View Poll Results: Automatic or Manual?
Automatic
36
26.47%
Manual
100
73.53%
Voters: 136. You may not vote on this poll
Automatic or Manual?
Thread Starter
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From: NC
Automatic or Manual?
Hey,
I already did a search and couldn't find anything really, so I was wondering how many people ordered a stick versus an automatic? I don't know how much of a OMG you got an automatic you herb kind of thing that there is on this board or w/ Z owners? Or are there a lot of auto Z's b/c of the clutchless shifting option? For example, most 4runners are 2wd but if you buy a 2wd Jeep and go to JeepsUnlimited.com, they'll laugh. For the automatic owners - what are the positives and do you regret getting an automatic or do you like it and not having to clutch or what? Thanks
I already did a search and couldn't find anything really, so I was wondering how many people ordered a stick versus an automatic? I don't know how much of a OMG you got an automatic you herb kind of thing that there is on this board or w/ Z owners? Or are there a lot of auto Z's b/c of the clutchless shifting option? For example, most 4runners are 2wd but if you buy a 2wd Jeep and go to JeepsUnlimited.com, they'll laugh. For the automatic owners - what are the positives and do you regret getting an automatic or do you like it and not having to clutch or what? Thanks
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From: NC
well they sell them both variants 4wd and 2wd but a lot of them aren't 4wd. people want to buy a yuppy suv but they don't want to pay an additional 2 grand for something they aren't going to or don't even know how to use...
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From: Cincinnati
I got an auto.
First, and most importantly, because I had no choice. The tranny in my old car was dying a quick death and I needed a new car right away. The only available Z was an auto.
The rest are just after the fact considerations:
Second, I work downtown and drive quite a bit in congested traffic. A manual might drive me bonkers.
Third, I have limited experience with manuals. We never had one growing up. I learned on a friend's, but haven't drove one in about 3 years. I could do it, but I am not sure how comfortable I would be really learning on a new Z. I might mess it up or something.
First, and most importantly, because I had no choice. The tranny in my old car was dying a quick death and I needed a new car right away. The only available Z was an auto.
The rest are just after the fact considerations:
Second, I work downtown and drive quite a bit in congested traffic. A manual might drive me bonkers.
Third, I have limited experience with manuals. We never had one growing up. I learned on a friend's, but haven't drove one in about 3 years. I could do it, but I am not sure how comfortable I would be really learning on a new Z. I might mess it up or something.
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From: NC
that's cool. so there isn't a big "u got an automatic 350z? what a moron..." cuz it seems like a lot of people on this board and a lot of Z members are very judgmental and picky about their cars (which can be a good thing also)...
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From: Dallas, TX
Originally posted by dmcgibbo
that's cool. so there isn't a big "u got an automatic 350z? what a moron..." cuz it seems like a lot of people on this board and a lot of Z members are very judgmental and picky about their cars (which can be a good thing also)...
that's cool. so there isn't a big "u got an automatic 350z? what a moron..." cuz it seems like a lot of people on this board and a lot of Z members are very judgmental and picky about their cars (which can be a good thing also)...
I personally bought the 6 speed because that's what I prefer. I don't drive downtown, and my drive to work isn't all that bad. Now if I were in bumper to bumper traffic twice a day, everyday, I might have picked the auto, just so my left leg wouldn't fall off.
I got a manual cause... well, Im young, its a 2 seat sports car. and if ever in my life I can have a full blown sports car, it is now. I dont like clutchless manual autos just cause you still have slow shift, more drivetrain loss, and I dont think they do what you say very much, they take a suggestion, but if they disagree, they blow you off. the only clutchless manuals I like are paddle shifter variety. they impede much less on what your doing, and keep the low loss of power.
Im happy with my choice, Im not fond of traffic and hills, but thats ok, I dont run into traffic too much, and Im getting better on hills.
Im happy with my choice, Im not fond of traffic and hills, but thats ok, I dont run into traffic too much, and Im getting better on hills.
