What's The BEST Sportscar Transmission? Manual vs. Auto 

Being disabled. My paddle shifted 370z is a godsend as I manipulate the gas and brake with hand controls. Amén

For a sports car I want a manual. It's about more than 0-60 times for me. It's simply more fun for me, even if they could shave a second off with an automatic. People should get the car that resonates with them, regardless of transmission, cylinder count, make, etc. Don't be shitty about what other people want.

My daily is an auto, my dream car will be a manual

When I was looking for my Z, I wanted three very specific things. 1. Hard top. Not the convertible. 2. Sports package. 3. Manual Transmission. I thought, if I'm going to put up the money for a sports car, I better ensure that I enjoy the thing as much as I can. So, manual tranny was the way to go for me.

I own an auto 370z & driving her hard on mountain roads is so nice & so much fun, like you said the gear changes in the auto's are so fast. You do notice the auto & not having to change gears which for me gives me more confidence to drive it a bit harder.

Always had manual sports cars, but I'm going to buy the auto Nismo after I drove it. It's faster and feels a lot like a manual in manual mode (although boring in Drive), because it has direct lock-up 2-7 gears and even engine braking. Also, the shifting is so fast--certainly faster than I shift.

That feeling when you shift up in a manual car it's indescribable

Having a Manual is amazing because these days people don't know how to drive them, add a quick release wheel, ultimate thief proof. Put the wheel in your backpack and your car will never be stolen.

Bought a 2015 WRX cvt 6 months ago... Just traded it out for a 2016 STI. Best decision I ever made.

I think you gave a pretty unbiased and good review. I have a 370Z and prefer the auto as I do a mix of city traffic and country driving, but manual cars are fun, but more so on a motorbike.

I also find that there’s less criticism with auto’s depending on the type of car... if I had an M3 with the DCT as opposed to the manual I wouldn’t get as much crap as if I had an automatic BRZ/FRS over the manual.

I love your honest and fair comparison between the 2. When I bought my G37s (auto) about 2 years ago I was debating hard between and auto and a stick. But man I live Los Angeles and I have to 30mins on the 405 to work and back. So I was happy to get the auto. But thankfully I was able to get the S which comes with paddles and from time to time I'll drive in manual mode, not as engaging as stick. But somewhat close. But I do have to give props to those who have a stick and drive in bumper to bumper traffic. IDK how you guys do it, because that shit was drive me crazy.

Automated Manuals and I'm not even ashamed. DCT in my old E92M and PDK in my current 911 Turbo. Disclaimer: I've only lived in high traffic areas: SD, LA, Downtown Chicago

Ok, so I wanted to get the automatic but to be honest, I hated the thought of fan boys with manuals giving me shit of owning a sports car thats not manual. I know, it shouldn't matter what people think, but it does get to me. I also didn't want to get cheated from getting such a nice sports car without fully experiencing it through a manual. FYI, I don't know how to drive a stick and believe its too late too learn, as in why bother now, most cars are paddle shift. I also commute an hour in traffic to and from work. Thank you guys for posting this video like you promised!

"a few minutes later after scrolling down the comments..." ok...... lots of people love both auto and manuel but i don't understand y u guys r arguing about it... like which one is better... lots of people have different needs of transmissions in a car... They're just used to it (all day long/everyday)...or in love with it... or... I don't know... u guys say something about it...

driving an automatic sport car is like playing a video game on easy

I like auto its relaxing not having to worry about shifting

I live in Chicago where traffic is everywhere, manual is not meant for it so auto it is.

