The ML63 is an automatic (ish) with a huge V8, The Coupe is a ZF slush with manual gearlever override but the Series 2 is a manual.
I may put the ML into sport but never really ride the paddles at all, it is not worth it when the car is so heavy and it has so much power. I just push the pedal a bit more.
The Coupe I always move over to the left and manually select cogs, unless in traffic in which case I move it to lazy. I like manually selecting cogs mostly because of the noise and feeling of the cams at ~4000rpm.
Whenever I get into the S2 and even with the big clunky floor hinged clutch and rev hang in first, I love it. Big grunt, low weight, option to use 3 gears and row along on the torque or manage the revs. It will never get boring.
It's not just the gearbox but also the power and car dynamics. Apparently one of the most fun Lotus Sevens is the little 660cc three potter as you have to drive it hard?
So true, its all about the best way to extract the power and dynamics of the car.
