[OFFICIAL] Manual v. Automatic Thread

[LinPark]

Why would you drive a manual in traffic?

From a collector standpoint, I would think the manual will be more valuable many years from now. I bought mine because I have an older model Z that is a manual as well and I just like the feel of it. Am I faster with a manual, no. But, it's difficult to put this into words - with the manual, I just feel like I'm more involved in the overall process of driving the car - in an automatic, I'm just the guy steering the wheel. My ideal situation would be to own 2!

[H2O_Doc]

This is clearly a subjective and personal thing, but even when I have to sit in DC traffic, I still would rather have a manual. The only manual I ever regretted was on a 1970 Mach 1: what a hunk of **** that tranny was (at least by 1986 when I had it).

[winnre]

I guess if we ever all agree on the manual vs auto debate then we can move on to seeking easier answers, like politics and religion. :-D

[roplusbee]

Originally Posted by winnre

I guess if we ever all agree on the manual vs auto debate then we can move on to seeking easier answers, like politics and religion. :-D

Or even the Sport vs NISMO debate...........

I am waiting for the built 7AT vs built 6MT debate, lol!

[Maddog]

My daily driver is a DSG 7 speed and in many ways the 7at in the 370 is as good in my opinion. The DSG has a sport mode which does make a difference and it's seamless once moving but it is a little laggy from standstill and jerky occasionally when pulling away.

Operation is about the same, the flappy paddles will override the auto mode for a short time , in full manual you get the downshift blip as well can't think of any increased functionality

The VW DSG gearboxes like mine though are getting quite a reputation for expensive failures of the mechatronic units

Not driven the manual 370 but did own a m/t 350HR and was not impressed with that gearbox so didn't consider one

[Z eliminator]

Ive got the built 7AT stage 4 from GTM.
In MM it shifts are lighting fast.
ive data loged my stock one and with the 4.08 gears,it shift in.032 of a second . first to second gear. I got .28 for the GTM .
the GTM shifts way faster and firmer.
my stock one did the 1/4 in 12.32. its too bad that the motor broke before i had a chance to get a good tune in the car on uprev. the 12.32 was with my Cobb tune.
The big improvemnt is the 4th to 5th shift. .62 stock to just around .40 of a second.
i fell with a good tune it would have gone low 12.1s.
it will be hooked to the GTM 4.2 stroker N/A and run down the track in april. next the stage 3 sc goes on.
will keep you guys posted.

Z

[RoadsterST]

Originally Posted by Z eliminator

Ive got the built 7AT stage 4 from GTM.
In MM it shifts are lighting fast.
ive data loged my stock one and with the 4.08 gears,it shift in.032 of a second . first to second gear. I got .28 for the GTM .
the GTM shifts way faster and firmer.
my stock one did the 1/4 in 12.32. its too bad that the motor broke before i had a chance to get a good tune in the car on uprev. the 12.32 was with my Cobb tune.
The big improvemnt is the 4th to 5th shift. .62 stock to just around .40 of a second.
i fell with a good tune it would have gone low 12.1s.
it will be hooked to the GTM 4.2 stroker N/A and run down the track in april. next the stage 3 sc goes on.
will keep you guys posted.

Z

Nice.. was not aware they modified the 7at as well..

[merkil]

I'll just leave this here...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EUZts...ature=youtu.be

[Nismo89]

Originally Posted by merkil

I'll just leave this here...

Z34 FSW

sounds so nice , like ive always said I love my 7AT

I fixed it

[FERRARI]

Notice the yellow Corvette has a manual and knows how to downshift......

[Zerocool]

Absolutely subjective and it's your personal preference. I've driven M/T before with my old integra fart can machine. M/T is a lot of fun and you feel more in control of the vehicle. When I went Z hunting, I knew I wanted the 7sp A/T. The 7sp is actually pretty good and i was very surprised after driving it for hours.

Reason's I went with an A/T over the M/T:
I live in the city and there's always traffic. (my Z is my DD because....well it's my only car)
I have a herniated disc(being young with a disc problem, blows) and sometimes when it acts up, It pinches my nerve my left leg.
Clutching in and out on a sports car with a clutch that's stiff with the kind of back problems I have isn't worth it for me.

Some might even ask "LOL SO WHY THE HELL DID YOU GET IT?" easy, it's a damn Z.

also all of the newer supercars these days are getting rid of the the manual box and using the paddle shifters because it WORKS. It also shifts a lot faster and that's what they're looking for.

[Optimiser]

I would drive a manual in traffic just to despite the auto drivers.

[wstar]

Originally Posted by Optimiser

I would drive a manual in traffic just to despite the auto drivers.

I would drive an auto on the track just to spite the 6MT drivers who don't know the difference between 'spite' and 'despite'

[Gee]

I didn't like the 7AT. I thought it changed up too soon. But that's just me. The 6MT with rev matcher is pretty good IMHO.

I have a Jeep Wrangler which is auto and I like that, so its not like I have a pathological hatred of autos that a lot of sports car drivers do.

[tonybell_57]

I've heard many car enthusiasts, not just Z owners, complain that real sports cars have manual transmissions. So, just out of curiosity, I did a couple of Google searches and found this:

What is the last car Ferrari made with a manual transmission?
The Last Fully Manual Ferrari

What is the last car Lamborghini made with a manual transmission?
Lamborghini Prepares Its Final Manual Transmission Model | The Truth About Cars

So, automotive Luddites , I bring you the future.

( Click to show/hide )

Disclaimer:
In all honesty, I also am a big fan of the manual transmission. I drove a Honda S2000 until very recently. When it became necessary to replace it, and I chose a 370Z Roadster, I went with a 7AT mainly because I have a left knee that needs replacing and I drive in Atlanta during rush hour twice a day.