Hi All

I decided on a G35 sedan but can not decide on which transmission to get . I am located in southern California and will have to deal with the country's #1 congested freeway system. Of course I will use the G on my daily commute and I am afraid shifting gears a million time will drive me mad and be one of those chase scenes on the freeway. I never own a stick shift before but I can drive it without stalling. I test drove my friend's 350Z and it's harder to get into first gear than I am use to but I got the hang of it after a while. I loved the Z but I need a 4door. I only test drove 04 automatic sedan and seems you have to rev above 3000 rpm to gain any power out of it. I realized the peak torque is at 4400 rpm and I really do not want to over-rev an automatic, afterall it's a V6. I guess my question is has anyone ponder the same situation I am at and what concluded their decision.

Also has Infiniti/Nissan fixed the 6sp MT problem? My Z friend told me they found a potiental fix to the problem and but only time could tell if the fix is permanent.

I was also considering the new IS350 (ETA autumn 2006) because it will have a SMG option but from everything that I heard about SMG, it's not worth it (I can explain if anyone is interested). It also only have 245hp and I really don't want a first production year car.

 

What2do,

I just came back from vacationing at L.A. Talk about traffic! Coming from NY where I think traffic is horrible enough. BOY...was I in a big suprise. How in the world do you live in Southen Cali? Traffic is beyond control...gridlocks everywhere. Anyway, back to your topic. I myself been driving manual for about 13+ years now. Never own an automatic car. It doesn't really bother me driving manual in the traffic. (But if I would to live in L.A., I might have to think twice). Anyway, I just can't stand automatic (I might get a g35 too but I need an awd and they have yet to come out with the manual). I just don't like the way automatic shifts gears. You never know exactly when it shifts and when it finally does, it suddenly jerks you back. Just the fact that everytime you let go off the gas pedal and that it upshifts for you...bothers me big time. It's a stupid torque converter. I want to be in a gear till I SHIFT out of it myself. I guess tiptronic is an alternative solution but with tiptronic you tap up and down and you never know what gear you are in. Either way, manual wins hands down. The only reason I see people getting automatic is either you don't know how to drive manual or you live in like L.A. or something.

 

what2do,
I live in So Cal and I've been driving manual for 11+ years. I know traffic can get ugly, but to me, manual is so much more fun to drive. In traffic, you just need to pick the right gear and pass everyone with the G..hehe...it's fun.
I guess I pick fun over praticality...both auto & manual G's are good choices. Final decision is up to you


2004 G35s 6mt, Tb/willow, prem pkg, Nismo aero body kit, 3M clear bra

 

;=)
I also live in So Cal. I used to commute daily from Orange County to Torrance in an S2K, currently commuting in a Civic Si.
I say get the 6MT unless you really hate to shift. I say this because I just took home an 05 Sedan 5AT for my wife a few days ago... It's a beautiful and fun car (much more performance than my wife will ever use) but I still miss the manual trans. I'm putting on the break-in miles for her, and starting to use the tiptronic function. Here's my take on the auto-manuals - VERY little fun, it's like playing a video game compared to real driving. Also very slow to change into reverse from manual mode (not important, but still a factor for me as I've driven manuals since 1981).
Lastly, eventhough I'm biased towards the 6MT; you will not go wrong with either trans. I don't know what car you are replacing with the G35, but for my taste, there's plenty of power throughout the rev band. I come from many years of driving peaky Honda I4s so I guess any engine would seem like torque machines :=)
Cheers

 

After driving a 5 speed MT for several years (before getting married and having a child of course ;-), I came to realize that it's definitely more fun, but also more tiresome; especially using the clutch. In addtion, if you drive like I do (he he ;-), you may tend to wear out the clutch sooner than you think.

In today's fast-paced world where you have to do so many things at once (and, although not the safest and most practical, often in the car while driving ;-), a 5 or 6 speed MT is just too much of a hassle. Thankfully though many car mfgr's including Infiniti know this and offer an alternative that many consider the "best of both worlds" in trannies...the 5AT ManuMatic!!!! I love it...it's one of the reasons why I chose the G35. I had to have the ManuMatic shifting!

I always drive in MM mode and control the shifting myself, but don't have the hassle (and sometimes cramping pain) of the the clutch. I know "it's not the same" as a true 5 or 6 speed MT, but it's good enough and adds plenty of fun for spirited driving (especially in the G35 ;-) And, if I need to do a couple of things at once while in the car, I just simply flip the shifter into "A" for a short while and do what I need to do...can't do that with an MT. In MM mode, I upshift/downshift (and redline it here and there...he he ;-) just as you would in an MT, but without that damn clutch...it's so easy, so satisfying, and so much fun. I feel much more in control than in Automatic mode.

Of course it's up to you, but if you have kids or do "a little business" while in the car on your way to work or whatever, you may want to really consider the 5AT...test drive it again, but in MM mode. You may be pleasantly surprised just how fun and easy it is!



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Sport Wheels, Alum. Pedals, Tint, Z Tube, K&N, Coupe Midpipe<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by bsgoren on 11/23/04 01:08 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

I live in So. Cal. and own a 6MT sedan myself. I have always driven a manual transmission car or truck, so I've grown used to shifting and being in traffic [and admittingly, I have spent way too much time in traffic during my commutes].

