Pro's Con's Sportshift
Discussion
Main question seems to be 'what's your use?' If a toy, fun car for the open road, SportsShift could be great.
It's useless in auto mode so needs to be run with the paddles all the time. It also can wear out your clutch quicker in town as it spends time riding, creeping and reversing does it no favours.
So is it a car for town or country?
If you want to use a car in auto mode all the time, get a DB9 TT2.
It's useless in auto mode so needs to be run with the paddles all the time. It also can wear out your clutch quicker in town as it spends time riding, creeping and reversing does it no favours.
So is it a car for town or country?
If you want to use a car in auto mode all the time, get a DB9 TT2.
Constant debate on here.
I've had both - would never go back to manual.
SS is great fun and easy to use once you get the hang on it (I use around town and cruising). Manual is smoother at low speeds however 1st and 2nd on a manual are a PITA anyway so evens itself off in my opinion.
Personal opinion is people who say the SS is terrible either a) have never driven one b) don't know how to drive one or c) are referring specifically to the auto element of it. SS on a country road = bliss.
I've had both - would never go back to manual.
SS is great fun and easy to use once you get the hang on it (I use around town and cruising). Manual is smoother at low speeds however 1st and 2nd on a manual are a PITA anyway so evens itself off in my opinion.
Personal opinion is people who say the SS is terrible either a) have never driven one b) don't know how to drive one or c) are referring specifically to the auto element of it. SS on a country road = bliss.
I would agree with Lewis. I have a Vanquish which has the system and if you drive an Aston as it should be driven I find it fantastic. The Vanquish system is actually ok around town but it is certainly no automatic. I have used it in the auto mode to see what it was like. Crap! If your going to use your Aston like a merc or beemer get the autobox.
Hi Graham,
Having just moved in to a V8VSR with ASM 2, having been through your current angst I can only suggest getting some decent dealer to let you have a Demo for a day or two,
better still a long weekend.
I assume you are considering ASM 2 and not the original concept of ASM in the earlier models?.
From my perspective I didn''t like the initial ASM system and dismissed it after a limited test drive,others may tell you its great and hopefully they'll post up to help you further.
With the ASM 2 I found a smoother and more rounded experience as the gears seem to change more efficiently whilst in Drive mode,I believe the ASM had 6 gears were as the
newer system has 7 but I stand to be corrected there by far more knowledgable Sports Shift owners such as Mikey K and Rob GT.Lets hope they come on later and give you a far
greater overview than I can offer after such a short ownership.
I was hesitate at first about my purchase but once I'd had a decent test drive I soon realised it was fit for purpose for what we wanted in a sports car,the manual mode can be
driven smoothly with a little adaptation to you driving style as a slight lift of the foot encourages a smoother change of gear.The Paddle shift is instant and is most enjoyable when
looking for that more spirited drive.Going back into Drive mode the car to me feels heavier and less inspiring,this can be rectified by putting it into Sport as that helps liven it up again.
Having recently been away in the car touring and as I call it getting to know the car I found it was pretty much the package once you get used to it,things like the no creep mode
and the hill assist had me wondering for a while but once used to them it wasn't an issue.
I was thinking of a fully Automatic Aston initially but I think ASM 2 is currently a very good compromise as it offers the best of both really and can be enjoyed in a relaxed manner
or encouraged in a more sporting fashion.
As Lewis correctly points out it does really depend to some degree what your intended use is for the car,I personally wouldn't fancy a lot of heavy commuting sat in lanes of slow
moving and static traffic etc,but on the other hand if your intention is as ours and its a fun toy and tourer great then go for it as I'm sure you'll love it.
Hopefully you'll get a more technical report from others but from my perspective if its fun your after then you might have found what your looking for,budget allowing go for the
Vantage S and become an S Club junior like myself.
Nb,
If its the original Sports shift your after then ignore me as it would appear I'm an idiot
.
Having just moved in to a V8VSR with ASM 2, having been through your current angst I can only suggest getting some decent dealer to let you have a Demo for a day or two,
better still a long weekend.
