auto vs manual

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

Well seeing as how for some cars when boosting and upping the power the auto transmission is better suited since youl miss less gears or so i have read. and the car will be faster. So i am wondering if this is the case for the miata? or if there is a major performance loss with an auto. I am searching for a used 1990-1993 miata as a project car and well if an auto comes along for a good price shall i snag it? i know i can always convert to 5 spd but im wondering if one is better then the other or if there is no real change between the two. any other ideas/thoughts?

 

[Rac3rX]

Auto < Manual
For the Protege 3rd Gen, Im not too certain about the Miata, but would put my money on its the same thing.

An auto (Not the one in the Protege) is only faster under certain conditions.

Enough Power (more then what most Proteges got)
&
Racing built Auto (NOT the reguler auto or sport shift auto found in the average econo car)

Keep in mind they are only really good at the track DRAG racing, if your cutting corners, you will want a Manual 100%.

Auto Proteges cant boost as high as the manual version, and wont be faster, at the level they can boost up to.

Powerglides and racing autos & stuff work great on high hp cars drag racing, but shouldnt even be considered an option for circuit racing, autoX, ect.

 

[lagunamiata]

My dad has a '94 with an automatic, he has MS and can't drive a stick. To put it simply, it sucks. There feels like a big power drain with the automatic.

I do remember hearing that the automatic cars engines have slightly lower compression so the engine can handle boost better... although the factory workshop manual only lists 9.0 as compression for all 1994s.

Auto Miata's are tough to find as not many were made.

Most say that for high boost cars the 6-speed is the way to go. A friend has 360hp in a '94 turbo and has gone through several 5-speeds. He hasn't killed the 6-speed... and it's been several years.

 

[ChopstickHero]

agreed, unless you've got a built autotranny that can take alot of power, it's better to stick with a manual tranny so that you can get more out of it. i'm not saying turbo'd cars with autotrannys are slow, but in the turns, autocrossing, or tracking, you will have more control of engine rpms using a manual.

 

[romecandleboy]

In the newer models (NC) there is no power loss whatsoever with an automatic. With the gas slammed and shifting with the paddle shifters there is no delay at all in between gears. Many have compared it to the new DSG in the GTI (which is considered the best automatic available).

However, for the 'fun factor' that may be a different story.

 

[MiaTurbo]

The automatics in the old Miadas were a really negative. you don't want it if you are performance minded because they are heavier, rob more power, and can't stand high HP levels.

Missed shifts in Miadas are mostly due to warn syncros, and a lot of torque flex in the driveline. Replace the motor, and diff mounts with mazdaspeed parts, and that will help cure some of it.

 

[Foolish]

Besides, the manual shifter in a Miata is one of the best ever put in a car, sacrificing that for an automatic gearbox is a crime against humanity!

 

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

yeah currently im looking into getting a 1990-1992 miata hopefully black or white i have my eye on this true project car which is cheap but well know the seller has yet to repsond to my emails about it. The body is in pretty shotty condition and needs a repaint but im unsure about the motor or tranny it has relativly low miles and some mods on it already but who knows well see what happens! wish me luck. but besides that i am on the look out for any good deals...i wouldnt mind traveling for one either its just getting the right deal and the right mulah together....heh

 

[Mr. 4500 RPM]

oh and any suggestions? ill only go for a 5 spd in the end i just wanted to know if there were any real flaws, which there are like always, with auto's