shift or paddle shifters
 

I once owned a 1978 280z and prior to that a 1962 E-Type when I was in my 20's. I am now 51. Can I learn how to drive a standard again? Do I defeat the purpose of owning a Z by getting an automatic?

I'm sure you can learn it over again - "it's just like riding a bike." :icon17:

The Z's a great car, regardless of transmission. I'd test drive (after you re-learn - probably don't want to be grindin' da gears on the dealer's lot) first.

The 7AT is loads of fun once you get used to using the paddles. I love mine and do not miss a manual tranny at all. Others will chime in with the usual drivel like "real sports cars are manuals", and I used to agree with them. The auto in the 370 is one of the best non-double clutch trannys you will find and it is just as fast as the manual.

This will probably degenerate into a manual vs auto thread, so I just wanted to put my 2 cents in first.

AZ

FINALLY, a manual vs automatic thread.

:icon18:

I've owned both and had fun with both of them. I'm about your age so i went with the 7AT and don't regret it one bit. it's a great transmission for an auto.

my only gripe and it's no biggie but sometimes when driving in D mode or whatever it seems like the transmission can't make up its mind what gear it wont's.

I never understand these threads. The only person who could answer this question for me, is me. What do you prefer to drive? Buy that.

just my 2 cents...i feel like im a more controlled bettter driver with a manual

As the former owner of a 1978 280Z and current owner of a 1966 E type, I took the stick. My mom can drive a manuel, whenever the occasion presents itself, flawlessly and she's nearly 80. She has had automatics ever since I was 3 years of age.
I am quite certain you won't be daunted with a manuel.

I only drive auto, but I'd say it really depends on you, what you like, and the kind of driving you do - a lot of busy commuting, and a manual is nice.

The auto is a little faster, and with full lock-up in manual mode is pretty efficient, but Nissan could have done more with it. It does have the equivalent of SRM built-in, however, for downshifts (when you beat the computer downshift).

Maybe you should consider the Sport manual with SRM?

Its all fun and games until you stall lol. I myself am so used to driving automatic cars. But the Z feels nice in manual. lots of power makes the bang feel more "bang for the buck"

Test drive both and choose whats best for you.

:iagree:

"Real men drive manual sports cars"



:hello:


I am actually very impressed with the 7AT and paddle shifters. It is definitely light years away from the 5AT 350z and very fun to drive.

I was going to get the the manual, done deal, but then I drove the auto and was blown away. In the past, an auto took all of the fun out of a car (the 5AT manumatic in my wife's 2004 T-Bird second guesses your every command, after about 5 minutes you just give up and put it in Drive), the auto transmission wanted to do one thing and I wanted to do another, very frustrating. The 7AT allowed me to control the car the way I liked and eliminated the clutch. What I like about a manual is the control and sense of connection to the car that it provides, not the clutch. The 7AT up shifts very fast, and rev-matches on down shifts. This is not a "slush box", there is a tight connection between the engine and the wheels. It has logic circuits to prevent/reduce inappropriate shifts in mid-corner on your canyon runs. It down shifts better and faster than I can. It moves between manual and auto operation effortlessly. It has a 19 mpg city rating compared to the 18 mpg rating of the stick. Supposedly the 7AT is even slightly quicker in the 1/4 mile. For me, this is the first auto that made the car better, not worse. Drive them both, you'll know in no time what works for you. Just know that the Z with the 7AT is still, very much, a sports car.