6mt or CVT which one?

[pr240sx]

From a performance standpoint...which is better in terms of performance and MPG.Also, what weight difference, if any, each one makes.

I am looking for a lightweight and mostly loaded Versa.Options like pw and pl can be installed aftermarket. Dunno if sunroof can(again, how much weight if any significant does it add) so that is going to be an option which adds the power package.Does the sport package add any options in terms of handling or braking?

[motoguy128]

You'll likely have to order a loaded 6speed SL. Nissan will make most SL's with the CVT because the margin is better and the demand is higher.

The CVT will get better mileage, but the MT shaves 50lbs off the car and transfers the power a little more directly, so it's going to be a little faster. The 6 speed gearbox isn't very sporty shifting. It's direct and positive feeling, but a little notchy with longer thorws so shfiting is a little slower... fine for an economy car.

Persoanlly, I think the manual transmission is more fun around town and I use it to tow a trailer occasionally and i wouldn't trust towing with the CVT. If I did mostly freeway driving, I'd probably want the CVT.

They are both good options and better than a 4 speed automatic IMO.

[Clipsed]

I have a CVT, and I sure as hell miss a standard transmission!!!

[7speed]

If you're looking for performance, I'd opt out of a sunroof if I could. There will be added weight, and it will be added in the worst place possible. The center of gravity will rise, and body roll will be accented. I also wouldn't want to lose headroom to get a sunroof, but if you're shorter than 6' you probably don't care about headroom.

I would go with the SL 6spd. Actually, that's exactly what I went with. And it's true that the 6-spd is not a sporty shifter. It gets the job done, and not much more. It still gets the job done when you tell it to, not when it decides to.

[versaspeed.com]

From a performance standpoint...which is better in terms of performance and MPG.Also, what weight difference, if any, each one makes.

I am looking for a lightweight and mostly loaded Versa.Options like pw and pl can be installed aftermarket. Dunno if sunroof can(again, how much weight if any significant does it add) so that is going to be an option which adds the power package.Does the sport package add any options in terms of handling or braking?

If you like "driving" a car then the six speed is the way to go. And the less accessories you add the less weight you have like a "sunroof" and additions of that nature.As for handling and braking, there are a few goodies out there that help those areas also. I just added Tanabe Springs and a APR Performance Strut Bar which help on the handling and to some degree the braking of the car (being more stable).So get the six speed and have some fun!

[HirosRide]

I love love love my CVT, I have it on 2 cars that's how much I love it!

[CopyChief]

When I first started looking at the Versa, I went for the 6spd manual. I've always driven manuals and could not imagine driving an economy car with an automatic, both for power management and mpg. I thought it felt clunky, even compared to my 12 year-old econobox 5 spd. A few weeks later I drove the CVT and, a week later, bought it.

I don't miss the manual at all!

Most of my driving is on the highway with little or no traffic.

Where - and how - you drive should definitely guide which transmission you choose.

[kc5f]

I, too, had driven only manuals - 700,000+ miles in all. From what I read here about the V's hanging manual and the fact that the EPA rating was higher for the CVT, I went with the CVT and love it. I probably could have gotten better mileage with the manual (I'm averaging 31-32) given how much I coast, but the smoothness of the CVT wins it for me, now that I have it.

[jameslanier]

Def the 6 speed, I love it. I dust civics and scions all the time! I am adding a turbo, 18" Nismo wheels, and front and rean strut bars.

[Bubs daddy]

Quote »When I first started looking at the Versa, I went for the 6spd manual. I've always driven manuals and could not imagine driving an economy car with an automatic, both for power management and mpg. I thought it felt clunky, even compared to my 12 year-old econobox 5 spd. A few weeks later I drove the CVT and, a week later, bought it. [/quote]'

That's exactly my story. Wanted the 6 speed in the worst way. Drove the CVT. "I'll take it." Never had one before but it is trick.

[c5neb]

I have the 6 speed and get a consistent 33 mpg average with it. I am thinking how long would I have to drive the CVT with its "better" fuel economy in order to reclaim the added cost of the CVT option and future mantenaince? If you don't mind the shifting, go six speed.

[marleyfan]

As has been said before, it really depends on your driving habits and tolerance. If you do a lot of city stop and go driving, a 6spd just becomes a chore. But if you get out where you can actually drive the car then 6spd is a blast. Since 90 percent of my driving is city (Los Angles-like traffic) the CVT is nice. A very smooth drive. I just crank up the tunes and no worries.

[motoguy128]

I have a short city commute, but I found that with lots of stop signs and stop and go driving, I felt like I was killing my brakes and transmission on my automatic Accord without the benefit of engine braking and being able to choose my gear. I enjoy driving a manual better in these conditons. With a CVT this would be less of an issue, but I wasn't willing to pay extra for the option and take a chance on the durability of relatively new technology... when it's not offered from Honda or Toyota.

[marleyfan]

This "new technology" has been around since the 50's at least and has been used by Nissan for 15 years. I have no complaints with my CVT. I've heard many complaints about Nissan's 6spd manual transmission. Exactly the same complaints that my brother-in-law had about his Nissan transmission in the early 90's.

[proxim2020]

Transmission technology has been around for 70+ years, but still today we see manufacturers who have cars that are plagued with transmission problems. Case in point, Dodge had used their 45RFE in Jeeps and their Dakota's for years. When they redesigned the Ram in 02, some trucks got it installed while others got the newer 545RFE. Several owners complained of simple problems (random jerkiness and stalls), catastrophic failures, and early deaths (>60,000 miles). The next year, Dodge abandoned the transmission for the newer one. The CVT has been around for the while and Nissan may have many built over the last 15 years. The important part is how will this model of the CVT work with this model of car down the line.

[motoguy128]

By "new" I meant new to Nissan in a small car application in high volume production. If hte previous genration Sentra, or Altima/Maxima has them, I'd be more incline to trust them.

The 6 speed cant really be compared ot previous Nissan transmissons, since it's primarily a renault design. It's very European in it's feel and the location location and lockout mecahnism for reverse. Both a Renault and Peugot I've rented in France felt fairly similar.

speaking of transmissions... have you sat in an Aveo? The gearbox is complete rubber. I'd rather have notchy and direct than isolated mush.

[COVersaSL]

6 MT is a CVT .... OK I THINK EVERYONE IS AGAINST ME ON THIS BUT I NEED PROOF. I think the manual is CVT... I know it sounds weird but that's what I was told. Side note: Ever hear of the subaru justy with ECVT? Those trans went out at about 80k. nice to drive but Variable speed trans has never been reliable (except on snow mobiles) I hope nissan gets it right for all of you who have one.

GO 6 speed!!

Modified by COVersaSL at 5:44 AM 5/23/2007
Modified by COVersaSL at 1:26 AM 5/26/2007