2023-2024 Nissan Z (Manual vs Automatic)

[Landon]

Hello everyone!

Do most of you use Manual or Automatic when driving the Z? I am being curious.

I have been using the Automatic since I bought the 2024 Z. That’s because I have never use the Manual Left and Right shifters. Is that what they are call???

Anyone know a best way to show me how to use the Manual shifters? I only know how to put it in Manual mode but don’t know how to use the Left and Right shifters.

when the car is sitting still, do you hit the gas pedal lightly first and than click the Right shifter next to move the car? Or do you hit the Right shifter first and than hit the gas pedal?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Landon]

Also, is it more exciting to use the Automatic or Manual? And does it improve performance when using Manual with the Left and Right shifters?

 

[CRYDR]

Left is down shift right is upshift, there is no clutch. Put it in gear than excellerat. Hit the right paddle to upshift etc and ledt to downshift. Its a automatic basically its not like its a double clutch computer controlled clutch like a BMW M OR Ferrari. MY Z is an actual clutch 6 speed. But I have the BMW M3 with the Double clutch, it wont shift up in manual mode. But the Z i believe will automatically regardles. Good Luck, play around with it.

 

[Ckynus]

The full manual transmission is fun. The paddle shifts are useful to drop down a gear when accelerating but that's about it.

 

[D2M]

In the past I would always buy manual cars no exceptions but for the longest time I wanted to learn left foot braking. In 2022 I purchased a car with a DCT ( Dual clutch transmission ) just so I can learn the technique. No going back for me now, I feel like I can balance and load the car so much smoother when trail braking and I can also overlap brake and gas on exit. I did a test at my local track and all thing equal just using the left foot vs right foot to brake it was almost .6-.7 second faster left foot braking on a 1:30 ish lap. Using the paddles isn't the point, it frees up your left foot to use to balance the car better / smoother.

 

[JonnyG]

In the past I would always buy manual cars no exceptions but for the longest time I wanted to learn left foot braking. In 2022 I purchased a car with a DCT ( Dual clutch transmission ) just so I can learn the technique. No going back for me now, I feel like I can balance and load the car so much smoother when trail braking and I can also overlap brake and gas on exit. I did a test at my local track and all thing equal just using the left foot vs right foot to brake it was almost .6-.7 second faster left foot braking on a 1:30 ish lap. Using the paddles isn't the point, it frees up your left foot to use to balance the car better / smoother.

Bro you can left foot break with an M6 and trail brake - do it often. or sometimes just quick taps if the purpose is to load the front end to rotate. Have to row gears. The DCT's are definetly the next best choice.

 

[JonnyG]

All - don't want to be a jerk off but please lets not call it manual mode - call it sequential mode or fun mode but not manual mode. You nee 3 pedals to be in manual mode or in DCT you need 2 input shafts or SMG you need a clutch operated by a pump. Just don't call it manual mode.

I know I'm an ass.

 

[D2M]

Bro you can left foot break with an M6 and trail brake - do it often. or sometimes just quick taps if the purpose is to load the front end to rotate. Have to row gears. The DCT's are definetly the next best choice.

Yeah definitely, but only in certain circumstances where using the clutch is not necessary. With AT you can do it every single time, next level consistency. When im just cruising around I use my right foot but when ripping back roads or on track its left %100.

 

[Murix]

Yeah definitely, but only in certain circumstances where using the clutch is not necessary. With AT you can do it every single time, next level consistency. When im just cruising around I use my right foot but when ripping back roads or on track its left %100.

Funny you mentioned this. This is my first and only automatic car. I also wanted to practice left foot braking better and have only begun doing so. I have been sim racing with left braking when driving paddle shift cars and I did kart racing school where I left foot braked years ago.

I am going to my first track day in the Z soon so I will see how that works out. I am sure I will be janky and slow at first until I get used to it in a car.

 

[TheRoyalStig]

I bought this car specifically for one last hurrah in a manual transmission before they are gone for good.

Just wanted to have one more experience with a brand new fun manual car and the Z fit the bill so here we are!

 

[JP's Z]

I'm in the same camp when it comes to just enjoying the manual transmission over the automatic. I know the 9-speed automative has better performance and fuel economy, but it's just not as much fun to drive in my opinion. Every vehicle I've owned since 1998 has had a manual clutch.

I've never had any experience with paddle shifters.

 

[Jrt]

I never liked those paddles on previous cars and disabled them to keep from accidentally hitting them. My wife drove an Auto about a week ago, then we went to a dealership 100miles away to try a manual and ended up with that this weekend, our first step into Z, but technically I learned a manual on a 1984 280 in Miami.