Help me decide

[Heinz '57]

Hi
I am considering changing my S2000 for an NSX. I really want a Targa,not too fussed on colour. However,I notice that most Targas are autos. Can someone explain the real world differance between a manual and an auto?
The car will be a Garage Queen/Weekend toy with the odd trip to Italy,so not a track weapon!
Can you use the paddles (I assume they all have them?) on the auto to manually shift? Is there a vast differance in performance?

The car will be a keeper.

Thanks

Good start,wrong forum! Could a mod please move it.

John

[jaytip]

Hi
I am considering changing my S2000 for an NSX. I really want a Targa,not too fussed on colour. However,I notice that most Targas are autos. Can someone explain the real world differance between a manual and an auto?
The car will be a Garage Queen/Weekend toy with the odd trip to Italy,so not a track weapon!
Can you use the paddles (I assume they all have them?) on the auto to manually shift? Is there a vast differance in performance?

The car will be a keeper.

Thanks

Good start,wrong forum! Could a mod please move it.

John

I have never driven an Auto so i can't give any advice on how they are to drive(performance), but i do know that the engine is limited to 252BHP.Couple that with a targa which is heavier than the coupe and i would imagine it would be some way down on the coupe regarding performance.
The paddles are not paddles as such,but a single stalk which you would use in the same way as the indicator-up to change up,down to change down(can auto owners please confirm or correct this please.)
HTH

Ivor.

[Papalazarou]

I've had a 3.0 Targa and currently own a 3.2 facelift coupe. Both great cars with different characters. All standard NSX's cope with UK roads exceptionally well, but the targa with its slightly softer suspension settings will feel more composed, IMO it's a better GT car.
The best person to speak to about Targas however is Paul (Senninha) he's been modding his for a while now and will be able to advise you about worthwhile upgrades; anti roll bars, chassis bars etc. He's also had an S2000!

like Jaytip, I have no experience of autos, but if you've had an S2000 I imagine you'd probably want a manual.





Try this link;


http://nsxcb.co.uk/testvb/showthread.php?t=688



Cheers,


James.

[TheQuietOne]

Thread moved .

I would say if you can find one a manual Targa will suit your needs perfectly. I would also say get out there and test drive a few ASAP, it may well clarify your thinking. If you are at or can attend Japfest on May 17th you will be able to see at least 37 examples in one place including a few that will be for sale I would imagine - so that could be a cracking place to start looking!

Hope that helps, Matt.

[Senninha]

Someone mention my name?

[TheSebringOne]

If you want a targa, I would either go for a manual 3.0 or 3.2, depending on your budget! You will get the best of both worlds, slightly softer suspension for the UK roads and manual gear change for a challenging roads here or abroad. The paddle shift system from what most car testers have said in the past, is not one of best and alot of revs are lost waiting for the system to change up or down? Can anyone confirm this? HTH

[Lankstarr]

Steveycaz drove an auto when looking for an NSX. I took him for a spin in my manual and although he was massively impressed with the auto he said it didn't compare so brought a manual.

If you aren;t fussed about a manual then you should pick up an auto for a good few grand less.

You should definitely drive both before making your mind up, if you can make it to Basingstoke I'd be happy to take you out for a spin (with me driving though).

Good luck and happy hunting!

Luke

[Steveycaz]

Steveycaz drove an auto when looking for an NSX. I took him for a spin in my manual and although he was massively impressed with the auto he said it didn't compare so brought a manual.

For once Luke is not wrong ! Auto was good but the manual was WOW!!!!

Mine will be up for sale soon by the way ! Coupe not targa if you change your mind!

[TheQuietOne]

Mine will be up for sale soon by the way ! Coupe not targa if you change your mind!

That's a shame Steve - not putting £3K deposit down on a GTR are you?

[Senninha]

http://www.carsensor.net/usedcar/det...N=CU0002035833

I drove an auto when in search mode for my NSX. I was tempted by a couple but decided I wanted a Targa and the later 3.2 so that ruled out the auto.

IMHO, I thought it was a very well sorted car with good gear ratios and better torque characteristics to the manual.

If budget, space and the Missus allowed it, I would look into getting one as a daily driver. If you're looking for a weekend cruiser/GT and especially for the Euro trips, I would be looking at something like the one on the attached link. I think this looks like a great example and an ideal keeper.

SOmeone with better knowledge of the import process could give you an idea as to its 'total' UK price.

The other option for auto at the moment is the rather clean looking MIdnight / Tan on auto trader.

regards, Paul