Maser 3200 - auto or manual
Discussion
I'm interested in what made 3200 owners out there choose an auto over a manual, or visa versa. Has anyone driven both, and preferred one to the other?
I currently drive a Cerbera 4.2, but (like quite a few others it would seem) would consider changing to a Maser in the next year or so when the kids grow out of the Cerb.
Cheers,
Neil
I currently drive a Cerbera 4.2, but (like quite a few others it would seem) would consider changing to a Maser in the next year or so when the kids grow out of the Cerb.
Cheers,
Neil
I'm a new and so far happy owner of a manual 3200. I never actually drove an auto variant before buying, as based on my ownership of other Automatic GT-type cars in the past (928S4, Nissan 300ZX) I knew I wanted a manual. While both of the above were great cars, when I was in the mood for a bit of spirited driving I always missed stirring the cogs myself.
I'd recommend a 3200 manual all the more for the fact that the engine is so flexible that when you're feeling lazy you can just keep gear changing to a minimum and let the torque do the work.
Plus the fact that market prices dictate that manuals go for less money - so you effectively get paid for changing your own gears!
There is a slight performance penalty with the Auto, but I doubt it is even noticable in the real world so I wouldn't really let that be a factor in your decision - ultimately it comes down, as with most things, to personal preference!
>> Edited by chris_n on Monday 1st March 18:40
I'd recommend a 3200 manual all the more for the fact that the engine is so flexible that when you're feeling lazy you can just keep gear changing to a minimum and let the torque do the work.
Plus the fact that market prices dictate that manuals go for less money - so you effectively get paid for changing your own gears!
There is a slight performance penalty with the Auto, but I doubt it is even noticable in the real world so I wouldn't really let that be a factor in your decision - ultimately it comes down, as with most things, to personal preference!
>> Edited by chris_n on Monday 1st March 18:40
I drove both and went for the manual.
The auto does a very good job of smoothing out the power deliery, and gives the car much more of a GT feel.
The manual is a bit more involving, although the throttle response is a little wierd at first. Personally I like driving relatively aggresively and this suited me much more than the auto.
It really is a matter of driving both and getting a feel for what you prefer. Either way it is a fantastic car.
The auto does a very good job of smoothing out the power deliery, and gives the car much more of a GT feel.
The manual is a bit more involving, although the throttle response is a little wierd at first. Personally I like driving relatively aggresively and this suited me much more than the auto.
It really is a matter of driving both and getting a feel for what you prefer. Either way it is a fantastic car.
Thanks folks...pretty much the responses I was expecting so far. The Maser is certainly more of a tourer than the Cerb, but all the same I think I'd prefer the manual to feel that bit more involved.
A friend of mine drove a manual (
Prancing) and says that it all got a bit frantic changing up and up as the turbos kicked in. Then again, with an auto the the missus will be keener to drive, and it'll be on the school run and into McD's with the kids all the time...hmmm.
I'm definitely going to visit a couple of dealers over the next few months, and try to drive both. Hopefully, I won't be disapointed. I will miss the Rocket though when it finally does go.
A friend of mine drove a manual (
Prancing) and says that it all got a bit frantic changing up and up as the turbos kicked in. Then again, with an auto the the missus will be keener to drive, and it'll be on the school run and into McD's with the kids all the time...hmmm. I'm definitely going to visit a couple of dealers over the next few months, and try to drive both. Hopefully, I won't be disapointed. I will miss the Rocket though when it finally does go.
When you go on a test drive get the salesmen to boot both cars in low gear while moving. Then do what I did...buy the manual. There is no comparison in terms of outright performance.
The manual is definitely quicker except from a standing start - getting it off the line without paying for a new set of rear tyres, clutch or both can be "interesting".
Sure the auto is easier to drive, but it's not as rewarding.
Happy hunting!
The manual is definitely quicker except from a standing start - getting it off the line without paying for a new set of rear tyres, clutch or both can be "interesting".
Sure the auto is easier to drive, but it's not as rewarding.
Happy hunting!
I drove both back to back over the same route a few years ago, auto first.
Liked it but something wsas just not quite right, I then took the manual out and loved it.
I mentioned it to a mate who worked at another Masser dealer (HR Owen) he said he was under the impression that the autobox was 'learning box' and over a few miles would get better. I'm not sure if that was bollocks or not..
Anyway when/if we ever get one it will be a manual.
D.
Liked it but something wsas just not quite right, I then took the manual out and loved it.
I mentioned it to a mate who worked at another Masser dealer (HR Owen) he said he was under the impression that the autobox was 'learning box' and over a few miles would get better. I'm not sure if that was bollocks or not..
Anyway when/if we ever get one it will be a manual.
D.
davidd said:
I drove both back to back over the same route a few years ago, auto first.
Liked it but something wsas just not quite right, I then took the manual out and loved it.
I mentioned it to a mate who worked at another Masser dealer (HR Owen) he said he was under the impression that the autobox was 'learning box' and over a few miles would get better. I'm not sure if that was bollocks or not..
Anyway when/if we ever get one it will be a manual.
D.
I have wondered what the difference was but the auto feels so good (especially in heavy traffic) that I'm quite happy. I'm intrigued to find out what the cambiocorsa is like as I quite fancy one next...
When I bought my Manual 3 years ago a freind bought an auto at the same time. We swapped from time to time and he always regretted the decision. He said he got the auto so that the wife would drive it, but she never did anyway.
The manual with the electronic throttle takes some getting used to but once you have mastered it then anything else it non responsive!
The manual with the electronic throttle takes some getting used to but once you have mastered it then anything else it non responsive!
personally having commuted in the 348 for 2 years I was ready for a rest. I tried both and settled on an auto.
My journeys are generally in London or motorway so I wanted a more relaxed feel. Also for the gf to use it.
The only time I've regretted it was at Bruntingthorpe when at about 120 myself and MrTony in his manual were neck and neck and as mine changed up to the lazy 4th gear, he has 2 gears left and I watched him pull away
aside from that, very happy though.
My journeys are generally in London or motorway so I wanted a more relaxed feel. Also for the gf to use it.
The only time I've regretted it was at Bruntingthorpe when at about 120 myself and MrTony in his manual were neck and neck and as mine changed up to the lazy 4th gear, he has 2 gears left and I watched him pull away
aside from that, very happy though.I drove both on the launch of the car, same day, same roads. The manual drove like a dragster, combination of drive by wire throttle & turbos spooling up, the auto smoothed this out. The traction control light was virtually constantly lit on both cars on the twisty stuff, though.
I understand that the various campaigns dampened down a lot of the effects I experienced.
I'd go for a manual though - once you get used to the driving sensation it's one huge bundle of fun. In the dry.......
I understand that the various campaigns dampened down a lot of the effects I experienced.
I'd go for a manual though - once you get used to the driving sensation it's one huge bundle of fun. In the dry.......
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