I am a newcomer who is trying to learn a few things about 928's. I have admired these cars for a long time and it appears that this is the time for me to take the plungs.

Since the vast majority of these cars appear to have automatices, can anyone comment on the performance of the automatic versus the 5 speed. I am partial to 5 speeds, but they are hard to find.

 

The stock specs from 928Specialists site:
https://www.928gt.com/t-928engine.aspx

The automatics supposedly can handle more torque, but that's only a concern if you're going to boost or stroke your engine. The autos also have some extra maintenance concerns. I can't stand automatic cars, so I bought a 5-speed. Except for GTSs, 5-speeds aren't all that much harder to find.

 

Yes - the majority are automatics, so they are much more available. But 5 speeds are often more desireable. You should really drive one of each to see what YOU like better. And think how you will be driving the car - racing or touring for example. You really can't go wrong either way - both are solid transmissions. And if you can't decide - get one of each

 

Drive both.. No real speed loss with the auto's, at least the 32v cars.. If you still can't decide, buy both like Beth says..

FWIW, I have tracked my auto S4, and it's just fine....

 

I expect this to be my daily driver. I currently drive a 92 NA 300ZX. I specifically looked for a 5 speed, the performance is much better than the autos in the 300ZX.

I cannot afford to have 2 or 3, so I will have to make the best choice up front.

There is a beautiful Gray 88 with a 5 speed for sale in LA, and a black 90 in Mesa AZ with an auto. Both are very intriguing.

 

Hi Boeingguy2...

Pop on over to http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/PacNW928/ or
http://www.pacnw928.com .

There are a bunch of us local PacNWeners here on rennlist.

Regarding your question..yes more ATs..but in S4 form.....the AT can be driven hard and be close to the 5sp performance. The later AT's start out in 2nd gear by default, but when you manually shift the AT...they come alive....just drive it like a manual...(with only 4 gears..) and you won't be missing much...

Also, as the others say..drive both and then decide....We have quite a bit of variety of 928's here in the Seattle area..so pop over to the pacnw list and keep an eye out for a gathering....I'm sure there will be something happening in the near future..

later,
Tom
midlman@rennlist.net
89GT

 

Thanks Tom. I just joined the list. I was going to start another post asking for Seattle owners to meet with and discuss their cars. I haven driven two so far, both autos.

 

You know, some aspect of your decision may come down to your age.

When I was young, automatics were for wussies. Manuals were much more fun.`

I'm now 57, and there are more and more evenings, after a long day's work, when I just don't want to be bothered with rowing through the gears - especially in city traffic. So now that I'm an Old Fart, an auto makes more sense.

In my situation, what I've lost in performance is so minimal that it's more than made up for in convenience.

 

Unless you plan to supercharge go with the 5sp. My auto is very lively with the supercharger, and I get lots of enjoyment from driving it spiritedly or when stuck in freeway traffic.
However I get a real thrill driving my 5sp in the twisties, but it really is a drag when stuck in traffic, especailly if you get cell phone calls at the same time.

 

Living in Los Angeles is why I got an automatic.
Before living here, I was a dyed in the wool manual transmission nut.

 

If you are "partial to 5 speeds" buy a 5 speed . There is nothing wrong with the automatic they work quite well are nice in heavy traffic but I get many calls from people asking to convert an automatic to 5 speed ,several have done so. I can only recall one who wanted to converted a 5 speed to an automatic. Compromising what you want is a poor way to start any relationship

 

What the he__? The sun is shining and the good Dr. is in playing on the computer? I keep coming up with excuses to run around town and do "errands" just to have the windows down and the pipes rattling.

I must admit that I was looking for a 5-speed when I bought my first 928, I ended up with an auto. I still want a nice 5-speed streeter someday but I'll be content with my auto for daily driving. It certainly performs more than well enough and won't kill you in the traffic. I will keep the 5-speed in my track car though.

And hey, I'm almost 42!

Bigs, some Doctors golf, you drive. Accept the fact and get out of the office! It's too nice a day here to stay inside.

 

Damn Dave! If I were a rich business partner like you, I'd be able to just pick up and leave the office on a gorgeous day!!!

Alas, we working stiffs have to keep the ladies happy.

(Wait. Was "working stiffs" the wrong expression to use in connection with keeping ladies happy? )

 

You're a dirt old man bigs.

 

I already fight the 5 speed in traffic while juggling the cell phone and coffee cup battle. Seattle has plenty of traffic of its own.

I still enjoy the 5 speed. Makes me feel more in control of the car. I am 46 and still love it. Don't know what I will think when I am 56.