i was looking at the g37 today and the 09s have 7 gears so does this mean the 7 gear auto is faster then the 6 speed mt?

 

Not really - the number of gears doesn't tell you how fast a car is. Increasing the number of gears allows closer gear ratios, which means you'll be able to stay in the optimal part of the power band for longer. Technically a CVT has infinite gears, but you don't see CVT cars beating ZR-1s, GT-Rs, F430s, etc.

You still have to look at power-to-weight ratio, drivetrain losses, and many other factors to determine which car is faster.

 

Well, the 09 g37 is faster either way.

 

^ agreed.

 

All else being equal the 7-speed should be faster and return better fuel economy, yes.

 

so the 7 speed is faster right?

 

Too many factors to consider and I don't think any mags have tested the new 7AT G37 yet. One thing's for sure - the 7-speed auto is faster than the 5-speed auto.

 

I'm starting to wish I had an auto lately....

 

funny, i thought i would regret getting an auto in the 328i but so far im pretty damn happy. It has decreased my stress levels during my commutes.

I am dying to drive the nsx though.

 

It depends on the gearing (how tall/short) each gear is. So the 7 speed should have gears that are closer in their ratio, therefore you should be able to peak at higher speeds as it reaches redline per gear. The benefit should be a fairly tall final drive gear, and that should allow a faster top speed.

I'm happy with my 5 speed auto, although a 6 or 7 would be better.

 

exactly what 24 pdx said.