[OFFICIAL] Manual v. Automatic Thread

[UNKNOWN_370]

Originally Posted by b1adesofcha0s

Similar thing happened with my friends. They wouldn't believe that the auto was as fast as or faster than the manual.......until they drove it. They also thought I should have gotten the G37 instead of the 370Z...........until they drove it

Coming from a G37 to a Z I just want to clear up some myths about the G37, at least the "S" model. Performance is "NOT" hugely different between the 2. This is what stands out more as far as an improvement.

1. Steering feel. The G steering feels slightly more artificial and the steering is boosted to feel lighter at low speeds. (Tire width plays a big role in that)
2. Cornering. The longer wheelbase cuts some of the sharpness in a turn.
3. A vague feel of being slower going from 2nd to 3rd. And you really have to be looking for this to notice the difference in speed.

2 out of 3 can be fixed with a good coilover suspension and aftermarket wheel/tire tire width that matches the NISMO Z. Ance both cars have been intaked exhausted and tuned along with the above both cars feel extremely close to equal.
From stock G37's have much greater highway stability as well and feel more capable @ speeds of over 140mph vs the Z due to the added weight most likely. The Z feels better in lower speed handling situations.
The infiniti has an immense technology package that takes anything you find techy in the Z to the next level. The backseats are somewhat useable and audiophiles will find the G to be a much better pick for stock or custom stereo.

My reason for getting into a Z was to improve low speed fun. When I switched ffrom my G. The tech pkg, leather, premium package didn't matter anymore. I wanted a lighter car and went with the base sport 7at. As cool as manual is I just truely enjoy the 7at and respect everything nissan put into it making it the perfect auto. Traffic also played a small part in that decision.

I personally don't see the Z as better in performance, I just see it as picking your preference of low speed fun vs. High speed stability.