Auto or Manual-never driven stick

kfscoll

I used to be an automatic transmission apologist too. I'd try all the usual arguments -- "the auto is faster" or "I won't stall the car" or "it'll be easier to drive in traffic" or "I can keep both hands on the wheel at all times" and on and on. But ya know what? I was just making excuses for the fact that I couldn't drive a manual and was afraid to learn on a nice car (my first "real" sportscar was a brand-new 2001 Corvette with a 4AT). This time around, I listened to the voices of reason and bought my Z with a manual transmission. I learned how to drive it pretty damned well within two weeks. Sure, I stalled it a few times at the beginning, but I never once ground the gears and only twice "burned" the clutch. I'm sure that the tranny will be fine in the long term.

Why the long post? Because I think the only way you can have a valid argument one way or the other on the merits of the 6MT versus the 7AT is if you can actually drive a manual and understand why it can be more engaging than an automatic. Sure, the auto might be a quicker car, but there's a reason why all of the automobile rags ALWAYS prefer manuals to autos. I finally understand why all of my friends and relatives were giving me such a hard time about my 4AT Corvette. I'll admit, there are very valid reasons why one might buy the 7AT over the 6MT, but I don't think you can make an educated decision unless you know how to drive a stick. IMHO my manual Z is an absolute blast to drive, and in a sports car that's not a daily driver, I wouldn't even consider an AT.

__________________
2009 Brilliant Silver 370Z 6MT coupe w/ Touring, Sport, and Navigation packages