[OFFICIAL] Manual v. Automatic Thread

theDreamer

Manual or Automatic, simple question.
Ok, maybe not that simple, what I am looking for is some solid thoughts on the difference in the 370z. I have driven manual in a crappy car for the past few years, it sucks, and I was looking at getting an automatic in my next car. The 370z seems like a car I would want a manual in but the automatic is very well built.
I have driven the manual, dealership had no automatics, but I want to hear some owners thoughts. I will drive the automatic before I pick one, but want to get a good idea of things beforehand.

m4a1mustang

I was in the same boat as you. I have test driven the 7AT and 6MT and like them both. I was surprised at how much I liked the 7AT. I know, though, that deep down inside I will be much happier with the 6MT so that's what I'm going with.

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RCZ

Oh lord, IBTC..

This will not turn out well.

My two cents are that the manual is more involved, the automatic isnt bad on the Z though.

I am out of this thread for good, may god be with all who try and defend their opinion in the battleground that will become of this.

m4a1mustang

lol... uh oh.

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dad

I think you forgot to say, "Amen"! But you really hit the nail on the head! Let the **** slinging begin!

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chubbs

OK - I'll say what he wanted to say - Automatics are for retards who can't drive.

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theDreamer

I hope not, I am just looking for user experience of what they think of the manual v. auto in the 370z. I hope their a place for discussion of what people think of their own experience. If people want to debate manual v. auto in a more general discussion, I can make a thread in the general discussion (non-370z news).

XenChi

I'd say it's personal preference. I just drove the automatic and I was quite thrilled by it's performance. But if I had the full use of my faculties (I have degenerative arthritis in my left knee at age 32) I wouldn't even consider anything other than standard. But again that would just be personal preference. I found there to be nothing considerably wrong with this car in automatic form. The BMW 335i is a different story, when I drove that one (in auto form of course) I didn't like it because it was too..... calming? It felt as if I should be cruising more so than enjoying the rigors of its manual-matic mode. I want to be instigated, and I believe I may have found my poison in the 370. Others may have a completely different outcome.

So take your time and experience both, I truly believe the only person whom can answer your question to your satisfaction........... is you.

Best of luck.

CSXJoe

When i test drove the M/T 370z it was only the 2nd time i drove a m/t, and it went well didnt have a problem. But for me a A/T is better because im on the phone alot or adjusting the radio lol, plus i just dont like the hassle of a M/T. But it all depends on you.

Endgame

How about this:

M/Ts are for those who do not like change and want to remain in the dark ages!
A/Ts are for those who are lazy and cannot drive!!!!

That said, I don't like change, think the dark ages are cool all the while being lazy and wishing I could drive better! How is that for a loaded answer!

All kidding aside, I plan to go 7AT as I have to fiddle with my B Berry a lot when driving. But I may change my mind if I test drive a M/T. While there is only a 5% chance of the MT, there is still a chance!!!!

MC

the auto on the new Z isnt bad. i mean the paddles are a welcomed addition but dont let it fool you its very much a traditional automatic. some people are diehard 6MT guys but if your debating the two your open to a 7AT and after driving both back to back i think they more or less performed about the same more or less

ctzn

Couldn't have said it better. If the paddle shifting in the Z involved the same tranny in the GTR is would be a different story, but there is no getting around it, even if it is improved.

I am a die hard 6MT guy myself so I won't go into arguing about it, but I will say it is rather concerning for me to hear people say they plan on driving while on their phones so much. It has recently become illegal to be on your phone (without a headset) in CA and I personally feel much more comfortable driving around now, I hope the rest of the country follows suit soon. It makes me very nervous to know I am on the same road with people texting and reading emails on their phones while they are driving.

For me it comes down to what kind of car I am driving. The 370 is obviously built as more of a sports car than most others, therefore I feel it proper to go with a manual. If was looking for comfort and luxury I would have gotten a TSX or an accord. But I understand that some people want both, so to each their own I guess.

LiftedCracker

I live in an area were stop and go traffic is rare. Road America is 30 minutes away so track is accessible. For me the 6MT is perfect

msl82

I concur.

In my opinion, 370z is two door, RWD, pure sports car. Hence I want total control and most fun out of it. Manual will give you an ability to have total control of the car, and its more fun than automatic.

Also, look at how Nissan promoted, exposed and marketed 370z as, they initially released manual transmission model to the world. Its a sign to me that Nissan clearly has preference of manual over automatic. In addition, this Z has worlds first SynroRev!!!

If Nissan preferred automatic model, then, I think they would have released automatic version first.

If I wanted to drive an automatic car, then I would have bought Infinity G37.

The quote I personally like is, "Don't let the car drive you, let the car be driven by you"....

ctzn

lol, gotta respect that Appleton and Sheboygan traffic - Kohler is a really pretty town though so props for living near Road America

Well said.