Should i get manual or AT?

[KevinDuMa]

I learned to drive standard on my ex-girlfriend's mother's 1990 Integra and it literally took 30 mins to learn. After that I never looked back and as far as I know I'll never own another automatic again.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by KevinDuMa

I learned to drive standard on my ex-girlfriend's mother's 1990 Integra and it literally took 30 mins to learn. After that I never looked back and as far as I know I'll never own another automatic again.

This. Especially with consideration of the MT that is in this car.

[cassidy0998]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

I think you should get which ever one you enjoy more. Maybe wait until you can test drive one? Manual will cost $1000 more but AT will get better fuel economy. Do what will make you happy. I have never heard of someone who bought a 350/370z in a manual wish they bought a auto. But I have heard guys with a AT wish they had a MT. YMMV.

+1

I hear of many many many more guys that bought an auto that said "I wish I bought a manual" than I do of guys that bought a manual that said I wish I bought an auto.

Autos have their place, but manuals are more fun if you're really wanting the closest connection you can get of "man and machine".

Since the FR-S/BRZ is a "driver's" car and you're interested in that aspect of the car... I would say definitely get the manual - you'll get used to it in no time.

[dsgerbc]

Originally Posted by dori.

IMHO, spend $300 on some shitty early 90s toyota tercel or something that's stick.

These days anything that still runs okay commands at least $1-1.5k.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

These days anything that still runs okay commands at least $1-1.5k.

And you could sell it for the same amount when done with it.

[Capt Canuck]

Mistax: Whatever you do, do not order/buy the car before driving both the AT and MT.
If there is any doubt which you would prefer, the only way to help the decision process is to try them out.

[#87]

Honestly I think paddle shifter is better than manual, but only if you are getting a$ car. The paddles in the eco boxes (for example VW Passat) are worthless and shifts take an eternity.

Having driven a few like that I am very skeptical about the praise that was given the BRZ auto. That is why I put down a deposit for manual. If it works out that I can't get one (which it seems like with the dealer markups and such) I will hopefully get to test drive an AT or see some good reviews comparing the 2 to get a better idea and make a more informed decision.

[Capt Canuck]

Originally Posted by #87

Honestly I think paddle shifter is better than manual, but only if you are getting a$ car. The paddles in the eco boxes (for example VW Passat) are worthless and shifts take an eternity.

That's it. The only good (from a sporty driving POV) 2 pedal car that is affordable from new out there is the GTi. Everything else is apparently rubbish.

From driving loads of rentals the last few years I'd concur that any sub $30k car's autobox has been poor. The three good to drive affordable cars I've had (Mustang, Focus, Cruze) have all be let down by terrible slushbox transmissions.

For those wanting an AT, hopefully the BRZ/FRS can reverse the trend and the reviews seem to think pretty highly of the AT.

[dsgerbc]

Originally Posted by tranzformer

And you could sell it for the same amount when done with it.

Yeah, unless the noob kills the clutch or synchros or both

[madfast]

Originally Posted by dsgerbc

These days anything that still runs okay commands at least $1-1.5k.

and how much is a clutch job? learning on a new car can be risky. some people learn in under an hour, others take much longer. if he hasnt learned by now, after driving his friends car a bit, then he needs more practice. it's as simple as that. MT isnt hard to learn and he'll get it eventually. if his friend is nice enough to continue to lend him the car to learn, then great.

me personally im getting AT because i want to get it. i have an affinity for flappy paddle gearboxes.

[Canibuz]

Originally Posted by jor8888

auto faster than manual 99% of the time, manual is only good for fun drive if u live in area with no traffic and no stoplight every 1 block.

Becareful with this statement, because only CERTAIN autos are faster than manual transmissions. But what would be your measure of "faster" 0-60? Because hell lets be honest most vehicles sole purpose isn't speed.

As for the rest of the statement, I feel like you have never driven stick yourself there buddy...

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by Booey1979

Oh please manual doesn't stop anyone from eating, be on the cell, drink coffee. Anyone saying that obviously doesn't drive a manual. Trust me, you find ways and adapt. I know I learned how to drive a 6-speed in my Z, and I adapted multi-tasking while driving manual.

There's just nothing as satisfying as going through a corner, rev-match by heel-toe (basically braking and blipping the throttle with ur right foot), then stabbing the clutch with the other foot, and then downshift to the lower gear. Fun shit!!!

Yep, this car is all about fun of driving.
So why give an important part of that to an automated system???
I totally enjoy heel-toe downshifting during braking with rev-match and double clutching.

And it is safer to drive like this, because there is no sudden engine brake torque causing the rear axle to loose grip in a corner, while shifting.


Here a video of rev-matching while braking, first without, later with double-clutching
[u2b]IuoZeuSgEj4[/u2b]

In addition the MT and its clutch pedal puts it in your hand, if and when you want to interrupt a drift by pressing the clutch. Chances to catch the cars back if the drift angle has become too wide are much better, if there is no engine brake torque anymore at the rear wheels (by opening the clutch).
In an AT it is up to the car company, how they program the AT.

So again this is car driver car, that's why it makes so much sense to put all relevant driving decision into the drivers hand.


EDIT:
And don't you forget about the winter time, when using the e-brake to prepare for the drift in the snow!! You will need a clutch for this.
Drifting in the snow is anyway so much fun, and using the e-brake makes the car control easier and more reliable.

[zoomzoomers]

Originally Posted by Dark

I would get manual car. Manual = man control, Automatic = Machine control (unless you use sport mode).
Some extremists would say, "you need to drive a manual car to be a car enthusiast", I call it BS. Transmission has nothing to do with being an enthusiast; However, it's more practical to use manual to shift up and down than use sport mode in automatic.

[tranzformer]

Originally Posted by ChrisH

Yep, this car is all about fun of driving.
So why give an important part of that to an automated system???
I totally enjoy heel-toe downshifting during braking with rev-match and double clutching.

And it is safer to drive like this, because there is no sudden engine brake torque causing the rear axle to loose grip in a corner, while shifting.


Here a video of rev-matching while braking, first without, later with double-clutching
[u2b]IuoZeuSgEj4[/u2b]

In addition the MT and its clutch pedal puts it in your hand, if and when you want to interrupt a drift by pressing the clutch. Chances to catch the cars back if the drift angle has become too wide are much better, if there is no engine brake torque anymore at the rear wheels (by opening the clutch).
In an AT it is up to the car company, how they program the AT.

So again this is car driver car, that's why it makes so much sense to put all relevant driving decision into the drivers hand.


EDIT:
And don't you forget about the winter time, when using the e-brake to prepare for the drift in the snow!! You will need a clutch for this.
Drifting in the snow is anyway so much fun, and using the e-brake makes the car control easier and more reliable.

Excellent post. I feel we need a sticky on how to properly drive a MT car to explain heel-toe and double clutching to some of those less familiar with MT cars.