I assume you are considering ASM 2 and not the original concept of ASM in the earlier models?.
From my perspective I didn''t like the initial ASM system and dismissed it after a limited test drive,others may tell you its great and hopefully they'll post up to help you further.
With the ASM 2 I found a smoother and more rounded experience as the gears seem to change more efficiently whilst in Drive mode,I believe the ASM had 6 gears were as the
newer system has 7 but I stand to be corrected there by far more knowledgable Sports Shift owners such as Mikey K and Rob GT.Lets hope they come on later and give you a far
greater overview than I can offer after such a short ownership.
I was hesitate at first about my purchase but once I'd had a decent test drive I soon realised it was fit for purpose for what we wanted in a sports car,the manual mode can be
driven smoothly with a little adaptation to you driving style as a slight lift of the foot encourages a smoother change of gear.The Paddle shift is instant and is most enjoyable when
looking for that more spirited drive.Going back into Drive mode the car to me feels heavier and less inspiring,this can be rectified by putting it into Sport as that helps liven it up again.
Having recently been away in the car touring and as I call it getting to know the car I found it was pretty much the package once you get used to it,things like the no creep mode
and the hill assist had me wondering for a while but once used to them it wasn't an issue.
I was thinking of a fully Automatic Aston initially but I think ASM 2 is currently a very good compromise as it offers the best of both really and can be enjoyed in a relaxed manner
or encouraged in a more sporting fashion.
As Lewis correctly points out it does really depend to some degree what your intended use is for the car,I personally wouldn't fancy a lot of heavy commuting sat in lanes of slow
moving and static traffic etc,but on the other hand if your intention is as ours and its a fun toy and tourer great then go for it as I'm sure you'll love it.
Hopefully you'll get a more technical report from others but from my perspective if its fun your after then you might have found what your looking for,budget allowing go for the
Vantage S and become an S Club junior like myself.
Nb,
If its the original Sports shift your after then ignore me as it would appear I'm an idiot
.Edited by Ed50 on Sunday 11th August 14:05
Edited by Ed50 on Sunday 11th August 14:29
When I was looking for mine recently I drove 4 and they were all different.
First one was a SS1 and once I took it out of the auto mode on the short test drive it seemed OK but it wasn't convincing me.
I was then kindly lent a demonstrator with SS2 for a day and a half and based on the way that car drove decided that sport shift wasn't for me, lurchy shifts even using the paddles and giving the light lift on the throttle.
I then went to drive a manual at a different dealer, on arrival they had literally just sold it but persuaded me to try a SS1 car they had in, this drove beatifully with sweet shifts and even relatively good in auto mode. It wasn't the right colour or specification so my hunt continued.
When I drove the car I eventually brought it seemed good on a short test drive but once I was using it more I wasn't completely happy with the shift but following advice from the folk on this forum I carried out repeated clutch learns from cold one day and the shift is now as sweet as can be. If you do a lot of manouvering then reverse is a bi**h and I have yet to really master a quick get away at a roundabout but once on the move it is great.
Although a bit long winded I suppose what I am getting at is drive various ones and if necessary do 3 or 4 clutch learns before a test drive. Apparently the likelyhood is that the demonstrator wasn't being allowed to do the recommended clutch learn at each start up and this was why it didn't feel right.
Now I am used to the sport shift I find it suits my driving and driving style very well but I am sure there are many who will not like it.
First one was a SS1 and once I took it out of the auto mode on the short test drive it seemed OK but it wasn't convincing me.
I was then kindly lent a demonstrator with SS2 for a day and a half and based on the way that car drove decided that sport shift wasn't for me, lurchy shifts even using the paddles and giving the light lift on the throttle.
I then went to drive a manual at a different dealer, on arrival they had literally just sold it but persuaded me to try a SS1 car they had in, this drove beatifully with sweet shifts and even relatively good in auto mode. It wasn't the right colour or specification so my hunt continued.
