Anyone driven both manual and CVT?

[chamade]

I was wondering if the manual feels faster/more responsive as faras acceleration (particularly when compared to "manual" CVT mode)?

I know the Nissan CVT is supposed to be pretty good and doesn't have the "spring" effect like the other ones, but how does it feel compared to the manual?

thanks

[mcheddadi]

the feels is not the same, think of it as a sequential manual feel for the CVT manual mode.

and the 6spd manual has faster acceleration times than the cvt

zerothread/276045

2008 Nissan Altima 3.5SE CoupeTRANSMISSION: 6 Speed manual transmission

Zero to 60 mph: 5.7 secZero to 100 mph: 13.9 secStanding ¼-mile: 14.2 sec @ 101.2 mph

2008 Nissan Altima 3.5SE CoupeTRANSMISSION: continuously variable transmission

Zero to 60 mph: 5.8 secZero to 100 mph: 15.7 secStanding ¼-mile: 14.6 sec @ 97 mph

[GreyZone]

The CVT is the fastest feeling automatic I have ever driven, incredible power in all ranges, and great pickup when you romp on it, like suddely floor it. Of course, I liked the MT better, and thats why I got the MT, but for the first time I toyed with the idea of an automatic....to me its just that good, it is a fantastic automatic.

That damn MT just throws me back in my seat, I love it (0f course, so does the CVT, but its a presonal preference issue.).

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Again, mcheddadi lists the 0-60 times of both, with the manual's impressive 0.1 second difference over the CVT.

Regardless, a manual transmission will feel faster 90% of the time because it's just that...a manual. BMW's SMG transmission is rather fast though, when compared to other auto transmissions.

[notaverage]

Again, mcheddadi lists the 0-60 times of both, with the manual's impressive 0.1 second difference over the CVT.

Regardless, a manual transmission will feel faster 90% of the time because it's just that...a manual. BMW's SMG transmission is rather fast though, when compared to other auto transmissions.

Check out the 0-100 and 1/4 mile, MT has a significant advantage

[Lurchdubious]

i test drove a loaded AC manual, and it was PLENTY quick. not a direct comparison, but i also tested a sedan w/CVT and while quick, wasn't as fun as the manual. i know coupe vs sedan is a weaksauce comparison......but i WILL be driving a manual sedan sometime soon...and keeping that one

[mcheddadi]

Look at the 0 to 100mph, lol that's where it's at! no one ever drag races to stop at 60mph, most of the time they stop at around 100mph.

lol

[nismofool]

test drove both the 3.5se manual and cvt transmissions before i bought my coupe. i really enjoyed the manual of course, but i just couldnt see myself driving manual everyday in LA. so i opted for the cvt. both are great nonetheless. its all about what you need your car for.

[generic808]

Check out the 0-100 and 1/4 mile, MT has a significant advantage

And who actually blasts from 0-100 on a daily basis? And a 0.1 second difference in 0-60 is nothing.

The reason I went with the CVT is because the Altima is my commuter. My truck and my Jeep are both manuals, so I just wanted something a little more convenient to sit in traffic with. But yes, the manual is more "responsive", but you have to factor in everything. I believe the CVT actually gets better gas mileage than the manuals. I could be wrong, but that's what I remember seeing.

[Lurchdubious]

I believe the CVT actually gets better gas mileage than the manuals. I could be wrong, but that's what I remember seeing.

not from what i've been seeing. usually MT's are better w/mileage, but the CVT is very very close to the manual. i believe it's generally 1 mpg lower. that's just from the sticker estimate, FWIW.

[generic808]

Manual transmissions will get better gas mileage over an automatic, but with the CVT, they are pretty much equal.

2008 3.5:

CVT: 19-266-Speed: 19-27

Which is basically the same thing. But, when you take into consideration the driving habits of having a manual, I'm pretty sure the CVT will get better gas mileage. The CVT shifts gears to provide the most appropriate ratio for a given situation. It is designed to stay at an optimal range for fuel effeciency, but when called upon for hard driving, it adjusts accordingly.

[LinkNuc]

BY far the CVT is the fastest auto transmission my butt dyno has felt but there is no substitute for a stick sorry absolutely none.

[SHIFT_2.5S]

Look at the 0 to 100mph, lol that's where it's at! no one ever drag races to stop at 60mph, most of the time they stop at around 100mph.

lol

But in all seriousness, how many people are going to be using their FWD A/C to drag race. And if so, how often will that be a factor?

Reasonably speaking, if one likes the comfort of a CVT in traffic (350 days a year) and likes to race with a manual (10 days a year), I think the choice is pretty obvious.

[cliffy21]

Everybody thinks that whatever they bought is best. I have a 6MT, and wouldn't have dreamt of buying the CVT. I test drove it, but it didn't do anything for me. But, where i live, there is hardly any traffic, so there isn't any penalty for driving a manual. I was just in Chicago on business, and i NEVER would have bought a manual if i lived there. Traffic there is bull****, and a manual wouldn't be worth the hassle to me.

You buy the transmission that makes sense to you. The argument about which is "better" is stupid. Who cares if the manual is a tenth or so faster if the car is a daily driver to work? The CVT is impressive for an automatic setup, we should just be happy it's an option. We could be stuck with a crap 4 speed automatic like other cars still use.....

[generic808]

You buy the transmission that makes sense to you. The argument about which is "better" is stupid. Who cares if the manual is a tenth or so faster if the car is a daily driver to work? The CVT is impressive for an automatic setup, we should just be happy it's an option. We could be stuck with a crap 4 speed automatic like other cars still use.....

Couldn't have said it better myself!

[SHIFT_2.5S]

You buy the transmission that makes sense to you. The argument about which is "better" is stupid. Who cares if the manual is a tenth or so faster if the car is a daily driver to work? The CVT is impressive for an automatic setup, we should just be happy it's an option. We could be stuck with a crap 4 speed automatic like other cars still use.....

I award you the logical, no-nonsense post of the week!