My 6MT vs Auto driving impression. Opinions please

UNKNOWN_370

And honestly as a manual driving purist. I don't see how the Z could even be on the list on. "Gotta have it" manual cars. Lol. I personally don't find anything wrong with Z manuals. But as a die hard manual purist?" Why the Z? I can name 10 cars ahead in the manual experience right off the bat.

Most bimmers, mazdas and hondas come witth some of the slickest shifters on the planet and they are affordable. Then I must admit. The muscle car manuals definately have an edge is the smoothness feel with better clutches. And for the price of a 370z you can drive a 2009 porsche cayman manual and have the god of manual sports car transmissions.
To top it off, the highly-praised SYNCRO-REV MATCH is so UNPURIST. I'm just being honest. If some people are so die-hard about there manuals? The Z would rank in the teens on the top 30 manual transmissions.

In the world of automatics. You need a DCT to even compare to a Z transmission. That speaks volumes about the Z AUTO. It is bettter than ANY slushbox on the market, hands down. Its a tech marvel while the manual leaves to be desired in the world of manuals.

poorazn

I've never raced in an AT, so go easy on me...

In a straight line, stock AT vs stock AT, would there be any significant difference?

Unless Michael Schumacher is in the house, the auto will likely be favored over a manual. Even the best driver in a manual can make a mistake. But its hard for a driver in an auto to make a mistake when mashing the gas. Am I wrong?

NBZ34

I suppose I would take the Stock AT in a straight line

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CHRIS 開田
2012 370Z MB Touring/Sport/AT/Nav | Takeda | Fast Intentions | SWIFT | H&R | UpRev | Michelin PSS |

chrisz

I test drove a used automatic and I also thought it felt quicker and had more low end torque than the manual. I think that modern automatic transmissions outperform manuals. Having said that, I ordered a 6mt because I think it is more fun to drive a manual sports car than an automatic. Do what makes you happy!

poorazn

My friend said to me "if an auto is faster, easier, and requires less work, why would you do it manually? Do you also do math by hand still without a calculator?"

chrisz

No offense, but bad comparison. Math isn't fun, going through the gears on a fast car or bike will always put a smile on my face!

m4a1mustang

I think its less about the joy of a particular transmissions feel and more about total control. Some people just want a clutch and shift lever so they have total control, regardless of how the transmission itself feels.

Like I said, I couldn't care less about how technologically advanced or quick shifting any automatic is. Given the option I will always choose a manual. And there are many enthusiasts out there that feel the same way. The problem is you get some manual drivers that feel like its their duty to berate those that drive automatics.

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UNKNOWN_370

I know what you're saying. And I like manuals as well. its just the last 6 years I've come to really admire the tech behind these autos. I have become a supporter of the auto just because how far they have come. In the 80's and 90's it was all about manuals for me. I would have never thought an auto could feel like they do today.
I don't question why people choose manuals. I'm just saying, when pople bash out of a Z forum. It becomes kind of contradictory when you factor in SRM and an average shifter/clutch. Its the anti-purist combo.
That said. I don't question ANYONES CHOICE of transmission.

m4a1mustang

AT should win 9 times out of 10 from a dig, on street tires.

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m4a1mustang

Agreed. As long as people love what they drive its all good.

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Jsolo

^^Years ago, in calc, we were graded on the process, not the final result. As long as you set up the problem correctly and did all the necessary steps, you'd get 9/10 points for the problem.

For me, the main advantage of a manual is the driver's engagement in the whole driving experience. Sure an auto is easier, but it also requires less thought, more time to play with buttons/toys, and possibly more distraction.

Also, few SO's know how to drive manuals, so it keeps them out of the driver's seat.

11Thumper

If I didn't have the S2k the 7AT might wear on me. For DD the auto is perfect but for a weekend or pleasure car only my vote goes to the 6MT. I don't care what anyone else buys, get what you want and wave at me on the road. Just have fun!

And while I agree the manual keeps the SO out of the driver's seat, that's not always going to keep a sports car welcome in the garage. That's what bikes are for. lol

m4a1mustang

S2K

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Bucketlist2012

All AMG 's come with automatics..

Nothing wrong with a really good automatic...New technology is great.

Go back twenty years and you would NEVER buy an auto for road racing,,It would hesitate and then all of a sudden downshift and the compression would break the rear tires loose , and you could never time when the thing would down shift..

Modern automatics are way different now..I raced a friend twice in his 5.0 and my 350Z...I drove it manually once and then once i just left it in auto and drove it hard...

The car responded like a champ..Now in the 370Z, the auto is very cool, and I have always been an manual tranny purist.

I also drove the AMG and man that thing was way cool..Automatic but you could care less..Throw it in sport mode and let the fun begin..

The Z/28 is a close ratio 4 speed..If it was an automatic, i would have wrecked it years ago..

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Jsolo

How do you drive a manual in auto mode?