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Auto vs Manual - Which to Buy?

FLtrackdays

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Again, I'm not knocking automatic cars, but by design it takes that out of the the hands of the driver. Sure, you can flick a paddle up and down, but you can't sit here and say that the level of control over the gears is the same as with a manual box, because it just isn't by design.
I can honestly say this ZF transmission car is fantastically fun as shit. With this kind of torque, to be rowing through 8 gears on a track puts a grin on my face every single time. It’s amazing actually. I don’t know how they did it for the price!?! BMW got taken to the woodshed on this build by Toyota. Lighter, faster, incredible price!

The manual would be fun. There are no doubts in my mind. What would I buy again? This same ZF transmission car. I don’t like either automatic modes for this car. I do get that. But when you put the pedal down and rip through those gears, she’ll hold the gear you choose in corners, downshift beautifully, and never upset the car at any speed. So until BMW pulls the wool out from Toyota’s lineup, she’s a freak on a leash that anyone can drive like a F1 driver on track. Brilliant!

Someone mentioned the MX5 earlier. That would be the perfect example for this discussion. Lower HP cars that needs the manual to be fun. But that definitely isn’t this car ?

Here’s a 2018 list of sports cars w/out manuals:

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g22701534/sports-cars-without-stick-shifts/?slide=19

Not sure if a 1000HP Bugatti with a manual would make sense. Would it be laughably fun? Absolutely! Conversely would an “auto” Bugatti be fun and make more sense? Absolutely!
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Drnick

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Duh! Manual of course! I believe, correct me if I’m wrong, that the Supra’s motor and transmission is still connected through a
Torque converter, therefore it’s still an automatic just like a Camry
 

B58_ hwAyaq

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I'm actually annoyed Toyota didn't offer things like adaptive cruise and launch control on the 6MT. I obviously don't need those, and it wasn't a deal breaker seeing as how I bought a 6MT, but its the principle of the thing; The car has it, and other manual cars have it, why not just leave it in for the manual transmission cars?
No one who launches their Supra (and wants to do it well) uses the OEM launch control.

Ironic, but using both of your feet and “feel” are going to get you the best launch in the “non-engaging” automatic.

Duh! Manual of course! I believe, correct me if I’m wrong, that the Supra’s motor and transmission is still connected through a
Torque converter, therefore it’s still an automatic just like a Camry
Correct. Arguably the best torque converter auto to have ever existed. Technology good enough for the Aston Martin DBS Superleggera. But sure, like a Camry.

The Supra also has a steering wheel like a Camry. Maybe we should write off that input method and find a different way to steer.

I’m pro both transmissions, but pick for your preferences and goals, and be done with it.

F1 drivers are bored and have no skill because they use paddles, and manual drivers are too busy having fun always to care about performance metrics. The debate is old.
 

AutoDelight

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After driving manual all my life, i've indulged in the automatic because 2021 only had auto and i wouldn't trade it in for a manual. I got two other cars that are manual to have fun wtih. Also, slipped clutches worries me with the 23's.
 

kaj

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Again, I'm not knocking automatic cars, but by design it takes that out of the the hands of the driver. Sure, you can flick a paddle up and down, but you can't sit here and say that the level of control over the gears is the same as with a manual box, because it just isn't by design.
This is what I don't understand. With paddle shift, control is literally right in your hand. You pick the gear.
This isn't the MK IV Supra AT.
The only difference is your arm moves less and you don't use your foot. You're just shifting faster and with less physical effort.
To me, a manual is just more fun, in the novelty sense. Like, "it's cool to still do this".
Most of the reasons we all prefer a manual over AT aren't quite valid anymore, now that they are no longer "set it and forget it", with the car doing all the work. It's just more fun, which I'm on board with.


, therefore it’s still an automatic just like a Camry
No
 

Drnick

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From the crankshaft to the input shaft of the transmission, that “thing”in between those two …..
( torque converter) is the same as on any
Automatic transmission, it is not a mechanical connection,as on a clutched car,
It works hydraulically using fluids and vanes.
 

B58_ hwAyaq

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Again, I'm not knocking automatic cars, but by design it takes that out of the the hands of the driver. Sure, you can flick a paddle up and down, but you can't sit here and say that the level of control over the gears is the same as with a manual box, because it just isn't by design.

The feeling of changing your own gears and working the clutch provides that raw mechanical experience between driver and car, and some people intentionally seek that out because the automatic doesn't provide what they are looking for to that extent.
I get that, but for those in the manual-over-everything camp, I’m truly dumbfounded by why the line is drawn at manual gearboxes.

Why not delete ABS and other vehicle stability systems? Why not eliminate all power steering components? “For the sake of engagement!”

I would take Koenigsegg’s manual by wire if I could, FWIW: https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/...sion-manual-automatic-how-it-works-explained/
 

kaj

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From the crankshaft to the input shaft of the transmission, that “thing”in between those two …..
( torque converter) is the same as on any
Automatic transmission, it is not a mechanical connection,as on a clutched car,
It works hydraulically using fluids and vanes.
I need to do some Google research on how BMW and Toyota were able to do that.
It amazes me how they were able to get a transmission with a converter to work this well.
 

Dannyvandelft

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Duh! Manual of course! I believe, correct me if I’m wrong, that the Supra’s motor and transmission is still connected through a
Torque converter, therefore it’s still an automatic just like a Camry
Dumbest post ever.
 

Dannyvandelft

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From the crankshaft to the input shaft of the transmission, that “thing”in between those two …..
( torque converter) is the same as on any
Automatic transmission, it is not a mechanical connection,as on a clutched car,
It works hydraulically using fluids and vanes.
It works hydraulically using fluids.....

Like a clutch uses fluids ?
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