View Full Version : Views on the auto versus the manual gearbox
Dark Angel
18-07-03, 11:01
Picture this your Gonna buy a TT Supra do ya get the Auto or Manual (Bare in mind, speed, upgrading etc) Which and why??
i bought the auto on advice of many others to see the manual was crap
dont shout at me :p
that and i never found a uk manual :D
Dark Angel
18-07-03, 11:18
Always one smart one :p Cheers for that, that'll teach me for not searching better.....:blink:
Matt Harwood
18-07-03, 14:21
I've got both. Personally, I'd say there's not much in it. The auto is a nicer car to drive, and doesn't select the wrong gear, (which is easy to do in a manual).
I've got exactly the same modifications on the manual as I had on the auto, but as yet, I've not been able to do any timed speed runs to see which is quicker... I'm of the opinion that the auto will be quicker unless your either an animal with the clutch and box, or a very, very good driver.
Dark Angel
18-07-03, 14:22
Excellent cheers for your input there Matt - are you the guy I'm meant to talk to about ICE??
Manual (with uprated clutch) will hold more power than the autobox. However, you'll need to spend £10k+ on the engine before the autobox starts struggling. At that point, a few grand for an auto upgrade shouldn't worry you too much ;)
Dark Angel
18-07-03, 14:42
Good advise - cheers again...
Like your little bit'o poetry at the bottom ref power ;)
Power is here
Grip is not
The car flies
-Ian
MONKEYmark
18-07-03, 14:59
been done loads of times before, i bought first supra i seen as i got a good part ex. i dont think i would like to start over again now cars slowly getting there. would like the manual as i bet it would feel more of a drivers car. always get same with people looking down on car because its an auto. more fool them ;-)
on a roll it would be close. off the mark the auto seems not brilliant. but then the manuals dont do much better they seem to struggle with grip.
if i was starting from scratch i would look for a manual. but happy with auto. a torque convertor and maybe an uprated box like sp400 or something simular would be good.
best thing to do is take a test drive in both and make your own mind up.
I've never been a fan of auto cars, the Sup is my first. And I love it.!
No messing about searching for the right gear to get you into the power to do a quick overtake move, you also get 'manual mode' on the auto which is alot of fun and which I use almost all of the time (apart from dualcarriageway and motorway driving).
I suppost that you'd get used to finding the right gear in a manual when you need the power, but I found that when I was in a manual, the gear changes were very lumpy and the car jerks alot, whereas the auto is just so smooth and pins you permanently to the back of the seat!
:)
Matt Harwood
18-07-03, 15:37
Have a look at Marks thread regarding drag times and you'll see the top cars are all auto's... At the moment!
MONKEYmark
18-07-03, 15:41
Originally posted by Matt Harwood
Have a look at Marks thread regarding drag times and you'll see the top cars are all auto's... At the moment! sounds like a challenge, you are too nice to be top of list :)
not long now to see you lot racing.
both r great, both r very different.
Having only driven an Auto for a few minutes when I was testing out different Supras before I bought one, can you select it so that you always have engine braking?
yes, but its not as profound as the manual.
Terminator
18-07-03, 16:30
I have driven all types including the tiptronic, which was fun, but I was a bit concerned about future upgrades on the VVI engine.
As said by many before, with the same mods, there’s not much in it, the auto would probably have the edge. The manual feels quicker as you get on off power surges as you work through the box, where as the auto just gives an almost constant progressive push.
In a hurry I did find I had selected the wrong gear once or twice, when really going for it in the manual, and I know other members have had this in drag strip. For normal to fast driving I thought the box was fine.
I would have one of each if I could afford it.
:D
the auto is like a magic carpet :) i drove mine the other day and was amazed how smooth it was (after a few months in the manual).
I've driven auto and manual (no tip tronic, unfortunately). It really depends on the driver. I adore my auto, the Supra is well known for being a damn fine auto box.
I'd suggest go and pay JIC a visit (http://www.japanese-car-imports.co.uk), they've got a wide selection of Supras for sale and will let you take them for a proper test drive (within reason:)). Get the feel of the cars, test drive a couple of each, and see which one you get to grips with the best.
