Automatic or Standard?

[pphold]

Is an Automatic NSX really worth getting?

I see a lot that sell for less. Ever drive your 5 or 6 speed NSX in bumper to bumper traffic?( I have it really sucks) No worry about snap ring or a clutch?

Not as much fun to drive.

What is the NSX Prime members take on this?

 

[RACERnsX]

Do a search, this has been discussed numerous times before. Short answer- most say the manual transmission is the only way to go.

 

[topman2005]

i got the automatic and i LOVE it, maybe i'm lazy, but i think if u drive ur car in Manhattan like me, u'll agree with me.:biggrin: just my $0.02

 

[Hugh]

When I lived in NYC I had a new '93 5 speed NSX. I drove it every day and the manual transmission was never a bother for me. It became second nature. Of course everyone is different. Manual cars will always command a higher price than autos simply because there is less demand for a sports car with an automatic tranny. However the final choice is up to you and what you're comfortable with.

Bumper to bumper traffic sucks regardless of the tranny. But when you find one of the great many open roads just outside of most major cities, you'll be glad you have 5 or 6 gears to dance with.

 

[rickysals]

drive both

 

[nsxsupra]

Ever drive your 5 or 6 speed NSX in bumper to bumper traffic?

All the time.

The NSX with manual tranny and stock clutch is very easy to drive. Try driving a heavyweight Supra with race clutch, you will think driving manual NSX is like heaven.

Driving automatic in bumper to bumper traffic is not exactly fun either. I doubt anyone enjoy that. Automatic may be easier but not worth giving up the fun for me.

 

[RyRy210]

You can read my comments here:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=68719

 

[BD]

There is a very good reason why approx 40% of the NSX produced for the world wide market are with Auto Tranny.

 

[scorp965]

There is a very good reason why approx 40% of the NSX produced for the world wide market are with Auto Tranny.

I believe the decision process went something like...

Step 1:
Build 40% of nsx's with an automatic transmission

Step 2:
...

Step 3:
Profit!

 

[nsxsupra]

There is a very good reason why approx 40% of the NSX produced for the world wide market are with Auto Tranny.

My best guess is $. Also depend on the location of the buyer.

Most of the automatic NSXes are sold in Japan or other non North American countries. Nearly 50% of NSXes sold in Japan are automatics. There were more automatics sold (2,085) than manual (1,764) in 1991. One of the magazine I read mentioned that many buyers who originally intended to purchase 5spd chooosed automatic due to lack of power steering on early 5spd cars. As far as I know people who live in Asia tend to choose automatic over manual for sports cars (Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, etc), due to pressure from family (1), road condition (2), traffic (3) etc.

In Hong Kong the ratio of automatic vs manual is whopping 9 to 1 for NSX. NSX where officially sold by HONDA in Hong Kong at one time, 120 sold during the first year alone, not counting the private imported ones.

 

[Hugh]

There is a very good reason why approx 40% of the NSX produced for the world wide market are with Auto Tranny.

And what might that be? Honda got erroneous demographic information concerning left leg amputee sports car owners?

 

[RyRy210]

No matter where you are the automatic does not get any press at all. In US that number is no where near 60%.

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/General/productionnumbers.htm

The auto has the same detuned 3.0L engine since '91 for all model years. Why would you stick with that especially when major enhancements to the engine were only made to NSX models in manual?

 

[Aero]

I believe the decision process went something like...

Step 1:
Build 40% of nsx's with an automatic transmission

Step 2:
...

Step 3:
Profit!

ROTFLMBO! :biggrin:

 

[Cameron]

Do a search, this has been discussed numerous times before. Short answer- most say the manual transmission is the only way to go.

Yep, searches are your best friend, but in my case, I have an auto. Yes, it's not the 5 or 6 spd, faster manual, but it's still fast, very daily drivable in traffic, and still an NSX. I have plans for my car, but have to wait because of mileage issues affecting tradein value of my car (136K doesn't give me a lot of options...) so I am forced to wait, do a swap with rebuild, and start over in a couple years (FI )

 

[Cameron]

ROTFLMBO! :biggrin:

Haha (in my best underpants knome voice) Phase 1 underpants... phase 2, hey guys... what's phase 2? (other knomes shrug)... uh... phase 3, profit!:biggrin:

 

[BD]

And what might that be? Honda got erroneous demographic information concerning left leg amputee sports car owners?

Dude, like Triumph the comic dog will say to you: "You're an idiot."

That was a pretty dumb thing to say, I happen to have a friend who lost his left leg during the Desert Storm, who drives an Auto NSX. I will forward your comment to him.

 

[BD]

I believe the decision process went something like...

Step 1:
Build 40% of nsx's with an automatic transmission

Step 2:
...

Step 3:
Profit!

Some how, I think that is the decision process for any auto manufactures.. How about 911 TT Tiptronic? Or SL/CL/S/CL 55? I'm not a fan of auto tranny, but it is a good thing Honda made that as an option.

