I just took out a 7AT for a ride...

sw1318

Here is my personal opinion:

I’ve driven manual most of my life and when I got my hands on an EVO X MR SST 40min test drive around the twisty mountains with a mate from Mitsubishi, I can tell you paddles provide exceptional control compared to my manual EVO 7 and 8. The control of the paddles allow you to focus your turning points and speed where as a manual you will loose some time during shifts. Also, the paddles allow me to focus more intently on left foot braking. Those who have mastered this will understand what I mean.

With the above all done and satisfied with how a twin clutch transmission feels, I then went back to my 370Z 7speed auto and gave it another hard run around the same mountain.

The verdict: I can tell you the 7 speed feels just as good and quick as the SST, you will feel a slight jolt when up shifting only at lower rpm (same as the SST) but this is due to the fact that the gears are shifting so fast that it just bangs into place instantly. Nissan have done a great job with this 7 speed even tho it’s not a twin clutch setup, it’s surely close.

In the beginning I felt I had more control with the manual but after seeing my lap times around the mountains I can tell you I’ve made the correct choice in my purchase. The manual on the other hand is more work and you might ‘feel’ like you are in more control. However, once you have mastered the technology behind paddle shifting, when and how to shift right and smoothly, you will feel highly rewarded.

Both transmissions are superior in my opinion and it’s more to do with “preference” as some here have already suggested. Both are also launchable if you do it correctly. Both have rev matching technology when downshifting. It really depends if you want to do more exercise with your left foot or be more relaxed with the 7SP among the same or similar performance. The saying ‘manual is for sports cars and for real drivers’ is no longer relevant in the current era as automatic transmissions are now more aligned with manuals or even better.