I am thinking about buying the g35 sedan. I am in love with this car. I am not sure if I want it with the 5 speed automatic transmission or the 6 speed manual. What is the difference in handling, performance, speed? Any comments will be appreciated.

 

Well, I guess you first have to ask yourself if you enjoy driving a stick. Even though I'm a city dweller, I wouldn't want to drive anything but a stick. That said, the 6MT sedan somes with a sport tuned suspension--so a different feel/handling (stiffer) from the 5AT, unless you opt for the sport suspension in the 5AT. Personally, I like the feeling of control a stick gives me, and occasionally do drivers schools, so for driving on the track I would never want a 5AT (steptronic or not). Drove a friend's 5AT with the steptronic and didn't like using the steptronic at all--seemed pointless to me--but again that's because I've always preferred a stick.

The engine is the same for both cars, so ultimately the speed should be the same. How fast you get to speed may be different and is driver dependent with the 6MT. 5AT adjusts to your driving style and some folks reset the ECU after break in to adapt a more aggressive driving style. ECU reset is not an issue with the 6MT.

Anyway, the 6MT is fun, fun, fun!

My advice--drive both and see what you enjoy most.
Good luck whatever your choice! These are terrific machines.

Dreams garnet fire/graphite leather 6MT 2003.5 premium/aero/winter hyperground kit

 

I agree with Dreamsenoi...It all comes down to which tranny you'd found most enjoyable, and what your driving style is...Personally, I dislike Nissan's manual shift mode on their autos...I'm not at all bashing automatics as I've owned a few...I have a 6MT Sedan and love the control...If you have long commutes in heavy traffic you may want an auto...Drive 'em both and take one home...

"All the Power in the World resides in the Eyes..."

 

Thank you very much for your reply. I checked your pictures. You have a sweet ride.

Thanks!

 

The other thing you might want to consider is that the 6MT has not been reviewed favorably by mags and I noticed quite a few posts about problems with the 6MT. I never read them because I don't have one but you might want to do a bit of research first.

Not that I am trying to talk you out of it. If my wife didn't need to drive this car I am sure I would have bought a manual...

2003.5 5AT Sedan Black/Black Premium/Winter Packages

 

What are some of the posted problems? I have a 6 MT. I just want to know what to look out for. Thanks for the input.

 

Simple. If you use your vehicle as a go to work car in stop and go traffic, then get the 5AT. If you use it for weekend fun, get the stick. Good luck in your choice.

 

dude ,just get the auto
i regret that i got the stick cuz it the traffic sucks here in north NJ

Gggggg G Unit....... lol

 

And the ECU mods coming out will better affect the 5AT for some reason - should even the cars out a little.

 

Just got my G35 with 6MT.
Truly a drivers car!
Sweet shifting, even in traffic. (Detroit Area in rush hour rivals all cities)
I was on the fence between Acura TL-S and the G35, when I saw the 6MT sticker on the window it was a done deal.
Having driven AT for the past 29 years, I expected some adjustment period.
No regets, performance is about equal, the stick feels more connected and involved.

Good luck on what ever you choose, great car!

 

Noticed the comment that ECU reset is 'not an issue with 6MT'. I was reviewing the ECU RESET instructions and there are detailed instructions on doing it with manual tranny. Since my wife often drives our 6MT and she is shall we say less aggreesive than me, I wonder if she's slowing me down. Anyone...please confirm whether ECU can be learning her 'bad habits'. If not, what might the ECU RESET be good for on manual transmission given someone posts the method. TIA

Bill Morgan (Brilliant Silver 6MT Sedan)

 

The ECU reset works for the 6 MT as well.

Why would anyone under the age of 60 want a automatic. I live in So California and drive 73 miles one way to work each day on the 91 Fwy (one of the worst in So. Calif). I would have nothing other than a 6MT. This truly makes this machine sing. I have absolutly no problems with my sedan. The automatic will eat brakes.

Good luck in your decision. (Go with the 6MT)

 

I'm curious what mags had unfavorable reviews of the 6mt? C&D and R&T both seemed to like it. So did FreshAlloy.com. Most other reviews I've seen seem to test an auto. Did I miss something along the way?

I didn't even drive or consider the G35 auto -- my last two Volvos have been autos, but I really miss driving a stick, plus I haven't liked any "manumatic" I have test driven.

The 6mt felt great to me in my test drives. I think it comes down to personal preference and practicality (i.e. highway vs stop & go driving).


TurboFish
2004 G35 Sedan 6M -- Desert Platinum, Graphite Leather, Premium/Winter (on order for Nov '03)
1998 Volvo C70 Coupe HPT

 

Yeah, I have not seen any bashing on the manual. You can add <a href="http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedan/112_0308_frst_g356mt/">Motor Trend</a> to that list of plugs for the manual. Every other earlier article also said 'if only it had a manual option'.

As for which to get, it will depend on how traffic is by you and your preference. I took out a manual and then a stick for test drives. I ended up with the 6MT. Guess you know where I stand.

2003.5 Sedan Black/Black w/ sport, premium, aero, and winter packages.

 

Can anybody post the gear ratios of both the 6MT and the 5AT please?

Dave