true but for how long, MT in super sport cars are going to be gone in some years.

I mean lambo doesn't offer MTs anymore on most of their cars.

I have driven with a AT for about 5 months now and I am starting to feel that MT is seriously overrated, pedals are so much fun.

i think that was a Freudian Slip (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freudian_slip). I agree, 'pedals' are so much fun. Especially the clutch pedal :) Just kidding around,i know you meant 'paddles' just thought it was funny that you said 'pedals' instead.

well ths up to the manufacturer really. I thought you meant it from a longevity issue.

Prior to dual clutch and recent automatic transmissions, AT's were slower, had worse gas mileage. In absolute terms, that was the truth. Nowadays, AT's are faster, and give better gas mileage (ceteris paribus). So really, its not about whats better anymore, its all about opinion, and whether or not you want a clutch and a gear lever to be part of your driving experience, and thers no real reason to debate on that since its all personal opinion. but as far as the absolutes are concerned. Dual clutches, and therefore AT technology is BETTER than manual trasmission, except for a drivers opinion of what they want their driving experience to be. Even the guys on top gear refer to a 6spd manual as a 'proper gearbox'. MT used to be better, now its not, so its just personal preference.

SMcK23. Go for the manual if you want more engagement. Go for the auto if not. It is as simple as that.

:icon18:

I may be bias, but the roadster is sooooooo much fun to drive!!!! It really depends on how much money its going to cost you in the long run...

If you can afford it, get the GT-R... this is kind of a no-brainer.

Take it for a test drive and then decide if the trans is "boring"...

One thing you would have to consider heavily is not the price hands down, but rather the maintenance cost. Take for example a fluid change (engine, brake,diff, trans) at a dealership is averaging around $1700-2000+. Godzilla is no modest girl but rather a very, very high maintenance woman. If the budget allows I would go with the GTR but I would take the Z as well! Good luck with everything :tup:

-Scott

BTW, I went for a ride in a GT-R that my buddy is wokring on at his shop -- holy fvck! If you have the means, forget the Z.

gtr all day... one ride in it, you'll forget all about the 370z

whats a 370z??..haha

I think the GT-R is a great car, but tracking one extensively is likely an expensive proposition. From what I understand, tracking the GT-R is more expensive than its main competitor, the Porsche Turbo.

Besides the expensive trans/diff fluid service, replacing the brake rotors and pads is a $7500 hit at the dealer. It can probably be done cheaper with aftermarket rotors/pads, but if you're leasing, returning this special car to Nissan with non-OE parts may be a problem. I'm sure the fluid change can be done cheaper too, but it could cause a problem if warranty work is needed.

Personally, I would rather have the GT-R, but you gotta be prepared to pay-to-play.

^This, even with the automanual.

wow the OP's going from a 2.5 altima to a GTR? :icon14:

are you sure you're not looking for a used 350Z or a SE-R? :D

Unless something has drastically changed for 2011, Lamborghini offers a 6-speed manual on all but one of their cars - the Murcielago SV (coincidentally, the highest performance), which only comes in E-gear. Of course, you're across the Atlantic, so you may know closer hold info.

Now, I'd bet most people are buying the E-gear versions, though.

I think OP's consideration, however, should not be choice of transmission, but rather, he should figure out whether the maintenance costs are digestible.

And don't get me wrong - the GT-R's AWESOME. I'd take one in a heartbeat, and given the choice (with free maintenance, mind you!), between it and a 370Z (manual and all) - I'd probably opt for the GT-R, simply for it's awesomeness.

But there wouldn't be any equal for the awesomeness in my book, if I was offered a GT-R with a 6-speed manual. *ducks*

I'd take gtr all day if I had the money:tup:

Thanks guys! I'll keep you posted on my decision, it probably wont happen until Spring if it is the Z and Summer if it is the GT-R! There are tons of threads on the maintenence costs on nagtroc.com and it seems likes its expensive if you track, but at most I will probably put 5k/year!

Trust me, I can't wait to get out of the Altima. Before this car, I bought a new 2007 Z (touring) and before that it was many mutangs...my next car will be the one I keep "forever" in the garage so we'll see...thanks again!

Thanks for making my skin crawl.

^^^ No offense intended - mistype.

Update
 

Quick update: after speaking to my buddy who going go get me a deal on a GT-R, the mileage became an issue. If it was going to fall into my price range the mileage would be 15k+ and depending on the previous owner I would need new tires, trans fluid etc. So that, plus the transmission not being a true manual, I think I'll stick to my original plan of the Z...thanks for all the advice!

good decision. beside, i think the insurance rate for the GT-R also has got be higher.

yah, the sole reason why i did not get a GT-R is the transmission + boring straight roads here... it would be too stable and too boring to drive slow.

i think you'll like the Z, OP! it's plenty fast but not too fast keeping it more entertaining to keep the rev's high. :tup: nothing sadder than driving a fast car slow.