When I drove the car I eventually brought it seemed good on a short test drive but once I was using it more I wasn't completely happy with the shift but following advice from the folk on this forum I carried out repeated clutch learns from cold one day and the shift is now as sweet as can be. If you do a lot of manouvering then reverse is a bi**h and I have yet to really master a quick get away at a roundabout but once on the move it is great.
Although a bit long winded I suppose what I am getting at is drive various ones and if necessary do 3 or 4 clutch learns before a test drive. Apparently the likelyhood is that the demonstrator wasn't being allowed to do the recommended clutch learn at each start up and this was why it didn't feel right.
Now I am used to the sport shift I find it suits my driving and driving style very well but I am sure there are many who will not like it.
SS all the way for me, even in SS1 form. Had it on the N400 and wouldn't go back to the that quaint little stick you find in a manual ... 
As many have said, SS1 takes some getting used and no one would ever buy it after a 15 minute test drive but it is a joy to use on good driving roads and really adds to the driving experience. Hopeless on auto mode though ...
As many have said, SS1 takes some getting used and no one would ever buy it after a 15 minute test drive but it is a joy to use on good driving roads and really adds to the driving experience. Hopeless on auto mode though ...
StephenP said:
SS all the way for me, even in SS1 form.
As many have said, SS1 takes some getting used and no one would ever buy it after a 15 minute test drive but it is a joy to use on good driving roads and really adds to the driving experience. Hopeless on auto mode though ...
+1 Spot onAs many have said, SS1 takes some getting used and no one would ever buy it after a 15 minute test drive but it is a joy to use on good driving roads and really adds to the driving experience. Hopeless on auto mode though ...
Graham,
If you have no real reference to begin with, then you should try both and see which you like better (or whether you'd be happy with either). I've driven SS1 and SS2, as well as various other paddle systems including dual-clutch 'boxes. I've never had any problem getting the SS (1 or 2) to work well and to work smoothly (using the paddles -- I have zero interest in auto mode). To each his own, but I greatly prefer using a real manual 'box, and the one in the Vantage is a very good manual 'box. To me, using a manual ‘box is one of the more significant ways that a car and its driver communicate – it’s so much more involving, IMO, than any auto or semi-auto system. It's that analogue vs. digital issue -- which do you prefer?
If you have no real reference to begin with, then you should try both and see which you like better (or whether you'd be happy with either). I've driven SS1 and SS2, as well as various other paddle systems including dual-clutch 'boxes. I've never had any problem getting the SS (1 or 2) to work well and to work smoothly (using the paddles -- I have zero interest in auto mode). To each his own, but I greatly prefer using a real manual 'box, and the one in the Vantage is a very good manual 'box. To me, using a manual ‘box is one of the more significant ways that a car and its driver communicate – it’s so much more involving, IMO, than any auto or semi-auto system. It's that analogue vs. digital issue -- which do you prefer?
Speedraser said:
Graham,
If you have no real reference to begin with, then you should try both and see which you like better (or whether you'd be happy with either). I've driven SS1 and SS2, as well as various other paddle systems including dual-clutch 'boxes. I've never had any problem getting the SS (1 or 2) to work well and to work smoothly (using the paddles -- I have zero interest in auto mode). To each his own, but I greatly prefer using a real manual 'box, and the one in the Vantage is a very good manual 'box. To me, using a manual ‘box is one of the more significant ways that a car and its driver communicate – it’s so much more involving, IMO, than any auto or semi-auto system. It's that analogue vs. digital issue -- which do you prefer?
