My 6MT vs Auto driving impression. Opinions please

ayrton88 · 04-30-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RiCharlie

okay everyone..here is the dumbest question of the day...What is the difference ( advantage) between a full standard shift and the paddle shifters on the auto? I have the auto and when i feel like shifting myself I can do it..when I feel like taking a nap,

I put it in full auto and I am good to go..So why would I want a full manual?

There is a huge difference. First of all, your left foot is just as important as your right in getting the car going and shifting gears. There is something satisfying about feeling the clutch start to bite while timing the accelerator perfect. I never tire of it. I just feel so much more in control taking care of all aspects of driving myself. To me it is an advantage...maybe not for everyone.
It is sad to me that so many people don't even know how to drive a stick.

sonic370 · 04-30-2012, 05:51 PM

Red head or Blondes it's all about choice's...
With the 370 imho it's a win-win either way.....
when people stop and stare and rubber neck you
on the highway i doubt if they are thinking " i wonder if that's a auto or manual"

Bucketlist2012 · 04-30-2012, 06:17 PM

Since this is 2012, Automatics have come a long way..

If we were talking the days of the past, you would NEVER see an automatic car on the track...The hesitation with an automatic downshifting is just madness on an older car.

The old days you would downshift an automatic coming up to a turn and then wait......................Then BOOM, it would downshift causing a compression lock up on the rear tires entering the turn....

But the newer cars have come a long way...But I understand some guys must have a manual transmission...No problem with that..

As far as testing the Mercedes, you must test the AMG model to really get the feel...You don't care that it is an automatic...The cars are just crazy fun...

But I am new to the 370Z, and cannot wait to really test the paddles...

I would never buy an automatic older sports car..Now that would suck..

wstar · 04-30-2012, 08:01 PM

We have to have this debate at least once a year month week on this forum anyways lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayrton88

There is a huge difference. First of all, your left foot is just as important as your right in getting the car going and shifting gears. There is something satisfying about feeling the clutch start to bite while timing the accelerator perfect. I never tire of it. I just feel so much more in control taking care of all aspects of driving myself. To me it is an advantage...maybe not for everyone.
It is sad to me that so many people don't even know how to drive a stick.

I drove a stick for a long time, I know how to work one. I just like this better, at this point in time. I've got 99 other problems to focus on with my driving, and a clutch ain't one

.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bucketlist2012

Since this is 2012, Automatics have come a long way..

If we were talking the days of the past, you would NEVER see an automatic car on the track...The hesitation with an automatic downshifting is just madness on an older car.

The old days you would downshift an automatic coming up to a turn and then wait......................Then BOOM, it would downshift causing a compression lock up on the rear tires entering the turn....

But the newer cars have come a long way...But I understand some guys must have a manual transmission...No problem with that..

As far as testing the Mercedes, you must test the AMG model to really get the feel...You don't care that it is an automatic...The cars are just crazy fun...

But I am new to the 370Z, and cannot wait to really test the paddles...

I would never buy an automatic older sports car..Now that would suck..

For reference, a couple laps in a 2009 7AT 370Z (all in 3rd and 4th on this track). The 7AT is perfectly track-capable. Far more so than I am yet, in any case. You'll hear some upshift hesistations in the video. That's me shifting late and bouncing into the throttle rev-limiter. User error

Bucketlist2012 · 04-30-2012, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

We have to have this debate at least once a year month week on this forum anyways lol.

I drove a stick for a long time, I know how to work one. I just like this better, at this point in time. I've got 99 other problems to focus on with my driving, and a clutch ain't one

.

For reference, a couple laps in a 2009 7AT 370Z (all in 3rd and 4th on this track). The 7AT is perfectly track-capable. Far more so than I am yet, in any case. You'll hear some upshift hesistations in the video. That's me shifting late and bouncing into the throttle rev-limiter. User error

Very Nice....yes the new Automatics have come a long way...I love it..

Jsolo · 04-30-2012, 09:12 PM

In a track environment, driving a well shifting auto is indeed easier and lets you focus on other aspects such as improving your line, entry/brake points, etc. Unless you can heel/toe well, this would be an added challenge on the track (or stay in one or two gears all the time).