I had an auto 350z in college and the stigma and flack of owning an auto sports car really gets to you, especially knowing how much faster the manual was than the auto in the z33 generation and also how uncool it was to have a car that people would memeas "retarded." I took it to heart and when I picked up my next car, a manual WRX I finally realized why an enthusiast would think such a way. I refuse to go back to automatic now, I don't care if it's a flappy paddle, super fast shifting, godly transmission, there is ZERO replacement for the feeling of having full control of your car, from downshifting, rev matching, heel and toe, etc...the drive is so much more rewarding and I feel that I didn't waste the potential of the car. Im in la traffic constantly going to Orange county and honestly, the complaints abt manual in traffic is from the lazy asses out there. It's not that bad and not that different from driving in the city, mind you I have 12 hour shifts and a long commute back and forth and if anything, manual makes my commute worth it. I'll never go back and someday wish to swap the transmission in my Z when time comes for an engine swap. Manual is the only true enthusiast transmission, I don't care if your auto is faster and more advance, it cannot replace the connection between car and driver.

Automatic is like drinking beer without the alcohol.

you guys have to understand that a lot of people choose manual not because it's faster or more performant, but rather being more connected to the car. there's no such thing as a better transmission (manual vs auto) because every person has a different preference. not everyone drives to drag race or set the best times at the track.

I personally came from a Genesis coupe 3.8 auto, to a Terminator Cobra manual (of course). I have to say, I love manual transmission A LOT more than autos. They're just more fun to the enthusiast

If you look at most high end hyper cars you will see 80 percent of them only come in automatic because they are faster and the paddles allow for more speed and quicker shifts

I have a G37s now but bought a nissan 240sx when I was 18 and it was a manual, and loved the connection I had with a manual car. My G now is my daily driver and won't trade my manual for an auto just love the feel I have with my car.

Being in the autotmotive field, there's no doubt that efficiency and speed wise that the auto is superior. However, the experience of the manual is always gonna be the winner in my books. There's just no equivalent feeling to banging gears and hitting the clutch and heel toeing and whatnot, even as my daily is a manual and being in my fair share of chicago traffic I wouldn't want it any other way. I've been in higher performance auto vehicles such as a 458 (per those companies that go around to different tracks and you can drive supercars for whatever price) and not once did I think "wow this shifts so fast." Auto is the efficient way to go, manual is the fun way to go

I own a 2015 6MT 370z Nismo and have found myself on many occasions thinking about trading it for an auto. I love the involvement of a manual when hooning about on country roads but for general driving around town I tend to fall out of love with it. For such a new car, the gearbox is really quite embarrassing. It's so noisy it actually makes me cringe at car shows and pray to the car gods that it doesn't clunk/grind when changing 1st to 2nd gear at a low speed - something it is renowned for when cold. I think I need to try an auto to see if it would convince me the manual is better after all..

Great Wisdom. I have a Genesis coupe automatic

I have an auto 350z and i am usually glad because i drive in heavy traffic often. I also would agree as well that the Z cars have very good auto transmissions. They're still very engaging and fun but convenient when needed which for me is nearly every day. There are days though that i would like the extra connection with the vehicle but i still feel that the auto is currently a better option for me personally.

Honestly, people just need to be more open minded. For the manual guys, take the time and go drive a good paddle shifting transmission. You will understand just how useful it can be for spirited driving on a backroad or on a track, as well as having the ability to use it as a convenient commuter car makes it a very viable option, especially for those who use it as a daily driver. Automatic guys, you have to understand that driving a manual has a MUCH MUCH more engaging feel to driving than even a paddle shifting transmission does. It is less efficient and it is slower than a paddle shifting transmission, but the thrill of a perfect heel-toe downshift and being able to feel the mechanical feedback of a clutch and shifter is truly a very engaging and wonderful experience. Both are wonderful for different types of drivers and different types of driving scenarios.

