am I crazy to like the auto more than manual?
 

So was out test driving this weekend (think i'm near ready to buy... soon... ). Was surprised that I dug the automatic (in sports mode) more than the manual. While the manual has probably one of the best shifters i've messed with, I just couldn't 'get' the clutch at all (Everything after 1st gear... no matter how fast/slow i engage the clutch, I just can't get it smoothly :bonk:). Maybe I'm skewed because the 4speed automatic in my prizm is kinda horrid, but auto brz... good stuff.

+ new constructions and what not makes my daily commute oh so more painful makes me gravitate more to the auto :S

Are there any large cons for the automatic besides the usual boohahaha between manual vs auto? Auto will still be a blast to wiggle around mountain roads right?

It is slower 0-60 and 1/4 mile. It also gets better gas mileage. Both of these are due to the difference in the final drive gearing. If you put it in 4.55 FD then it would probably be just as fast (or faster) than the manual and get the same (or worse) mileage.

Sounds like you would love the BRZ in auto… There is nothing wrong with that at all.

Cheers,

-Nate

The auto has significantly taller ratios, so it will be slower and a bit harder to keep in the peak of the powerband. Also, I think the auto is a bit heavier (not much though). Aside from that, there shouldn't be any further performance penalty. That's interesting that you feel that way about the clutch though - every time I've driven a brz, I found the clutch very easy to use (admittedly, I haven't driven an auto with any regularity in about 7 years though - every car I've owned or driven frequently in that period has been stick, so I'm pretty comfortable with a manual).

Not really any major cons in my opinion. Im sure there will be lots of back and forth like every other auto vs man thread. But really, only cons in my book is that it is much slower from a stand still, but from a roll, they are pretty close. And I want the most fun I can when driving a car, so I will always prefer the manual. But you will get better MPG's, and it is a pretty nice auto for the price range. Do what makes you happy.

If you drive the automatic transmission BRZ aggressively, the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) will record the "spirited" driving and at your next dealer service interval your entire warranty will be void.



Or at least that's what the dragon told me.

The clutch in this car takes a little while to master, partly because (1) it engages so high and also because (2) the throttle pedal is dead in the first 0.5-1 cm of pressing it. Adjusting the clutch to engage earlier fixes (1). Getting used to the car fixes (2).

Personally, I found this car much more fun to drive with the manual, but everyone's different. If you like the auto better, go for that.

I've heard a ton of good things about the automatic transmission. I kind of wish I had test drove one before buying my MT.

The clutch you'll get the hang of eventually. The gas mileage is better than EPA-estimated. The auto is slower, more expensive and less desirable. I drove an auto FR-S at an auto-x before buying my BRZ. It was good enough to show me what the chassis was capable of, but I felt hindered by the transmission (traction and stability were on, so this wasn't helping either, of course).

The auto is great, with the exception of taking off from a dead stop its just a hair slower then the MT. The shifts are crisp, and quick, probably quicker then most people could shift the MT certainly quicker then I could.

The AT is no slouch and the paddles work great.

I've driven manuals most of my life and even though my FR-S is a manual and I totally enjoy it I still second guess myself for not getting the more efficient automatic. Oh well, if that's my biggest problem I guess I've got it made.

you can't go wrong either way. I went with the manual for cost reasons and for a change of pace from driving automatic.

Drove around San Francisco yesterday with my manual, zero regrets.

To each their own, enjoy whatever you end up with, only you have any idea what you'll feel like in a year or five's time.

Edit: due to the direction this thread is taking, I posted mainly to assuage your fears, I stalled twice on my test drive, it gets easier.

I always regret driving around San Francisco, no matter what I'm driving. ;)

...Paul

Both are good but you cant go wrong with an auto tranny.

I got an awesome deal on my AT Limited or else I would've bought the MT. The only time I wish I had the MT is when I take it to the twisties, but I'm satisfied with how well the AT works in Sport+Manual mode.

Originally test drove an automatic FR-S and felt kind of bored with it. Went with a manual and no regrets. In fact, I took a road trip about a month ago and got 34.5 MPG on a 365 mile round trip, so I am happy with my decision.