I stand by all the auto owners here. It's damn fast, the power delivery is great, and the auto took my choice :)
-p
I had a u.k auto for 8 years
& although it is very quick and smooth
and I was very happy with it,
I still went for the manual when I had the chance to buy another,
my personal choice, I prefer the 'driver involvement'
John
Steve Cargill
18-07-03, 19:02
I think for 95% of the driving most people do the auto is better. There is the odd time you really want to play where I miss a manual - but those situations you'd probably want an Elise or the like.
Don't forget, an auto will kickdown as quick (and into the correct gear) as a manual can be changed, it just feels slower as you are not actually doing anything other than waiting. Psycology!!
Dark Angel
21-07-03, 09:17
All very fair points here, I think due to traffic I'd like to end up with an auto but I know I would miss the "Driver Involvement" Its a tricky one - seems theres not much in the perfomance angle so thats not really a consideration.. Cheers all.... :)
Mines an auto box and Im more than happy with it (even after having scores of non-supra, manual mission cars previously)
Surely a record for the biggest threat resurrection :D Cheers though because i was looking for this thread on a member's behalf a few days ago :D
I personally don't think anyone can say that a Manual is better than an Auto or vice a versa, I just think it is down to your own personal preference on what you wanna drive, end of really...
geoffvalenti
31-07-06, 01:37
Clutchflite ;) It's the only way to go :D
I personally don't think anyone can say that a Manual is better than an Auto or vice a versa,.
thats your personal opinion ;)
Eyefi,
Couldn't have put it better myself m8. What better than a monster car with the manners of a saint! I've never had a manual Supe and to be honest; I don't want one now as I wouldn't want to loose the graceful and refined style of the auto. I'm happy with my lot but its driving preference at the end of the day!:thumbs:
the auto is like a magic carpet :) i drove mine the other day and was amazed how smooth it was (after a few months in the manual).
thats your personal opinion ;)
I have my own personal opinion but I wouldn't voice it on here as people get defensive about their pride and joy. I have owned numerous Manuals and Autos and I know which my personal preferance is.:) :) :)
What exactly does 'personal opinion' mean?
Ask yourself this:
Can an opinion be impersonal?;)
You could give an opinon of a group so that's someting extra to your own personal opinion :) E.g. politics etc, Labour says we should do this as it's the best option.... not every member might think that though
What exactly does 'personal opinion' mean?
Ask yourself this:
Can an opinion be impersonal?;)
My personal opinion is exactly what it says on the tin...My personal or individual opinion on a subject or item and not in the context of a general opinion of a group of people on a particular subject. It couldn't be simpler really ??? Why do you not understand that then JohnA ??? Beats me why you asked that ???
No offence but, at the end of the day, basically my personal opinion is actually not importan't - suffice to say
(I've heard that Vicky Pollard is pregnant, aaaaawwwww :eyebrows: )
No offence but, at the end of the day, basically my personal opinion is actually not importan't - suffice to say
(I've heard that Vicky Pollard is pregnant, aaaaawwwww :eyebrows: )
lol
This thread is swaying me towards an auto, or at least a tiptronic gearbox...
Out of interest, is tiptronic a common box to find? And what are they advertised as - auto? semi-auto?
Although i havnt driven an auto or a triptronic supra i have driven a ferrari 360 challenge car (no seriously i have) that had the flappy padle on the steering wheel, yea it was fast shifting and had an aggresive clutch but id rather a manual, thats just my opinion tho :)
Have a look at Marks thread regarding drag times and you'll see the top cars are all auto's... At the moment!
Guess theyre all shite drivers :D
Come on guys, where's the fun in being driven?
I prefer being in control of the car. Anyways, its a personal opinion, try both and see which one you prefer.
silvershark44
08-09-06, 19:50
It really is what you prefer, but people who say the auto is shit, do not know what they are talking about at all. Because it isnt. Its an excellent auto box.
Most people who say the auto is shit have never driven an auto supra, and most probably havent even driven an auto car.
I personally would change to the manual, as i like the auto box so much. The manual is also good, and i have actually driven all three, auto 5speed and 6 speed. The auto is the one for me.
Need4Speed
11-09-06, 13:17
I prefer being in control of the car.So keep both hands on the steering wheel:d
having driven both,, and currently owning a T61 with an auto box.. i love it..
however this all depends on your requirements and wich suits your driving.
the auto is superb for motorways A roads and of course the drag strip, but if you are intending to do alot of hard track days i would tend to steer towards the manual,
Need4Speed
11-09-06, 13:53
Manual is better on track because you can hold a gear off throttle.
