Rogerc

Yes, I have read most of the post on Auto vs manual, but most of them are just saying one is better than the other.
I want to know what it is like driving the automatic with the paddles.
I currently have a 350z roadster that both my wife and I love. Thinking up upgrading to a 370z roadster. Haven't been able to test drive an automatic roadster that is reasonably close.
So my questions is what is it really like to drive the automatic.
Is it fun?
Can you dive into corners and downshift and accelerate out of the corner with that same juiced feeling you get with a stick?
Really want to know what it is like before I really start looking.
And yes I am planning on driving a roadster with the paddles ASAP.
Thanks for all opinions.
CowboyRog

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

I think it's great.

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

I've driven several cars with paddles:GTR,VWR32,Aston Martin...
After you drive one and get used to it,you don't want to go back to
a regular AT system.A paddle shifter car is really something when it
offers different modes that control the shifts(GTR).

Dallasmavs92

iTrader: (1)

nothing beats driving a manual. Unless the paddle shifters shift immediately without any "lag", then they're no fun. Most have a pretty delayed response and will shift for you/not let you downshift as far as you want when you want.

Lr308

iTrader: (1)

Can you dive into corners and downshift and accelerate out of the corner with that same juiced feeling you get with a stick? -NO
For autocross stock 350z faster than 370z paddle shift
Might have been the drivers?

JCITY

iTrader: (2)

Have you driven a GTR with paddles?
You CANNOT shift faster than this car does.
The shifting is faster than a eye blink.
Thats why they use the same system in
Formula 1 cars.
Drive one,you'll see what I mean.

davidv

iTrader: (2)

Word it however you like - its still another manual versus automatic thread.

350Zdj

iTrader: (3)

To answer OP's post:
Works better with AT's that already have rev-matching capability. Older Z's don't have this. Big plus also if you have the Transgo VB upgrade.

phreaktor

iTrader: (22)

Isn't the Works Bell system just basically remote switches? It doesnt shift any faster at all.

350Zdj

iTrader: (3)

Yea that's right. Doesnt affect the mechanical performance at all.

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

this + transgo (at some point) = win

ny garbage_juice

iTrader: (1)

i think you need a car thats over $70k or so for the paddles to be "good" and not lag

and for me i just dont like using the paddles. I never use them in my car, turning and shifting is weird with paddles

lgear080

iTrader: (21)

My setup turns along w the wheel.

It's the wb setup for aftermarket wheels.

Worth the expense.

ny garbage_juice

iTrader: (1)

my paddles turn with the wheel too but its still weird/hard to hit them when the wheel is in some positions.

kacz07

iTrader: (15)

I drive my girl's Audi TTq 3.2with the DSG trans. It's fun and I often go to push the clutch in to start because it so close mimics the way I drive stick. I don't drive it often, but the only problem I've run into is forgetting to upshift when I'm done driving aggressively or have stopped at a light. This is not an issue with the car, though.

Alberto

iTrader: (14)

It feels fake and gay to me to shift a car with no skill involved and an ECU rev matching downshifts.

Nobody can say its a rewarding experience, although some may find it fun.

Nexx

iTrader: (41)

in my g37s its boring as all hell. very unresponsive. much more fun driving my manual Z for sure

ny garbage_juice

iTrader: (1)

maybe if you never drove stick it would be fun.

thats why i used my "paddles" twice since owning the car. they suck

even if they actually shifted when you wanted its still not like having to use a clutch

Alberto

iTrader: (14)

Yeah, tons of people on here obviously havent driven a stick or havent driven one for long periods or with success.

For some peeps to be so about paddles on a TQ converter auto like the 350/370 (standard/slow/$hitty) they have to be smoking pole.

tazicon

iTrader: (1)

I don't know where you are located but if you want to check one out I would be more than willing to let you take mine for a drive. Learning to use the paddles effectively really takes time though. It's no where near as easy as these clowns on here think. It takes getting used to. So you know I am very old school and I am sure I was as bad as Alberto in my younger days. I bought the auto so my wife could drive it and have since fallen in love with it.