I don't understand why an auto is considered to be the lesser of the two transmission types. I have only recently started to go to tracks and see real drag races and stuff...but from what I can see, there are A WHOLE LOT of 8 and 9 second cars that are autos. I really do not see one as being 'less of an enthusiast' if you have an auto. I have seen thread after thread since I have been on here trashing autos...let's stop the hatred!!!!

 

just the love of driving a stick.....when u get down to 8 and 9 sec cars u have no time to shift so an auto is neccessary.

 

So basically, when you have a fast car you get an AUTO...when you have a slow car, get a manual. Is that your contention?

 

well i have an auto..im just saying when u get that fast....crazy whip u in the seat launch fast there is no need for a stick..but when ur a 15 14 13 or even 12 sec car yeah a stick will do u good..but then again as i said people love to drive there car..they want to shift.. no gas brake gas brake.

 

The way I look at it, as a "driving enthusiast", I want control...

Control can be broken down in my mind for this argument into two basic sections - control of the cars steering/path, and control of the cars acceleration/gearing.

In a 8-9 second pure dragster, and in faster (ala funny car drags, etc) cars, with that much power, you need to focus ALL of your efforts on controlling the steering/path of the car.

In a 12+ second modded daily driver, you don't need that much control over the steering, and can yield control to the gearing/acceleration in terms of shifting, launch, etc. Not to mention you get to enjoy the fruits of this part of control off the strip and on city streets, etc.

Sure, highly-tuned autos will shift faster than pretty much any human, but that's also taken into account that the cars that have these automatic shifting systems are optimized for the drag, and for the drag only.

 

In a nutshell. Gosh I like you.

 

I don't understand why you are not a 'driving enthusiast' if you have an auto? A monkey can drive a manual. A monkey can drive an auto. Based on those facts, there is not difference between the two. That is also like saying you are not a video game enthusiast unless you have a PS2 in your car.

 

It seems like you're picking at any bone you can to chew at.

You'd have to REALLY be able to read between the lines to turn:
"The way I look at it, as a "driving enthusiast", I want control... "
into "All people that drive automatics aren't driving enthusiasts."

Read my post again without thinking that I'm trying to attack/flame you.


When it comes down to auto vs. manual in specific terms of the Maxima, take the amount of labor and money, and general modifications spent on the car....even them out between two identical (trim level, options, weight, condition of drivetrain, etc, etc) maximas...one auto and one manual....down to the cent and minute of labor spent, if the guy driving a stick is decent at driving a manual, he'll come out on top. (edit: until you get to the 10-second and below range. Read on)

You can definitely make an automatic maxima fast. But don't go off assuming that since cars that run 6 second quarters have automatic shifting, that the best way to race for every car is with an automatic. I'd want an automatic if I managed to mod my max out to make it a 8-9 second car (THAT'd be interesting). But I'd rather have a stick if all the mods and whatnot set me in the 13s range.

You dig?

 

a lot of the faster cars at the track are still autos... There are too many ways you can screw up with the manual at the track. 540i 6 speed and 540i auto are very close. The 2k2 maxima even, the autos and manuals are 2-3 tenths apart.. the automatic stangs and Supras are just as close and with heavy mods and turbos, the auto is better, from what people say.. they hold boost better... plus you run more consistently at the track.. where in a manual your times can vary a lot because it is easier to mess something up with the launch or gear switching points....

i don't see why auto drivers are "less of an enthusiast". It all depends on the cars and the peoples preference..

 

i don't see why auto drivers are "less of an enthusiast". It all depends on the cars and the peoples preference.. [/B][/QUOTE]



nobody is saying if u have an auto u arent an enthusiast...where r we getting that from...its just a matter of personal opinion if u like stick or auto nothing more...u can have no mods and still be an enthusiast. Just the love of the car is all u need.. auto v manual is a tired subject. both cars can go fast both cars can look good.. just a matter of personal prefernece.

