It's only 7-8k more than the G37, I'd 20k and pay the rest cash. One 8spd transmission w/ paddle shifters. 400hp, 350tq, brembo's, cross drilled brakes, BBS rims.. whew

 

Here is a video of a series of races between a 6MT G35 and a 5AT G35. This might give The OP an idea of what MIGHT happen if this were the G37:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=T5v3B7u2_Ig

By the way, the blue G35 is the cam car ( the 5AT ). The silver G is the 6MT and there is a RSX in there getting spanked by both cars.

 

That looked like when the 6mt didnt shift right, the auto shot right ahead up until maybe 3rd? 4th? somewhere around there

 

Right. People tend to forget that the driver is a big part in a race. Especially in an MT. Notice though from a dead stop, it was a no contest win for the AT.

 

Here is another video of a 6MT 2007 sedan vs 05 5AT coupe:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=aD-IdGpAlwI

The coupe won despite having LESS power.

 

While the debate about which is faster (6MT/5AT) seems inconclusive right now... Traditionally, we all would agree that manual transmission cars are faster than their automatic counterparts. Now, on the road with the average driver, then 5AT can very well win, as shown by kg37's videos. With an ideal driver, the 6MT should still be a little faster. Either way, it's not a huge difference.

At any rate, I picked up my new 6MT G37 yesterday. I had driven the 5AT G37 3 times while waiting for my car. To me, the 6MT is VASTLY upgraded. It feels ridiculously smooth and I think the gap between 6MT and 5AT has increased. Not necessarily performance wise, but it is more fun and now much much smoother in daily driving. The clutch pedal is also a little softer, and the engagement is also cleaner. The gas pedal is about 10", and the pedals are placed close together making it much easier for heel-toe downshifts.

Ultimately, both transmissions have their advantages. For me, I enjoy an active driving experience (which can still be subdued when I need it), and the precise control of the 6MT. Anyone who is asking 6MT or 5AT should do themselves a favor and try both.

 

Particularly true in a dead stop race.

 

Did you see the video? that was 1/8th track and the auto took off/launched first. By the time the auto got near the end of the track the 6mt sedan had already caught the auto, and I was expecting the car to pass the coupe until video cut off. Then realized it was a 1/8th track. We already concluded that low-end, the auto would have an advantage if the 6mt driver can not drive/shift. Top-end on the 6mt would eat an auto.

OT:
Last night coming from the club, I had a g35 coupe tail me on rt50-495. He kept trying to pass me and floor it. I would floor it and catch up. I finally had to let him have it. Let's just say I slowed down enough to go into 3rd-4th-5th-6th it was kind of embarassing the bus lengths I put on that car. He stop playing with me after that. GOT to love manual.

 

Man you go t some good eyes. I couldn't tell who won from that viewing angle... I would need to be at the finish line to discern what you did.
IMHO I think that the conclusions regardign lowend/high end can be made on the previous model not the '08.
sounds like fun makes me more anxious to get my G37.

 

You better beat a G35. Good run! Just be safe my friend.

 

I drove my 03.5 Coupe AT for 2 years. I was due for a 6Sp Manual!! So far I'm happy about my decision!!

 

you had a RSX?
that's what I've got (base auto, not type S ), about to upgrade to the G37

can't decide if I want a stick or not. I've always owned automatic transmission cars, I think a stick would be fun, but I'm concerned I would get tired of messing with it
also, kinda worried about messing up my new car learning how to drive

 

Trust me, you wouldn't screw-up your car learning to drive a manual. If you are not going to be driving in a lot of stop and go traffic, get the 6-speed. There is nothing more fun than controlling a car with a shifter and clutch.

Find a friend with a Honda/Acura or Toyota Corolla, and let them teach you. I learned how to drive a stick in my friend's '72 Corolla (okay, enough with the snickering, and no there were no dinosaurs to dodge) in an afternoon.

Before we met, my wife bought a new 1981 RX-7 and had to be shown by the salesman how to drive a stick before she could take it home! She made it home, and never screwed-up the car.

Don't be afraid. You'll thank me later.

 

CVT would have been a deal breaker for me. I had a CVT. Great for fuel economy, but if you get stuck in the snow and need to 'rock' the car, forget it. Mine had 7 'shift points' you could use as a manu-matic, but I'd rather have 'real' gears.

I do like the DSG on my GTI though. That in the G would be sweet!

 

No I did not have an RSX. It is my friends car. I was comparing it to his 04 G coupe. I have a supercharged 1999 Maxima 5MT... it's always roasting the tires!