Auto 370Z...Is it Good?

cdawg410 · 07-15-2009, 07:50 PM

I've given my opinion on this topic before and inevitably the AT drivers come and rip me but it is what it is. It's a sports car, and a manly sports car at that with its aggressive stance, high revving engine and thrilling ride when you get on it. It should be bought in a manual, PERIOD. Sure Ferrari and Lambo and Porsche and yada yada are all autos and real sports cars and manly and the like but we're not talking an 80k + supercar here, we're talking about a real car for real people. My car is beautiful, and there are a hundred reasons why I love it, not the least of which is the fact that my wife can't drive it no matter how bad she'd like to.

The only argument I give any credence to is the issue with daily driver traffic. But even then, the anticipation of being able to open it up and get up and down on the clutch when the traffic breaks is too much of a high for me to give up. Guess I'm just old school. To each his own.

Island_370 · 07-15-2009, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdawg410

I've given my opinion on this topic before and inevitably the AT drivers come and rip me but it is what it is. It's a sports car, and a manly sports car at that with its aggressive stance, high revving engine and thrilling ride when you get on it. It should be bought in a manual, PERIOD. Sure Ferrari and Lambo and Porsche and yada yada are all autos and real sports cars and manly and the like but we're not talking an 80k + supercar here, we're talking about a real car for real people. My car is beautiful, and there are a hundred reasons why I love it, not the least of which is the fact that my wife can't drive it no matter how bad she'd like to.

A lot of the lambos/ferraris/etc are sequential gearbox like the BMW SMG. A computer controlled sequential box is not an auto. I drove only manuals until I got steering wheel shifting auto (similar to the 370 paddles). I enjoyed it. But if you really want a manual, no auto can replace that feeling. I have driven a Porsche Tip, BMW SMG, Audi DSG, Audi Tip, Aston Martin's Stick shift (sequential)--I only owned the Audi Tip. I rode in a 997 with PDK (or whatever it is called)--So I know what is out there. They are all very nice and all have advantages in certain aspects, but if you want to row....there is no substitute.

Only you can answer what is best for you. Manuals are generally cheaper to maintain and repair. Autos are smoother, but more costly if anything (big) goes wrong.

hey32g · 07-15-2009, 09:02 PM

My plan was to drive an Audi TTS with the DCT, then go drive the 370Z w/ an A7, then drive a 370Z with a 6M. (I have a 335i with a 6M right now)

I drove the Audi, then went and drove the A7 Z, and was every bit as impressed with the A7 as I was with the DCT. It might have been a tad slower, not enough that I could tell, and not enough to make a difference. After driving the A7, I told the sales guy to forget the M6, because I had already made up my mind.

As for it not being as rewarding and sporty, I have to disagree. I've driven manual cars my whole life. I think being able to break hard into a corner while just using your left hand to do all the downshifting is great. I guess because I'm a huge F1 fan and I've watched them work the paddles for years. It's a whole different kind of rewarding.

That's my 2 cents.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
370z JDM Twin Turbo Kit.....(Good Laugh)	nogoodname	Forced Induction	11	07-05-2009 08:18 AM
Good auto shop in LA area?	dszombiex	Southern California Region	2	05-31-2009 09:56 PM
370z auto window	bkunzi01	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	7	03-02-2009 10:32 AM
Good time to buy your new 370Z....	FricFrac	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	11	02-05-2009 02:42 AM
$30,813 good for Base Model 370z?	capo190	Nissan 370Z General Discussions	40	01-22-2009 12:11 AM

07-15-2009, 07:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
cdawg410 Base Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: alexandria, va Posts: 238 Drives: 2009 370z Rep Power: 17	I've given my opinion on this topic before and inevitably the AT drivers come and rip me but it is what it is. It's a sports car, and a manly sports car at that with its aggressive stance, high revving engine and thrilling ride when you get on it. It should be bought in a manual, PERIOD. Sure Ferrari and Lambo and Porsche and yada yada are all autos and real sports cars and manly and the like but we're not talking an 80k + supercar here, we're talking about a real car for real people. My car is beautiful, and there are a hundred reasons why I love it, not the least of which is the fact that my wife can't drive it no matter how bad she'd like to. The only argument I give any credence to is the issue with daily driver traffic. But even then, the anticipation of being able to open it up and get up and down on the clutch when the traffic breaks is too much of a high for me to give up. Guess I'm just old school. To each his own.

07-15-2009, 09:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
hey32g Enthusiast Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Dallas Posts: 278 Drives: ‘14 370Z, Black, 7AT Rep Power: 6727	My plan was to drive an Audi TTS with the DCT, then go drive the 370Z w/ an A7, then drive a 370Z with a 6M. (I have a 335i with a 6M right now) I drove the Audi, then went and drove the A7 Z, and was every bit as impressed with the A7 as I was with the DCT. It might have been a tad slower, not enough that I could tell, and not enough to make a difference. After driving the A7, I told the sales guy to forget the M6, because I had already made up my mind. As for it not being as rewarding and sporty, I have to disagree. I've driven manual cars my whole life. I think being able to break hard into a corner while just using your left hand to do all the downshifting is great. I guess because I'm a huge F1 fan and I've watched them work the paddles for years. It's a whole different kind of rewarding. That's my 2 cents.