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From: x
Automatics are for sedans and grannies
I don't mean to knock you if you drive in traffic a lot, nor do I mean that you can't drive this car in a sporty manner without a stick, but why buy a car like this without a manual transmission? I keep reading posts from people who say they are afraid of the power, or new to cars like Z's, and I'm sorry, I have to cringe. Stick (Ha, Ha, there's that word again) to something that's up your alley, or find middle ground to learn on before you run with the big boys. Or don't be surprised when they send you home crying to mama. This is a driver's car. Drivers drive manual transmissions. Drivers that drive sports cars insist upon manual transmissions, traffic or no traffic, hills or flats, straights or twisties. (the stuff I like!) Hell, even my company's Mitsubishi 14' cabover delivery truck is a manual, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you can't drive a stick, you shouldn't be on the road. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
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From: Cincinnati
Your reading comprehension must be at, what, a 3rd grade level? Dumbass.
First, I said the the things you mentioned were "just after the fact considerations." I can drive a manual and probably would have went with one if one were available.
Let me quote my post again, so that maybe you can get it through your thick head:
Read it a couple up times. I even underlined the most important part. Maybe you will get it this time, dumbass.
Dumbass adults who have a reading comprehension level of 3rd graders should not be allowed on the road. YOu see it all the time, but what are ya gonna do?
First, I said the the things you mentioned were "just after the fact considerations." I can drive a manual and probably would have went with one if one were available.
Let me quote my post again, so that maybe you can get it through your thick head:
I got an auto.
First, and most importantly, because I had no choice. The tranny in my old car was dying a quick death and I needed a new car right away. The only available Z was an auto.
First, and most importantly, because I had no choice. The tranny in my old car was dying a quick death and I needed a new car right away. The only available Z was an auto.
Read it a couple up times. I even underlined the most important part. Maybe you will get it this time, dumbass.
Dumbass adults who have a reading comprehension level of 3rd graders should not be allowed on the road. YOu see it all the time, but what are ya gonna do?
Last edited by Lil Popa Pump; Nov 26, 2002 at 08:44 AM.
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From: Dallas, TX
Re: Automatics are for sedans and grannies
Originally posted by redz32/bluez33
If you can't drive a stick, you shouldn't be on the road. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
If you can't drive a stick, you shouldn't be on the road. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
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From: LA
well 350z is not 1000hp car.
If you'r lookin for a car that looks good and drive everyday and not lookin for a speed then auto is better.
but It's a two seater car.
which means it's not a practical car.
Manual will give you better performance.
Usually about 1sec at the 1/4 mile when it's 5speed manual. I donno about the 6speed. plus it's more fun.
I'm guessing manual is cheaper since it's standard.
I have an Automatic. (not 350z)
yes the traffic in my area was the biggest concern.
But now I want the manual back.
It's your choice. but If I were you. I wouldn't get auto350z.
and guys no flaming each other about tranny.
If you'r lookin for a car that looks good and drive everyday and not lookin for a speed then auto is better.
but It's a two seater car.
which means it's not a practical car.
Manual will give you better performance.
Usually about 1sec at the 1/4 mile when it's 5speed manual. I donno about the 6speed. plus it's more fun.
I'm guessing manual is cheaper since it's standard.
I have an Automatic. (not 350z)
yes the traffic in my area was the biggest concern.
But now I want the manual back.
It's your choice. but If I were you. I wouldn't get auto350z.
and guys no flaming each other about tranny.
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From: Olympia, WA
Manual is cheaper on everything except the Touring. Which comes standard w/ an auto and they charge extra for the manual. 
What's up with that?
I chose a stick just because it sounds like fun. I've never owned a stick, never driven a stick, hopefully don't screw up my car because I have to learn to drive a stick on it! Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Plus ... I don't like the extra power loss the torque converter steals! If Nissan offered the true clutchless manual transmission, I'd jump at it in a heart beat! Those auto-manual things just aren't as fun as they're hyped up to be (I had the Mitsu equivalent and currently have one in my Maxima).
It's my weekend/play car, so I don't need to worry about my daily commute to work, thankfully.
So stick sounds good to me!
What's up with that?
I chose a stick just because it sounds like fun. I've never owned a stick, never driven a stick, hopefully don't screw up my car because I have to learn to drive a stick on it! Guess I'll just have to wait and see.
