[OFFICIAL] Manual v. Automatic Thread

[rsximus]

I just cannot fathom the idea of owning an automatic with a 2 seater sports car for myself. Something just doesn't seem right.

Before the auto owners start claiming that the GT-R, Ferrari's, Lambos ect come in automatic. Lets stop right there. First off...

The GT-R, Ferrari's, and Lambos DSG transmissions all use clutches, NOT TORQUE CONVERTERS. You cannot compare a conventional automatic like the one in the 370Z to DSG transmissions. TOTALLY different types of transmissions and technology. DSG is derived from F1 racing technology, torque converter automatics like the 370Z are found in minivans, trucks, and family sedans.

The 7spd AT is a very good automatic, just like the 6spd steptronic in my 335i, rev matching and full lockup. The problem is, they still behave and react like regular automatics. Just like the 8spd AT in the IS-F, if you drive one, it shifts very fast, but when you take control of it with the paddles and tell it when to shift, there is still delay (which drives me crazy) and it hunts for gears a lot if you left it alone to do its own thing.

[Vegitto-kun]

if its in D mode it does switch around gears alot as pushing the throttle abit too hard makes it upshift 2 gear sometimes.

but I havent noticed any real delay when using the paddles/stick.

I don't find it even that much slower than the GT-R

I know it downshifts if you go too low in gear but does it upshift if you redline it like the GT-R does?never dared to try it

[Red370]

Originally Posted by j.arnaldo

Consumer Reports info', spearfishman. Just going thru' these threads allows to you pick up that one of the main complaints by Z (both 350s and 370s) owners is the "sounds" and general clunkiness of MTs.

What the hell does that have to do with anything? And why does this always turn into a "well the 7AT is faster" thread? We all know this because the auto can shift faster than a human can shift a manual, got it. As can be seen by the auto G vs. 6mt Z supercharger build by Stillen, the auto suffered major drivetrain loss and made significantly less power at higher pressure, if you plan on doing a high hp build in the future, you'll get less power and most likely have transmission problems with an automatic, its just common sense. I'm a fan of both, however, lets not give this guy biased info based on the transmission we all own, give it to the guy straight. I say this, if you cant handle driving a manual in stop and go traffic, get an auto. If you wanna carve some canyons and feel completely in control and connected with the car in the twisties, get the manual.

[j.arnaldo]

Straight it is, my very dear friend! He asked for opinions & comments, so that's what we're givin' him, so he can make an informed decision. Remember this is a forum, and we all have the same responsibilities ans the same rights, dude!

[runaround]

I love standard transmissions because that's what I learned to drive on, so it's second nature to me (even when stuck in the parking lot that is I-45 in Houston). My last couple vehicles were autos and I really missed shifting - when I get into my truck (which is an auto) after driving the Z all weekend, I find myself constantly searching for the clutch and have to focus really hard to tell my left foot not to do anything.

Get the one you're most comfortible driving and the one you enjoy the best. Take both for a test drive - when I did, I knew immediately that I missed driving a stick. Had I not tested both, I'm not sure I would have been completely satisfied with my decision.

[chuckd05]

MANUAL ... buy a maxima if you want an automatic

also i do not buy into the AT is faster BS... its easier to drive fast yes, but put the right driver in a 6M and i bet he pulls a better time out of it..

My buddy has an auto and mine is def faster than his by a small amount. He has similar bolts ons but they are Injen intake mine is Stillen, he has greddy exhaust, I have stillen, and he is tuned , and I am not... And my car is quicker and he will say the same thing...

just my .02

[Zultimate]

It's been said over and over...a matter of personal preference. I prefer a manual because i like more interaction with the car. The auto may be faster but i don't care...i'll take a manual over auto any day in a sports car.

[efuseakay]

They are both good transmissions. It all depends on what you want.

If/When I get my Z, I'll be getting an automatic because it's what I want.

[Z eliminator]

Trust me the 7 AT is faster in the 1/4 mile.

[Vegitto-kun]

I don't want AT but I had no choice

well I did but 6000 dollars and 3 months wait time made me pick AT

[efuseakay]

Originally Posted by Z eliminator

Trust me the 7 AT is faster in the 1/4 mile.

Doesn't matter. People are going to get what they want. No one choice is better or worse than the other.

If/when I get my Z, 1/4 mile time will be the farthest thing from mind. And I think it's safe to say it'll be that way for 95% of the people out there considering one.

[Red370]

Originally Posted by efuseakay

Doesn't matter. People are going to get what they want. No one choice is better or worse than the other.

If/when I get my Z, 1/4 mile time will be the farthest thing from mind. And I think it's safe to say it'll be that way for 95% of the people out there considering one.

[efuseakay]

"Transmission X is soooo mooooore l33t than transmission Z!!!! = small weenus dueling!

[rudi]

A lot of people here would do a lot better in an auto

[mick]

Originally Posted by rudi

A lot of people here would do a lot better in an auto

i when i traded my mercedes c320 for the 370z, i got a real low trade in value. the dealer said it's tough to move mercedes with manual transmission