Auto vs. Manual - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

AKADriver · 11-01-2002, 09:39 AM

'better pick up' doesn't mean a damned thing.  Actually it does point out one thing that automatics do...  the torque converter performs a bit of torque multiplication (like gears do) as it spins up.  The result is that from a standing start, first gear will effectively feel 'lower' than it really is, causing the car to scoot off the line.

Do metered 0-60, 1/4 mile runs and the automatic will be consistently slower.

Engine output is independent of gearing.  That 155hp figure was obtained by Nissan with the engine attached to a dynamometer by itself with no transmission.

Having fewer gear ratios is typically what makes automatics slower.  Increased power lost to the transmission itself to maintain fluid pressure is a factor, but less of one.  Notice that when the automatic shifts at full throttle, the revs drop farther then they do in your manual.  The 'spacing' between the gears is wider.  As you've noticed, the auto's 4th is like the manual's 5th - 4 gears in the same space as 5.  This means you spend more time outside the torque band.

Compared to most small cars, the 240SX is less affected by this, since the torque band is quite wide.  But, it still makes a difference.

Personally, I drive manual transmissions because they're more fun.

11-01-2002, 09:39 AM	#3
AKADriver Post Whore! Join Date: May 2002 Location: Springfield, VA Age: 43 Posts: 3,517 Trader Rating: (1) Feedback Score: 1 reviews	'better pick up' doesn't mean a damned thing.  Actually it does point out one thing that automatics do...  the torque converter performs a bit of torque multiplication (like gears do) as it spins up.  The result is that from a standing start, first gear will effectively feel 'lower' than it really is, causing the car to scoot off the line. Do metered 0-60, 1/4 mile runs and the automatic will be consistently slower. Engine output is independent of gearing.  That 155hp figure was obtained by Nissan with the engine attached to a dynamometer by itself with no transmission. Having fewer gear ratios is typically what makes automatics slower.  Increased power lost to the transmission itself to maintain fluid pressure is a factor, but less of one.  Notice that when the automatic shifts at full throttle, the revs drop farther then they do in your manual.  The 'spacing' between the gears is wider.  As you've noticed, the auto's 4th is like the manual's 5th - 4 gears in the same space as 5.  This means you spend more time outside the torque band. Compared to most small cars, the 240SX is less affected by this, since the torque band is quite wide.  But, it still makes a difference. Personally, I drive manual transmissions because they're more fun.