Automatic w/Paddle Shifters

Dizzy321

after reading this thread, I dont know what I want.

I have always preferred MT over AT, but technology is definitely increasing and the 7AT is really tempting.
No matter what anyone says, MT is gradually becoming obsolete. If I were to get the 6MT, I'd be a hypocrite because I get on my mom about replacing her CD player in her car for a casette player.

DecisionsDecisions

LynxFX

I've driven a MT all of my life, and frankly I'm tired of it, especially with city traffic. If I go with a 370z this spring it will definitely be the AT.

chimZEE370

the reason im getting the z is because of stick driving fun but now im second guessing .

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z370 over here please

zman1910

I'll be hopping on the 7AT bandwagon unless it's slower than a 6MT and adds a considerable amount of weight. I've gotten over manuals. My TL-S paddle shifters still provide a lot of fun and they probably aren't as fast as the ones that will come on the Z. Plus life is so much better with an AT in the end...

Crash

Sorry, I'm not a purist and I know that AT is better for racing (especially with a manual valve body) but lets face it... AUTO'S ARE BORING!

I've driven beater crap cars with a stick shift that were more fun than my automatic Trans Am. Stick shift is just FUN! I look for reasons to shift! I sometimes slow down just to shift, speed up, and SHIFT AGAIN!!!

Most of the manuals I've driven were 5 speeds, and I'm always saying to myself "Damn, I wish I had another gear to shift into!" LOL

My friends all race, I used to race, and if I was going to be racing this car like I used to race, I'd be getting the Auto... But I like manuals..

NOW FOR THE TECHNICAL STUFF

Lambos, Ferraris, etc... They don't have AUTOMATICS. They have manual transmissions with cylinoids that engage and disengage the clutches. They're completely computer controlled and those transmissions cost upwards of $30K. The Porsche Carrera GT transmission is $50K!!! And that's not for the name... I've worked with this tranny and I totally understand why it's that much money. (By the way, these transmissions break a lot)

Now as for Manuals and Autos (in every day cars) being more reliable and/or cheaper. Some of you are VERY wrong. Manuals are more reliable when used by someone who knows how to drive a manual well. Up until recently, Autos had a huge draw back... PUMPS!!! Also, you lose a LOT of energy through autos - not just because of the torque converter - but because planetary gear trains are a LOT of spinning mass that certainly eats power. In addition, Autos are HEAVIER than manuals as they contain fluids and a LOT more parts in today's transmissions. In addition, Manuals are cheaper and MUCH easier to fix. The big down side to manuals are the clutch and syncros. Syncros are easy to break (if you slam the gears like I do ) and clutches go out if you don't know what you're doing.

As for which is better... Purist or not, it's 100% about the driver, and nothing more. If you're REALLY good at driving stick, the manual is going to be better. If you're not so good at driving stick, or you do a lot with your hands when you drive, or you just want to make driving as simple as it gets, get an auto.

Personally, I drive manual like it's a second nature. I eat, txt on the phone, put my left hand out the window and shift and steer with one hand, and even wack-off sometimes all while driving a manual.

But we all have our opinions, right?

370ZINMO

LOL, too much information man.

Crash

Meh... It's a sure fire way to ensure nobody asks to drive my car. LOL

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2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled
2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary

4MYZ370

$1,300 'ish per some site i ran into and can't find again.

dad

For 350's and G35:


Works Bell -- USA | Column Shifter

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We can do without any article of luxury we have never had; but once obtained, it is not in human nature to surrender it voluntary.

Crash

Yeah... So double that price (at least) and you'll get the OEM cost.

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2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled
2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary

TacoZ

Maybe today's automatics will outperform a manual but I prefer the manual just because I like moving my arms and feet around like I'm part of the car. I've driven both and I still prefer manual on most days just because to ME, it's more fun to drive. I can actually "feel" like i'm in control.

azn370z

I think that was the car and driver review.

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2010 k23
H&R sport springs / Spc rear camber arms / SSR SP1 / Berk cbe / Varis cf lip / Nismo S-Tune side skirts

Alexus

I'd rather have my free hand in a woman's lap than on the stickshift, so 7AT for me. I'm not that great with stick and the winters out here are horrible, not to mention the traffic we get. I don't plan on getting a winter beater so I'm eager to find out how this car will perform on ice and snow.

Not only that but the sport-mode automated manual trannies nowadays will outperform any manual transmission, given that the automatics in most sports cars nowadays will shift faster than any human being could possibly shift. The only argument manual tranny purists have now is weight and feel; performance is not an argument in the 21st century.

Crash

Out performing is only fun if you got $ on the line. But anyone can point the car and slam the gas...

It takes real skill to make a manual out-perform an auto. I'm not starting a pissing contest here, but the fact is that I feel lazy and bored driving a car (even at high speed) if it's not manual.

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2002 Corvette Z06 - Totaled
2003 Corvette Z06 50th Anniversary

Alexus

I fully agree that it takes skill but I've never owned a stickshift and I don't think I ever will. Not my cup of tea.