On the street, things don't happen quite as fast. In fact, things happen far too slowly, so driving an MT does make for more exciting travels.

kidkotic2001 · 04-30-2012, 10:02 PM

I have always driven Manual cars from my eclipse, to my 350z, When I got my 09 all they had was auto and one base manual. I opted to for the Auto I liked it a lot, plus I drive through traffic every day. I do not miss the shifting in traffic. In the end I do not mind either auto or manual.

wdkwang · 04-30-2012, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wstar

We have to have this debate at least once a year month week on this forum anyways lol.

I drove a stick for a long time, I know how to work one. I just like this better, at this point in time. I've got 99 other problems to focus on with my driving, and a clutch ain't one

.

For reference, a couple laps in a 2009 7AT 370Z (all in 3rd and 4th on this track). The 7AT is perfectly track-capable. Far more so than I am yet, in any case. You'll hear some upshift hesistations in the video. That's me shifting late and bouncing into the throttle rev-limiter. User error

hey wstar, what software/device did you use to get that tach/speedo info on the side

wstar · 04-30-2012, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wdkwang

hey wstar, what software/device did you use to get that tach/speedo info on the side

The basic details are outlined here: wstar's Journal

It's an Android phone on a window mount (a crappy one, hence all the extra shake), and the software on the phone is "aLapRecorder HD", which uses the internal camera and then pulls 5Hz D-GPS + OBD-II sensors over bluetooth, etc. Then post-processing in RaceRender2.

UNKNOWN_370 · 04-30-2012, 11:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jsolo

In a track environment, driving a well shifting auto is indeed easier and lets you focus on other aspects such as improving your line, entry/brake points, etc. Unless you can heel/toe well, this would be an added challenge on the track (or stay in one or two gears all the time).

On the street, things don't happen quite as fast. In fact, things happen far too slowly, so driving an MT does make for more exciting travels.

Well said.

ayrton88 · 05-01-2012, 08:28 AM

I agree that for street driving, which is 90% of what I do, the manual is more exciting. For everyday driving, I find the automatic terribly boring. Even when stuck in traffic I prefer the stick...at least it gives you something to do.

11Thumper · 05-01-2012, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ayrton88

Even when stuck in traffic I prefer the stick...at least it gives you something to do.

I just tell my lady to wear a short skirt so I can rub her...leg. AT all the way! lol

LakeShow · 05-01-2012, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Thumper

I just tell my lady to wear a short skirt so I can rub her...leg. AT all the way! lol

FPenvy · 05-01-2012, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 11Thumper

I just tell my lady to wear a short skirt so I can rub her...leg. AT all the way! lol

plus AT in D means no shifting = no blocking of a female crossing over = .... lol

macaddict111 · 05-08-2012, 12:52 AM

Here is my take on why I chose to get the auto:

The last car I had was a 6MT Tiburon. Yeah yeah, Tiburon... Whatever you think about them, believe it or not, it was an unbelievable car. It had so much torque (albeit mainly because of the gearing [3500 RPM going 70 in 6th lol])! Also, the Tib had a cable throttle, so just INSTANT response. Now that the Z has all this cool technology like dual intake and VVEL, this requires an E-throttle. I don't mind those! But for the manual and for a sports car, it just seemed like the intimate quick responsiveness I had learned to love and had gotten perfect at over the years was only being imitated now. The throttle just didn't seem responsive enough for me compared to the Tib, and it felt like it lacked so much torque! It just seemed like in a car with so much perfectly-tuned computer control, putting a manual in the middle of it muddled it all up. With the auto, I feel like the computer can do it's own, grand thing, in either mode. The auto feels MORE responsive to me after having drive 3 manuals, one for a whole day! Plus, as many others are saying, the auto is just simply more torquey, and that's what makes the car FEEL fast and responsive. And the Adaptive Shift Control is a very real thing, and it's what really sold me on it. I honestly feel like I don't need a manual now, because even in full auto mode, it's like the computer is reading my mind!

