Std S13 Auto

Any opinions from those of you who drive automatics (if anyone does). Most of the anecdotes seem to be from manual transmission owners. Are there any serious performance differences between the two (in outright, point-to-point terms?) If I was to begin modifying mine (it's totally stock at the moment) would I be best to start differently from modifying a manual? Cheers.

[Kenny_s13]

yes the auto is quicker in the midrange from 50 + . and you can drive without using yer left foot at all !!
The auto is a nicer drive in my opinion, but im old and lazy. I can spend the time i would have changing gear adjusting the stereo or not spilling the beer. http://300zx.co.uk/200sx/ubb/biggrin.gif


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1990 S13 std.green/grey 2 tone
15" Smiths Twisters

[Dark S14]

I've owned both a manual S13 and a auto S13. I can honestly say there's little difference in outright performance.The auto seemed abit quicker on midrange acceleration which is due the kickdown, other than that pretty evenly matched. I prefer the manual just because you feel like your truly driving the car, but thats a personal thing. A couple of my mates have got auto Preludes and one has an auto 300ZX and they all swear by auto's. The only thing to bear in mind from a tuning point of view is that the auto won't withstand as much BHP as the manual, but i understand it will still cope with moderate mods OK.

[Ripper]

Yes, there are a small band of us who like to preach the Auto word.

I fully agree with Kenny (and so will JB) that Auto is the way!

Mental off traffic lights and so easy, too. Some autos lose performance noticably against their manual equivalents but with the 200 this is most certainly not the case.

Whilst manual owners claim you miss out on the 'slam it into third' experience I counter this with the 'try taking the overdrife off at 100mph and then putting your foot down' experience. Ha!

Autos have slightly worse fuel economy (2 or 3 MPG) but then you don't wear your left foot(and clutch) out round town!

I am on my 3rd S13 and, despite having driven a manual before I even bought my first, I have opted for an Auto every time.

Would any manual owners like out the case forward for the manual, mmmmm....?



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Ripper

Grey 1993 S13

[JB]

Quite right Ripper, though I reckon the MPG disadvantage might be more than 2-3mpg in my case!

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JB
'00 Emerald S14 auto
http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/otn/mfinger/2up.gif to XR2s, 3s, lowered Saxo VTRs,
crapped out Cavaliers and ALL BMWs

[Ripper]

JB,

I didn't think it would be long before you replied and you haven't let me down.

One for the Auto lads!

I was amazed at how low some of the MPG figues are (see thread re: MPG, of a few weeks ago).

I would not describe my driving as 'restrained' by any means but the worst I've had is about 24.

Someone quoted 12-14!!!!!!

'kinell!



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Ripper

Grey 1993 S13

[JB]

Filled up on Saturday after a week of short journey stuff and go 14.3mpg.

Makes you think!

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JB
'00 Emerald S14 auto
http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/otn/mfinger/2up.gif to XR2s, 3s, lowered Saxo VTRs,
crapped out Cavaliers and ALL BMWs

[andyf]

Ripper said:

I fully agree with Kenny (and so will JB) that Auto is the way!
Would any manual owners like out the case forward for the manual, mmmmm....?

Ok - let's say you want to go for some drifting fun! The auto box won't be too happy with that - no (sometimes essential) clutch control, might start shifting at the wrong time etc!
Not a particuarly good reason on a day-to-day basis but let's say you just happen to be abroad (where they actually maintain their roads) and you find a nice twisty little place... Drift!

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Graphite Grey S13
HKS Hiper Muffler / KYB Shocks / Avo Springs

(two 'this message edited by' message deleted as I struggled to figure out the quote code - doh)

[This message has been edited by andyf (edited 14-06-2001).]

[JB]

Just put the lever into 1 or 2 and away you go, no probs

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JB
'00 Emerald S14 auto
http://www.contrabandent.com/pez/otn/mfinger/2up.gif to XR2s, 3s, lowered Saxo VTRs,
crapped out Cavaliers and ALL BMWs

[Ripper]

Absolutely right, JB.

Everyone forgets that we have 1st and 2nd too.

And second, according to the owners manual, is good for 65mph.

Never tried it, though....

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Ripper

Grey 1993 S13