For me, sports cars are by far my favorite type of car. I just love how awesome they perform compared to other cars. Not even muscle cars (another favorite of mine) can stand up to the well rounded performance a sports car offers. I mean, they're fast, accelerate quickly, are very precise when turning around corners. To top it all off, they look awesome too with their sleek and low profile design. My favorite car is the C7 Corvette. Love the design, and the fact you're getting supercar performance while only paying a fraction of the cost. Now the question is, which transmission is best for a sports car? In my opinion I think that all depends on what you're looking for. If you're just looking for something fun and interactive, a manual may be for you. But for me personally I find the automatic transmission to be much more "sporty". It really makes a sports car true to its name. Sure, driving manual could be fun. But in my opinion I don't really think having my smooth ride down a winding road interrupted by a gear shift sounds fun. Or hitting a sharp turn on a track and having to downshift. It draws attention away from the feeling of freedom that comes with driving a sports car down the road. For me at least. At the end of the day all I can say is, drive what you enjoy the most. The best thing about cars is our freedom to choose. A freedom that is slowly being lost as the market moves to pushing sales of boring crossovers and electric vehicles.

Thanks for uploading this video bro! Ive been waiting for it lol now I have a more clarity explanation of the automatic transmission 👍🏻

The landscape is beautiful!

It’ll Make You Cooler Say what you will, but there can be no argument on this point: If you see a sports car with an automatic transmission, you're disappointed. Perhaps even judgmental. But if the car has a manual? That's cool. Manual transmissions are cooler. Plain and simple.

If I didn't drive a manual in heavy traffic I'd probably fall asleep. I don't get why everyone always says bumper to bumper traffic is super annoying while driving a manual. I like needing to work the clutch and shift through the first couple gears. Like you said, it makes the most mundane drives an experience. I want to have to drive my car, where's the fun if it does all the work for you? I can't flatten my pedal at all times, so a clutch and stick fills in the gap. Edit: and anybody who says paddle shifters have the same effect are dead wrong and must've never actually driven a manual. Easing up in traffic is all in the clutch.

I have a 2017 Honda Accord 3.5L 6-Speed. It's always fun to drive, especially when the VTEC kicks in. The masculinity, performance, and aggressiveness of this vehicle is amazing!

Dealing with bumper to bumper traffic almost made me regret getting a manual, but now I'm more used to it and I'm a better driver

Great video, I like how you said everthing, i made the same type of video on my channel with non nismos and had the same opinion

6:29 he said smash the gashh😂😂😂

So basically the only downside to having the automatic is that you're not obligated with the non-stop hassle of having to use a clutch because you enjoy stress and responsibility of it

When racing on windy roads or just having fun zipping through cars in the road / freeway I love having a manual .

I been watching a lot of tutorials on driving a stick shift, and I still don't no what the hell to do

I drive a manual g37s sedan and honestly at times i wish i would of bought an automatic at times

I drive a 2014 Q60s with a automatic transmission. I rarely use the paddle shifters because it is hard not to hit the rev limiter. I find if I leave it in sport mode it will do all the work for me including downshifts during heavy braking.

driving an automatic for like most of my life was prety cool, u could really move in sports/mode or with paddle shifters but when u hop into a manual and take that thing around for a ride it feels like a whole new car. it just feels like your drivin on a cloud once you get really good at it

shiftable automatic is the best of both worlds. stay in drive mode for the daily driving and heavy traffic, switch to manual mode when you wanna have fun or at the track. simple

What are the pros and cons of each transmission for the 370Z Nismo in particular

Good informative video. I have the 370z base coupe auto and it’s like a rocket.

such an excellent, informative video..thank u for making this...this helped me immensely make up my mind..buying an automatic 370z in march

You actually did a good job explaining what ppl argue so Much about so 👍👍👍👍👍

Please give us a drag race between the two Z's🙏🏻

I've driven both (paddle)auto and manual 370z multiple times(used to work at nissan dealership) and they both are fun and i would take either of them with the slight edge going to the manual

I just bought my 2009 370Z Nismo and I got the manual transm. I love it, I really didn`t know how good this cars are until I test it myself, but watching your explanation I would say the Auto transm. is a more advanced technology because you can shift up or down like manual T. the difference is that you do not need a Clutch and you get the same result than manual T. I can hear the sound when you shift. and remember no headache on traffic, and they are a bit faster. I always hear manual T. more fun, but I do not know why? If I have to shouse I`l get the the Manual Transmission, all school brather. Thanks for your videos you are good.