04-30-2012, 06:17 PM	#93 (permalink)
Bucketlist2012 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Northern California Posts: 1,424 Drives: 370Z Touring/Sport Rep Power: 16	Since this is 2012, Automatics have come a long way.. If we were talking the days of the past, you would NEVER see an automatic car on the track...The hesitation with an automatic downshifting is just madness on an older car. The old days you would downshift an automatic coming up to a turn and then wait......................Then BOOM, it would downshift causing a compression lock up on the rear tires entering the turn.... But the newer cars have come a long way...But I understand some guys must have a manual transmission...No problem with that.. As far as testing the Mercedes, you must test the AMG model to really get the feel...You don't care that it is an automatic...The cars are just crazy fun... But I am new to the 370Z, and cannot wait to really test the paddles... I would never buy an automatic older sports car..Now that would suck.. __________________ 2009 Sport/Touring 370Z 1971 Z/28 with coil overs, rushforth's, willwoods, Hotchkis. 4 speed GMC Sierra1500

04-30-2012, 10:02 PM	#97 (permalink)
kidkotic2001 Track Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: El Paso, TX Posts: 541 Drives: Like Crazy Rep Power: 15	I have always driven Manual cars from my eclipse, to my 350z, When I got my 09 all they had was auto and one base manual. I opted to for the Auto I liked it a lot, plus I drive through traffic every day. I do not miss the shifting in traffic. In the end I do not mind either auto or manual. __________________ ThAt WaS a CrAzY nIgHt

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Fortune Auto True Coilovers, Experiences/Opinions?	Diesel370	Brakes & Suspension	16	06-07-2012 04:48 PM
Any harm to switching from auto mode 'D' to manual mode and back while driving?	Lee123	Engine & Drivetrain	14	05-19-2010 07:10 PM
My day 1 impression...	elmz	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	35	02-04-2010 03:11 PM
First Impression of my new Z	NYBladeZ	Introduction	8	04-23-2009 04:57 PM
Driving Impression: The New Nissan 370Z from Speed Hunters 12.05.08	AK370Z	Nissan 370Z Photos / Spyshots / Video / Media Gallery	9	12-08-2008 05:44 PM

04-30-2012, 05:51 PM	#92 (permalink)
sonic370 A True Z Fanatic Join Date: May 2010 Location: Orange Texas Posts: 1,574 Drives: 09 370Z Sports PGK Rep Power: 18	Red head or Blondes it's all about choice's... With the 370 imho it's a win-win either way..... when people stop and stare and rubber neck you on the highway i doubt if they are thinking " i wonder if that's a auto or manual"

04-30-2012, 09:12 PM	#96 (permalink)
Jsolo Track Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: chicago Posts: 783 Drives: '12 G37 6MT Rep Power: 14	In a track environment, driving a well shifting auto is indeed easier and lets you focus on other aspects such as improving your line, entry/brake points, etc. Unless you can heel/toe well, this would be an added challenge on the track (or stay in one or two gears all the time). On the street, things don't happen quite as fast. In fact, things happen far too slowly, so driving an MT does make for more exciting travels.

05-01-2012, 08:28 AM	#101 (permalink)
ayrton88 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Chicago Posts: 397 Drives: 2010 Nissan 370Z Rep Power: 14	I agree that for street driving, which is 90% of what I do, the manual is more exciting. For everyday driving, I find the automatic terribly boring. Even when stuck in traffic I prefer the stick...at least it gives you something to do.

05-08-2012, 12:52 AM	#105 (permalink)
macaddict111 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Tacoma, WA Posts: 33 Drives: '09 370z White Auto Rep Power: 13	Here is my take on why I chose to get the auto: The last car I had was a 6MT Tiburon. Yeah yeah, Tiburon... Whatever you think about them, believe it or not, it was an unbelievable car. It had so much torque (albeit mainly because of the gearing [3500 RPM going 70 in 6th lol])! Also, the Tib had a cable throttle, so just INSTANT response. Now that the Z has all this cool technology like dual intake and VVEL, this requires an E-throttle. I don't mind those! But for the manual and for a sports car, it just seemed like the intimate quick responsiveness I had learned to love and had gotten perfect at over the years was only being imitated now. The throttle just didn't seem responsive enough for me compared to the Tib, and it felt like it lacked so much torque! It just seemed like in a car with so much perfectly-tuned computer control, putting a manual in the middle of it muddled it all up. With the auto, I feel like the computer can do it's own, grand thing, in either mode. The auto feels MORE responsive to me after having drive 3 manuals, one for a whole day! Plus, as many others are saying, the auto is just simply more torquey, and that's what makes the car FEEL fast and responsive. And the Adaptive Shift Control is a very real thing, and it's what really sold me on it. I honestly feel like I don't need a manual now, because even in full auto mode, it's like the computer is reading my mind!