6-Speed Manual or CVT?

[ESP]

I bought (and held out) for the 6MT to the point where I was supposed to have a 2008 A/C. As you can see, I own a 2009.

I like the feeling of the 6MT, or any manual for that matter. I got my license on a stick, and all my cars since my first have all been stick. I tested out the CVT when I found it virtually impossible to find a 6MT and while smooth and nice, I was bored. For those used to driving a manual, when your hands and feet have nothing to do, it just takes the driving experience away.

I figured I'm young. When I have a backseat full of kids pulling my shirt, and playing with radio knobs, and attacking each other while I'm driving when I'm a mommy, I'll get an automatic then.

...now there is someone who understands! I was open to the option of owning the CVT, but when I drove it (right after having driven the 6mt) it seemed lifeless and boring. Like Cellar says, my hands and feet had nothing to do, and putting it in manual mode just seemed like I was cheating myself out of a good time.

BTW, Mehdi...what's the freakin' deal with bringing back this thread from the dead?!?!

[DAAN.]

6MT because that's the only way to be a man lol

a CVT, because some of us want smart choices for city driving

[ShiftTab]

a CVT, because some of us want smart choices for city driving

Amen. I live in Los Angeles. Traffic Mon-Sun 12am-12am...

[Coop'sCoupe]

CVT for me, I know how to drive stick however all I use my car for is commuting and errands. I find the manual mode of the CVT pretty fun actually. My best friend who drives a manual Cobalt SS S/C said he actually had a fun time driving my car.

[cellardoorv]

...now there is someone who understands! I was open to the option of owning the CVT, but when I drove it (right after having driven the 6mt) it seemed lifeless and boring. Like Cellar says, my hands and feet had nothing to do, and putting it in manual mode just seemed like I was cheating myself out of a good time.

BTW, Mehdi...what's the freakin' deal with bringing back this thread from the dead?!?!

I likes your pictures. I just bought an SLR. Teach me thy ways.

CVT for me, I know how to drive stick however all I use my car for is commuting and errands. I find the manual mode of the CVT pretty fun actually. My best friend who drives a manual Cobalt SS S/C said he actually had a fun time driving my car.

Well no wonder. I'd be happy driving one of these before a Cobalt.

[Coop'sCoupe]

Well no wonder. I'd be happy driving one of these before a Cobalt.

[/QUOTE]

Haha, yeah really. He's actually trading it in for a 2006 Lancer Evolution IX very soon. He's had so much trouble with the Cobalt the past 3 years it's ridiculous.

[dhold]

CVT for me as I've grown lazy these days...

[HuyyNguyen]

woo..i felt the emotions of this battle thread..all because some guy hates MODS on an auto i bet theres some forums who bash on people who install MODS on FWD too..tell him that .. know what would be nice? AWD on the coupe hehe. But i like my CVT because I can take short naps on straight roads even tho its dangerous lol..havnt crashed yet but swerve alot. I have a feeling I'll be in a big accident one day and loose my car tho next car will be a Lamborghini Gallardo just a few more years! and wahlah.

[DaCoupe]

6MT FTMW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As one CVT owner at a past meet once said " I wish i could chirp my tires while moving"..........."Or at all"



as for this thread

[JSPADES]

I have to say, first of all, that I grew up in suburbia, where ATs prevail and have outnumbered MTs perhaps anywhere from 8 to 10 times over. I grew up riding in ATs, and when I first learned to drive, it was in an AT. My dad for years and years kept a MT pickup truck that only he drove. He alone knew its peculiarities and my mom — though she knew how to drive a MT — never drove it more than once, I think.

When I bought my first car back in '92, I opted for an MT, a 5-speed Honda Civic, and I fell in love with being able to interact more with the car. It was this car in which I learned to drive a MT. I felt more like a "partner" in the journey, rather than a "power-passenger" who did little more than steer the vehicle. I never lost that fascination with the MT.

Since '04, when I finally parted with my '92 Honda (for a tidy sum of ~$1250), I began driving "hand-me-down" ATs which I'd bought used from friends and/or family, but I never really enjoyed driving the way I had with my MT. That is to say, until early last month, when I succumbed to the charms of a lady named Altima This was my pearl of great price, and I searched everywhere in my local area for the 6MT, but no dealers seemed to have them (or seemed motivated to find one for me). I had to drive 2 hours to the Atlanta area to find one. I had the choice between 2 colours (silver or black), same trim (basic), but I didn't care. I had my MT back

-b-

[TrueFaith]

So, are all you people who think a RWD car handles better going to trade in your A/Cs for the new RWD Hyundai Genesis Coupe? Thought not...