Manual is better on track because you can hold a gear off throttle.
you can too in auto whilst in manu mode
I took two manuals, an two auto's out before I bought a soop, an I picked the auto. The auto is great in most circumstances, an is much easier to live with around town, (espesh with uprated clutches). I think a manual will give slightly better control around a track, but how often do you go out on a track ?. Like others have said, its all down to the individual, my advice (for what its worth), to anyone looking to buy a soop, would be to test drive both.
I currently own an auto, since going single i am looking for a manual conversion. The reason for this is that i have always loved manual cars as there is more to do, and IMO more fun to be had.
Im going to be off to test some manuals 1st though as i have only had the pleasure of being a passenger in one with twins (which seemed vey jerky)
I found the manuals jerky when gunning it, but that might just be me driving like a wanker. :d
silvershark44
11-09-06, 22:46
The manual is a fantastic option
I just get pissed off with people who think the auto is somewhat inferior when it really isnt.
Both the auto and the manual perform really well. It really is down to choice.
One "advantage" that i find with the auto is that it can encourage you to drive a little more sensible sometimes as its so pleasant to pootle around with the auto set up.
Manuals are far more aggressive and tend to bring out the boy racer in me, which isnt too good :d
Whitesupraboy2
11-09-06, 23:00
i was anti auto i guess before i got the TT. IMO with a TT auto or manual is fine. With a NA id only want a manual as youd be able to keep it in the power band and use it better with the manual.
watch out for the kick down!
Manual is better on track because you can hold a gear off throttle.
Don't forget that a Supra off throttle is also off boost, so even in the correct gear you've got to build boost back up!
Also, the Auto keeps boost better on gear change so in MANU mode an Auto could be as quick around a track, most of the people on hear probably think they are Michael Schumacher and that they are KING DICK with the clutch and gearbox but the honest truth is that the Supra is probably more capable than most can make it be :soap:
P.s i would like a manual as i think i am a driving god.:)
Terminator
13-09-06, 22:57
Manuals are far more aggressive :d
Come for a ride in my auto, I'll show you agressive.
hmmm, still so confused.
Just have to see what happens when it comes to buying my supra i suppose!
I love my auto, but.....having to hit the manual mode button to turn it on or off is starting to be a grind. Same with the overdrive button.....
Can someone make a nice little switch (like the greddy remote boost switch) that sits on either side of the steering wheel, one for overdrive, one for manual on/off :))
I love my auto, but.....having to hit the manual mode button to turn it on or off is starting to be a grind. Same with the overdrive button.....
Can someone make a nice little switch (like the greddy remote boost switch) that sits on either side of the steering wheel, one for overdrive, one for manual on/off :))You could fit the (rather nice) steering wheel from a Tiptronic Supra and wire the buttons to the Manu and OD Off.
You could fit the (rather nice) steering wheel from a Tiptronic Supra and wire the buttons to the Manu and OD Off.
Cool. Thats a thought.... I bet they cost shed loads from Mr Toyota though.
I got one for £40 from a breakers. It looks and feels great on my 93 RZ Auto. The buttons aren't doing anything but I did consider wiring them up to do what we're on about here. Either that or to do a couple of the stereo functions. Being the lazy git I am I never got around to doing either :)
FOR ME, the manual is NOT about track driving as I have no intentions of tracking my car. The sheer joy of being INVOLVED while poodling around town, A / B / M Roads in a manual makes the Auto less of a choice.
I have driven the Auto (9 supras before I bought mine) and its a cracking gearbox. Just too boring for a sportscar that is the supra.
If I wanted to be driven, then I'd get a Merc S500 and a driver. :D
What matters is that you are happy with whatever gearbox you decided to go for.
Is there any difference in insurance from a auto or manual and is the auto in an N/A just as good as an auto in a TT?
There are some subtle differences between the TT and N/A autobox, the TT box veing slightly smoother and some differences in MANU mode.
so most the people in this thread are talking about the TT auto then.
