressive and fast enough when tracking.

Jhill · 02-22-2018, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jchammond

Speedo is determined by the output shaft sensors on the diff cover; so regardless or 3.36,3.90,4.36 speedometer will be accurate as long as your rear tires are near 27”.
As far as the cruise- mine worked great unless I stabbed the throttle & elevated it up above an un-recognized speed by eco for cruise...as before it peaked at around 90/3000.
Was going to see if tuner could recalibrate ecu to learn it/ but didn’t get that far before accident.
The 15’ & up Nismo Tech’s come with 3.69 gearing on their 7A/T’s; while the manuals get 3.92’s

Interesting I didn’t know Nissan was using a diff output sensor, usually the vss is trans output. That’s kinda nice and simplifies things. That change isn’t too drastic, only 150 rpm, didn’t know the nismo 7at gets that now I thought only the manuals got the lower gearing. Well I don’t have to worry for a while but guess that’s one more option later if desired.

SunnyDays · 02-22-2018, 05:15 PM

Thanks for all the input everyone. I will give the 7AT a try but I am leaning towards the manual at this point. I will keep you updated here

Thanks

jchammond · 02-22-2018, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunnyDays

Thanks for all the input everyone. I will give the 7AT a try but I am leaning towards the manual at this point. I will keep you updated here

Thanks

You won’t be disappointed from 0-buck25,,,Still pulls well in 1:1 5th too!

02-21-2018, 03:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
SunnyDays Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: United Kingdom, Posts: 76 Drives: Nismo 370Z Rep Power: 9	370Z 7AT vs DCT / DSG Auto? Hey all, I will soon be in the market for a 370Z and am undecided on manual or automatic. I have driven DCT / DSG automatic based cars and am curious how the 7AT compares? For reference I was not that keen on the DCT / DSG boxes as they often at times felt a unpredictable in terms of up-shifts and down-shifts but also could feel laggy in manual mode. Additionally I felt at times that the car was abit boring to drive despite the performance. Do you think I will get on in with the 7AT in the 370Z or should I skip it and go for the manual? I am tempted by the 370Z manual syncro rev match but am concerned about the weight of the clutch being very heavy and also the performance of the automatic seems considerably better? Additionally it seems like the manual gear boxes have issues such as the CSC? All advice appreciated Thanks

02-21-2018, 09:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
cv129 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 3,223 Drives: 09 Nismo, 16 Nismo Rep Power: 163995	I've previously owned a DSG equipped Jetta, while concurrently owning a 7AT G37 and a 6MT Z. Now, a 7AT FX50 (same transmission as the G) has replaced the Jetta. The 7AT does not compare to the DSG box. DSG's shifts were absolutely seamless, and had faster reaction time in manual mode. The 7AT drives like a auto tranny car, everything is a heartbeat slower than the DSG. I've ridden in my friend's F10 M5, Audi S7, Benz C63 AMG, X5 50i, all of those transmissions were smoother, faster, crispier better than our 7AT (I know...they cost a whole lot more too). Our 7AT in isn't too bad and I still have fun. It's not piss slow, but I fantasize having a DCT/DSG in my G. nis350 likes this. __________________ Setrab \| RE-71 \| SPL \| JRZ \| Nismo \| ARK \| Whiteline \| RacingBrake \| CJM Oil Pan \| Ti shield Last edited by cv129; 02-21-2018 at 10:01 PM.

02-22-2018, 03:21 AM	#6 (permalink)
V8Nissan Base Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Ohio Posts: 13 Drives: 14 370z Touring 7AT Rep Power: 8	I debated auto vs manual for quite some time and chose the 7at. I'm very glad I did. I drive 100 miles a day to work. I drove both cars but was hesitant to buy a manual due to all the ongoing CSC release bearing issues. I don't drive my 7at in auto mode ever though. I use the paddle shifters exclusively and drive my car just like a real manual 100 percent of the time. It's weird to get used to driving this way at first but I love it and it's nicer for commuting in traffic than a true manual. It shifts RIGHT NOW when you hit the paddle, no delay. The tranny downshifts automatically as you slow down so you arent clicking through 7 gears. The manual mode of the 7at gives you full authority to hold the gear to the Rev limiter and it doesn't shift up unless you tell it to from my experience. It also locks the driveline and drags like a manual when you let off the gas about 95 percent of the time. I have to say I'm not a huge fan of this transmission in full auto mode though. Paddle shifting is the 7at's transmissions strong area. Also the automatic has Rev matching when using the paddle shifters Last edited by V8Nissan; 02-22-2018 at 03:23 AM.