[darkmessenger]

I drive CVT because there are too much steep hills here at Vancouver... But I do pretend I'm driving a 6MT mentally from time to time, you know, with left hand on wheel and right hand on the CVT stick and pretending I'm shifting...

[Cali 2 Balti G]

I have to say, first of all, that I grew up in suburbia, where ATs prevail and have outnumbered MTs perhaps anywhere from 8 to 10 times over. I grew up riding in ATs, and when I first learned to drive, it was in an AT. My dad for years and years kept a MT pickup truck that only he drove. He alone knew its peculiarities and my mom — though she knew how to drive a MT — never drove it more than once, I think.

When I bought my first car back in '92, I opted for an MT, a 5-speed Honda Civic, and I fell in love with being able to interact more with the car. It was this car in which I learned to drive a MT. I felt more like a "partner" in the journey, rather than a "power-passenger" who did little more than steer the vehicle. I never lost that fascination with the MT.

Since '04, when I finally parted with my '92 Honda (for a tidy sum of ~$1250), I began driving "hand-me-down" ATs which I'd bought used from friends and/or family, but I never really enjoyed driving the way I had with my MT. That is to say, until early last month, when I succumbed to the charms of a lady named Altima This was my pearl of great price, and I searched everywhere in my local area for the 6MT, but no dealers seemed to have them (or seemed motivated to find one for me). I had to drive 2 hours to the Atlanta area to find one. I had the choice between 2 colours (silver or black), same trim (basic), but I didn't care. I had my MT back

-b-

The vast majority of cars produced and on the road today are FWD. A much smaller percentage of cars are even available with RWD. And lets not forget the AWD option (which usually operate like a FWD and then engage the rears for better dry performance or bad weather conditions. In general FWD is more practical overall considering cost and bad weather snow traction. But bottom line i think it is preference either of a particular car (like a mustang or charger RWD) or one's weather driving needs.

Many RWD cars now come with traction control or some kind of limited slip to improve traction - and are generally available with a lot more power like th Dodge Charger/300/etc. Also I think all of the supercars, roadsters etc. from the high-end boys (ferrari, bentley, mercedes, Porsche etc) are RWD or AWD (rwd biased).

Same thing with transmissions majority made and driven are autos, with the manuals general available mainly in economy or base models of some vehicles or in sporty, sports cars. Autos suit most of the people most of the time. I can drive stick but I chose an auto - because I usually eat breakfast while I commute to work every day. Didnt really need extra left leg and right are workout. My first few cars were stick so I know what thats about - you have much more direct control of the car - period. Not so much fun in traffic and city streets. Some people only drive sticks - I may get one in the future - but for now I'm good.

In the end as long as you are satisfied with your car then your good. If not then you got many choices both new and used fwd rwd awd manual auto truck wagon suv sav etc etc. Good Luck.

[DaCoupe]

I have to say, first of all, that I grew up in suburbia, where ATs prevail and have outnumbered MTs perhaps anywhere from 8 to 10 times over. I grew up riding in ATs, and when I first learned to drive, it was in an AT. My dad for years and years kept a MT pickup truck that only he drove. He alone knew its peculiarities and my mom — though she knew how to drive a MT — never drove it more than once, I think.

When I bought my first car back in '92, I opted for an MT, a 5-speed Honda Civic, and I fell in love with being able to interact more with the car. It was this car in which I learned to drive a MT. I felt more like a "partner" in the journey, rather than a "power-passenger" who did little more than steer the vehicle. I never lost that fascination with the MT.

Since '04, when I finally parted with my '92 Honda (for a tidy sum of ~$1250), I began driving "hand-me-down" ATs which I'd bought used from friends and/or family, but I never really enjoyed driving the way I had with my MT. That is to say, until early last month, when I succumbed to the charms of a lady named Altima This was my pearl of great price, and I searched everywhere in my local area for the 6MT, but no dealers seemed to have them (or seemed motivated to find one for me). I had to drive 2 hours to the Atlanta area to find one. I had the choice between 2 colours (silver or black), same trim (basic), but I didn't care. I had my MT back

-b-

sad story, sorry to hear you were MT deprived at a younger age.

but now MT=WIN

[mattybo]

Along with the majority of CVT owners on here I only purchased that transmission because there wasn't a MT within 200 miles of Baltimore. I tried extremely hard with no luck. Hell I couldn't even get the initial color I wanted (Dark Slate) as the 3.5 SE's seem to be selling pretty well, especially when the government started the C.A.R.S. program. I traded in a 1987 BMW I had sitting in my driveway for about 2 years. The thing barely made it to the dealership and promptly died in their parking lot.

