Will I be o.k. with a ZF box on a QP

J

jaisharma

Junior Member
Messages
60
Hi,

I am planning to buy a QP. I would normally not consider an auto car at all, I am usually more interested in the performance and control that a manual box gives (or duo select). For example, if I get a duo select i would probably always drive in "manual" mode.

However, I am thinking of broadening my scope to include a ZF gearbox car with paddles. If I typically use the paddles, is there much difference in the everyday drive?

I know the performance figures are slightly slower for the ZF box, and that it avoids any clutch issues.

I have driven a duo select but not a ZF box car. I know I should try both but the ZF box car is at the outer limit of my price range, however there are one or two available. Also, I am short of time as i want to buy one to take to Italy in a couple of weeks.......

Any input gratefully received!

P.S. if anyone has a car they were planning to sell for a modest price (e.g. planning to trade to a dealer) I coudl be interested. I am in Essex UK

Thanks!
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,168
Hi...and first a big welcome to the forum.....................

I have never driven the Auto but have driven the duo select.............Maserati pitch the two cars at a different audience.......They say that the Duo select is the more 'sporty' car where the Auto is very smooth in its power delivery...................Now most if not all of the motoring press rates the Auto over the Duo select and as you say you don't get the expensive of the clutch every 35kish miles.

I believe Dicky Grace on here has had or driven both and he prefers the Auto.....I'm sure he will be along to give you his experiences....

Performance figures show's that the Auto is a slower car with a 0--60 of 5.6 against 5.2 for the DS....but to be honest 0-60 isn't really the best measure and I would say you probably wouldn't fell that much difference......

I think you need to drive both and just see which you prefer...Either way I'm sure you will enjoy what ever one you go for as they are both great cars.........
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,633
Well not driven either but one comparison I can give you that I know about is the GT.

It came out initially with an auto box and a 4.2 engine and the people trading up from GS/4200's were not that overly keen. Then it came out with the MC shift (principally a Duo Select) and a 4.7 and the positive reaction was instant.

As Andy says, you will have to drive them both but my vote is for the DS and forget about the clutch and just to enjoy it.

Welcome to the fold.
 
Blox

Blox

Member
Messages
1,057
If you go for the DS you should ask the dealer/seller for the most recent clutch wear reading. I have just had a new clutch fitted on mine by Greypaul in Nottingham and it came to about £2k all in. The car had just done 40k miles so the original clutch did pretty well. The car now drives fantastically well with the new clutch but it's worth factoring this in to your purchase calculations.

Good luck with your search !
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,633
Blox that's a good life you got out of that one.

£2k is spot on for main dealer just remember if you use a decent indie, you can knock £800 off that bill, assuming the flywheel and bearing did not need changing.

Rule of thumb is to replace both every other clutch change.
 
Blox

Blox

Member
Messages
1,057
Yes, I would like to say it was down to careful driving but my guess is that had more to do with the previous owner !

£2k included flywheel and bearing so I thought it was a pretty good deal.
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,633
Blox said:
Yes, I would like to say it was down to careful driving but my guess is that had more to do with the previous owner !

£2k included flywheel and bearing so I thought it was a pretty good deal.
Click to expand...

Yes, that is not bad, the parts have gone up quite a lot recently too.

Incidentally, it appears that if you drive the car harder, the clutch lasts longer, as its the slow gear change that wears the clutch as it introduces slippage. If you boot it, it slams the clutch shut, which reduces the wear.

Well, thats what we all keep telling ourselves as the excuse we hoon around in them so much!
 
dickygrace

dickygrace

www.richardgracecars.co.uk
Messages
7,340
Clutches on QP's aren't all the same and some are dearer than others. It depends entirely on V.I.N, but £2000 for all that is a great deal.
 
B

bigbob

Member
Messages
8,972
Probably best to drive both and choose.

With the Granturismo, much of the criticism of the 4.2 is due to the performance and the brakes. Remember that the 4.7 can be had with either gearbox.

The ZF Auto works fine for me, gentle in normal but aggressive in sport. I am going to do c60k miles in mine before I shift it so I could not be bothered buying two clutches (£4-5k) and spending £6k more on the car as I take the view that it will be worth bugger all in five years time whichever model it is. For you, though, the maths might be different.

As for performance, the ZF is longer geared so is a bit slower on a standing start but it gives better mpg. Once you are moving, you can choose a gear to suit so there is less in it.

As always said, no wrong choice - just buy one!
 
D

Dhanj

Junior Member
Messages
408
Jaisharma, there are more experiences of ZF vs Duo Select (inc. mine!) on the other recently contributed to thread under this section titled "Is there an idiot's guide to the different QP models?"

Happy hunting..
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,168
Good, because there could have been a pattern there...Gave Mark his 4200 back and it needed a new clutch...
 
Blox

Blox

Member
Messages
1,057
If it needs another clutch after Llandow in October then you may be under suspicion?...
 
Andyk

Andyk

Member
Messages
61,168
When you look at the cars for sale there doesn't seem to be many...If any...ZF cars without paddles....Most opted for them...
 
J

jaisharma

Junior Member
Messages
60
Guys,

Just to let you know that I am now the proud owner of a ZF auto QP in dark blue. Thanks for your advice.
 
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