Manual vs Auto on the big GT
Poll: Manual vs Auto on the big GT
Total Members Polled: 62
Discussion
Not the chav's pram that is the V8 Vantage, the flagship GTs, the DB9.2 and 310quish 
I have read over and over again, and probably said it myself, that I would not buy one of these cars without a manual gearbox. However, I also wish to add that I would not buy one of these cars because I can't afford it
With all the anti-autobox ranting that goes on here, are Aston missing a trick? Could they sell a 1000 big GT cars a year with a manual gearbox or is it just the same half dozen or so on here who moan that it doesn't come with one. If it did, would they (and me) buy it?
Genuinely curious, because if this forum can be extrapolated across the ownership spectrum, Aston are missing a hell of a trick.
The other end of the question is; there is zero chance of a stickshift in the new cars... but what if they put in a robotic manual like Sportshift? Would that make the 'manual' posse think again, or does it have to be a 3 pedal car?
For me, the Sportshift box would conceivably make it a viable option in the future...
I have read over and over again, and probably said it myself, that I would not buy one of these cars without a manual gearbox. However, I also wish to add that I would not buy one of these cars because I can't afford it
With all the anti-autobox ranting that goes on here, are Aston missing a trick? Could they sell a 1000 big GT cars a year with a manual gearbox or is it just the same half dozen or so on here who moan that it doesn't come with one. If it did, would they (and me) buy it?
Genuinely curious, because if this forum can be extrapolated across the ownership spectrum, Aston are missing a hell of a trick.
The other end of the question is; there is zero chance of a stickshift in the new cars... but what if they put in a robotic manual like Sportshift? Would that make the 'manual' posse think again, or does it have to be a 3 pedal car?
For me, the Sportshift box would conceivably make it a viable option in the future...
yeti said:
or is it just the same half dozen or so on here who moan that it doesn't come with one.
My guess is, it is as you mention..Maybe with a pole, (and hopefully everyone voting) we might finally understand why it is impossible to get the manual box on anything but the vantage now..
George29 said:
DCT all the way! All the benefits with no drawbacks. Don't listen to the manual brigade who are stuck in 1947 too... they're inferior in every way, the sooner they die out the better.
Don't forget.... Some of us old school guys know how to drive a manual......You stick with your playstation...
Jon39 said:
When I mentioned the manual/auto choice at Gaydon, they said when the DB9 (or would it have been DBS) was offered with both gearboxes, there was very little demand for manual.
Indeed, this is what they say, and it's backed up with sales figures!But then why are so many people on here voting for manual? Virtually all dealer spec cars will always be auto. And as a customer you'd be strongly advised to get an auto which is a nice cost option for the dealer, you'll have no resale without it etc...
Not sure.
AMDBSNick said:
Sadly the majority of GT drivers don't want three pedals. As an aside go have a drive in the new DB9.2 and Vanquish
This from a young Git who swears by a manual box.I will vote when the weather allows me to make comment on how the paddles work with the BM mods. I have a feeling that I will not be unhappy with what I have!
woolders said:
This from a young Git who swears by a manual box.
Welcome back me old fruit If you'd had the choice at the time, same spec, colour and price... TT2 vs manual, what would you have chosen?
For me it was always going to be manual, although my TT1 DB7 Vantage was very good. I do understand that the TT2 is in a different league to TT1, but the priciple remains the same.
OK, briefly. I drove manuals for ages but given the four rug rats attached, they were not sporty, apart from an Abbott Racing Saab turbo, which made them sick.
Since that a string of autos, XJR, Mitsubishi and Merc, which were all good, especially the Jag. The DB9 in auto is much better than them all. The other auto I have is a RR V8TD which is a great car.
In January, I bought a Mini Cooper six speed manual, which is the only manual I have had since 1998.
It is great fun but quite busy to drive.
Given the power difference, there is no way I can compare the experience in gear boxes but as Nick mentions, the paddles are pretty quick. Also, fingers don't tire as fast as wrists!
Since that a string of autos, XJR, Mitsubishi and Merc, which were all good, especially the Jag. The DB9 in auto is much better than them all. The other auto I have is a RR V8TD which is a great car.
In January, I bought a Mini Cooper six speed manual, which is the only manual I have had since 1998.
It is great fun but quite busy to drive.
Given the power difference, there is no way I can compare the experience in gear boxes but as Nick mentions, the paddles are pretty quick. Also, fingers don't tire as fast as wrists!
Jon39 said:
When I mentioned the manual/auto choice at Gaydon, they said when the DB9 (or would it have been DBS) was offered with both gearboxes, there was very little demand for manual.
This means absolutely nothing unless we know what percentage of cars made are spec'd by dealers vs. built-to-order by customers. I guarantee you that, at least in the US, dealers will almost exclusively order TT or SS cars over manuals. This, because most Americans never learn to drive a stick shift. I witness this at the dealer every time I'm there, customers want a test drive, when the salesperson asks if they can drive a stick, they say no. Sad really. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. George29 said:
DCT all the way! All the benefits with no drawbacks. Don't listen to the manual brigade who are stuck in 1947 too... they're inferior in every way, the sooner they die out the better.
How can anyone state "no drawbacks" so assertively and yet be so wrong. You really need to make fewer all-encompassing general statements, Georgie-boy. How about "no drawbacks for me". 
KarlFranz said:
How can anyone state "no drawbacks" so assertively and yet be so wrong. You really need to make fewer all-encompassing general statements, Georgie-boy. How about "no drawbacks for me".
Because you cannot measure involvement, therefore if you compare the two on things that can be measured, the manual just doesn't come close.Not to mention if they got a good dual clutch automated manual 0-60 times would probably come down which people seem to keep saying they want.
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