The 6-Speed Showdown - Manual vs ZF Auto

[Night Runner]

:

OK, it's not really showdown, but, I wanted to know what your thoughts are. We've seen and posted in the Auto vs Manual threads but as it stands with today's top and new range gear boxes, which do you feel is better/faster in a stock car? The ZF 6-Speed Automatics or the 6-Speed Manuals?

One thing I noticed was people saying the ZF is faster down the 1/4 mile? By how much in stock form? Real figures, not "My mates did 12.6 the other day". Too many factors come into play when taking "average Joes" times for fact. Basically any reviews on both cars performed by the same crowd? Factory times stated anywhere?

I have always thought Autos were faster but not in stock form, under 11's possibly, in different cars and set ups things can go either way. They are consistent, absolutely. But I still say a good driver with a stick could beat the ZF in stock form (and possibly modified). Not every round but still set a faster time. With good powershifting and getting more power to the rear wheels without converter loss has to make up for the shift time of the auto, surely?


Thoughts, opinions and 0.02c please.