V8V Manual or Sportshift ??
Discussion
Simple question that I suspect may have been asked and answered countless times but PH search function not working.
Thinking of making the leap from TVR Tuscan 2S Convertible into V8V Roadster. Gut feeling is I need to be looking at Manual for most "involving" experience but happy to be persuaded otherwise particularly as there seem to be more Sportshift examples available.
Anyone with experience of both that can offer an opinion as to the relative pros and cons ?
Thanks for any help
Thinking of making the leap from TVR Tuscan 2S Convertible into V8V Roadster. Gut feeling is I need to be looking at Manual for most "involving" experience but happy to be persuaded otherwise particularly as there seem to be more Sportshift examples available.
Anyone with experience of both that can offer an opinion as to the relative pros and cons ?
Thanks for any help
GlynMo said:
Your guts provide reliable advice! Others will offer an opposing view. The only way for you to decide is an extended test drive of each but, changing from a TVR (as did I), I think you will gain most satisfaction from the manual box.
I agree. I came from a string of TVRs including an awesome Sagaris. I have a manual V8V which is just fantastic to drive. I did try a sportshift before I bought. I have to say that there wasn't really a lot to choose between them but the manual just felt that little bit more involved for me. Whichever you choose I'm sure you won't stop smiling!! 
People fall into two camps generally with semi-automatic gearboxes, they either totally love them or really hate them.
Drive them both yourself and decide - its the only way to know for sure. Opinions here wont mean much to be honest. Try to give the sportshift a very long testdrive if you can though as it mya take some time to fully get to grips with the new style of driving.
Personally I loved BMW's SMG system, hated Porsche's PDK system and thought Sportshift was probably very similar to SMG but decided not to take the risk having just owned a C2S with PDK and hated every second of it. My last V8V was a manual on this basis, but if I was buying a M3 again it would be SMG for sure!
Drive them both yourself and decide - its the only way to know for sure. Opinions here wont mean much to be honest. Try to give the sportshift a very long testdrive if you can though as it mya take some time to fully get to grips with the new style of driving.
Personally I loved BMW's SMG system, hated Porsche's PDK system and thought Sportshift was probably very similar to SMG but decided not to take the risk having just owned a C2S with PDK and hated every second of it. My last V8V was a manual on this basis, but if I was buying a M3 again it would be SMG for sure!
Futura Blue said:
Hahaha.
Thanks guys...that's no help at all !! (only joking)
But looks like its 4-3 to the manuals - unless anyone wants to argue Lime1 is "on the fence" in which case its an honourable draw........and I'm none the wiser !!
I will make it 4-4. I test drove a manual and then a few days later the s/shift, it only took me about 10 minutes in the car working the paddles and a number of downshifts with the window open to tell me the s/shift was the only way to go.Thanks guys...that's no help at all !! (only joking)
But looks like its 4-3 to the manuals - unless anyone wants to argue Lime1 is "on the fence" in which case its an honourable draw........and I'm none the wiser !!
When first looking at Vantages,after 5 Porsches and M3 over the last 30 years I wanted a manual. The first test drive however was a SportsShift and I expect to loath it. I was surprised to actually like it especially the rev matching downshift and the ability on occasion to put it in D. I have only had the car three week so I cannot give a long term opinion. I do however have a concern on the long term clutch life and have been careful when using the creep mode particularly in reverse.
I could live with either to be honest...the sportshift is easier on my bad leg, and actually does require some thought/skill how you use it to get the best out of it ...as its an automated manual, not a torque convertor slush box
but then manual for the purity
thinking about it, in 20 years time, manual cars with petrol engines will likely be banned, so enjoy one whilst you can
but then manual for the purity
thinking about it, in 20 years time, manual cars with petrol engines will likely be banned, so enjoy one whilst you can
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