07 6MT G35?

 

As one who has driven MT and AT both for years and years, I have to say the problem w/ AT isn't the acceleration (at least not anymore), but the lack of control.

For example, what bugged me the most in any AT I've driven is the fact that the transmission does not consistently shift at the same speed. Sometimes, when you're going at a fast clip, the AT will shift quickly. Other times, say when you're rounding a curve and you anticipate by downshifting ahead of the curve, the AT will lag, then downshift while you're at the apex of the curve causing a dangerous condition.

Other situations in my current AT are when I'm rolling out into traffic at 2-3 mph and have to hit the accelerator, there's a pause before the transmission grabs and the car accelerates forward. This is very dangerous when there are cars approaching. This frequently happens in my current Acura TSX, which is one reason why I'm thinking about replacing it with a 6 speed G.

Now, I'm not saying this happens w/ the G's AT as I haven't driven it, but with my various Nissans and current Honda AT, I've always experienced this frustrating lack of control.

With a manual, you put the car into whatever gear you want when you want. You control exactly when the clutch engages and the car does exactly what you want. You feel directly connected to whatever the car is doing.

With respect to costs, a properly driven manual transmission clutch would easily last 150K-200K miles. It is cheaper to replace a clutch than an AT. The ATs in my 87 Nissan Maxima and my 90 300ZX both started slipping and required replacement under warranty within the 36K mile warranty. I'm sure you guys have all heard about how Honda/Acura ATs for their V6 cars tend to blow up over and over again.

The MT and clutch in my 94 Infiniti G20t had no issues up until it was totaled by a drunk driver at 134K miles. My 91 300ZXTT's tranny had no problems through 93K miles when I sold it though I did upgrade the stock clutch when I started upgrading the hp. Back when import drag racing was popular, those Honda Civics and Acura Integras were routinely running 400+ wheel hp through the stock manual transmission (w/ upgraded clutch obviously) literally doing dozens of drag racing launches and passes without any issues.

 

Who cares if an AT ever becomes faster than an MT?

I did not get an MT for speed; I got its fun factor.

If acceleration is such a concern, then maybe an AT is a better option for many; I would say most MT drivers are slower than an AT, even though the MT has the potential to slightly outperform the AT.

To each their own. But too many people worry about which one is faster.

 

^ I completely agree. This whole MT vs AT nonsense is just that.....nonsense. The performance differences to the average person are neglible, and in general, the argument in itselt is getting old.

 

I agree.. Nothing like a 6MT for total control and being one with the car. My first venture into an automatic in a long time... so far I like it.. but the 5AT does have it's short-comings.. but it does fit the character of the car very well... and its entertaining with the rev matched downshifts and all.. One of the best attempts at making a slush box fun to drive.

 

One thing, that still holds true after 30 years of enjoying drag racing is there is always thousands of opinions, but just one winner. personally if I was going bracket racing, I would go automatic. All out 1/4 mile drag racing would go with MT.

 

+1...

 

Shiftable AT, especially with paddles, solves both problems you mentioned.