Plus ... I don't like the extra power loss the torque converter steals! If Nissan offered the true clutchless manual transmission, I'd jump at it in a heart beat! Those auto-manual things just aren't as fun as they're hyped up to be (I had the Mitsu equivalent and currently have one in my Maxima).
It's my weekend/play car, so I don't need to worry about my daily commute to work, thankfully.
So stick sounds good to me!
autos are getting better, they are ussually more like .5sec slower now. however autos are simple to drive, the launch is not brain surgery either, find the proper revs to go to drop the brake and floor it till 100mph or so. tiptronic really doesnt matter since the car will go to redline and shift all by itself.
however, this is in the perfect world, Id say 8 out of 10 people driving stick couldnt get a near perfect run, and one of those 2 that could wont get it every time. you hear about even the best drivers missing a gear here and there, while the auto runs away with it.
manual has its place on a track so you can hold the revs up to prepare to pull out of a turn, while you dont actually accelerate, where a auto would drop gears since you arent accelerating, and then hesitate when you floor it again.
however, this is in the perfect world, Id say 8 out of 10 people driving stick couldnt get a near perfect run, and one of those 2 that could wont get it every time. you hear about even the best drivers missing a gear here and there, while the auto runs away with it.
manual has its place on a track so you can hold the revs up to prepare to pull out of a turn, while you dont actually accelerate, where a auto would drop gears since you arent accelerating, and then hesitate when you floor it again.
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From: illinois
Auto here and i LOVE it!
Ive had many cars and many manuals and Autos depending on what my needs were at the time. The Z's Auto is intuitive and responsive..better than my C5 Auto. That doesnt mean it is faster as we all know the Vette in auto or manual blows the Z away. I live in the city and i find myself smiling often when i travel 7 miles and it takes me 35 minutes bumper to bumper and not burning up my left leg. As always choices are available and this one was right for me.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
Ive had many cars and many manuals and Autos depending on what my needs were at the time. The Z's Auto is intuitive and responsive..better than my C5 Auto. That doesnt mean it is faster as we all know the Vette in auto or manual blows the Z away. I live in the city and i find myself smiling often when i travel 7 miles and it takes me 35 minutes bumper to bumper and not burning up my left leg. As always choices are available and this one was right for me.
ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ
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From: NC
Don't have a 350 yet but I will choose a manual, no question. If an SMG was offered similar to what is on the E46 M3 I would seriously consider it. To me, the compromise of an automatic is a bigger problem then having to shift in traffic. Every day I drive 25 miles round trip to downtown and back, both of my cars are manual.
My 1st car was a 450HP '71 Nova. It had a T/H350 with about 3000 stall and shift kitted to easily chirp the tires even with moderate throttle. Since it was more of a drag car and the drag style auto made sense. On a car like the Z I don't see much value in a auto.
But, I don't really mind if others choose autos since it doesn't much affect me.
My 1st car was a 450HP '71 Nova. It had a T/H350 with about 3000 stall and shift kitted to easily chirp the tires even with moderate throttle. Since it was more of a drag car and the drag style auto made sense. On a car like the Z I don't see much value in a auto.
But, I don't really mind if others choose autos since it doesn't much affect me.
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dmcgibbo, obviously you are considering both the auto and the manual. aside from why i got it, here's my impression of the auto.
1) as you can see from some previous posts, you will get alot of why did you get an auto? it's a sports car! blah blah. but does that matter? dont let this blur what you really want from your car.
2) the auto in the Z is probably one of the best auto i've driven. better even the tiptronic. throttle control of the shift points is good; the manual mode shifts are VERY fast if you keep your foot in it. There are times when as Ares mentioned, it will want to do it's own thing..but from my experience, only if you're indecisive with the accelerator. in terms of speed, i think it's going to be very close to the manual, especially 0-60. probably more noticeable in the quartermile. btw, the numbers for the manual you see in the mags are by prof drivers who are trying to maximize acceleration pretty much without regard for the car/clutch..not something you want to do often with your own car. the auto, i think you will be able to duplicate test numbers fairly consistently.
