[OFFICIAL] Manual v. Automatic Thread

Augustus · 03-01-2012, 10:17 AM

There are a many threads that are auto vs manual debates. From my limited time here, they don't end well.

IMHO, based on limited experience with Z's but lots of reading here, neither is really better than the other in the Z, they're just different. Performance is basically a wash, with a nod to the AT in terms of easy-to-launch consistency. Fuel economy is the same. Reliability is also probably a wash. Though with any manual, one can break stuff more easily due to human error (clutches burnt, forcing it into 1st at 80mph, etc).

If you don't want to be bothered to be required to shift, then get an automatic. Set it and forget it. When you need a specific gear, it has paddles. If you commute in the Z through daily heavy stop-and-go traffic, an automatic is probably the smart choice.

If you want a more "dynamic" relationship with your car, both pleasure (absolute control, perfect heel-toe downshifts, the 'coolness' of being in the minority of Americans who know how to drive a manual) and pain (how-do-I-launch-this-thing? stalling. why is the transmission so clunky? clutch-burnout-worry), then buy the manual.

One important note... If you buy a manual, the Sport package adds Synchro-Rev matching. When it's activated, the Z's throttle will automatically match the engine RPM to the correct transmission speed while you're shifting. Basically, it heel-toe's for you. It's a very cool feature, and it's the first (and currently only) car in the world that has this feature.

Good luck!

TongMan · 03-01-2012, 10:26 AM

When given the option, always go for the manual gearbox.

jayl · 03-01-2012, 10:34 AM

MT

ZMan8 · 03-01-2012, 10:35 AM

Manual!

IBTL

bigsix · 03-01-2012, 10:39 AM

If you had the Manual in mind before looking at 370z's for sale, the manual is the one you want. Also, you said you grew up driving manual transmissions.
I think it fits the car well. More of a direct, mechanical connection to the power.

Lemers · 03-01-2012, 11:00 AM

Besides the auto is a $1000 option

kenchan · 03-01-2012, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImportConvert

Yeah, threads about trannys usually get locked.

also oil questions.

ImportConvert · 03-01-2012, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

also oil questions.

Trannies and lube....they should be locked.

Nick911sc · 03-01-2012, 11:30 AM

Go google that and see what pops up.

NYBladeZ · 03-01-2012, 11:34 AM

If you plan on keeping the car and modifying down the line, the auto transmission will eventually be a limiting factor. I don't know about you, but I like to downshift and get into the powerband whenever I want. If you like MT transmissions, the Z with the sports pack and synchro rev is a lot of fun.

JZNx · 03-01-2012, 11:35 AM

Well your buying a sports car... Manual transmission is a must!!! And looks lot cooler imo=) mt ftw!!!!!!!

JZNx · 03-01-2012, 11:37 AM

mt or at... Its a win win situation=)

lpsscc · 03-01-2012, 11:44 AM

I wanted an Auto because it was going to be my daily driver but ended up with a 40th Ann. which comes with a manual.

I love this thing. It's no problem in traffic at all and it's way more fun to get it through the gears. Downshifting to bring the engine to a high rev to leave that corner at like Mach 9 is way too much fun...

lp

waaaasabi · 03-01-2012, 11:46 AM

If you're comfortable looking down in shame every time someone approaches you (and your car) with vivid excitement and asks if it's a "5-speed or a 6-speed?"; if you're comfortable not making direct eye contact (like a man), but instead inspecting the gravel beneath your small, tiny feet as you whimper the sad reply, "7-speed... automatic", then sure, go for the auto by all means.

LakeShow · 03-01-2012, 11:49 AM

7AT is fun and practical. The downshifts are epic.

03-01-2012, 10:17 AM	#331 (permalink)
Augustus Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Illinois Posts: 146 Drives: 2011 370Z Touring M6 Rep Power: 13	There are a many threads that are auto vs manual debates. From my limited time here, they don't end well. IMHO, based on limited experience with Z's but lots of reading here, neither is really better than the other in the Z, they're just different. Performance is basically a wash, with a nod to the AT in terms of easy-to-launch consistency. Fuel economy is the same. Reliability is also probably a wash. Though with any manual, one can break stuff more easily due to human error (clutches burnt, forcing it into 1st at 80mph, etc). If you don't want to be bothered to be required to shift, then get an automatic. Set it and forget it. When you need a specific gear, it has paddles. If you commute in the Z through daily heavy stop-and-go traffic, an automatic is probably the smart choice. If you want a more "dynamic" relationship with your car, both pleasure (absolute control, perfect heel-toe downshifts, the 'coolness' of being in the minority of Americans who know how to drive a manual) and pain (how-do-I-launch-this-thing? stalling. why is the transmission so clunky? clutch-burnout-worry), then buy the manual. One important note... If you buy a manual, the Sport package adds Synchro-Rev matching. When it's activated, the Z's throttle will automatically match the engine RPM to the correct transmission speed while you're shifting. Basically, it heel-toe's for you. It's a very cool feature, and it's the first (and currently only) car in the world that has this feature. Good luck! Last edited by Augustus; 03-01-2012 at 10:22 AM.

