Hey guys! Are you thinking about getting a Subaru sports car but prefer an automatic transmission? You're in the right place! Let's dive deep into whether a Subaru sports car with an automatic is a good choice for you. We'll cover performance, handling, and overall driving experience. Plus, we'll look at which models are available with an automatic and what to expect from them.

Performance and Handling

When it comes to sports cars, performance is key. You want something that can accelerate quickly, handle corners with precision, and provide an engaging driving experience. Traditionally, manual transmissions have been favored by enthusiasts for offering more control and a direct connection to the engine. However, modern automatic transmissions have come a long way, often providing quicker shift times and even better fuel economy than their manual counterparts. So, how does a Subaru sports car with an automatic stack up?

Subaru's automatic transmissions, particularly those found in their WRX and BRZ models, are designed to offer a balance of performance and convenience. These transmissions often come with features like paddle shifters, allowing you to manually control gear changes without using a clutch. This can provide a more engaging driving experience, similar to that of a manual transmission. Furthermore, Subaru's automatic transmissions are typically well-tuned to the engine's powerband, ensuring that you're always in the right gear for optimal performance. In terms of handling, Subaru's sports cars are known for their balanced chassis and precise steering. The addition of an automatic transmission doesn't significantly detract from these qualities. While some may argue that a manual transmission offers a more direct connection to the car, the automatic versions still provide a fun and rewarding driving experience, especially when equipped with paddle shifters.

One of the biggest advantages of choosing an automatic transmission in a Subaru sports car is the added convenience it offers, especially in daily driving situations. If you live in an area with heavy traffic or frequently find yourself commuting long distances, an automatic transmission can make your life much easier. You won't have to constantly shift gears, which can be tiring and cumbersome in stop-and-go traffic. This can allow you to focus more on the road and enjoy the driving experience without the added stress of managing a manual transmission. Additionally, an automatic transmission can be beneficial for drivers who are new to sports cars or who prefer a more relaxed driving style. It eliminates the learning curve associated with mastering a manual transmission, allowing you to enjoy the car's performance right away.

Available Models

So, which Subaru sports car models are available with an automatic transmission? The two main contenders are the WRX and the BRZ. Let's take a closer look at each of these models and what they offer.

Subaru WRX

The WRX is a performance-oriented sedan that offers a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive. It's known for its quick acceleration, agile handling, and practical interior. The WRX is available with both a manual and an automatic transmission, giving you the option to choose the one that best suits your needs. The automatic transmission in the WRX is a Sport Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters. While some enthusiasts may scoff at the idea of a CVT in a sports car, Subaru has tuned this transmission to provide a surprisingly engaging driving experience. It features simulated gear ratios that mimic the feel of a traditional automatic, and the paddle shifters allow you to manually select these ratios for more control.

The WRX with the Sport Lineartronic CVT offers several advantages. First, it provides smooth and seamless acceleration, thanks to the CVT's ability to continuously adjust the gear ratio. This can result in quicker 0-60 mph times compared to the manual version. Second, the CVT can improve fuel economy, especially in city driving. Third, the paddle shifters allow you to manually control the transmission, giving you a more engaging driving experience when you want it. However, it's important to note that the CVT doesn't offer the same level of directness and control as a traditional automatic or manual transmission. Some drivers may find the CVT's behavior to be less predictable or less responsive than they would prefer.

Subaru BRZ

The BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car that's known for its lightweight design, balanced handling, and affordable price. It's a favorite among driving enthusiasts who appreciate a pure and engaging driving experience. The BRZ is also available with both a manual and an automatic transmission. The automatic transmission in the BRZ is a traditional torque-converter automatic with paddle shifters. This transmission offers quicker and more precise shifts compared to the CVT in the WRX. It also provides a more direct and responsive feel, making it a popular choice among drivers who want a more engaging driving experience.

The BRZ with the automatic transmission offers a good balance of performance and convenience. It accelerates quickly, handles corners with precision, and provides a fun and rewarding driving experience. The paddle shifters allow you to manually control the transmission, giving you even more control over the car's performance. The automatic transmission in the BRZ is also known for its reliability and durability. It's a well-proven design that can handle the rigors of spirited driving without any issues. However, some drivers may find the automatic transmission to be less engaging than the manual version. The manual transmission offers a more direct connection to the engine and allows you to fully exploit the car's performance potential.

Driving Experience

What's it like to actually drive a Subaru sports car with an automatic transmission? The answer, of course, depends on the specific model and transmission in question. However, in general, you can expect a smooth, comfortable, and engaging driving experience. Subaru's automatic transmissions are well-tuned to the engine's powerband, ensuring that you're always in the right gear for optimal performance. The paddle shifters allow you to manually control the transmission, giving you more control over the car's performance when you want it. And the balanced chassis and precise steering of Subaru's sports cars ensure that you'll have a fun and rewarding driving experience, whether you're on the street or on the track.

One of the biggest advantages of driving a Subaru sports car with an automatic transmission is the added convenience it offers. If you live in an area with heavy traffic or frequently find yourself commuting long distances, an automatic transmission can make your life much easier. You won't have to constantly shift gears, which can be tiring and cumbersome in stop-and-go traffic. This can allow you to focus more on the road and enjoy the driving experience without the added stress of managing a manual transmission. Additionally, an automatic transmission can be beneficial for drivers who are new to sports cars or who prefer a more relaxed driving style. It eliminates the learning curve associated with mastering a manual transmission, allowing you to enjoy the car's performance right away.

However, it's important to note that an automatic transmission will never offer the same level of engagement and control as a manual transmission. Some drivers may find the automatic transmission to be less responsive or less predictable than they would prefer. If you're a die-hard driving enthusiast who wants the most direct connection to the car, a manual transmission is probably still the best choice. But if you're looking for a balance of performance and convenience, a Subaru sports car with an automatic transmission is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

So, is a Subaru sports car with an automatic transmission a good choice? The answer is a resounding yes! While some purists may always prefer a manual, modern automatics offer impressive performance and convenience. Whether you choose a WRX with its Sport Lineartronic CVT or a BRZ with its traditional torque-converter automatic, you're sure to have a blast. Both models provide a thrilling driving experience with the added benefit of ease of use. So, if you're in the market for a sports car and prefer an automatic, don't hesitate to check out what Subaru has to offer. You might be pleasantly surprised!