 

[BD]

No matter where you are the automatic does not get any press at all. In US that number is no where near 60%.

http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/General/productionnumbers.htm

The auto has the same detuned 3.0L engine since '91 for all model years. Why would you stick with that especially when major enhancements to the engine were only made to NSX models in manual?

About 10 % of the NSX sold in the states are Auto Tranny. Be quite honest, if I have to buy a NSX for my other half, I will consider the Auto. I have a 6 speed already, so it really wouldn't bother me for having an auto as well.

In Japan, half the NSX sold are with Auto Tranny, it's catered to older crowd who just don't want sitck shift. Part of the reason is because they don't know how to drive a stick.

 

[MashimaroNSX]

I don't know about everyone else but to become one with the NSX I feel its the manual tranny that does it. I've driven both and the Auto gave me significantly less feedback then the manual. I'd take stick anyday

BTW I drive it everyday in NYC including Manhattan. We just memorize the pot holes in our beaters :biggrin:

-Julia

 

[nsxtasy]

Do a search, this has been discussed numerous times before. Short answer- most say the manual transmission is the only way to go.

Not true. There is a general consensus regarding automatics vs manuals, but that's not it.

The consensus is, get the car with the transmission you want. If you prefer a manual, get one with a manual. If you prefer an automatic, get one with an automatic. However, if you prefer a manual, don't get one with an automatic just because you think you might save money; if you do so, you'll probably regret it later.

 

[topman2005]

Not true. There is a general consensus regarding automatics vs manuals, but that's not it.

The consensus is, get the car with the transmission you want. If you prefer a manual, get one with a manual. If you prefer an automatic, get one with an automatic. However, if you prefer a manual, don't get one with an automatic just because you think you might save money; if you do so, you'll probably regret it later.

agreed!:smile: .. i got a chance to purchase a 95 manual, but i picked the 92 auto. yes, i saved some money, but even for the same price(same year), i'll still pick the auto, simply just because i feel good with auto, and its me.:smile:

 

[RACERnsX]

Not true. There is a general consensus regarding automatics vs manuals, but that's not it.

The consensus is, get the car with the transmission you want. If you prefer a manual, get one with a manual. If you prefer an automatic, get one with an automatic. However, if you prefer a manual, don't get one with an automatic just because you think you might save money; if you do so, you'll probably regret it later.

I couldn't agree with you less. Perhaps you should use the search feature on this topic as well. Just on this post alone, so far I see 4 endorsements for the manual tranny, 2 for the automatic and including your opinion 3 for get what you want. This is fairly typical of the sampling I found on the other posts when I did a search. Sure the "get the transmission you want" suggestion makes the most sense as ultimately it comes down to a personal decision-but most who voice their opinion here recommend the 5 or 6 speed over the auto and others outright chastise automatic NSX's.

 

[PhiAlpha44]

My bud, who is also a mechanic of 20 years at my local Honda shop and does all my service for me owns a black on black 91 automatic. He's very honest about the fact that the automatic NSX's are purposely built for an older crowd, and has less power. That's the reason the automatics were the only ones to have the Electric Power Steering option. So the old farts could turn the wheel. :biggrin:

 

[nsxtasy]

I couldn't agree with you less. Perhaps you should use the search feature on this topic as well.

Perhaps YOU should use the search feature, and you'll find that that there are many, many people who say the same thing as I noted above - that the automatic is fine for those who prefer it. For example:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285

"Unless you are a real performance enthusiast, I am sure you can get a comparable level of enjoyment out of the NSX even if it has an automatic in it... maybe not a comparable level of performance, but at least a similar level of enjoyment."

"I bought a '94 black NSX automatic in February. It's great, especially living in the Chicagoland area with all the stop and go traffic."

"My NSX is an automatic and listening to Cds,talking on the hands free phone blasting through city traffic,with the power steering et al. It's the style and ride of your life."

"i have a 93 auto and other than some good natured ribbing from other nsx'ers have never regretted it..i commute a lot(20-25m yr) and ,gasp,use my car as a mobile office..the auto was the only choice for me.."

"I think this one is a personal preference. As pointed out, I think the performance difference is slight and based on the lesser hp of the engine in the auto.
.
.
.
It's a different experience. With a stick, you're more involved with the shifting acceleration aspects of the car and choosing the right gear for the conditions. I find with the auto NSX, I'm concentrating more on the handling and suspension. I don't think it's better or worse, it's just different."

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1666

"I do know a 5-speed is quicker but is the 95+ auto triptronic a good buy if I found a good deal? Or should I just wait for the right 5-Speed to come along."

"Sounds like you want a 5-spd, but are considering an auto because of a good deal. If that is the case, wait until you find the car you really want to own for years."

"You sound exactly like I did when I bought an automatic C5. Biggest car mistake I have ever made (ok, second biggest )."

