Up until this year, Formula One drivers were using a form of automatic transmission called 'launch control' at the start of races. Since F1 races start from a dead stop, the gearshifting on launch was controlled by a computer to prevent driver error and misshifts (in terms of timing, since they also use the clutchless sequential shift systems). Launch control systems were banned by the FIA for the current season, most likely to put more emphasis on driver skill.

It looks like even F1 drivers aren't perfect.

 

I wasn't trying to start a flame. It's fair to say that you have more control over your revs and shift times having a MT. I know all auto's aren't the same, I just don't see it hitting WOT throughout the shift cycle. No matter - the Z is awesome manual or not.

btw: I am still trying to get used to the clutch travel so you'd prob kick my ***

 

Sorry, I was thought about stock or slightly modified 350Z, not about highly modified drag racing Z or F1 cars. That are different kinds of cars.

 

You guys forgot to mention that automatics put down less rwhp due to the effeciency lost in the tq converter. Plus the manual is slightly lighter, creating a better power to weight ratio. A manual Z will walk a Auto Z for those two reasons.

 

I live in North Tx. Anyone want to prove this. I street race all the time. I would really like to know which one is faster for myself and to put an end to all this discussion of, "which is faster/better."

 

Mod the Z and.....

5AT can out perform a 6MT
and/or
6MT can out perform a 5AT

My Z is Faster than a Stock Z 5AT or 6MT

My Z is slower than a Z with More Performance Mods than I have.

Thats what all this Faster and better discussion boils down to me.

I will say IMO 6MT is more fun to drive.

 

I used to get dogged for having an Automatic Civic. "It's an automatic? What a waste."

Now that I drive stick. I agree that has an edge given GOOD DRIVING.

But I'm not going to hate on Automatics! With enough power it'll take over the sticks!

 

as long as press the pedal to the metal and the needle hits redline I'm a happy "xmanual man" for the time being ( most of the time)

i also want to run a manual from the line...i don't doubt my auto at all i actually feel confident about this auto(z)...but as far as from a roll....i have doubts because sometimes it could kick(downshift) in the wrong gear and I don't get the same pull as if I had with a manuel(controlled decision)....once again that's sometimes

you'll be suprised how auto shifts very quick.

By the way comparing it to the manumatic mode(option on auto), manumatic mode is horrible...the shifts are slow as a snail. I keep it off manumatic unless I'm in traffic jam and I want to move a little faster through the cars...keepin it control with the lower gears( i guess that's the minor advantage "entertainment".)

 

Manual mode is .2 sec quicker then full auto in the 1/4. I shift at 6600rpm.

BTW any stock 6spd owners want to run in the Queens,LI area?

 

From a roll its easy, just put it into gear and floor it! Since we have "drive by wire" it shifts on the way you drive. When your easy on the gas it shifts slow. But when you push it, the shifts are pretty quick.

 

When you shift the Auto there is a small lag before the gears
change. maybe one second

I hated that when I had the 5AT

Does that slow you 5AT guys down ?

 

That little lag is when you play with your clutch and shifter in the stick. If the auto had 3.54 gears as the stick,auto will be definetely quicker.

 

Yes I agree if the Auto was a stick it be faster

 

I don't know how you came to this conclusion. You guys aren't taking into account that a manual Z puts down more rwhp. To make a long story short, a properly driven manual will outperform a auto.

 

key is properly driven MOST people with stick are just posers in there look at me now mobile

 

Driving manual tranny cars is easy. I could probably teach my mom in less than 15 mins and another 15 on how to lauch. I guess there are a lot of uncoordinated people in this world.