I drive an STI daily bumper to bumper traffic. Will still pick manual every time.

My dream is to have two race cars Acura integra and subie wrx sti (both Manuel) work truck and a Kawasaki ninja

Sequential is the best for setting the fastest lap times around the track.

i'm looking at manual sportscars now that i've been on a break for a few years from owning one. the reason i took a break is that i have driven a manual for so many years that i became so used to it that it was like driving an automatic. so i'm hoping that when i get a rwd manual sportscar that the same love and passion that i once had for manuals will come back.

I drive a manual everyday and I don't even notice that I shift anymore, so I don't find it annoying at all. I'll take off and then I'm like holy shit when did I get into 5th gear lol

If you will in a populated spot than get a automatic if there’s a lot of room than get a manual

I liked this video because I was swallowed by the beauty of the environment you was driving. Tranquility. ♥️

I bought a 2015 370Z Nismo same color as yours, almost all of my cars have been white, I went with the automatic cause my wife doesn't drive a manual & I was not about to teach her in a 370Z Nismo, I'm so happy I went with the automatic, I feel instant power and the rev matching is a plus. I'm always in heavy south Florida traffic so a manual is not as fun in traffic.

You do know that you can still paddle shift without putting it in manual mode!! I have owned both and honestly exhaust sounds lot better in manual than automatic.

Manual transmissions have long been the enthusiasts weapon of choice. Nothing screams “I love cars!” more than three pedals and a gear lever. A manual transmission is also still the best way to feel engaged to the car you’re driving. Despite the manual control and rapid shift times of a DCT, the manual gearbox is still the more fun and most engaging to drive.

Driving manual for now in my first car and is fun but the downside being stuck in London traffic can be a bit of work sometimes. When I can get around to getting my dream car the Nismo 370z I will then decide on what transmission is the best option.

Almost every car I have ever owned had manual transmissions. I live in Southern California where there are a lot of hills, and a lot of traffic, and I have gotten into a few scary situations on steep hills where I could roll back into the car behind me, or roll off a cliff if I did not let the clutch out just right. I moved to Phoenix for a while which is very flat, but now I am back in San Diego and much older now, so I would no longer consider a manual transmission. I also had a Cadillac ELR which was very economical but definitely not as much fun to drive as the Z's I owned, so hopefully I will be back in a 370Z by the end of this week, and it is auto.

I'd choose the manual... I think with automatic most cars just feel like a car and nothing more... With manual you get a better feel for your car and it actually feels like a friend and not just a car

I love manual but i would prefer going with automatic.

Yes, stick shift is pure enjoyment. No slushbox/DCT excuses. All you need for fun is power, 3 pedals stickshift, chasis, lightweight, and an open air top whether it's a sunroof or targa top or convertible.

Manual is the best and most genuine and raw driving experience. Driving an auto is not knowing how to really drive, or not using the most of your abilities. To drive a manual properly actually requires true skill.

I don't care which is faster. Manual is more fun. And any car can be automatic why you wanna buy an automatic

Automatics are cool and stuff for daily driven I just dont like fuckers that drive an automatic and think they're the shit on manual transmission it honestly separates the drivers from the commuters for the simple fact that with a manual you have way more control over your car and some one who knows how to drive a manual transmission will always be a better driver

I bought my 370z with an automatic because it was a good deal at the time. The 7 speed is a really good transmission but I am currently looking to purchase one with the manual. The base model does not have paddle shifters unfortunately.

Glad I got the Auto here, I can lean-back and surprise about any passenger with paddle shift performance, and its rev capabilities, and not have wear issues of clutch, throw-out bearings or warped pressure plates as I always seem to have in my earlier manuals, still enjoy a calm ride, or even attend most attention to a conversation when necessary. I don't really care for the constant rubbing and brushing of the back, inside of my arm on the bolstered seat while working a manual.

