Paddle shifter opinions
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 280
Likes: 71
From: Annapolis MD
Paddle shifter opinions
I’ve been mulling over my dedication to the M7 vs A8 in my window shopping. I’ve always owned manual “go fast” cars, and really enjoy the feel of shifting the gears. That said, I can’t get past the idea that pretty much every exotic comes only in auto with paddle shifters at this point. Clearly, a machine can do it better than I can, but is the joy of shifting with paddle shifters there? My only experience with paddle shifters is in my 2013 Ford Fusion, which not surprisingly, doesn’t offer much thrill. Is it the commuter car power or the actual paddle shifting experience the source of my lack of joy? I’d love to hear the thoughts of people who at one point were dead set on manuals but found joy in the A8 experience? Also, kinda a side bar, I’m also aware of the A8 problem history, and feel like every automatic vehicle I’ve ever own has developed transmission issues sooner than I feel it should, so I’m also a bit bias because of that.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,065
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
ttt
It is ok man just what you like in the car. To me with this some what power auto is only way to go for me. Now if the car was a c2 or like a small car like 240z stick would be the way I would go.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 6,519
Likes: 1,305
From: Windermere FL
Here in Central Florida, home of the constant traffic jam, road deconstruction, and 10 minute lights at every corner, when I was shopping I would only consider an auto. And I waited for the 2015 to come out to get the much touted A8 instead of the reliable A6. Big mistake!
After suffering all the A8 issues well documented here, I think you might want to reconsider and stick with the M7 and enjoy the ride!
After suffering all the A8 issues well documented here, I think you might want to reconsider and stick with the M7 and enjoy the ride!
Last edited by Flame Red; Feb 11, 2018 at 12:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 280
Likes: 71
From: Annapolis MD
Here in Central Florida, home of the constant traffic jam, road deconstruction, and 10 minute lights at every corner, when I was shopping I would only consider an auto. And I waited for the 2015 to come out to get the much touted A8 instead of the reliable A6. Big mistake!
After suffering all the A8 issues well documented here, I think you might want to reconsider and stick with the M7 and enjoy the ride!
After suffering all the A8 issues well documented here, I think you might want to reconsider and stick with the M7 and enjoy the ride!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 280
Likes: 71
From: Annapolis MD
Drifting
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 1,098
From: Texas Hill Country Texas
Sounds like you’ve already answered you own question...don’t do it, you’ll be disappointed.
Just because most sports cars and almost all high end exotics have “automated” transmissions, think we can all acknowledge the difference between a dual clutch box and traditional automatic.
Yes, the automatic will be “faster” depending on what you’re doing.
Just because most sports cars and almost all high end exotics have “automated” transmissions, think we can all acknowledge the difference between a dual clutch box and traditional automatic.
Yes, the automatic will be “faster” depending on what you’re doing.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 258
Likes: 105
From: Corvallis, Oregon
Sounds to me like your C7 will be a fun second car, in which case the M7 might be the better choice. It's also a great anti-theft device! For a commuter/health limitations situation, the A8 would make more sense. FWIW, 4K miles on my A8, always in paddle mode, no trans issues. Maybe get the M7 and whenever Chevy makes a 'vette with a DCT, go for one of those. Just my 2¢
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Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
I’ve been mulling over my dedication to the M7 vs A8 in my window shopping. I’ve always owned manual “go fast” cars, and really enjoy the feel of shifting the gears. That said, I can’t get past the idea that pretty much every exotic comes only in auto with paddle shifters at this point. Clearly, a machine can do it better than I can, but is the joy of shifting with paddle shifters there? My only experience with paddle shifters is in my 2013 Ford Fusion, which not surprisingly, doesn’t offer much thrill. Is it the commuter car power or the actual paddle shifting experience the source of my lack of joy? I’d love to hear the thoughts of people who at one point were dead set on manuals but found joy in the A8 experience? Also, kinda a side bar, I’m also aware of the A8 problem history, and feel like every automatic vehicle I’ve ever own has developed transmission issues sooner than I feel it should, so I’m also a bit bias because of that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 5,353
Likes: 2,409
I get far more enjoyment out of driving my M7 than any vehicle with paddles. Had the DCT in my M3. A great transmission but never felt connected to the car. I have paddles in my wife's X5 as well as my Ford Raptor. There is no comparison to the feeling I get rowing the gears. You may want to drive both to decide for yourself though.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
I find that I do not use the paddles on the street. A8 just works so well I leave it do it’s job.
That said on the track I’ll probably use the paddles just to slow my self dowm a bit. The Auto works so well that paddles might be a good safety measure
That said on the track I’ll probably use the paddles just to slow my self dowm a bit. The Auto works so well that paddles might be a good safety measure
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 883
Likes: 407
You have to keep in mind that almost all of the exotic cars with paddle shifters have dual clutch transmissions, and not traditional automatic transmissions like the Corvette’s A8. In comparison to a PDK equipped Porsche, the Corvette will not shift as quickly or be as responsive.
I have driven several paddle shifted cars and always felt like they were fun, but there was something missing from the driving experience. You mention that you are looking for a toy rather than a commuter. I say stay with a manual or you will miss it.
I have driven several paddle shifted cars and always felt like they were fun, but there was something missing from the driving experience. You mention that you are looking for a toy rather than a commuter. I say stay with a manual or you will miss it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 6,433
Likes: 3,624
From: Commerce Texas
I've owned both. Paddle shift and MN7. I'm now in the MN7.... put 126K on my C6 with paddle shifters.... got 59K with the MN7 in the C7.... if I had not found the color car with all the gewgaws on it that I wanted with only 1800 miles - and saved a bundle - I'd have continued on to find an A8.
Back when I had the C6 with auto, when I felt I just HAD to go shift gears, I would get out the old Ferrari. Of course, Ferrari, back in the day never gave one a choice.
Back when I had the C6 with auto, when I felt I just HAD to go shift gears, I would get out the old Ferrari. Of course, Ferrari, back in the day never gave one a choice.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,726
Likes: 368
From: Montoursville Pa
After 30 years of manuals I don’t miss it at all
The only thing manuals have over autos is efficiency
Last edited by ErnieN85; Feb 11, 2018 at 08:11 PM.