I beg to differ - it's not at all 'that analogue vs. digital issue'. DSG and all the new twin-clutch systems are idiot proof/seamless/don't require input and are certainly closer to this 'digital' thing, but automated manuals still require an amount of driver input and finesse to get right - you still decide which gears and when, although obviously you can't select 1st at 100mph, and as mentioned you need to adapt your driving style to the way you want to drive the car; lift for changes when cruising, foot to the floor when on it. It's also not an automatic - there are distinct ratios as it's still a manual gearbox underneath all the robotics. I've had a few automated-manual cars over the years, and have never driven then without using the paddles.If you have no real reference to begin with, then you should try both and see which you like better (or whether you'd be happy with either). I've driven SS1 and SS2, as well as various other paddle systems including dual-clutch 'boxes. I've never had any problem getting the SS (1 or 2) to work well and to work smoothly (using the paddles -- I have zero interest in auto mode). To each his own, but I greatly prefer using a real manual 'box, and the one in the Vantage is a very good manual 'box. To me, using a manual ‘box is one of the more significant ways that a car and its driver communicate – it’s so much more involving, IMO, than any auto or semi-auto system. It's that analogue vs. digital issue -- which do you prefer?
Anyone who dismisses things like SS1, SMG, and even things like DSG or PDK is on a par with Clarkson, living in the dark ages and afraid of change. They all have their uses and applications for certain people and vehicles. It's a personal thing, so there's no 'right' answer other than the decision you make yourself after driving both.
The fact that almost every race driver chooses automated gearboxes speaks volumes...
I'll bet people scoffed at 'automated screen wipers' once upon a time...
Windymiller said:
I beg to differ - it's not at all 'that analogue vs. digital issue'. DSG and all the new twin-clutch systems are idiot proof/seamless/don't require input and are certainly closer to this 'digital' thing, but automated manuals still require an amount of driver input and finesse to get right - you still decide which gears and when, although obviously you can't select 1st at 100mph, and as mentioned you need to adapt your driving style to the way you want to drive the car; lift for changes when cruising, foot to the floor when on it. It's also not an automatic - there are distinct ratios as it's still a manual gearbox underneath all the robotics. I've had a few automated-manual cars over the years, and have never driven then without using the paddles.
Anyone who dismisses things like SS1, SMG, and even things like DSG or PDK is on a par with Clarkson, living in the dark ages and afraid of change. They all have their uses and applications for certain people and vehicles. It's a personal thing, so there's no 'right' answer other than the decision you make yourself after driving both.
The fact that almost every race driver chooses automated gearboxes speaks volumes...
I'll bet people scoffed at 'automated screen wipers' once upon a time...
Very well put, I drive a DSG boxed car as my everyday transport and the SS1 Vantage for fun, both still let you have control of which gear to use and when unless you try to do something that would damge the box. Both allow you to keep both hands on the wheel for better control when having fun and the DSG in particular can change it's ratios faster and more accurately than I can after 30 years practice.Anyone who dismisses things like SS1, SMG, and even things like DSG or PDK is on a par with Clarkson, living in the dark ages and afraid of change. They all have their uses and applications for certain people and vehicles. It's a personal thing, so there's no 'right' answer other than the decision you make yourself after driving both.
The fact that almost every race driver chooses automated gearboxes speaks volumes...
I'll bet people scoffed at 'automated screen wipers' once upon a time...
The ability to be lazy when you hit a traffic jam/congestion is just a side benefit.
I enjoy driving both my automated manuals and manual boxed Sagaris and BMW but these days definetly gravitate towards the automated versions more often.
As my earlier post though I appreciate that there will always be those that prefer a clutch and gear lever, I hope they continue to enjoy that and that manufacturers continue to give us the choice, although I wonder if the supposed fuel efficiency of the automated box will see the eventual demise of the manual box.
yeti said:
X7LDA said:
Personal opinion is people who say the SS is terrible either a) have never driven one
Agree with that. I haven't driven one.ASM1 suks balls (creep mode, no auto clutch learns, high reverse, lazy changes, stalls, no hill assist)
ASM2 is far better allowing proper control. later braking and changes where you just couldn't in a manual
Laser Sag said:
mikey k said:
ASM1 suks balls (creep mode, no auto clutch learns, high reverse, lazy changes, stalls, no hill assist)
Laser Sag said:
Was under the impression that SS1 does a clutch learn each time the car is started so long as you allow it the few seconds to carry it out.
No, you need to initiate the clutch learn yourself, something that is rarely mentioned at handover and very few owners seem to do. The procedure was discussed at length a while ago and instructions stuck on PH ....
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