 

All the talk about which is better has been beaten to death. No "one" is better. They both do that same job but one tends to not distribute the HP to the wheels as good when flooring it. It really has nothing to do with being an enthusiest. That's kind of like the time some org member started a thread about owning SE's as opposed to GXE's and some dummy said, "People that buy GXE's are on a budget and people that buy SE's aren't." My reply to that was, "People that buy Maximas are on a budget." They are both cars and both do the same job (transport people).
So back to the point, most people buy autos because they like them and because they don't want to be bothered with driving sticks in the city. One is not better than the other. There are pros and cons for both. I drive and like both but I'd rather have my auto.

 

I think that I understand the statement, but can also understand how it was taken the wrong way. No doubt about it, a stick gives you greater control for the Nissan Maxima when launching down winding roads. It gives you "CONTROL" on when you want to shift and at what rpm. I prefer my auto because 5 out of the 7 days a week, I'm stuck in Washington, DC traffic and the auto gives me more "CONTROL" in that situation. I would have preferred a stick if traffic wasn't an issue, but it was and Nissan's auto is smooth as silk when normal driving occurs. It adds to the luxury side of the automobile. As far as speed goes, in the Maxima and most other street vehicles, a stick will usually be faster simply due to the extra gears. When shifting the car will be closer to the maximum rpm range which will make the car faster. Whether it's 1/10 of a second faster depends on the driver and the car. Choose whatever best suits your specific needs and be happy with your decision. Comparing a Maxima's auto/stick to a 9 or 10 second 1/4 mile car isn't a fair analogy.

 

I drive a manual because it's fun for me. There are 'auto' trannies out there that shift faster than manuals now, but I'd still rather have a manual transmission.

No hatred for auto drivers here, I just will never be one.

 

Where are we getting the 'real enthusiast' statement from? Here are various examples of auto bashing...

"I love manuals. I think that with autos being so popular now,
the manual is a rarity, and even a luxury item. It also defines the real sports car. Whenever I see someone drive a stick, I give them a thumbsup"



"I live in Miami and rush hour driving is a b!itch, but still wouldn't want to get an Auto. I know of two friends my age (27) that bought auto's because they were tired of having to shift all the time. To me, that means that they were never enthusiasts to start with, just cheap bastards that wanted get the cheaper price of a manual."


"Driving a stick makes you a better driver. You're much more aware of your vehicle's performance and traffic flow."


I am not trying to pick at any bones. I just am a little curious as to why Autos are trashed on when compared to manuals? By the way, these statements, among others are from the 'How important is a manual tranny to you? ( 1 2 ) ' thread. My personal opinion is that one is not better than the other. But, because I have an auto, I Am not gonna go around saying 'I hate manuals because I can't stand going to the drive through window in them' Gimmie a break.

 

I like my auto. To each his own.

 

My last four vehicles had manual trannies, and I consider myself an "enthusiast." I was holding out for a 6sp Max, and tried the auto while I waited. Decided then and there the Max has enough power with the auto tranny. I miss the manual sometimes, but I'm kinda glad I didn't wait for the 6sp with all the "dying squirrel" problems I'm reading about on the .org.

 

I actually looked for a manual 97 and all the interiors that went with the manual were like,cloth or tan or whatever.
my wife liked the black leather so we got an auto and i like it.
my vette was a manual and a also liked it.

 

I have found that the best way to show folks how great an auto can be, is to just get to the end of the track ahead of them. They seem to warm up to them a little after than.

 

Touche If my clutch was smoother, I wouldn't mind it so much, but mine vibrates a lot in real temperate weather, and rush hour traffic in 95 deg + humidity weather is annoying with my 5-speed. At least I only live about 10 blocks from work...

Right, but the thread started w/look2me's saying he'd seen a lot of 8-9 second autos at the track. I'd need both hands for the steering wheel for those beasts!

Personal preference. I prefer the advantages in control I get out there on the city streets. Auto max's are still fine automobiles.
Just a little too boring for my tastes. My remarks in the other thread were generalized towards people who drive automatics around here - you can be a smart driver and drive an automatic, not to mention be quite a dumb driver and drive a stick.

 

These threads are about as fun as the Maxima vs TL debates.

 

I just want to say that it doesn't matter if your driving an auto or a manual, so long your driving a M A X I M A.....

 

I'm having fun.

 

Are you trying to say automatic maximas can't beat TLs in the quarter mile, but 5-speed maximas can???

tee-hee, I just couldn't stop myself. Sorry clee and other mods