in terms of performance. like i hear that the auto supra is faster than the manual. aren't todays auto transmissions smart enough to recognize redline shift points therefore making a manual worthless? (sport shifters...etc..)

example...my friend has a sport shifter prelude. i throw it into sport mode and i dont even have to shift b/c when it reaches redline it will automatically shift for you even when u have the option to push the knob forward and shift.

im curious to what u guys think?

 

auto will always be faster than a human shifting. Usually autos are slower because they hav crappy gearing and less gears than their manual bretherend. Also the stock autos dont have stahl converters, so the launch from a clutch car is better. It will also depend on the manufacturer. Some only make auto trannies that take 2hp as compared to their manuals that will take infinite hp without having to worry about frying it out. If it was like a chevy big block or something along those lines and I was only interested in straight line, I would prob go with a three speed powerglide auto.

 

Same thing with auto ls1's. Less chance of driver error when its auto. A lot of the faster dumbestics use a form of auto trannies. I think its all bs, autos are for pussies.

 

"modified" auto > Manual > stock auto

 

torque converter = kills power and acceleration.

 

Depends on the application. I don't think you can say one is better than the other.

 

it does?

but when i took on my friends accord with an auto, i pulled on him but since he has taller gearing (4 spd auto) he pulled in the end...

 

yes, the torque converter delays the full application of torque. now gearing, thats a whole separate issue.

 

a stock auto supra tt is slower because it has a torque converter, and that can't put all of the power to the wheels when it's needed. however, in high horsepower supras, it is better to have an auto because you dont want all of that hp at the wheels during a launch, and you can keep a large turbo spooled up because you keep the revs from suddenly raising/dropping.

in some applications of racing, you want to keep your engine revving high without accelerating (ie during a turn) without upshifting. auto trannies cant do that.

 

Most allow you to select your gear and have it hold there. If I manually shift my automatic, I can keep it from upshifting when I don't want to.