Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

a good Base 6MT driver will take a Type-S 5AT all day long....

and for the most part, yes...

Aman

He'd have to be a damn good driver, but even then it would still be close.

Sonnick

Yes, but some auto trannies lose less power through the drivetrain than others. Nissan does a really good job with this, as does VW. The 7AT 370z is slightly faster than the 6MT, as is the DSG GTi. Honda/Acura is wayy behind on their auto transmissions, as well as their SOHC layouts along with their seemingly endless FWD platforms; oh and their new designs.

Dave_B

This is true. Even the 5AT in the 3rd gen TL-S seems to do significantly better than the 5AT in the regular TL. I'm sure the J35s additional lowend torque helps. We're now to the point that there really isn't a major acceleration difference between autos and manuals. The extra gears, improved torque converters, and elaborate electronic valve bodies/tranny computers are largely responsible. In bigger displacement motors or motors that make good torque, the autos are out accelerating the manual counterparts. The autos are faster to shift and overall more responsive. On a road course, the playing field has been leveled. In many cases, having a true manual holds absolutely no performance benefit and in some cases, makes for a slower car.

As the autos (not talking clutch sequential manuals) become more high tech, the autos will outgun the manuals. Eventually, the manuals will disappear in passenger cars. The most significant automatic design so far is Benz's new 7AT which doesn't use a torque converter at all. http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/m...transmissions/ Instead, it uses a multi-disc "start-up" clutch. By removing the TC, it reduces rotating weight and pumping/slippage losses and effiency and performance is improved. In every gear except at slow speeds in 1st, the tranny has a direct connection to the drive wheels, just like a manual. Up and down shifts are lightning quick (100 ms) which is something a human couldn't come close to matching.

Autos of the future will employee this technology and the cars will only get quicker and more efficent. It also renders many more complicated sequential manuals useless.

Dave_B

As for this vert 335i. They're about 350lb heavier than the hard top 335i and tend to go lower 14s in the low 100s. I'm not surprised by this race. BTW, the 6AT 335s are quicker than the 6MT. No boost lost on shifts and the 6AT is a great tranny.

Sonnick

^^ Computers are going to do everything soon. I still love driving stick and probably always will. There may be a time where my DD is auto and 'fun' car will be stick. But until then, I much prefer driving a manual car. I will agree though, that the autos are starting to get serious.

Speaking of the AT 335s...they usually start in 2nd gear (when modded) through the 1/4 mile because their torque is so ridiculous. Must be nice lol.

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

I know the auto is faster but I still like the manual My buddy has a 6MT 135i with JB4 plus other mods and it's so much fun to drive! I wouldn't want an automatic to ruin the experience.

MobTownTL

iTrader: (1)

hmmm... really itching to run a modded TL 6mt or TL-S 6mt now

BostonSilverTypeS

^if you are stock then it will be a close race(driver error and what not), but if your modded then forget it you will pull away easy!

and not all 6at 335's are quicker than 335's 6mt!!!
(on side note the auto's in BMW's are annoying as even in manual mode it does not give the driver full control in other words its dummy proof even in manual mode(no fun there)!!!



but yeah all auto's will eventually be quicker than 6mt but 6mt will and always be more fun then driving an automatic and more driver skill

anx1300c

iTrader: (2)

I need drive a 6MT 335, because as much as I love manuals, the 335i auto I drove was pretty damn impressive. I have heard the 6MT isn't spectacular because it's a bit notchy.

218TL

? What??? You have total control in manual mode. DS, downshift, and it's up to you.

fan_888

What modification you've done to your car?

I have fully bolted on TL-S and ran my buddy's 335 with Intake and muffler delete, I pulled away from him but after he put JB3 chip he pulled away like crazy

MobTownTL

iTrader: (1)

mine was notchy at first but i got use to it and I dont notice it at all anymore...


and there is a 6MT TL-S here in auburn. not sure if it's stock but i plan on getting a run in with him

and i'm bone stock right now. I feel stock for stock, I should walk at 6MT in a dig but I've heard the 4th gear is good for the TL-S so from a roll it should be pretty good.

BostonSilverTypeS

Do you own a 335 auto? If so do this put it in manual mode and get up to speed say for example 65mph and on 5th or 6th gear, now without you physically downshifting, just stomp on pedal and the kickdown feature on the back of pedal which clicks will automatically downshift for you.

Also put it in manual mode and don't upshift and let it go to redline in each shift!!! it will not let you hit the rev limiter as it will automatically upshift for you....

If you don't have a 335, then ask someone who does drive one(auto of course) to try that and you will see I will do exactly as what I just explained