3200 auto v's manual

[allanb]

I's sure this is an eternal debate but could anyone offer any help regarding the differences in drive between a 3200 with an auto box, compared to a manual car?

I've driven a manual 3200, but never an auto, and wanted to get some info from the collective .


Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers
Allan

 

[safrane]

Hundreds of comments and personal views on here and of course two camps...It will be down to wbat you want from the car and how you drive.

 

[highlander]

Hundreds of comments and personal views on here and of course two camps...It will be down to wbat you want from the car and how you drive.

Ditto........but auto wins lol

 

[allandwf]

Auto probably best for normal day to day driving. I have a manual AC, and manual suits it best for me, can be hard work in heavy traffic, but that's not what I bought it for. So depends on what you want to use it for. Horses for courses.

 

[Trev Latter]

All down to personal preference. I like autos for daily driving, but prefer a manual for "spirited" driving. 3200s can be hard work in traffic and I completely understand why some like an auto box more.

 

[alfatwo]

If your old hooligan like me a 3200GT manual is the only way to go.....ok there a faf in town, but no different to any older Ferrari or Lambo's with clutches so heavy that they lift you out of the seat and you have to drive 50 miles to warm up the gear box!

Compered the 3200GT is a delight,clutch no heavier than a Alfa GT and the old Getrag 6 speeder is lovely after a few miles

Like with auto's and caravans...I'll never be old enough!
Dave

 

[hodroyd]

Hahahaha, now Dave, you know you would love an Auto Box, best thing for the 3200, excellent performer..!!

 

[Andyk]

I had a manual and loved it..Even in town..You just learn to drive it and its fine...but I can see why lots love the Auto.....

 

[conaero]

Having had a 3200 manual I would go auto if I had my time again.

 

[allanb]

All down to personal preference. I like autos for daily driving, but prefer a manual for "spirited" driving. 3200s can be hard work in traffic and I completely understand why some like an auto box more.

Thanks for the replies guys, i kind of thought this would be the answer...

The car will be a weekend play thing, so not worried about the daily drive, I;ve got a Euro-box for that in the week !!

.... best go and get my coat and try them out then !!

Cheers
Allan

 

[MAF260]

Mine was auto as it was my daily. I think you can drive an auto 3200 just as spiritedly as a manual if you learn to drive it properly - Sport mode and kickdown on boost always made me laugh like a lunatic. The rush and kick in the back were addictive. I saw no need for a manual with the heavy clutch and gearbox which took a while to warm up enough to make it enjoyable.

 

[macaroni]

And as MAF260's car is now mine, I echo his statements.
I drove 2 manuals before settling on an auto and don't regret it at all, especially as my commute involves some heavy traffic.

In Sport mode and kickdown, you had better have your wits about you, especially in the wet, as these things bite...manual or auto!

 

[highlander]

Mine was auto as it was my daily. I think you can drive an auto 3200 just as spiritedly as a manual if you learn to drive it properly - Sport mode and kickdown on boost always made me laugh like a lunatic. The rush and kick in the back were addictive. I saw no need for a manual with the heavy clutch and gearbox which took a while to warm up enough to make it enjoyable.

Summed up nicely mr maf. Marci is my first auto and have to say the thrill of the knockdown on boost never ceases to make me grin like a lunatic or miss a manual!

 

[philw696]

I found the same with the Ferrari 456.
The auto box suited the 5.5 V12 just right and the best was my wife would drive her quite quickly as she doesn't understand Cambio Corsa.

 

[Contigo]

Manual is a quicker car but only a little, I had a play with a 3200 on way up to Silverstone and had him on every roundabout as he pulled up next to me I said it's an auto and he nodded. Manual for me as it is a proper drivers car.

 

[LDM 3200]

I can only comment on the manual as that's all I have driven but to be honest I don't have a problem with it.

The clutch seems fine and nothing like I expected when doing research. I guess it can be a bit of a pain compared to an auto in stop start traffic but this is also true of any car. If the traffic is moving even if relatively slowly there is plenty in the engine to make it almost auto like (no need to keep changing gear just to trundle along) and on the open road a complete joy!

I bought the car as a bit of fun which hopefully would not spend too much time sat in traffic not moving as such the manual suited whichever you choose I'm sure I'm sure it will put a big smile on your face.

 

[dem maser]

Mine was auto as it was my daily. I think you can drive an auto 3200 just as spiritedly as a manual if you learn to drive it properly - Sport mode and kickdown on boost always made me laugh like a lunatic. The rush and kick in the back were addictive. I saw no need for a manual with the heavy clutch and gearbox which took a while to warm up enough to make it enjoyable.

Agree

 

[StuartW]

Auto probably best for normal day to day driving. I have a manual AC, and manual suits it best for me, can be hard work in heavy traffic, but that's not what I bought it for. So depends on what you want to use it for. Horses for courses.

I have the same car and agree exactly.
I drove both before deciding and the auto box is decent too so it's down to what suits you best and what you are using the car for

 

[Contigo]

It's a shame as they are both great cars in auto or manual form but as said drive both to get the one which suits you better.

Can we not have another 3200 Vs 4200 debate? I don't think there have been enough

 

[LDM 3200]

It's a shame as they are both great cars in auto or manual form but as said drive both to get the one which suits you better.

Can we not have another 3200 Vs 4200 debate? I don't think there have been enough

Now your just trying to cause trouble! like the manual v auto 3200 debate I'm sure both have there strengths it is just one was designed and built as an indulgence and the other somewhat safer and with one eye on the more sedate American market!