Hi guys, have just got rid of my TT roadster and will hopefully be a XFire coupe newbie come a few weeks time but just deciding whether to go for manual or automatic - have test driven an automatic and it was damn fast! Having a go with a manual on Saturday - any advice as to which is quicker/a better drive - like the tiptronic option but worried I will get bored in the long run with an auto...

 

If you buy an SRT6 it only comes in an auto...It is considerably faster than the base / limited...The base / limited can be had in a manual.

I sacrificed the manual over the extra 215 hp I got with the SRT6.

 

The SRT-6 is considerably more expensive than the base model. Unless you don't mind the cost, you'll be buying the base model and with the option of auto -v- manual 'box, I'd recommend the manual. More useable and feels faster to me too . . . Just my opinion.

 

Thanks guys for the comments - will be getting a used for under 15K so the SRT-6 is definitely out! Sounds like the manual may be the way forward!

 

Personally, I can't imagine buying a roadster-type auto without a manual transmission, at least until my knee finally goes out on me and I'm forced to drive an automatic... Hopefully I'll be too old to drive before that happens...

 

Manual without question auto box saps too much of that lovely power but they aint that quick. The alfa GTV 3 ltr that I had before the xfire would have seen it off no problem and the bike I have would have spat both down the road so get yourself a big bike for some real fun.

 

I also had this debate when I bought my Crossfire 2 years ago.
I done a lot of research and the amount of people that have had problems with the manual box are unbelievable (Jumps out of first)
MB put a lot of money into developing the automatic box and about 90% are autos.
The MB dealer said that they wouldn't even have a manual boxed car on the forecourt.
Having said that I do sometimes wish I had bought a manual.
If you are buying used and It is out of warranty I would be very careful and check that It does not jump out of first gear.
Even the one Top gear tested jumped out of first.

Norrie.

 

As I've mentioned in other threads, this is my very first automatic transmission car. You may ask, why would a dyed-in-the-wool stick guy go for the automatic? And here's my answer:

1 - Most of the "expert" reviews I read prior to my purchase had the reviewer favoring the automatic.
2 - Though hardly the same, the autostick allows for some control over and above a standard automatic transmission in testy situations.
3 - The automatic is still quite responsive.
4 - Laziness in my old age.

No regrets.

 

I was really worried about getting an auto as I have always avoided them, thinking that they somehow take away the fun of driving, and having come from an S2000 which has a wonderful box, I was worried I would not enjoy an auto car as much. I got my auto and love it. You don't really sense any difference when driving normally, but you sit, smile and realize that you have done the best thing when you are stuck in traffic.

 

God intended two-seaters to have soft tops and clutches.
Love Love LOVE my six-speed. Never felt anything like it.
Plus my wife can't drive a manual!

On the other hand, Carroll Shelby's personal cars (including the Super Snake being sold this Saturday on Barrett Jackson -for $10m???) were always automatics. Says the Texas chicken farmer "I don't want to row a boat in traffic".