trading auto FRS for Manual

[CatScan]

The rev-match really grows on you. Go for a nice hard drive in manual mode with the music off and windows down. Don't worry about how the gears are shifted, just work on shifting at the right time keeping the revs where they should be and setting up for the next turn. If an MT driver got plopped into an AT and found himself unable to have fun "because auto", just feel sorry for him/her and drive on.

[86geek]

life's short.... just do it if you can financially handle the loss of $$$$....as my late grandfather said to me, "cars will always be there and it's a terrible investment to make because they depriciate so quickly"....

[DarkPhoenix]

I made the choice to get an AT because in the end, this is my daily driver and I often get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in my commute. It like being able to not have to worry about shifting or having my foot on a clutch.

When I want to have fun, I put it in manual mode - and I don't feel like my fun suffers for it. I like not having to take my hands off the wheel to shift.

The fact of the matter is this: the driver matters more than the transmission, especially when you do HAVE a manual mode in these cars. If you take the time to learn HOW to use it, I think you'll find you can have plenty of fun.

[shiumai]

I have an AT BRZ, and I have fun driving it. However, my dad taught me to drive in a manual when I was 14/15 years old; my first car was a manual, and I've driven a manual for over 30 years (and ridden motorcycles for 20 years).

I think that learning to drive a manual and getting relatively good at it is mandatory if you're a car enthusiast. It's just one of those skills that's always good to have. When I first started to learn how to drive, besides learning all the rules of the road and trying not to crash into other drivers, much of my attention was focused on not stalling the engine when starting from a stop, or hill. How to make a smooth shift, at what RPM, etc. Basically, the mechanics of driving a car (how to make it go vs, how to drive it in traffic).

Do you remember when you first started learning how to drive you had to concentrate on keeping the car centered in the lane? Do you still struggle to keep between the lines? I don't even think about it now. It's second nature. That's how shifting gears became. Yes, in the beginning, driving a manual was fun because I was learning how to shift smoothly and at the correct RPM. Each successful shift and downshift was a little victory. But, eventually, I just didn't think about it anymore. I shifted when the feel and sound of the engine told me; almost automatically. I had become the automatic transmission.

When I no longer thought much about how to shift, my focus turned to the other 'fun' aspects of driving, like what line to take in a curve, braking points, apexing, limits of traction etc. When you look at good drivers/riders in racing or GP (motorcycle); they're not congratulating themselves every time they make a good shift; it's not 'fun'. They've already mastered the mechanics of the gear shift. They're focused on strategy and tactics. Like being aware of their environment; the track surface, their competitors etc. Something you can still do in an AT.

Learning how to drive a stick (to me) is like learning how to balance on a bicycle. Once you've learned how to do that, you just 'do it', and you can now focus on endurance, control in turns, cadence, what gear to use etc.

I think that having driven a manual transmission for as long as I have, has allowed me to appreciate the auto transmission. I'm not sure I would appreciate it as much if I were just starting out and it was my first car, or I had not learned how to drive a manual. I'd probably feel like I was missing out on an important aspect of learning how to drive. I don't miss not having a clutch. I don't do any sort of driving like drag racing or drifting where a manual is necessary. I drive in traffic and canyons. I use my paddle shifters to change gears when I want to. I have fun every time I drive. I don't miss having a manual one bit.

I'll also mention that if the car did not have paddle shifters as a way of changing gears, I would not buy it. Not having the ability to change gears when I want would definitely detract from the fun of driving, but not having to use a clutch to shift gears doesn't detract from it at all (for me).

So, if it were my first car, or first sports car, I'd probably go with a manual. You are missing out by starting out on an AT; you're missing out on the fun of learning how to drive a manual.

[FR-Sky]

This car isnt about fast,its about handling. That's why I like the manual for this car.
Heel and toe when you about to make a corner, it is super fun to do so with this car.
I don't mind to stuck in the traffic. I enjoy being in the traffic, I dont need to shift too much in traffic anyways.

P.S Hidden feature for those who doesn't know.
When you put on 2nd gear with 6mph on traffic, the car will move like automatic without pressing any gas.
You guys can try it on a flat road.

[Ultramaroon]

I'm set in my ways. I tried really hard to enjoy driving an auto FR-S but I feel naked without that third pedal.

OTOH, the auto is a MUCH tougher transmission

[humfrz]

Originally Posted by Kendallkab

I made the noob mistake of getting an Automatic FRS and want a Manual now. This was my first car. I think I'm going to trade it in for a Manual FRS maybe even a BRZ soon but want others opinions on if its worth the trade. I want it just because I know it would be more fun and fun to learn. Ive only drove a manual twice and did alright ( they said ) Would a manual feel quicker then auto? Is it really more fun? And would the trade be worth it especially if I plan on aiming for 250whp in the future in this car. All opinions and statements welcome!!!