MONKEYmark
19-10-06, 04:16
keep away from autos they crap sluggish and they an old mans car.deffo get a manual 6 speed as they will make you feel the real driver extracting every ounce of performance.the auto u just put it in drive and press hard on the gas.autos are like a jag nice and smooth but not for the real true racer
hope that helps
imho
xxx
xx
x
Max Headroom
19-10-06, 09:52
been done loads of times before, i bought first supra i seen as i got a good part ex. i dont think i would like to start over again now cars slowly getting there. would like the manual as i bet it would feel more of a drivers car. always get same with people looking down on car because its an auto. more fool them ;-)
on a roll it would be close. off the mark the auto seems not brilliant. but then the manuals dont do much better they seem to struggle with grip.
if i was starting from scratch i would look for a manual. but happy with auto. a torque convertor and maybe an uprated box like sp400 or something simular would be good.
best thing to do is take a test drive in both and make your own mind up.
keep away from autos they crap sluggish and they an old mans car.deffo get a manual 6 speed as they will make you feel the real driver extracting every ounce of performance.the auto u just put it in drive and press hard on the gas.autos are like a jag nice and smooth but not for the real true racer
hope that helps
imho
xxx
xx
x
How time and experience makes a difference :)
Matt Harwood
19-10-06, 12:24
How time and experience makes a difference :)
I think you'll find Mr Monkey left off the 'sarcasic' smilie ;)
Max Headroom
19-10-06, 12:51
;) Ok
If i was to buy a supra N/A - What MANUAL gearboxes are there to chose from? Because i have seen adverts saying Manual 4spd, 5spd and 6spd... Personally I would love a 6spd manual N/A but can you only get them in 5spd manuals? Damn i'm confused. And I want a N/A because i dont think i'd be able to handle the power of a TT yet :D Safely does it for me (till i get bored an crave a TT)
If i was to buy a supra N/A - What MANUAL gearboxes are there to chose from? Because i have seen adverts saying Manual 4spd, 5spd and 6spd... Personally I would love a 6spd manual N/A but can you only get them in 5spd manuals?
N/As were available in 5sp and 6sp. The older ones are 5sp only.
ps
It would have been better to start a new thread for this question rather than drag this old one up - no offense like, just saying.
For those of you asking....I own a tiptronic supra and it is fantastic fun. I haven't driven a manual or the normal auto box, but had a 12 second auto car prior to the supra and it wasn't as fun as the tiptronic option. I ALWAYS have it in tiptronic mode...even if I'm just going around the corner....you feel like you are in COMPLETE control...no unexpected kickdowns or upshifts....just like a manual without all the work...just gets the job done...also keeps the engine boosted during the upshifts better than what a manual would do I think...:)
as long as it suits your driving.... :D
Terminator
13-01-07, 20:24
I love this old chestnut. They are both MKIV's and even standard they both are quick.
Ressurection of the oldest thread ever? I used to think manual was best... THEN I BOUGHT AN AUTO TT SUPRA and do not regret it
how is the n/a automatic?, there pretty cheap at the moment and im thinking of buying one, im not going to be racing it about or anything just driving for fun
how is the n/a automatic?, there pretty cheap at the moment and im thinking of buying one, im not going to be racing it about or anything just driving for fun
N/a - can be auto or 5/6speed manual.
N/a is the non turbo version.
N/a - can be auto or 5/6speed manual.
N/a is the non turbo version.
the auto n/a is still around £1500 cheaper than the manual version. Theres one nearby for £3000 that im quite interested in but im wandering if there any flaws with automatic version of the n/a.
im wanting a n/a version since the turbo version would cost waaaaaaaaaaay too much for me to insure at the moment, maybe in a few years.
I drove an n/a auto and 5spd a few years back before I had got my TT. If I was in the market for an n/a ,I would go with the 5spd version. Not that the auto is bad or anything like that, its a darn good car for the money, just the N/a engine really needs to be manually driven to keep it in the powerband better IMHO.
MarkTheBoy
14-05-07, 18:52
If im honest when i bought mine (TT Auto) I really loved it, loved the box, the manual mode and the "Wall of endless acceleration" (:D)
Then I raced it at pod... felt really deflated with the way it felt when dragging it as getting off the line was an absolute bas#ard :(
I'd been racing in loads of manuals before and you get a real racers feel crunching it into gears as fast as you can etc etc. I didn't get the same feel with the auto and I felt really pissed off.
Then a few mods later and a bit of practise getting off the line and im back to being the cat whos got the cream in my auto.