02-22-2018, 04:29 AM	#7 (permalink)
Jhill Track Member Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: San jose Posts: 854 Drives: 2013 370z sport Rep Power: 3384	Honestly they all have pros and cons. Not sure what your traffic is like in the UK but if it’s anything like the busier cities here then personally I would take the 7at (as I did). The up shifts are fast (arguably faster than a manual) the downshifts can be a little slow but not noticeable when actually spirit driving. The manual and dct will suffer in traffic but that’s about it. The 7at and dct’s do also have the benefit of not allowing mis shifts. The 7at in auto mode will feel like a basic auto though. So depends what your after, for me it’s perfect since the car plays double duty as dd and track car so I have all the regular bolt ons with stillen exhaust that is quiet at cruising but loud enough on throttle accompanied by the 7at which is smooth at cruise yet aggressive and fast enough when tracking. Last edited by Jhill; 02-22-2018 at 04:34 AM.

02-22-2018, 04:37 AM	#8 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 58 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684395	Being 6’6” tall, the MT was out,,,shifted too many gears in past with a clutch. My Z had 93,000 mi. on it when it got crashed out & thoroughly enjoyed the 7A/T. I added a Quaife Helical locker to the base 3.357 open diff & made it get both Wheels pulling when it was time to roll. I’ve never driven the other Transmission’s you listed; but I learned quickly the speeds that this one would up shift/downshift....and would pull it over in manual mode to drive/cruise at desired rpm’s. As all newer transmissions try to reach the tallest gear possible for maximum fuel mileage. Look at the gear ratios in chart & you’ll see why it’s very quick down low & through the gear-box,,,just wish 6th gear was in the 1:15 range vs. the first of 2 OD’s. Stock sized tires & low fuel,Little weight in back ran 13.1@105 in qtr.(CAI & FI exhaust was mods-no Headers)I performed a gear swap to the 3.69 ratio & woke it up down low...with tire’s that we’re really oversized for the strip/ ran 12.9@106 (1/2 fuel+tools & other junk in car...I know I could get closer to mid 12’s...but I got totaled by an uninsured motorists on 1/21/18. I would definitely purchase another one & enjoyed the option to either bump-shift or paddle shift while in manual mode. My 2cents. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Memphis370Z and Jhill like this. __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

02-21-2018, 04:58 PM	#2 (permalink)
CRiZO Track Member Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: Dallas Posts: 672 Drives: in traffic Rep Power: 20699	Sounds like you want a manual. Personally I was dead set on a manual until I drove both transmissions, since it was near impossible to find one I wanted in manual. The automatic really surprised me and ended up choosing it as I sit in traffic more than anything. It has its expected downside, like if you're just cruising and decide to floor it in automatic, you have that awful "annnnnnnddddd hangonimsequentiallydownshiftingthreegears NOW" downshift. In manual though when driving hard it's quick, faster than what I remembered automatics being. I can't imagine you'll be satisfied with it though if you don't like dual clutch. I didn't like manuals syncro rev, and the clutch felt bad in every one I drove. Though if I had something else for commuting and the Z just for fun, I'd get the manual and replace the clutch and shifter.

02-22-2018, 05:12 AM	#10 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 58 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684395	Speedo is determined by the output shaft sensors on the diff cover; so regardless or 3.36,3.90,4.36 speedometer will be accurate as long as your rear tires are near 27”. As far as the cruise- mine worked great unless I stabbed the throttle & elevated it up above an un-recognized speed by eco for cruise...as before it peaked at around 90/3000. Was going to see if tuner could recalibrate ecu to learn it/ but didn’t get that far before accident. The 15’ & up Nismo Tech’s come with 3.69 gearing on their 7A/T’s; while the manuals get 3.92’s __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

02-22-2018, 05:30 AM	#11 (permalink)
jchammond A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: South Carolina Age: 58 Posts: 15,204 Drives: 13’ 370Z TS 7A/T Rep Power: 2684395	About 150-250 rpm’s more@cruising speed w/3.69’s vs 3.36’s; depending on your speed (55-75) Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk __________________ MazWorx built long block \| FI-TT-100 Stage 2.75 \| IPT built 7A/T http://www.the370z.com/members-370z-...s-musings.html

02-22-2018, 05:15 PM	#14 (permalink)
SunnyDays Base Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: United Kingdom, Posts: 76 Drives: Nismo 370Z Rep Power: 9	Thanks for all the input everyone. I will give the 7AT a try but I am leaning towards the manual at this point. I will keep you updated here Thanks

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