There is no right answer to the ever-popular AT vs. MT debate. That's because it comes down to personal preference.
I've got a DSG GTI in my garage, as well as a MT FR-S. When I want to relax, take phone calls, go on long trips, etc., I enjoy the DSG. Frees up a hand, lets you think about things other than shift points/driving, etc.
But when I want to have fun, feel more connected with the car, do track days/autox/back roads, etc., I love 6MT. Heel-toe downshifts under hard braking, working the shifter and clutch, etc. It's all part of the driving experience that you don't get with an automatic.
Personally I can say I would never buy a sports car with an automatic (and yes I've done autox in an automatic FR-S), but everyone's different and that's OK.
Bottom line, figure out what you enjoy and how you plan to use your car, and buy accordingly.
Quote:
Originally Posted by rs999
I'm still trying to find the enjoyment I am supposed to get out of owning a manual transmission FR-S.
I drive MT smoothly now, but it is just one more thing to think about while driving.
So at autocross, instead of putting the car in S or 3rd gear from the paddles, I now start at 1, take off, and block shift to 3.
The car stays in 3 during the whole autocross course.
So where's the enjoyment supposed to start? Or maybe I'm more into driving fast and finding the fastest way around a track or cones that adding shifting into that mix is pointless.
I'm going to see if I can take out an AT FR-S service loaner when I bring my car in for 7500 mile service so that I can make up my mind.
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Other than at launch, you should be in 2nd gear for autocross. 2nd gear will take you up to ~58 mph. I've only seen a couple of layouts where 3rd is needed and even then, it's just for a few seconds, and then back into 2nd.