Location. Location. Location...

I think it matters where you live. Personally, if I lived where there were lots of open roads and little traffic, I'd get the stick. Driving conditions (mainly traffic) could also determine how long your clutch will last. So, it can be a financial decision as well.

I live in South Florida and used to own a 6 speed manual Trans AM. That car was a blast to drive when I first got it, but about a year later, when the newness has past and you're into the daily commute and traffic, it wasn't as much fun anymore. Only when I was leisurely driving on weekends did I feel that way again.

I test drove a manual G35 and purchased an auto. The manual was a lot of fun, and part of me makes me wish I had gotten that, but I know that a year or two down the road, I'll be happier with the auto, based on traffic conditions here.

 

Do we really need anyone's approval for the car we chose to own?
Maybe I'm reading too much into this post or perhaps over reacting... but how about a G35AT forum or something like that? That way the AT drivers won't have to listen to the 6MT drivers' condescending comments that have subtly continued.

I could reply with countless counter arguements regarding the AT tranny but why bother... I know that it works for me, and I think that it's the better choice for my needs in a performance [img]/w3timages/icons/shocked.gif[/img] (<- I wonder how many replies this will incite) car.




<font color=black> Black/Willow Coupe </font color=black>
Premium Package
18" Tire/Wheel Package
K&N Filter, Z-Tube, EGK

 

I agree that on an open, winding road, the difference between the two trannys is as vast as the difference between having oral s e x and the real thing. However, if I had to deal with bumper-to-bumper traffic on a daily basis, the 6MT's clutch takeup and notchy shifter would be a real turn-off. To each his own.

RainMeister
'04 G35C 6MT, diamond graphite, premium, nav, aero

 

yup it's depends on your location...
personally my idea of joy/fun ride is relax comfy ride... i called "slavery" to drive MT in heavy traffics... based on my location, driving MT will be slavery rather than fun... but i would get MT if AT g was detuned like rx-8(even on heavy traffics) but since AT and MT have almost identical performance my choice was obvious...