I think for the lifetime manual guys like myself, traffic is not a real bother, or at least it does not bother me. Shifting is so automatic for me that I don't even think about it. However, for someone like yourself that is not used to a manual transmission, I would think that you would get fustrated easily.

 

When I purchased my G, I had a different job and spent a lot of time on the road in traffic. So, I decided to save my calf muscles, and my clutch, and I got a 5AT. If I had to do it all over again, I'd probably get the 6MT - more control over the engine, more sporty, more horsepower as well.

-townsley-
03 Premium BS/Willow 5AT Sport Sedan
Z-tube/K&N Air Filter/5-wire Grounding Kit
Tinted/Clear Corners/Blinker Mod/Splash Guards
Debadged/Aluminum Pedals/Rear JDM Lip Spoiler

 

Easy. 298hp will put a bigger smile on my face every time I have the opportunity to unleash it than any hassle a 6mt in traffic might overshadow. So...are you an enthusiest driver, or what?

2004 | 6MTs | Diamond Graphite/Graphite
Upstate NY

 

you rarely hear someone say, I wish I would have bought the automatic.

Jim
'03.5 Sedan
Brilliant Silver/Graphite
6MT/ Premium package
Sport tuned suspension
Nismo Body Kit
Navigation and Satellite Radio
Z-Tube/JDM battery cover

 

Hey, I'm not saying the 6MT isn't more fun and isn't more of a car enthusiast's preference (b/c it is) and may be more powerful now with 298 HP vs. 280 HP; I'm just saying I don't miss driving a MT at all (after many years of driving a 5 speed MT)...I'm very happy with my G35's 5AT mainly b/c of the ManuMatic shifting mode. To me, it really is the best of both worlds and I really enjoy it! After driving this car...my first with the MM mode, I know I would never want to go back to a Auto-only...too boring. But, I don't think I would ever want to go back to driving an MT either...too much of a PITA. Just my $0.02.



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Sport Wheels, Alum. Pedals, Tint, Z Tube, K&N, Coupe Midpipe<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by bsgoren on 11/23/04 03:57 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

For some the 5AT is an acceptable trade off. with the 03 and '04's you didn't give up much performance. With the '05 there is a big difference. I would venture to say that anyone considering the G35 is going to be performance minded. Otherwise there is a whole gang of nice quality 4 door cars out they could choose from. with that said, why go for a G35 and then wimp out with a 5AT? Thats like having a stripper girlfriend with an STD. Sure it looks great but the *gear box* doesn't perform as well as it should.

Jim
'03.5 Sedan
Brilliant Silver/Graphite
6MT/ Premium package
Sport tuned suspension
Nismo Body Kit
Navigation and Satellite Radio
Z-Tube/JDM battery cover

 

It basically all depends on you and your everyday situation, the way you drive and what you ike and want out of a car! For a performance addict and freak like myself, the G35 sedan doesnt suit my needs at all, but i love it for an everyday, quick fun car, but it def. isnt a "track" car!! But i have a 5at and want a 6spd badly, i dont care about traffic and everyday situations lol, having fun is all that matters to me and i love manuals! Good luck with your decision, if you dont go for a manual your still getting a very good gearbox and tranny without much sacrifice that its an auto and not a manual, the auto tranny's are great in our cars, either choice is a great choice =)


Martin
2003.5 BS G35
Nismo Aero/Sport Package
0-60 5.4 - 1/4 Mile 14.16 *GTech* and on 19's!!

 

One other thing to consider.....

If you want rear A/C, you can only get it with an auto trans! It may sound silly, but if you have a family or take clients in your car, the rear A/c can be important.

 

Why would you say that getting a 280HP, 0-60 in about 6.2 sec. or less sports sedan is "wimping out?" Just b/c it's a 5AT with ManuMatic? That's a poor argument, considering the kinds of sports cars (sedans, coupes, and convertibles) out there that have Auto trannies (many with ManuMatic, TipTronic, Paddle Shifters, etc.), like Corvettes, Porsches, MBs, BMW's, Aston Martins, etc.

Also , who's to say that there's a real significant difference in power and speed when the '05 280 HP (5AT) and 298 HP (6MT) are compared. Most will say that the difference is negligable...maybe 0.02 sec 0-60 or so. I'm sorry, but I would rather have the convenience of my 5AT with MM mode than the hassle of the 6MT, but that's my preference, and many here may not agree. Some prefer a manual tranny.

Fine...everyone has their preferences, but don't say those who drive a 5AT (even with the new '05's) wimp out by not getting a 6MT. Just maybe the hassles of a manual tranny with a clutch just isn't what they prefer.

Besides, you can still have plenty of fun with the G35 5AT in ManuMatic mode! ;-)



2004.5 G35-S 5AT Black/Willow - Prem, R. Spoiler, Navi, Sport Wheels, Alum. Pedals, Tint, Z Tube, K&N, Coupe Midpipe

 

All the suggestions are greatly appreicated, and as for my driving, I consider myself a mild driver but I can be aggresive when condition demands it. I am not a weekend racer but I want a car than can perform when I really need it. I am own automatics all my life but I feel like a kid in a toy store everytime I get to drive a stick. I am not sure the this phase will wear off if I actually own a stick.

What is making this decision even harder is that Infinity is pricing the two tranmission at about the same price. $300 more for the automatic is not going to tip the scale to either side. I guess I just have to go to the dealer and test both out. 6mt manual may have more HP but it's has less torque. What is that about?