Are you getting Manual or Auto?

[Mazdaspeed]

I've got to say, when I drove the automatic FR-S I wasn't constantly reminded that I was driving an automatic like I am with some cars. It was quite pleasant, it didn't try second guessing what I wanted, and it was quick to respond to my inputs - it was easily the best automatic I've ever driven. That said, the manual is so amazing that I simply can't pass it up, but you really can't go wrong with either choice.

[ill86]

Drove both. Purchased the manual. Easy decision for me.

[HotLeopardMama]

Originally Posted by Calum

In the 16 years I have been driving I have never owned an automatic, nor do I plan to. I hate automatic transmissions. I have zero understanding as to why anyone would buy a car with one, especially a sports car. Even the 'best' automatics will change gears when you don't want them to, causing you to have to drive the transmission first and the car second.

I learned to drive a stick when I was 16 for about an hour or two. Got it to 2nd gear and could start it on a hill and then my lesson with my pop ended. At almost 30 years old, I'm not going to re-learn how to drive a stick on a new car, regardless of it's sporty nature... I also just didn't want a manual. My car, my money, my decision. LOL - to eat their own happiness.

Since I've only ever owned automatic cars, I bought an automatic and love it. Shifts quick enough for me to get across the 4 lanes of traffic I have to squeeze through to get into the carpool lane in the mornings. No funky hesitation or nothing, and I don't use the paddle shifters--it's just a very responsive car. Perhaps that's just because I don't drive as aggressively or skillfully as some of the folks on here... but my FR-S is my daily driver (and my first new car), so I'm not taking any unnecessary risks in it.

I'm sure a manual will be more fun for most folks, especially since this really is a driver's car. But you should test drive them both if you're able--maybe at an upcoming meet or something... it's not exactly a cheap car, so you should be sure before you buy.

[Calum]

Originally Posted by Dadhawk

That's why things come in different flavors, and why arguing transmissions is like arguing Religion, you aren't going to convince zealots on either side to change.

That said, in defense of the 6AT in the 86, in manual mode it will NOT change gears on you except in an extreme under-rev (stall the engine) situation. On the top end, the only thing it won't let you switch it into an over-rev the engine, but you can hold it in gear bouncing off the limiter all day.

[HotLeopardMama]

Originally Posted by enigmaaron

It's all personal preference. I'm a manual guy, I test drove an auto FR-S and yes it is a good auto but to me it just doesn't feel right.

I find it funny people complain about stop and go traffic with a manual. Try offroading with a manual (my current DD, soon to be 2nd vehicle):

Is it uncommon to do offroading in a manual? I think a good chunk of the group my dad drove with did. His was an MT with an additional low gear box he had put in, and his own at-home spring lift since there wasn't any aftermarket stuff for his 1998 Isuzu Amigo (pictured below--sorry if it's too big, dunno how to resize). He also did a bunch of his own welding stuff to add to it--or he tack welded and have professionally finished at a shop.

[Chewie4299]

Originally Posted by HotLeopardMama

Is it uncommon to do offroading in a manual? I think a good chunk of the group my dad drove with did. His was an MT with an additional low gear box he had put in, and his own at-home spring lift since there wasn't any aftermarket stuff for his 1998 Isuzu Amigo (pictured below--sorry if it's too big, dunno how to resize). He also did a bunch of his own welding stuff to add to it--or he tack welded and have professionally finished at a shop.

It's not uncommon but it is definitely easier with an auto. Some guys install throttle controls that they can use with their thumb if necessary so that can work off holding the brake down hard while easing it into gear on a precarious slope/angle.

[HotLava]

Originally Posted by Scaldy

I test drove the AT. Even with the paddle set up I found the transmission taking over more than I would like. I understand everyone's beef with a MT in traffic, but I just do what the truckers do. First gear and coast along. It becomes a game of keeping a sensible gap so your space isn't abused vs. not throwing the clutch in.

I ordered a MT. For me it's the difference between driving and being driven. I think when I get older I will eventually love an AT for ease of use and now gas mileage.

During your test drive how did the AT take over? Or did you only drive it in D mode? When it is in M mode the only things it does is downshift automatically, it won't upshift to second (for example) if you're only going 1 mile per hour, and it won't let you go from 5th to 1st at 60MPH (or any occasion where a downshift would red line the engine--all of which seem sensible to me.) Is that what you are referring to?

[Turbowned]

How can the Most Interesting Man in the World be wrong?

[OrbitalEllipses]

Originally Posted by Guaruja

Guess everyone has their opinion - but in my case - the auto (hate calling it auto - the paddle shifted manual?) will actually help me enjoy the car more.

Can't call it that. It's a traditional torque-converted automatic, nothing manual about it.

[enigmaaron]

Originally Posted by HotLeopardMama

Is it uncommon to do offroading in a manual? I think a good chunk of the group my dad drove with did. His was an MT with an additional low gear box he had put in, and his own at-home spring lift since there wasn't any aftermarket stuff for his 1998 Isuzu Amigo (pictured below--sorry if it's too big, dunno how to resize). He also did a bunch of his own welding stuff to add to it--or he tack welded and have professionally finished at a shop.

I would say it depends on the level. The group I mostly wheel with are using their daily drivers, I think that level is predominantly to be auto.. But the more hardcore people who trailer their rigs and have a low gear crawler box like you mentioned are mostly manuals I think. Or at least more likely to have manuals.

[alyon]

Manual. No way in hell I was going back to an auto.

Also. Manual has shorter gears aka that 150 lbs feels torquier. Bought it because race car. Not grocery car.

[HotLeopardMama]

Originally Posted by enigmaaron

I would say it depends on the level. The group I mostly wheel with are using their daily drivers, I think that level is predominantly to be auto.. But the more hardcore people who trailer their rigs and have a low gear crawler box like you mentioned are mostly manuals I think. Or at least more likely to have manuals.

It was his daily driver, but he was retired, lol, so not quite the same. He towed it behind our RV and just disconnected the hub during tow so as not to grow his mileage when the car wasn't actually running.

Can you not add low gear boxes to automatics? (I don't really know how this stuff works)

...have you always driven manual on the cars you've owned?

[whtchocla7e]

After years of driving AT, it feels like watching a movie with your eyes closed.

[HotLava]

Originally Posted by whtchocla7e

After years of driving AT, it feels like watching a movie with your eyes closed.

Or for others it's like having a dishwasher and not having to do dishes by hand.