Anyway I would have much rather had a MT but in retrospect I am quite happy with the CVT. I use it in Manual Mode when I feel the need but keep it in auto mode when I am busy multi-tasking. And let me tell you...when you are a Network Engineer tethered to a black berry you are always taking calls and writing emails so I am happy with my CVT. In a couple years once some of my school loans are paid off I will look into a RWD/MT sports car.

[michaelthepsycho]

The fact is... When you buy a car, you have to buy the car, AND transmission that the company's known for. Nissan's CVT stands out, just as BMW's auto is the only one available for the 335d because it was stronger. If you bought a Subaru, you buy the six-speed manual as opposed to the five-speed because it's the one that's bullet-proof. Audi's CVT sucks, so get the manual. You get the point... Transmission choices should not be blindly made on personal preference but rather, the company's aptitude in that area. Many companies make superior DCT's and those should be considered before your own psychology ("fun to drive") takes over.

Just my two cents.

[Shade Tree]

And of course this thread wouldn't be complete without someone bringing up the stupid FWD vs RWD crap. I mean really, WTF difference would it make if it was RWD? So it can fish tail more? Or maybe power slide onto the drive way so you can just open your door and let the groceries fly in through the front door of the house? Why bother driving a FWD which probably suffers from less transmission WHP loss than a RWD propeller shaft driven one? Really now.

since you called out my old screen name (10 months later) , i shall respond accordingly

you see the difference is in the way it feels when you drive, maybe you've never driven a rear wheel drive car before but its different. so let me answer your questions,

SO IT CAN FISHTAIL MORE? yes, that is an excellent example

Or maybe power slide onto the drive way so you can just open your door and let the groceries fly in through the front door of the house? yes, that is an excellent idea as well.

Why bother driving a FWD which probably suffers from less transmission WHP loss than a RWD propeller shaft driven one? excellent question, and i have no idea why someone would drive a FWD over a RWD

[QR25DE]

6-Speed for the win.

[mcheddadi]

The fact is... When you buy a car, you have to buy the car, AND transmission that the company's known for. Nissan's CVT stands out, just as BMW's auto is the only one available for the 335d because it was stronger. If you bought a Subaru, you buy the six-speed manual as opposed to the five-speed because it's the one that's bullet-proof. Audi's CVT sucks, so get the manual. You get the point... Transmission choices should not be blindly made on personal preference but rather, the company's aptitude in that area. Many companies make superior DCT's and those should be considered before your own psychology ("fun to drive") takes over.

Just my two cents.

just so you know, the CVT isn't a "NISSAN" innovation model. its a JATCO transmission, thats available on models from mitsubishi, dodge, suzuki etc...plus it seriously limits some aspects of the car.

volkswagen dual clutch transmission's and porshe pdk transmission might be the fastest shifting in the world, but I still hope we get the new r20 golf (the new awd one) with a standard 6mt transmission. In the end you either drive a car or get driven by one.if I had to choose between the evo10's dual clutch and 6mt. i'd take the 6mt even its the the lower end model of the two.

but thats just me

[mister toad]

volkswagen dual clutch transmission's and porshe pdk transmission might be the fastest shifting in the world, but I still hope we get the new r20 golf (the new awd one) with a standard 6mt transmission. In the end you either drive a car or get driven by one.

The car I traded in for the A/C was a VW GTi, with the DSG dual clutch. Quite a nice transmission and more sporting in flavor than the CVT, but at the end of the day, still an automatic. And a more expensive one to own, given the 40k service intervals on it.

I won't say the CVT is growning on me, but I'm at least getting used to it. I drive it in manual mode most of the time. I do like that it will do a rev match while downshifting, couldn't tell that before I installed the Stillen exhaust. The gear ratios are a bit odd, feels close ratio from 1-5 and then a big gap between 5th and 6th. 6th does make for a nice overdrive on the freeway though. In auto mode, I appreciate that it's working hard to give me better gas milage and respond to my driving style, but the action feels seamlessly bland.

[Desire1314]

we are down 1 6mt vote to tie it.....

