Road and Track asks, "What Cars are Better Without a Manual?"; answers, "M3/M4"

[Refined]

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...hout-a-manual/

"There are some cars that are just better without a manual transmission. For one reason or another, having an automatic or dual-clutch suits these cars better, and makes for an overall more positive driving experience over a traditional six-speed.

If there's one car I'd recommend going for the auto, it's the current-generation BMW M3 and M4. While the six-speed manual is good, the cars' optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is much better-matched to that 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six. In the manual, the delay between shifts causes the car to drop out of boost, while in the fast-shifting DCT, that's something you don't have to worry about."

Well I did have a bit of a dilemma when I purchased mine, but today I feel just a little better about my choice.

[silvergray545]

I agree, the DCT is better suited for this car. The fun factor is really the selling point on the manual. For that reason, all my cars are manuals.

[Super Spartan]

Calling the DCT vs Manual troops......

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by Refined

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cult...hout-a-manual/

"There are some cars that are just better without a manual transmission. For one reason or another, having an automatic or dual-clutch suits these cars better, and makes for an overall more positive driving experience over a traditional six-speed.

If there's one car I'd recommend going for the auto, it's the current-generation BMW M3 and M4. While the six-speed manual is good, the cars' optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic is much better-matched to that 3.0-liter turbocharged straight-six. In the manual, the delay between shifts causes the car to drop out of boost, while in the fast-shifting DCT, that's something you don't have to worry about."

Well I did have a bit of a dilemma when I purchased mine, but today I feel just a little better about my choice.

Glad you like your DCT and that Road and Track validated your choice for you. I still love my 6MT even if it is "inferior".

[SakhirM4]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

Let the DCT vs Manual flameware begin.......

Yeah, we don't have enough of those threads yet!!

[kyleb350]

The numbers point toward the DCT being the better option, but optioning the manual isn't about the numbers.

I would normally not even consider an auto, but when I test drove an M4 with one, I was impressed. Almost got that option... almost.

[Ben Overlake]

BMW manual shifts have always played 2nd fiddle to the Porsche/Honda units.

It was an easy DCT decision for me.

[Aaaaaaaaa]

I can't afford a Porsche or a Honda so manual M3 was second best choice.

[64-bit]

Im yet to see me loosing to another guy by few milliseconds, and be angry about it.

The life I live can't be taken back, the manual gives me pleasure and no one wants to drive it, it makes me smile and gives me the sensation of being in control.

BMW, please save the manuals!

[gatorfast]

Ehh, I would argue that the broad torque curve makes this car very easy and a pleasure to drive in manual. But most people dont know how to drive a stick so auto it is

[elias]

I'm very satisfied with my MT, I enjoy being more in tuned with my car but to
each his own. If you love your DCT you can keep your DCT, enjoy it, both awesome.

[Rambler]

Originally Posted by gatorfast

Ehh, I would argue that the broad torque curve makes this car very easy and a pleasure to drive in manual. But most people dont know how to drive a stick so auto it is

I feel this way too. Both transmissions are awesome but personally I feel that the dct is better suited to high revving, naturally aspirated motors where peak power is well, more peaky and the dct helps to keep the revs in the optimal power range. With high torque turbos, this is less of a concern due to the broader power range. I loved having dct in my E92 M3 but didn’t enjoy it as much in my 991.1 TTS. I love having the manual in my 997TT.

Although at least one good argument for a dct in a turbo car is that power comes on so strong and fast that it’s helpful to be able to hold on with both hands. Not gonna lie, shifting can sometimes be difficult when you’re trying to hold on for dear life!

[Paz1]

The less 6mt in the country/ world the better for me. Make my f80 worth more

[ImGoingPlaces]

6mt is fun but its a lot of work in a city like New York

[RobbyMack]

I find these sorts of things so personal it doesn't really matter. I chose a MT because my old integra gsr was my favorite car ever and had a MT. I ended up going with autos for a bit because I was doing a lot of driving in traffic. I realized I wasn't having "fun" driving anymore so I wanted to go back to a MT. There is nothing wrong or right about that decision rather it's the one For me. Sure a Camry can take me off the line at times but I don't care.

[Killed by Death]

In all fairness Road and Track isn't what is used to be

6 speed or DCT? Glad there is still a choice

[KevinM]

Save the manuals!

Despite the emoticon, I'm not angry - people should get what they want. I'm just glad we still (for the time being) have a choice. I realize that I am slower than my colleagues with a DCT-equipped M3, and I care not a whit.

[Jaymax85]

The dct with gts flash makes the manual feel sloppy, the car does feels slow and boggy with the manual

[GERMAN M3]

Originally Posted by SakhirM4

Glad you like your DCT and that Road and Track validated your choice for you. I still love my 6MT even if it is "inferior".

Agree Sakhir. Nothing like a 6MT. As long as BMW keeps making a manual in an ///M car, they will have my business.

[BoxKing]

With the option to have auto rev matching, I find it hard to see why the manual gets such low praise by those that drive their cars daily. I hope they offer 6MT in the future, and if not, then I'll say goodbye to the M.

Ps.. just test drove the DCT yesterday for the first time... it's a nice option and felt very smooth. I would not be disappointed with this option if I had no choice

[erictrainer]

Surprised no one has mentioned this but the only time I miss the DCT is when cruising on the highway. That seventh gear is something I really long for when I'm cruising at 80 and my revs are uncomfortably high.

[al3xander]

I love my 6MT, it's the one option I wouldn't change in my build.