| Steve Chryssos |
06-10-2013 08:43 AM |
It's always fun to watch these threads. The two transmission types get compared without looking at the actual requirements of the owner. For example: Pro-Touring cars are multi-purpose, right? But the conversation always short circuits directly to what works better on a road course. The loudest voice is usually the guy that doesn't understand the basic racecraft concept of opposite lock. But anyway, back to the example, multi-purpose vehicles, and the OP....
Do you like drag racing? The automatic will likely excel -- usually over more powerful 3 pedal cars. Shorter shift times, no power interrupt, and torque multiplication are awesome.
Will you be autocrossing? The automatic car will be just as good if not better. Why? Not a lot of shifting on most courses.
Will your car be used a daily driver? The playing field gets more level if you plan to drive your car frequently. I was in LA a coupla weeks back for a business trip and had a Nismo Z press car with three pedals. Great car, but miserable under the circumstances.
Do you have a lot of power? Many of our customers have big HP engines such as twin turbo applications and prefer to stay away from clutches in the interest of reliability and tractability.
Will you be doing a lot of track days? The automatic solution is not as effective as 3 pedals on a road course.
Are you entering the Formula One Championship with your Pro-Touring Car? The VERY FIRST THING we tell potential customers is that we only offer the best automatic transmission experience of your life -- not a substitute for a manual. Then we tell them that the paddle shifter is the least important part of the equation. Custom tuned billet torque converters are critical. Custom electronic calibration tunes are awesome. We work with specific transmission builders to minimize shift time, improve shift feel, and handle high rpm shifts and heat. Factory transmissions are calibrated for grandma. The long shift times are there to avoid scaring the average consumer.
A paddle shifter is just a fancy looking override switch for those circumstances when the driver is smarter than the computer. Unfortunately, most "expert" drivers use the switch at the wrong time, then blame the switch.
At the end of day, pick an automatic if you want and expect an automatic. just be sure to look at ALL of the parameters above -- not just road course functionality.
I love em both, but that wasn't an option on the poll.
/Steve
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