3.8 Auto or Manual?

[dtreter]

I had to check my sexuality (I am still a male LOL) because I have the 3.8 automatic transmission. I really like it. It shifts smoothly and the car drives/handles very nice. It is an impressive machine. If I get bored in traffic, I can still use the paddles, etc to feel in control. The main reason I got the automatic is so my wife and grown children would drive it. I am the only one in my family that grew up on a 'stick shift'.

 

[whaever]

I had to check my sexuality (I am still a male LOL) because I have the 3.8 automatic transmission. I really like it. It shifts smoothly and the car drives/handles very nice. It is an impressive machine. If I get bored in traffic, I can still use the paddles, etc to feel in control. The main reason I got the automatic is so my wife and grown children would drive it. I am the only one in my family that grew up on a 'stick shift'.

Heh. I got a manual because I wanted to learn to drive a manual (well learned on previous car and am still having fun with it) and so my family wouldn't steal my car. Which they kept doing with my A/T 2001 Prelude heh.

 

[dtreter]

Heh. I got a manual because I wanted to learn to drive a manual (well learned on previous car and am still having fun with it) and so my family wouldn't steal my car. Which they kept doing with my A/T 2001 Prelude heh.

Believe me, this thought crossed my mind...to keep it all for myself by having manual...but this machine needs to be enjoyed by my family. Years ago, I used to teach driving lessons (while putting myself through grad school) on a stick shift and no way am I going to use this car to teach my family. I would probably have a heart attack every time they would grind the gears.

 

[MissAdema]

I tried manual vs. auto when I bought the car. I hated how the manual drove. I bought an auto, and I sometimes play around with the shiftronic (which is a joke but fun to do sometimes). The manual 3.8 though... not so great.

 

[Flying Fossil]

Before buying, I drove the 2.0T Premium, and the 3.8 GT in both manual and Auto trans.
The clutch and manual trans need a little work yet to get them smoother and more precise. This has been mentioned in a couple road test reviews.

The V-6 has gobs more power, is quieter and smoother. The 6 speed auto is fabulous. That's what I got.

 

[Xavier6162]

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[consultant]

a sports car is meant to be manual.

In my opinion this is a big misconception. I drive a sports sedan with a manual too! The line between manual and automatic is being blurred with the new transmissions like the dual clutch automatic shifting manuals. Also most automatics now an be put into a manual shifting mode.

I totally understand the allure of a good manual stick shift though as it makes people feel more 'in touch' with the car. However I track my car occasionally and I'd prefer to have both hands on the steering wheel at all times - gee, sort of like Formula One drivers - those are sort of 'sporty' aren't they

It's a matter of personal opinion but if people are saying a stick shift manual is better for sports cars when they refer to 'manual' I say it really depends on the car and the transmission. I just test drove a new G37S coupe with 7-speed auto and it shifted fast and smooth. The 6-speed in my S60R is a great transmission but I'd prefer that 7-speed paddle shifting auto over it any day.