3) on the other hand, if you want absolute control over your car then the manual is your obvious choice. you will never be able to control your shift points like you can with the manual on an auto. you will be able to approximate it but not hit it on the nail. to me, that's about the only real advantage to a manual..and it is really mostly useful on the track...o yea, i guess also, if you want to burn rubber, the manual is probably better for that as well.
good luck on your choice. hope the decision you make is your own.
1) as you can see from some previous posts, you will get alot of why did you get an auto? it's a sports car! blah blah. but does that matter? dont let this blur what you really want from your car.
2) the auto in the Z is probably one of the best auto i've driven. better even the tiptronic. throttle control of the shift points is good; the manual mode shifts are VERY fast if you keep your foot in it. There are times when as Ares mentioned, it will want to do it's own thing..but from my experience, only if you're indecisive with the accelerator. in terms of speed, i think it's going to be very close to the manual, especially 0-60. probably more noticeable in the quartermile. btw, the numbers for the manual you see in the mags are by prof drivers who are trying to maximize acceleration pretty much without regard for the car/clutch..not something you want to do often with your own car. the auto, i think you will be able to duplicate test numbers fairly consistently.
3) on the other hand, if you want absolute control over your car then the manual is your obvious choice. you will never be able to control your shift points like you can with the manual on an auto. you will be able to approximate it but not hit it on the nail. to me, that's about the only real advantage to a manual..and it is really mostly useful on the track...o yea, i guess also, if you want to burn rubber, the manual is probably better for that as well.
good luck on your choice. hope the decision you make is your own.
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Re: Automatics are for sedans and grannies
Originally posted by redz32/bluez33
I don't mean to knock you if you drive in traffic a lot, nor do I mean that you can't drive this car in a sporty manner without a stick, but why buy a car like this without a manual transmission? I keep reading posts from people who say they are afraid of the power, or new to cars like Z's, and I'm sorry, I have to cringe. Stick (Ha, Ha, there's that word again) to something that's up your alley, or find middle ground to learn on before you run with the big boys. Or don't be surprised when they send you home crying to mama. This is a driver's car. Drivers drive manual transmissions. Drivers that drive sports cars insist upon manual transmissions, traffic or no traffic, hills or flats, straights or twisties. (the stuff I like!) Hell, even my company's Mitsubishi 14' cabover delivery truck is a manual, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you can't drive a stick, you shouldn't be on the road. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
I don't mean to knock you if you drive in traffic a lot, nor do I mean that you can't drive this car in a sporty manner without a stick, but why buy a car like this without a manual transmission? I keep reading posts from people who say they are afraid of the power, or new to cars like Z's, and I'm sorry, I have to cringe. Stick (Ha, Ha, there's that word again) to something that's up your alley, or find middle ground to learn on before you run with the big boys. Or don't be surprised when they send you home crying to mama. This is a driver's car. Drivers drive manual transmissions. Drivers that drive sports cars insist upon manual transmissions, traffic or no traffic, hills or flats, straights or twisties. (the stuff I like!) Hell, even my company's Mitsubishi 14' cabover delivery truck is a manual, and I wouldn't have it any other way. If you can't drive a stick, you shouldn't be on the road. Sorry, but that's the way it is.
Boomer
Last edited by Boomer; Nov 26, 2002 at 10:55 AM.
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From: NC
does anyone have any numbers on the # of manual vs. auto's to be produced by nissan? really i would like an smg or real clutchless manual but since nissan offers only a real manual or a real auto w/ lagging shifts i'll have to think about it. i know i'd enjoy the manual more, but lets face it, i am ALWAYS in traffic and this car will be a daily driver. The problem is, I need to learn manual first and have been trying to find a friend's car or rental car that has manual haha b/c if its a pain then I don't want to deal w/ manual. That's why an SMG would be great for me - I could use it almost like a manual and shift on my own most of the time but at other times in traffic or if i'm busy and have my mind on other things I would get the simplicity of the auto but it seems like someone said the 350Z auto isn't like that it only approximates a clutchless shifting so I'll have to think about it. Thanks for being so helpful and adding your thoughts on this! Can you only get an auto in the touring model? sheesh its pretty expensive...I wish I could get a Z w/ leather, auto, and 18" rims but get a model under the touring you know? too bad you can't do that...