Then again, I might be slightly bias towards a manual seeing as every daily driven vehicle, since I got my driver's license, has been a manual (12 years).

If it makes you feel any better, my father is 61, drove multiple manuals from cars, semi's, tow trucks and such. He stalled this car even at first. It gets easier. It's my first manual, but with that being said sometimes I wish I got an automatic.

Automatics seem to be getting much better then they used to be. However I bought a manual just to because they are a dying breed.

Only auto I've owned is my F350

No significant cons to the AT other than the teasing you get for driving an AT. I enjoy my automatic just as much as the manual people do theirs.

The extra MPG is nice and you can always use the paddles if you want to shift. However when you feel like just sitting back and getting home after a long day, put it in D and forget it.

Nothing wrong with the Auto, I love it, I do miss Manual at times. But honestly the Paddles are kind of fun, and I agree with the post above, Tired and stuck in traffic? put it in D and forget it. oh and a few more MPG too.

You're not crazy - In some ways the auto is better than the manual (for one, gas mileage) - in the end it is really your preference.

As for the manual- the BRZ I noticed, is a lot lighter than some other manuals I've driven. Like...I REALLY feel my mistakes. The Bimmer just makes me feel like I'm the boss and a super awesome driver cus it just rolls with everything...and hence I got kind of messy the month I drove only the Bimmer. When I got back in my BRZ I stalled it within the first 5 minutes ... So some of it might just be getting acquainted with the car. A week later, and I can't stop smiling when I'm driving - the manual is just so much fun :3 But yeah...when it is stop and go traffic ...I do for a second wish mine was a AT, but when the roads clear up - no regrets!

Also, some things can be adjusted. The stock clutch position for me was too high and I had to lower it cus I just couldn't get used to it.

Go with what you like better/fits your needs better ... If you are worried about any potential teasing ... blame it on a significant other or family member who "needs" to be able to drive it once in a while? XD

I hated 6th gear in the auto myself.

Are you serious?

Where you getting this from now?

The dragons, man.

The dragons.

Can you splain that to me please?

Fucking dragons bro,
Dragons.

whoosh

*golfclap*

You do know that the ECU, AT or MT, continuously learn and adapts to the way you drive right??? Also, if someone chose to they "could" go into the logs and view those logs, but that doesn't mean that they can and will void your warranty for it. If you know something spill it. If not, don't get everyone's panties in a knot for nothing.

If that's the case, I'm F****d.

I don't think your're crazy at all. I eventually went with the AT. The Manual is awesome, i really liked it when i test drove. But i wanted the Auto, as much grief i get about not getting a stick. I dunno, paddle shifting is fun for me when i actually want to use it. Otherwise sport mode is also fun. I take it around windy roads a lot and i love it.

I like manual cars, i know how to drive them. I understand those overly defend it. But i went with the AT because that's what i wanted. My previous car was an auto Scion xA, and i just wanted something just a bit more to have fun with without going far from what the xA could do. The A/T Twin fit the bill. And it's also cool that it's a Subaru/Toyota. I always wanted a Subaru but I've been loyal to Toyota, so i guess win win?

Yes i do sometimes wish i had a stick, but mainly for racing situations. But i don't race and i'm not experienced enough to be going to the track so it doesn't matter. Like you with construction, we have tons of it all around town, it's horrible. I honestly just can't stand manuals in painful commutes.

It's a joke. Welcome to the internet you just got trolled. While what you just posted is valid, the original post was very tongue in cheek.

http://i.qkme.me/35unke.jpg

Edit: Sorry for ruining the fun guys.

6 spd auto with lockup clutch controlled by the computer on the transmission is at least as good as and probably better than the manual transmission.

There is no comparison with earlier automatics.

ZF is now up to 8 spd for in line and 9 spd for transverse drivetrains both with awd compatibility and designed in room for the new hybrid drivetrains coming soon.

I bought a manual shift because that is what I prefer in a sportscar.

For my daily drivers I will never buy another manual shift car, pointless.

Doh!!! I guess I got sucked in. :bonk::bellyroll: Oh well. :happy0180:

Seriously, you guys? I didn't even invisitext the whole part about dragons telling me about this.

Dem dragons be devious.

Always wanted to train one myself...