If I was buying an N/A it would have to be a manual, but in a TT I think the auto box is awesome :D :cool: :D
who knows after this thread there might be a big list of members wanting to do the manual to auto conversion and not the other way round....so there you have it folks...if your manual and youd like to change to auto then i'll take your gearboxes and all the bits off you for 500 pounds per kit;)
If im honest when i bought mine (TT Auto) I really loved it, loved the box, the manual mode and the "Wall of endless acceleration" (:D)
Then I raced it at pod... felt really deflated with the way it felt when dragging it as getting off the line was an absolute bas#ard :(
I'd been racing in loads of manuals before and you get a real racers feel crunching it into gears as fast as you can etc etc. I didn't get the same feel with the auto and I felt really pissed off.
Then a few mods later and a bit of practise getting off the line and im back to being the cat whos got the cream in my auto.
If I was buying an N/A it would have to be a manual, but in a TT I think the auto box is awesome :D :cool: :D
What mods did you do Mark? Interested for Pod 08 possibly. :)
Without a doubt I reckon the takeover of the Manual is well underway and soon enough it'll be all the Auto's that are more sought after.........well :)
Without a doubt I reckon the takeover of the Manual is well underway and soon enough it'll be all the Auto's that are more sought after.........well :)
Dream on Greg:D
Good grief...is this debate still raging on?
In my mind it's simple.
You want a fun second car for track days, making big BHP, drag racing - buy a 6Spd.
If you want an easy everyday car for mild tuning with a bit of fun when you want it, buy a Tiptronic. ;)
I don't think you would be disappointed with any of the 3 Transmissions available.
sparkyspar
26-06-07, 22:43
never had a auto meself .bloody great fan no messin wiv gears and i dont spill me coffe now
never had a auto meself .bloody great fan no messin wiv gears and i dont spill me coffe now Huh? What was that about a fan?
Would you mind writing your posts in English please mate? Life's too short for me to have to figure out what the hell you were trying to say.
Thanks.
BUMP for other newbies. Good read and makes me consider an auto more. :)
Burble Burble
21-02-08, 19:21
Ah, that old chestnut, I have an auto.
If I want to be a stick wiggler and pretend that makes me faster, I take a stick of celery and every time I put my foot down I give it a shake. Same result and if I'm hungry i've got something to nibble. :)
Auto for me except for one problem.. power limits. It's not happy above 500bhp, and in my BPU UK car, (which did feel shockingly fast on second turbo compared to my BPU Jap car) the box started slipping already (obviously nowhere near 500bhp..)
I drove a 5spd N/A for a while and I couldn't get to grips with the box or clutch. Hard to describe it but felt like a heavy flywheel combined with funny pedal angle/travel/weight. Just wasn't such a smooth drive and I couldn't just throw it in the next gear uber-fast like say most of the other manuals I've driven.
Ah, that old chestnut, I have an auto.
If I want to be a stick wiggler and pretend that makes me faster, I take a stick of celery and every time I put my foot down I give it a shake. Same result and if I'm hungry i've got something to nibble. :)
by far the damn funniest thing ive heard all day- so far lol! love it! auto box all the way! (but when i get another supe il get a manu, just for aguments sake lol)
Luigi_Gool
22-02-08, 12:44
I drove a 5spd N/A for a while and I couldn't get to grips with the box or clutch. Hard to describe it but felt like a heavy flywheel combined with funny pedal angle/travel/weight. Just wasn't such a smooth drive and I couldn't just throw it in the next gear uber-fast like say most of the other manuals I've driven.
What 5 speed did you drive?:blink: i've driven a few (including mine) and they're fine. Now i've got the 5 speed with a TT lump and still feels smooth ;)
Anyway Auto's are for fat lazy americans who don't know what a clutch is....lol :p
Only Joking ;) Before someone bites my head off :d
If I want to be a stick wiggler and pretend that makes me faster, I take a stick of celery and every time I put my foot down I give it a shake. Same result and if I'm hungry i've got something to nibble. :)
Stupid comment, very stupid.
MrRalphMan
22-02-08, 13:11
Stupid comment, very stupid.
Hi James I thought the MOD positions were all gone.. btw I do agree... :)
Hi James I thought the MOD positions were all gone.. btw I do agree... :)
Lol, I cannot be bothered with tat like that mate, has no relevance to the discussion. Fingers crossed a Mod can clean it up. ;)
vBulletin® v3.7.2, Copyright ©2000-2008, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.