Performance Automatics

[CampDavid]

I used to think that a performance auto was an idiotic thing, then I drove a Porsche 928 S4 in rush hour. That shut me up properly

[james280779]

300bhp/ton said:

As I said earlier, I do personally prefer manuals. But I think you are being a little over dramatic and some what unrealistic. An auto doesn't alter how a car handles, or even the general feel of the entire car, it also doesn't usually alter how the engine feels and responds.

i disagree, if anything it is far quicker gear change with an auto, It just feels far less involving. I get so bored just flicking a gear or paddle. For me half the fun of driving is using clutch/ manual box, the DSG (has 7 gears) I find I have to constantly look at the digital display to see the gear I am in, I prefer to feel it and just know by the engine sound. I havent driven a later BMW/Merc etc so it might be different but from experience in the older models it was mind numbing.

[Vladimir]

I like the auto in the BM. Gets it right about 95% of the time. Only error is sometimes in quick kick down to overtake - a slight hesitation; so I flick down with the flappy paddles.

Works well with the derv delivery and is good enough that it's simply one thing less to think about when gunning it. You can trust it to change correctly when in "sport" mode. Normal mode is a bit gay but fine for relaxed driving.

I like full (good) autos or full manuals. I still don't like semi autos.

[braddo]

300bhp/ton said:

St John Smythe said:

Mine does. The box in my mate's AMG did the same.

That's pretty cool didn't know any did. How is it activated/deactivated?

On Mercs (pre-paddles) you simply slot the gearlever into the desired gear. On my C43 it won't change up (so will bounce into the rev limiter) and will only kickdown if revs are less than maybe 1500rpm and WOT.

[james280779]

Captain Muppet said:

Yes, you are in a tiny minority of people who can see sound.

Also you are in a tiny minority (I hope) who care what other people's gear changes sound like.

see sound? easy

Buy a TVR, drive through a tunnel. check reflection in mirror. guaranteed to see a massive smile!

[GravelBen]

300bhp/ton said:

An auto doesn't alter how a car handles, or even the general feel of the entire car, it also doesn't usually alter how the engine feels and responds.

Newer performance-oriented autos might not but a lot of older (90s etc) autos certainly do, the way they dull any sort of throttle response makes mid-corner adjustment a matter of frustrated guesswork.


want to tighten your line a little so ease a bit more throttle on and... nothing. wait... wait.... wait... car starts to respond.... sudden kickdown lurches car... wait... wait... slushbox decides to change up 2 gears and car bogs down.

[GravelBen]

Camaro91 said:

For the 1% of the time when you're masterfully cutting through the twisties "blipping" your wotsit and "snicking" into gears, manuals are great.

For the other 99% of the time when you're on the motorway or stuck in some dismal traffic jam, autos reign supreme.

Wow, your life must suck*. If I had to live with such morbidly depressing roads I might drive an automatic diesel too, or take a bus.

*in driving terms at least, I make no comment about other aspects of your life

[Daniel1]

GravelBen said:

Camaro91 said:

For the 1% of the time when you're masterfully cutting through the twisties "blipping" your wotsit and "snicking" into gears, manuals are great.

For the other 99% of the time when you're on the motorway or stuck in some dismal traffic jam, autos reign supreme.

Wow, your life must suck*. If I had to live with such morbidly depressing roads I might drive an automatic diesel too, or take a bus.

*in driving terms at least, I make no comment about other aspects of your life

In his defence, I live in a the southeast with some great roads, but the only time you can use them is a Saturday and Sunday morning. They are simply too busy the rest of the time.

[james280779]

I used to live in essex, some fantastic country lanes that are drivable most days with little traffic.

[Vladimir]

GravelBen said:

Wow, your life must suck*. If I had to live with such morbidly depressing roads I might drive an automatic diesel too, or take a bus.

*in driving terms at least, I make no comment about other aspects of your life

Think I'd rather take the bus than drive a ten year old Legacy. Different strokes...

Edited by Vladimir on Friday 27th April 08:01

[GravelBen]

Vladimir said:

Think I'd rather take the bus than drive a ten year old Legacy. Different strokes...

<checks profile>

I see you put your money where your mouth is anyway.

[mattmoxon]

My Mustang is an automatic, I bought the automatic after 6 years of driving a manual. I was always a staunch "I'll always have a manual until they pull the keys from my cold dead hand" type of person, actively taking the mickey out of people that bought one out of choice (unless they had a medical reason, or the car was only available as an auto etc. for doing so), until I injured my left knee. So given the Mustangs have a reasonably hefty clutch (compared to most cars of that age - the ST was very light) I decided to test drive an automatic.

The 25 minute test drive converted me to automatics instantly. I would never have another manual gearbox if I could avoid it now, the automatic is just superior in every way imho. Though to me the gear change was always something I "had to do" rather than wanted to do because I was under the false impression that it gave me more control over the car - the auto gives you as much or as little control as you want.

[edward1]

I have moved to a XKR from a TVR in the last 12 months and the autobox was the one thing I was really not sure about. But if you use your car everyday then for the majority of time sat in traffic or on the m/way the autobox is great. For the times when you get out onto some nice roads and want to press on I do miss the manual and the opportunity to practise the heal and toe technique.

If the performance car is for enjoyment only then it has to be a manual. If it is to be a daily drive as well then having driven one for 12months an auto is fine in my book.