Manual vs. Auto Transmission
#16
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BINGO. I hear a lot of people saying that they wish they had a manual transmission for the "performance" aspect that it offers... The fact of the matter is that performance-wise, the automatic transmission wins every time. There are virtually no cars that, identically equipped, are faster in manual transmission form than in auto. In fact, most of your ultra-performance supercars don't even offer manual transmissions as an option anymore - it's purely an enthusiast "fun" preference.
Javier
Javier
Which Ultra Performance Supercars don't have manuals? MOST???
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#17
2IS OG
iTrader: (21)
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Most "manual" transmissions offered in high-end exotic sports cars are actually DSG, SMG, or some variant of a clutchless transmission - hence the popularity of today's paddle shifters. (See new Ferrari's, anything AMG, Corvette C6, most of Audi's top-end USDM offerings - the list goes on and on...) For the non-professional driver, a performance automatic transmission delivers superior shifts every time. The new SMGII transmission delivers shifts in 80 milliseconds. If you can shift gears in 80 milliseconds, my hat's off to you. Hey, I like rowing through gears just like everybody else... but performance automatics are superior (in shifting) to manual transmissions.
Javier
Javier
#18
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Most "manual" transmissions offered in high-end exotic sports cars are actually DSG, SMG, or some variant of a clutchless transmission - hence the popularity of today's paddle shifters. (See new Ferrari's, anything AMG, Corvette C6, most of Audi's top-end USDM offerings - the list goes on and on...)
For the non-professional driver, a performance automatic transmission delivers superior shifts every time. The new SMGII transmission delivers shifts in 80 milliseconds. If you can shift gears in 80 milliseconds, my hat's off to you. Hey, I like rowing through gears just like everybody else... but performance automatics are superior (in shifting) to manual transmissions.
See bolded:
So after speaking with the Lexus sales guys and a bunch of other Lexus owners regarding the IS250 transmission, it seems that the following is essentially true:
#19
Lexus Fanatic
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For those of you who dont know cars, theres alot more to worry about after you've put on your 'racing' clutch.
Snapping a stock axle is alot better than snapping a stock driveshaft under acceleration, a broken driveshaft sure does alot of damage in a rwd car, trust me I know. Those 2 things are just the first of your driveline mods from the clutch on back. Frame reinforcement is another overlooked item... Theres no end once you start, IF your gonna do things right.
#20
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LOL what a over simplification. Dont give the 2fast2stupid generation ideas ok?
For those of you who dont know cars, theres alot more to worry about after you've put on your 'racing' clutch.
Snapping a stock axle is alot better than snapping a stock driveshaft under acceleration, a broken driveshaft sure does alot of damage in a rwd car, trust me I know. Those 2 things are just the first of your driveline mods from the clutch on back. Frame reinforcement is another overlooked item... Theres no end once you start, IF your gonna do things right.
For those of you who dont know cars, theres alot more to worry about after you've put on your 'racing' clutch.
Snapping a stock axle is alot better than snapping a stock driveshaft under acceleration, a broken driveshaft sure does alot of damage in a rwd car, trust me I know. Those 2 things are just the first of your driveline mods from the clutch on back. Frame reinforcement is another overlooked item... Theres no end once you start, IF your gonna do things right.
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#23
2IS OG
iTrader: (21)
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Oh, and you're right about me going off topic... sorry!!!
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Javier
#24
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I couldn't agree more, and that's my point exactly. As modern transmissions get better and better, the "performance" reward for getting a true manual becomes smaller and smaller. If a manumatic-type setup gives you full control over the transmission and uber-quick shifts, what's the advantage of a manual then? In the case of the 2IS, it's surely not gas mileage anymore - the 250 MT gets 20 and 28 mpg, while the 250 AT gets 24 and 32 mpg, respectively. Until someboy starts laying down laptimes in an IS250 MT that's equal to or faster than an identically equipped auto, it can only be called a "fun feature"...
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I agree modern transmissions are getting better and better. If the ISx50 were to have a DSG type transmission I don't think we'd be having this debate.
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Did I mention most of my previous cars were all manuals until my recent BMW 335i with the Steptronic? I am not a fanatic manual or nothing type of person. I just think there is more to a good automatic than a fast shifter.
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#25
2IS OG
iTrader: (21)
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^^Agreed - that's why I love this forum - gearheads can get together and talk CARS!!!
Unless I'm missing something, all these cars look like automatics to me... this is right off the AMG website:
![](https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/4029/1.jpg)
![](https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/4029/2.jpg)
And you can add the SLR McLaren to that list, too...![Driving Skid](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/drivingskid.gif)
Javier
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![](https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/4029/1.jpg)
![](https://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/4029/2.jpg)
And you can add the SLR McLaren to that list, too...
![Driving Skid](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/drivingskid.gif)
Javier
Last edited by javyLSU; 06-11-07 at 10:11 PM. Reason: added 2nd chart
#27
Lexus Fanatic
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So who uses automatic hmm lets see...the top rally teams subaru/ford/that french company, D1 pro drift cars, F1, NHRA/IHRA Top Fuel class cars, IMSA and a hella lotta more use automatic transmissions.