Exhaust note sounds way better in a stick.

I would also probably never buy an automatic cause when I'm driving home late at night with my brother's automatic there is so little to do that my mind kinda drifts off and I don't focus as much as in my manual car

Such a great comparison. I subscribed to your channel last night. Your content in the channel have things that other channels just don't tell about. Btw, the NISMO 370Z, I go crazy whenever I see one Everytime lol.

I very much enjoyed my 6 speed manual 370Z. I never drove one with an auto. I wished that they would have a dual clutch like the GTR. I presently have a 7 speed manual Corvette Stingray. Both of them have rev matching and I really like that a great deal. I don't like the mushy feeling of most autos due to the torque converter. The shifting and the clutch feel of my 370Z was much improved when my throw out bearing died and the dealer replaced the clutch under a free factory replacement program that I didn't know about (mine was a 2013) The second clutch was much smoother and easier to modulate. The next time I buy a car I may give the auto a try and see what it's like. I should have the C7 for a while though, I have a 30 mile commute both ways every day, but there is only one traffic light and the speed limit is 70 or 75 pretty much the whole way:-)

With the current camaro ss and mustang gt performances, I don't see any reason purchasing a 370z nismo! Maybe the styling? Styling is also outdated too!

unless I'm buying an exotic car, I'm going with the manual.

Nice unbiased video. I have both a manual and an automatic car. Manuals are definitely more driver engagement, but if in traffic, totally suck...especially if on a steep incline. Bought an automatic 350z only because of the great deal...wasn’t even looking for a car as I have a few.

Can you do a vid specific only how to drive manual and how to heel toe downshift...thank

Manual is for car enthusiasts Auto is for normies

Auto bc I can’t drive manual 😆

Was thinking of getting an automatic but that rev matching manual looks really nice rn

something huge that's fun is missing at any price: a clutch pedal and the seven-speed manual transmission that goes along with it.

Bros. I have been on your channel for a while. I suggested this subject a long time ago. But you guys forgot me :(

Traffic excuse is pathetic, you're literally in neutral the whole time stopped like an auto. Also there's nothing auto can offer that beats the feeling of hitting a rev match yourself.

He basically said what I expected haha. Don't worry about the manuel fan boys. Get what would suit you.

Always Wanted to know the finer details. Thanks 🙋

All the manual fanboys r jealous cuz they can't drive automatic 😂😂😂

paddle shifts are boringgggggg......stick shift is funner

Is this car a dual clutch? I'm looking to buy a 2015 and up and I wanna know what year model has a dual clutch if so.

yeah you smile said it all, when you shift that manual there's no word for it

I’d take an auto because: -traffic -I’m more of a cruising type of person -VTEC kicks in faster

manuals are only for people that have real driving skills

I got my genesis coupe a year ago and finally learned to heel toe this past weekend. I would love a 370z but I bought my Genesis used at a great price so I would be spending an extra 25k just to get the base model Z

Everyone is talking about how all the supercars and Hyper cars are auto. This is true but remember the number one mission for these cars are speed. Every car maker is obsessed with the fastest 0-60 times. As this is the marketing tool to sell cars in 2021. And as he states in the video an auto is much faster than a manual. As you can never shift faster than a computer. That’s why the new muscle cars like Ford SuperSnake and some others come in manual. They are more focused on the driving experience than 0-60 or quarter mile times.

He forgot to mention that if you drive an automatic sports car you have lost your man card

Everyone who is stuck on manual saying this and that need a auto. Drive it for a month and you will love it. You can switch it to Paddles and you have the same effect as a manual without a clutch! I love my auto and won't ever go to a stick. I know how to drive stick but I don't care what others think

Finally, an intelligible comparison between the two transmissions. Thank you!

Doesnt matter how advanced the auto trans is, its still not as fun or as exhiliratting as a manual. Real skills bro!