[OFFICIAL] Manual v. Automatic Thread

[Kirkster]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

autotragic

Not an autotragic driver myself...

now a dual clutch sequential... I might be convinced, but the car would have to have a black horse on a yellow background on the badge...

[Mt Tam I am]

Originally Posted by shadoquad

autotragic

+1 very much deserved

[cprokesh]

2010-z Gun Metallic 7-AT. 11,400 miles, mint with seibon Carbon NSM wing with support base painted color matched and wing body exposed Carbon-Fiber. Fully loaded with factory navigation, illuminated kick panels, absolutely every option it can possibly have from the factory...Looking to trade mine for a 6-MT just because I miss the "Seat of the Pants" feel. I bought it after test driving both, and thought I was getting old enough to not miss the gear banging but I think I made a mistake! Its Bone stock as it sits but looking at the STILLEN VQ37 supercharger and dont know if the 7-AT will hold up to it as they claim an increase to 515hp???? Anyone know of superchargers/turbo chargers running on the 7-AT Platform???

Also anyone wanting to consider trade email me at cprokesh@hotmail.com. Would greatly appreciate any views on the 7-AT reliability with a blower. Thanks.

[wstar]

Go with the 6MT if you're gonna do forced induction, or upgrading the 7AT to match will likely double the cost. If you don't mind losing the nostalgia of working the clutch (and hell with SRM you've already lost heel-toe unless you just really want to disable SRM and DIY), the 7AT works great on the track. My POV on this is there's 10,000 other things I need to focus on and learn about track driving, and that clutch being out of the picture is just one less to worry about. Every time I've been out, I get at least 1 manual driver coming up to me after a session and asking about it enviously, because they were behind me for a downshift into a corner, e.g. this one:

Youtube video: TDE MSR-Houston Nov 6 2011 - YouTube

[wstar]

Originally Posted by kannibul

It has the same auto as the Benz AMG? I'm not sure how that would work, Nissan/Infinity are pretty much an "in house" company when it comes to their parts...

I'm not sure if it's even been TRUELY confirmed that the Z has the same 7AT as the FX50.

It's not in-house, it's made by a company called Jatco. Jatco makes two versions of the tranny with different torque ratings. The lower-rated version is in our Z, and the higher rated version is in the FQ50/QX56. No idea if Benz uses Jatco's transmission too, but I'd be surprised.

[Super Moderator II]

Guys, if we are going to tell members not open new threads, and instead comment in old ones, we can't get annoyed with them when they do it.

Edit: Thread has been cleaned appropriately.

[dAvenue]

Originally Posted by Super Moderator II

Guys, if we are going to tell members not open new threads, and instead comment in old ones, we can't get annoyed with them when they do it.

Truth.

[nmjaxx9]

Originally Posted by CervanteZ

Depends on your driving. I bought Auto since my commute can be stop and go. Nevertheless, it's really fun to drive.

I agree the main reason I got auto as well. and yes regardless of auto or manual the fun factor is def there.

[UNKNOWN_370]

As far as this automatic goes. Its virtual to a dct transmission in overall feel. Of course it doesn't have the advantages of DCT, and needs modification if you plan on boosting to over 400hp. But its general performance is equal to high end DCT's. Acceleration is smooth on paddles, and mildly jerky on the stick, reminiscent of 80's manual transmissions. DS mode while in auto is good if you need a quick boost in acceleration but not enjoyable for overall performance driving. The car feels more alive when the stick is dropped and smacked to the left. From there use either stick or paddles for the real fun. The only drawback to the auto isn't in the transmission. Its in the exhaust. The autos are quieter. So an aftermarket exhaust makes the car sound more interesting.
The difference in acceleration times makes the auto essential if straight line times mean something to you as well. While the auto has hit accel times of 4.6/13.1. The manual is slower by .3 seconds on both numbers. On brisk days like today, my car feels like it might even be a tad faster than the fastest written time from car mags.

As to which transmission is better? Its just personal preference as to what you want or need. Imho they both offer equal fun. But for some operating a clutch makes them feel more useful in the car. Others may pride themselves in doing burnouts. Other than that I think both are compelling and a joy to drive.

[UNKNOWN_370]

Mercedes Benz is in-house transmission. 7G-Tronic - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Nissan is built by Jatco-Japan.

[Lemers]

Don't be ghey...play with a stick

[UNKNOWN_370]

Originally Posted by wstar

Go with the 6MT if you're gonna do forced induction, or upgrading the 7AT to match will likely double the cost. If you don't mind losing the nostalgia of working the clutch (and hell with SRM you've already lost heel-toe unless you just really want to disable SRM and DIY), the 7AT works great on the track. My POV on this is there's 10,000 other things I need to focus on and learn about track driving, and that clutch being out of the picture is just one less to worry about. Every time I've been out, I get at least 1 manual driver coming up to me after a session and asking about it enviously, because they were behind me for a downshift into a corner, e.g. this one:

Youtube video: TDE MSR-Houston Nov 6 2011 - YouTube

The only thing the auto needs are stronger clutches and transmission cooler. It doesn't need much more as long as you are staying at around 550hp at the crank.

[kenchan]

the only thing the Z needs is a good driver.

[Fire]

I love my 7at and paddle shifters. I'll let ya know how it does in autocross this spring. Oh and the reason I got a 7at is cause my friend kenchan has a stick;-) Ken you are the forum

[11Thumper]

The 7AT is quite good. I use my Z as a DD so the auto is quite nice to have. No issues with spirited driving and kicking the rear end out with the 7AT. I'm learning how to use it better now as I have 5k miles on the car at this point.

There is a slight delay when you jump on the gas vs. a 6MT, but you can work around it. When you put the car in "D" it drives and shifts smooth as butter and when you put it in manual mode it's still a blast to drive.

No regrets but if you are not using the Z as a DD and just a weekend toy, get the 6MT as it can allow for a more connected feel and is a bit more fun.

Oh and I agree with someone else who posted...having a 6MT makes it easier to tell the ladies they can't drive the car.