Automatic or Manual Transmission? Decisions, decisions...
 

I was barely able to actually see a BRZ limited in person for the first time yesterday, however, the dealer wasn't allowing a test drive unless I bought the car first :sigh:. I plan to order my BRZ next week but am still undecided as to what transmission I should get. To those who have test drove the car, or are lucky enough to already own one, what transmission would you suggest getting?

Any input would be appreciated!

here you go: http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9503

also, welcome to the forums.

Quickly, because it's been covered, the BRZ clutch on the MT is not bad at all in traffic. Very little downside to the MT.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6485

This post by Moto-P is probably one of the best reads.

Thanks Guys! I'm still finding my way around the forums so this is extremely helpful. I dont think Im gonna get any sleep tonight! :popcorn:

The car is being ordered 70% manual, 30% auto.

Manual Drivers:http://who-is-awesome.com/who-is-awesome.jpg


Auto Drivers:http://www.disneydreaming.com/wp-con...3D-Glasses.jpg

its personal preference

just like a windows pc or a mac pc.


you're buying the car for you, not for other people to judge you according to it.

If you know how to drive manual, buy the manual. If you don't, and have no intention of learning, the Auto isn't bad from what I hear.

Personally, this is a driver's car, the only true choice is the MT.

In defense to Justin Bieber, that guy knows how to make money and works really hard. He probably makes more money in a week than what we would make in a year. :thumbup:

It helps to be discovered and financially backed by Usher...

Haha....I think I might be getting an automatic! I just heard the news that a buyer backed out from buying the next allocation at my local dealer. SSM Limited Automatic. I think Im gonna jump on it!! :happyanim:

Who is the girl in that picture? Is that Rachael Maddow?

I'm sure it will be easier to find an Auto. Do you know how to drive Manual? If not you might be a little aprehensive to buy one, but I did this with my Celica GTS 12 years ago and was very happy about the decision. I didnt know how to drive manual (parents had auto) but had always heard it was a more pure way to drive a car, so I took a risk. Went back to Auto for a while and am now buying the BRZ in stick becuase I miss it so much. If you really want to feel the car and be completely engaged in it buy the Manual!

Yeah I know how to drive manual. My first car was a manual and I have been driving an automatic ever since it got totalled. If I decide to order one of the allocated cars at a nearby dealer I will most likely go manual but im gonna put a deposit down on this one coming into my hometown and see how i like the automatic. It should be here in a week or so.

I figured it would take longer for mine to be made if it was MT. I ordered an AT as well. Mostly because I don't care and outside of me and my Dad no one I know can drive stick.

Sad fact.

Do the cars feel the same?, I went to Toyota to test drive MT FR-S, but as soon as MT comes in they sell, but you dont have to buy one to test drive it

There is a big power difference if that is what you are concerned about. Driving around town is not too much different. Low end torque is almost the same. But its been dyno proven that the auto loses about 10whp at the top end.

I've only seen one dyno result showing significantly lower AT performance, and that was a sample size of 2 cars - not very representative. Some loss is inevitable but I would hesitate to characterize as a 'big power difference' until we see more pulls.

Drift Office had a dyno day where 7 BRZ/FR-S showed up and there was reportedly a wide range of results, including an AT that put down 170whp..

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...&postcount=399

Mechaghost's BRZ put down 11 more whp than mine did stock. His is auto, mine is manual. :P

it must be his K&N filter. haha

If you look at the one (two?) dynos from other runs, the AT was running waaayyy richer, which was surely killing power. They should both put down about the same power when running the same tune, given that the AT is full lock up, so yeah, I'd say the jury is still out as to the magnitude of difference.

The filter is probably helping a bit, to be fair.

But that's interesting -- it suggests that the cars will vary quite a bit depending on unknown factors...

Did you notice differences in AFR? What gears did every one dyno in? Different load cells, and different fueling targets probably correspond to the gear you are in.

The 16.4 lbs wheels on a Dynojet probably didn't hurt either...

Yea, I did see that. So I could be wrong on the hp numbers. But the 1/4 mile times are still showing a significant difference. And other editors have mentioned the auto seems sluggish in the top end vs the 6 speed.

" And other editors have mentioned the auto seems sluggish in the top end vs the 6 speed."

Drive the tach between 5500-7000 in sport and you will be in a better place to comment.

I could find autos all day long, but had to wait on the MT...worth the wait though. Much easier clutch to drive than the TCs clutch. That thing was ridiculous.

My first car was an auto w/ tiptronic paddle shifting, or whatever you call it. Every car after that car has been with a true manual for me.

To me, there's no wrong reason to get an auto. If you want convenience and less to worry about, then the auto may be the preferred choice.

I just feel that there's a certain excitement to be gained with owning a manual transmission.

Yet at the end, for the manual transmission... It's either 'you like it, or you don't'.

Again, no wrong decsion for this choice... Like one mentioned, it's all about PREFERENCE.

Good luck with the choice, and no worries about making a mistake in decision... Both can be FUN!