03-01-2012, 10:34 AM	#333 (permalink)
jayl Track Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: md Posts: 813 Drives: 09 370z base MT Rep Power: 16	MT __________________ -Jay

03-01-2012, 10:35 AM	#334 (permalink)
ZMan8 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 5,844 Drives: 10 370z 40th M6 Rep Power: 659	Manual! IBTL __________________ 2010 370Z 40 Anniv., 6 MT \| Fast Intentions \| Swift Springs \| SPC \| Z1Motorsports \| JWM \| Redline Oils \| 35% Window Tint 2015 Mazda6 \| 370ZChicago: Chicago Area Cars & Coffee

03-01-2012, 11:00 AM	#336 (permalink)
Lemers A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Izmir, Turkey Posts: 15,371 Drives: 2012 Traverse LTZ Rep Power: 52	Besides the auto is a $1000 option __________________ 2010 Black Cherry Touring/Sport/Nav Now - 2012 Travese LTZ until I leave for Turkey

03-01-2012, 11:34 AM	#340 (permalink)
NYBladeZ A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York Posts: 2,158 Drives: Lotus Exige S Rep Power: 20	If you plan on keeping the car and modifying down the line, the auto transmission will eventually be a limiting factor. I don't know about you, but I like to downshift and get into the powerband whenever I want. If you like MT transmissions, the Z with the sports pack and synchro rev is a lot of fun. __________________ 2009 Carbon Fiber/Red 370z aka Trish: Sports Package, Meisterschaft full catback, Fast Intentions Longtube Headers, Injen Long Tube Intakes, UpRev Tune: Sold 2008 Lotus Exige S Club Racer aka Bella, always leaves me smiling

03-01-2012, 10:26 AM	#332 (permalink)
TongMan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: NorCal Posts: 1,297 Drives: 2013 Nissan GTR Rep Power: 715	When given the option, always go for the manual gearbox.

03-01-2012, 10:39 AM	#335 (permalink)
bigsix A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Thailand Posts: 2,227 Drives: Honda City/Mazda 2 Rep Power: 19	If you had the Manual in mind before looking at 370z's for sale, the manual is the one you want. Also, you said you grew up driving manual transmissions. I think it fits the car well. More of a direct, mechanical connection to the power.

03-01-2012, 11:30 AM	#339 (permalink)
Nick911sc A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,698 Drives: 2010 Nissan GT-R Rep Power: 20	Go google that and see what pops up.

03-01-2012, 11:35 AM	#341 (permalink)
JZNx Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: **SoCal Posts: 246 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 14	Well your buying a sports car... Manual transmission is a must!!! And looks lot cooler imo=) mt ftw!!!!!!!

03-01-2012, 11:37 AM	#342 (permalink)
JZNx Base Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: **SoCal Posts: 246 Drives: 370z Rep Power: 14	mt or at... Its a win win situation=)

03-01-2012, 11:44 AM	#343 (permalink)
lpsscc Base Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 75 Drives: 40th, Altima SE-R Rep Power: 13	I wanted an Auto because it was going to be my daily driver but ended up with a 40th Ann. which comes with a manual. I love this thing. It's no problem in traffic at all and it's way more fun to get it through the gears. Downshifting to bring the engine to a high rev to leave that corner at like Mach 9 is way too much fun... lp

03-01-2012, 11:46 AM	#344 (permalink)
waaaasabi Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: New York City Posts: 491 Drives: '10 Civic (FG1) 5AT Rep Power: 17	If you're comfortable looking down in shame every time someone approaches you (and your car) with vivid excitement and asks if it's a "5-speed or a 6-speed?"; if you're comfortable not making direct eye contact (like a man), but instead inspecting the gravel beneath your small, tiny feet as you whimper the sad reply, "7-speed... automatic", then sure, go for the auto by all means. __________________ That's SOOOO not Raven!

03-01-2012, 11:49 AM	#345 (permalink)
LakeShow A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: L.I., NY Posts: 5,307 Drives: Everything Rep Power: 25	7AT is fun and practical. The downshifts are epic. __________________ \|2013 Audi S4\|Ibis White/Black\|S-Tronic P+\| \|2013 370z\|PearlWhite/Persimmon\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|F.I. CBE 18" CF\| \|Sold\|2011 370z\|Gun Metallic\|Touring/Sport/Nav\|

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