[dflane39]

I have always been a manual driver but they didn't have a manual so I got the CVT and I love it. My main issue with Automatics is the hesitation when you first hit the gas and the subsequent little humps to reach full speed. The CVT gives me none of that and is a joy to drive. Along with the option to switch gears if so desired, it is the perfect car!

[Rob.Vegan]

we are down 1 6mt vote to tie it.....

Now 2

I wanted the 3.5 6mt. I don't have much experience with manual but I love it nonetheless. This car was a gift from my parents though, and although they asked what I wanted. I only said Altima Coupe, I let them decide all options because although I was being a spoiled little kid I felt bad taking their money so they decided on the 2.5 cvt. There's some times when I really really wish about trading it in for a used 6mt and some times when I'm super glad it's automatic.

There is an older 280z waiting for someone to fix at my uncles house, and when I have the money that thing will cure my driving aspirations. I love my car and it's a wonderful daily driver. My future Z will be my fun track car and I can't wait.

[IBCoupe]

I have a confession... I've been using the manual mode more and more lately... <IMG NAME="icon" SRC="http://images.nicoclub.com/forums/image ... s/hide.gif" BORDER="0"> ... but I still like having the option of going back and forth... CVTFTMFGDW!

I second this.

I bought the CVT for two reasons:1. While I was open to learning how to drive stick, I wasn't going to go out of my way to find one. When I finally found a car with the engine and in the color and price range I wanted (V6, Red/Black/White and under $24k, respectively), I wasn't about to get more picky about the transmission.2. Every professional review I read (places like Edmunds, CarandDriver, etc.) said that the 6MT, as a transmission, sucked. Each one recommended the CVT. That made them about equal, in my book, for driving entertainment (the reasoning being that a good auto is about the same as a bad manual).

As it stands, I drive about 25% city and 75% highway (the ratio was closer prior to law school, when I didn't have a 55-mile one-way commute three days a week). When I'm on city roads, I leave it in D, because, lord knows, the factory CVT computer knows better than I do how to squeeze the most miles out of the tank. When I'm on the highway, it's a different story. I'm more likely to want to have fun on the highway, and that's when I'll switch to the simulated manual mode. I can even move my foot on a phantom clutch, should I choose. I can, despite popular belief, keep the revs wherever the hell I please to keep them. And, to a certain extent, I can engine brake, should I decide to do that, too.

I'm sure that a 6MT would be fun to drive, but I know for a fact that I can have fun with the CVT. And I know for a fact that, when driving with my girl around NYC, the 6MT would be far less than fun. The CVT allows me to get the best of both worlds.

And that's why I voted for it.

[Trancer88]

well i have a 2.5 coupe and i test drove both 3.5 and 2.5 6mt and CVT. I really dont consider the altima coupe a sports car which is why i got CVT....the shifter it like sticking out 2 feet like an 18 wheeler lol jk but my 88 rx7 has half the length shifter. The altima coupe is more of a sporty comfortable 2 door coupe. What doesnt make sense is to buy a 370z in auto. Its like every car has its cons and pros. My old rx7 is considered a sportscar while my coupe is more of a everyday economy car. Although the 3.5 was quicker....its no 350z. Still love A/C tho, plus when i go to school everyone walks by it and says "damnn is that the new 370z"....and they say it looks better :-)

[Trancer88]

i agree....i dont consider the AC a sports car like a 350z or a g35 which in THAT CASE, i wouldve got a 6spd manual....but the AC is more like a sports coupe....not really meant for racing....sure its pretty quick whether u get a 2.5 or 3.5 but still.....to each their own....ive been driving a manual rx7 for the past 6 years and that is fun but decided sometimes i wish i could have both which is something the CVT has ...ina way lol

[bembol]

Yes, I get killed when they find out it's a CVT. When they ask, if it's Automatic or Manual. I say Both. LOL

I rarely use Automatic. It is very boring and when I use Tiptronic, my boys laugh when they see me kick my left leg like I'm shifting. LOL

I got lessons driving Manual but I'm also lazy so unless SportShift/Tiptronic is available I will stick with it.

[RaZmAn]

impossible to find a M/T here....will end up with a CVT.

[Viper5000]

impossible to find a M/T here....will end up with a CVT.

Tell Chris Kraft to call all of his buddies an get you exactly what you want.....

[RaZmAn]

Tell Chris Kraft to call all of his buddies an get you exactly what you want.....

If that was the case I would've had my car by now ^^

I was dealing with the internet manager though....although I heard they are good people to deal with