Well, first off, Kendallkab, you didn't make a "mistake" you made a "choice". Don't beat up on yourself.

Yes, I think you would find it be fun to learn to drive a manual.

Would it feel quicker than the auto.. ?? You may think so, because you are doing something ..... however, for most new drivers, with a modern transmission, they won't be able to shift faster or smarter than an AT can.

Would it be worth it..??...... well, maybe so, but it wouldn't be one of your better "investments" .....


humfrz

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by DarkPhoenix

I made the choice to get an AT because in the end, this is my daily driver and I often get stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic in my commute. It like being able to not have to worry about shifting or having my foot on a clutch.

When I want to have fun, I put it in manual mode - and I don't feel like my fun suffers for it. I like not having to take my hands off the wheel to shift.

The fact of the matter is this: the driver matters more than the transmission, especially when you do HAVE a manual mode in these cars. If you take the time to learn HOW to use it, I think you'll find you can have plenty of fun.

This is probably the most intelligent and comprehensive statement I have ever read in the old AT vs MT debate!
Many (most?) of the "MT Yo" crowd have probably never spent enough time in, or even drove one of these modern paddle shifted cars. These things are not your daddy's old auto Corolla but a car equipped with a tranny that can perform shifts faster and better than any human if you let it but still give you the option to decide what gear you want and when you want it. You can have the best of both worlds as long as you truly learn how to use it.

[xcooperx]

both trans is fun to drive, u cant go wrong, if your planning to trade it with manual trans, i would wait for the 2017 model, just my 2 cents.

[iag48st]

Do whatever makes you happy! However, if you think you're getting a faster car, you're wrong. From a dig the manual is faster because it can dump the clutch, however, from a 5-60 roll the auto was actually a tenth faster, DESPITE having taller gears (Car and Driver). And if you really want to be faster, get 4.88 gears which really helps the car.The slush box in this car is fantastic; changes gears in .3 of a second, faster than you or anyone ever will.

Get the manual because you LOVE changing gears during the good and bad (nyc rush hour traffic).

As someone else mentioned, manuals are fun and rewarding when you first learn it. After a while, it becomes second nature and it loses its coolness factor. And then you realize that modern slush boxes are faster anyway lol.

My 95 Miata had to be manual because, well, autos from that era sucked. My FRS had to be auto because I fell in love with the crisp quick shifts and the Rev-match. BTW, I can't comment on auto in auto mode (makes sense?) because I prefer "selecting" my own gears.

Also, if you decide to ever go boost, know that the AT holds more power.

[Riftur]

I had to get the AT cause my wife refused to learn to drive a MT in case of an emergency (only reason I would ever let her drive it lol). I thought it would not be as much fun but the AT on this car is really great and very responsive. I love it. Unless you plan on tracking the car or it isn't your daily driver the novelty will run out fast. I love driving MT cars myself but there are really only a few places to drive it where it really makes a difference. Driving red light to red light in a MT gets really annoying quickly. Plus changing clutches gets expensive since you are new at it. I also agree with Dark Phoenix. The driver really matters also. To me though I am happy I got the AT since I drive through grid lock a lot.

[Hotrodheart]

Originally Posted by Kendallkab

I made the noob mistake of getting an Automatic FRS and want a Manual now. This was my first car. I think I'm going to trade it in for a Manual FRS maybe even a BRZ soon but want others opinions on if its worth the trade. I want it just because I know it would be more fun and fun to learn. Ive only drove a manual twice and did alright ( they said ) Would a manual feel quicker then auto? Is it really more fun? And would the trade be worth it especially if I plan on aiming for 250whp in the future in this car. All opinions and statements welcome!!!

You have another option: Try the CVT.

[MarkR171]

I would do it, given finances arent going to hurt you. I was in the "AT is fine, too" camp when I was driving my SLK55 (AMG 7spd auto with paddles) on weekends and a '99 C Class every day.

After a year with a 5mt Fiat Abarth and 4 months with a 6mt FRS for dailies, I won't go back to an auto daily. The clutch is so light and easy that traffic isn't an issue. Paddles are not nearly as fun/engaging as a proper manual.

For the OP, I'd suggest finding a friend or family member with a manual transmission and ask if they'd let you learn before you made a big purchase.

[djsyndrome]

I'd take a look at the resale value first and see if you can stomach the depreciation. Automatics do a little better in the used market but the initial hit on the twins is still pretty high.