Auto vs Manual - Which to Buy?

[NocturnalEmber]

I've tried to keep my responses in this thread based on logic rather than pure emotion, but either way I think the end goal of this thread is that for those that are truly unsure of which model to go with, objectively looking at what you are wanting in the car and going from there is probably the way to go.

The ZF 8 speed is a great transmission, but not for me because of what I look for. However, the same can be said with someone who doesn't want to work three pedals. I don't think anyone is losing out by purchasing a Supra if that's the car they've decided they want, Its a pretty solid car and I don't regret buying it whatsoever.

To be honest, though, the culture shock with the BMW aesthetics was a bit of an adjustment. I do daily drive it and even as impractical as it can be, I find that part of the enjoyment.

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[B58_ hwAyaq]

Actually Auto better for both! Gearing in Auto makes it much easier to drift because you are always in the power band.

I’m a huge auto supporter (I own one…), but this is just false.

Possible? Absolutely. Fun to a point? Yes.

Best option if committing to a drift build and learning the hobby (and maybe being competitive at some point in your journey)? Definitely not.

I feel like too many here (and in the car scene in general) are more interested in defending where they spend their money than providing useful (or even factual) advice.

Evaluate options against the goals, not your goals. (Unless you’re the one asking, I suppose.)

 

[FLtrackdays]

This car is an impractical enthusiast vehicle… not something designed to go to Costco. Sure, it can go there and has a trunk, but that’s not its purpose.

Good point. I’ll take it a step further. The Supra with the ZF trans is even beyond an enthusiast vehicle. Everyone should do their free track day. Even if you bought it used, track this damn car! Anyone not doing this at least once is truly missing out.

Right now the Supra sliding into classes with Porsche, Aston Martin and winning! You don’t have to be a pro driver to realize Toyota nailed it. Any given weekend at tracks across the world, drivers are scratching their heads & recognizing this car more and more. Why? She’s great on track! Checkout WRL (World Racing League). Of course they are automatics. But don’t let that stop any manual owners getting out there on track. This car is fantastic!!!!!! Period, end of story.

@kaj has some experience in this department, competing in this car on track. I’ve noticed his options have only gotten better. A buddy driving for Pinnacle racing (in a Porsche) said this “Supra is no joke.” Manual or automatic, get them while you can. They don’t come around often.

 

[Emspilot]

I feel like too many here (and in the car scene in general) are more interested in defending where they spend their money than providing useful (or even factual) advice.

This.

 

[BigRon]

I think it depends on what type of car owner you are.

The enthusiastic one who says I only drive manual/auto because I want to drive it this way.
or
the practical one like I’m using what fits my needs.

So if you are using the car for fun/weekends and you want to feel every acceleration/gear then the manual will be the right choice.

For daily driving and going for track times the auto will be the better choice.

I prefer the auto because I was driving a manual as a daily for a long time including stop and go in cities and traffic jams and I would rather walk everyday for 20miles then driving a manual again.

 

[kaj]

So if you are using the car for fun/weekends and you want to feel every acceleration/gear then the manual will be the right choice.

But that's the thing. These aren't the classic AT transmission where you set it and forget it. You can change and control every single gear. Actually, you are going through gears even more so than what the manual transmission.
Assuming the car is manual mode, that is.

Other then that...
It is nice to have the option to just stick it and drive when you want.
Having things both ways, I can't say I find a need or want for a third pedal.
If I found a need to buy another car with a manual transmission, the Supra definitely would not be it. I don't feel the Supra, specifically, is better with the MT. Again: a fun novelty? Absolutely. But sometimes a little novelty is really all some of us need.

 

[SupraCess]

I'm okay with people liking one transmission over another, but when some people talk about having a connection and engagement with the car because it's a certain type of transmission, it is BS to me. A true driver will have a connection with any type of vehicle. Professional race car drivers drive cars with different types of transmissions all the time, and they're connected with the vehicle. They can tell what the vehicle needs or something is off during a session. At the end of the day, just drive what you like. I like having options.

 

[FuzzyRev]

Actually, you are going through gears even more so than what the manual transmission.
Assuming the car is manual mode, that is.

Having owned both this is completely true. Ripping around with the 8-speed locked into manual mode, you're constantly shifting, and let's be real, every single gear change up or down is satisfying as hell with the (extended or oversized) flappy paddles.

The 6MT is definitely different as the gears are much longer, so you find yourself shifting quite a bit less, which is kind of a shame because the shift action is also very satisfying to operate, and you almost wish you were forced to do it more. That being said, with two less gears and the immense torque of the B58, it is geared perfectly for the intended use(s), and really couldn't have been done any other way.

I just wish there were so many more 6MTs out there so more people could at least test drive or try out a local owner's. I'm not joking, if somebody is within 100 miles of me, I'd be glad to meet up so they could give it a whirl and at least be able to understand how both versions drive.

 

[SuupYota]

No way it drives like a camry.

That's not what all those Camry owners who try racing us think!!! ?

 

[kaj]

That's not what all those Camry owners who try racing us think!!! ?

I thought those were Altimas.

 

[jtsang25]

That's not what all those Camry owners who try racing us think!!! ?

I thought those were Altimas.

Camry or Altima just dots in my rear view mirror.

 

[NocturnalEmber]

Having owned both this is completely true. Ripping around with the 8-speed locked into manual mode, you're constantly shifting, and let's be real, every single gear change up or down is satisfying as hell with the (extended or oversized) flappy paddles.

The 6MT is definitely different as the gears are much longer, so you find yourself shifting quite a bit less, which is kind of a shame because the shift action is also very satisfying to operate, and you almost wish you were forced to do it more. That being said, with two less gears and the immense torque of the B58, it is geared perfectly for the intended use(s), and really couldn't have been done any other way.

I just wish there were so many more 6MTs out there so more people could at least test drive or try out a local owner's. I'm not joking, if somebody is within 100 miles of me, I'd be glad to meet up so they could give it a whirl and at least be able to understand how both versions drive.

My issue was I bought the car without having driven one. I didn't have a choice because there wasn't a shot in hell of finding a manual transmission one sitting on the lot without a markup that a dealer would let me just take out.

So I had to take a 'leap of faith' so to speak, and bought the car with only having sat in an automatic one. Luckily after the BMW/Euro car culture shock wore off, its settled in nicely.

 

[lucky phil]

Buy a manual. Manuals are the best. Auto's are for soccer mums.

Phil

 

[Drnick]

Heh heh

 

[FLtrackdays]

Buy a manual. Manuals are the best. Auto's are for soccer mums.

Phil

Especially if they have a seamless gearbox, slipper clutch and quick shifter ?

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