"All my past sports cars were manuals until the NSX and since I own an auto NSX I can give you a perspective from automatic ownership versus speculation. First I have the auto for 2 reasons: 1) I have a hip problem where using a clutch is painful, 2) I use my NSX as a daily driver and in stop&go traffic a manual is a pain period. If I didn’t have a hip problem would I drive the manual? If I had never driven the auto before I would have dismissed it. However after owning the auto for 2 years it would be a very hard decision. My preference would be to have an F1 trany in a new Modena spider but that’s about 18 months and $100k away. So let me answer the question this way. If the NSX was going to be my daily driver I’d get the auto if not then I’d get the manual.

So netting it out. A stock manual NSX is faster, period. More fun? Depends on what you’ll be doing. Auto boring? No because your attention will be diverted to other areas most people have a tendency to forget – driving lines smoothly and setting up for the future turns.

So if you’re looking at the auto because of price – bad approach. Decide what is important to you and how you’re going to drive the car."

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21154

"If you really want a manual, don't settle for an automatic, just because there's one available near you and/or at a bargain price.

However, those who prefer automatics should feel free to get one; they will enjoy it.

Get the car you want."

"I enjoy my 91 auto "

"Thanks for the comments, I decided to stick with the stick. There have been other great cars in my older days that I would not hesitate to get an automatic (Buick Grand National/GNX). But I think I would not be happy in the long run. Thanks again!"

"Autos are certainly a compromise. I ended up with one by a twist of fate (long story). They do have less power and the trans is a torque sucker. But I live in SoCal and we have a lot of traffic. And I love driving it everywhere, though. In heavy traffic I give thanks for it a 100 times over. When the roads are clear, I can punch it on the on-ramp and let it soar through the gears, seemlessly shifting at near red line without me lifting my foot. I've done the I/H/E upgrades to max out what it can do. Will a 5 speed beat me in the quarter? Heck, yeah. Can I beat a 5 speed in autox? You bet. So you pick what's important to you then play to the car's strengths."

"If I can weigh in (once again) on the auto vs. manual question... I think that my auto is a compromise but a good one. Living in an urban area, I’m glad for the automatic when I’m in traffic (which is every time I drive it). And having looked at quite a few NSXs before buying my car I also believe that generally, among the older cars anyway, autos have been beat on less than comparable mileage manual cars. (Rhetorical question: we’ve all seen those NSXs that you wouldn’t touch with a 10-foot pole, how many of them have been autos?) Also, the automatic transmissions are generally held to be bulletproof…in fact during my last visit to the dealership the mechanic told me about one that made it to almost 200,000 miles! Automatic owners are also not concerned about expensive clutch jobs or the dreaded snap ring failure, either. So do I think the manuals are marginally faster? Of course! But I also think that performance requires the driver to shift optimally, etc. But in the real world/non-track…give the automatic some gas, and unless you’re splitting hairs (or seconds) who cares? So what’s not to like?"

And, just this past weekend:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=70100

"the auto isn't 'bad'

it's just an auto.

drive one for yourself and see which you like.

The fifteen quotes copied here are from fifteen different NSXprime members.

Again, I am not saying that the automatic NSX is better; I am saying that the general consensus here has been:

get the car with the transmission you want. If you prefer a manual, get one with a manual. If you prefer an automatic, get one with an automatic. However, if you prefer a manual, don't get one with an automatic just because you think you might save money; if you do so, you'll probably regret it later.

Just on this post alone, so far I see 4 endorsements for the manual tranny, 2 for the automatic and including your opinion 3 for get what you want.

That's because, in this particular topic, too many people are so self-centered that they can't accept that others may have different priorities from themselves.

This is fairly typical of the sampling I found on the other posts when I did a search.

I came up with the above quotes by doing a search on topics with the word "automatic" in the title in the general discussion and new/prospective forums, and took a look at the resulting topics that had the most posts (plus that topic from this past weekend). Sure, there were also some of the same narrow-minded opinions in those topics from more people who could not accept that others have different preferences from themselves. But, as proven by the quotes and topics referenced above, the consensus from past discussions is far more balanced than you claim.

 

[RACERnsX]

I came up with the above quotes by doing a search on topics with the word "automatic" in the title in the general discussion and new/prospective forums, and took a look at the resulting topics that had the most posts (plus that topic from this past weekend). Sure, there were also some of the same narrow-minded opinions in those topics from more people who could not accept that others have different preferences from themselves. But, as proven by the quotes and topics referenced above, the consensus from past discussions is far more balanced than you claim.

Well I certainly wasn’t surprised to wake up this morning to see your well supported response. You’ve earned most all of your 20,000 posts and I do respect your opinion. Some of the points you make I actually agree with like the narrow-minded view some have on this subject, and like you, I’m not saying the auto is better or worse either. To me it’s to each their own. I just feel differently about the general view on this subject from what I have read over time based on some of those same posts you formed your opinion from. Actually, I did the same search you did prior to my first post. I could have taken the time to cut and paste quotes from other members supporting my position similar to what you did, but don’t have the time or inclination….but that doesn’t mean my opinion is incorrect or less valid just because I didn’t…it just means I see it differently and it’s my opinion.