AZvetteman

Well, went to get a base corvette and now all excited about the Grand Sport and have not really done my homework on these.

Torn on auto vs. manual. I know its a personal decision and use consideration so no need to go there. But, is the auto generally more maintenance prone or nearly bullet proof? Does anyone really use the paddle shifters on a regular basis long term or just a gimmick and just leave it in drive?

In the Grand Sport, what do I loose by opting for the auto tranny feature wise?

It seems nobody likes the Goodyear tires and dont last but a few thousand miles from some reviews, maybe a reason alone not to get the grand sport?

Is there oil change process different on the dry sump?

Any grand sport vs. base model appreciated as I must admit at this point I really just like the looks of it and unsure if worthe the $10k.

Thanks in advance ... I am literally walking out door to dealership ... no time to really search now

RicK T

Yes.......and we've had a few stories of DEALERS destroying engines by doing it wrong.

not08crmanymore

Yes,oil change process is vastly different in the way it's done and amount of oil.10.5 quarts for the GS I was told when I asked before I bought mine.You lose launch control with the automatic tranny for one thing.I never liked GM auto tranny's in the Vette but I hear they changed up slightly and the response time is much better now.I had nothing buy regular body Vettes until now.I'm loving the GS. I'm still getting used to the different feel though,probably the wider tires and stuff.Mine is a manual.

Iconic

Hands down I'd go with the GS manual.

I'd type more as to why, but you're in a rush.

PittMD1

I can not answer the question about which needs less maintenance. I have had my 2012 manual for a year now and it's been very solid. I think you get a lot more for the money with the manual. It really all comes down to what you want to use it for.

Iconic

GS with a manual trans comes with a hand built engine from PBC in Wixom Mi.

GS with an A6 does not come with a hand built engine. Nor the fun of driving an M6. And GM hits ya up and extra $1200 to boot.

Corvettinator

Plus M6 gets a forged crank.

But asking auto or manual is like asking blonde or brunette. It's personal preference. Personally, I don't think it's a sports car without a stick, it's a grand tourer, IMO. And plus you are gay if you drive an auto (j/k). My mom doesn't like that mine is a stick, because she can't drive it. She drives a 2010 Camaro SS auto.

Every car I've ever had was a stick, but recent injuries and general age-related decrepitude will make my next non-Vette an auto...

Drive one of each and see the difference. That's what I did.

Oh, and once you go widebody, you never go back.

GARYFINN

This !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!

Iconic

I agree 100%.

I think the auto industry invented automatics so that they could tap into the womens market and grocery getter vehicles. Then somehow automatics found there way into sportscars. Then, some of the men became unsure on which transmision they should get in their sportscar, a car aimed at men.

Just messin with you A6ers

Run N. Gun

If you drive in stop/go traffic every day, buy the auto or have a different daily driver. I kept my Acura to drive 80 miles a day in stop/go traffic. I have a 6-speed manual GS for my fun car. Good grief, is it fun!!!!

I love my 6-speed manual GS!

Johnathon59

I went with the '13 GS manual trans. & very pleased with the way it performs, If you will be driving it as a performance sports car then the manual trans is the way to go, if just a means of transportation in stop n go traffic possibly the auto would suit you more favorably, manual trans. make sure you have NO left knee problems ! ...

SpryGeezer

Manual, if it will be a rarely driven boulevard cruiser; auto, if you actually drive the car occasionally; no-clutch-pedal double-clutch-automatic conversion if you're interested in performance.

Gary '09 C6

I found my '09 coupe w/A6 a little boring to drive. Traded it in and went back to a MN6.

get the GS manual...

wrh3

I've driven in ATL traffic with a manual ........well, since I started driving. Really not a big deal but definitely boils down to preference. I have GS M6 and agree you do get more for less if you enjoy driving a manual.

Grand Sport 13'

I have a GS M6....nuff said

AddisonD

GS manual here. Took a long tim hunting to find the color and options I wanted, while insisting on the ragtop wide-body with manual. Fully worth the wait and the looking, and I likely overpaid to get it.

Manual !

chiromed0

I've got an '13 GS Auto. I use S mode and paddle shifters more than D, except when the wife's in the car. So yes, you can use them more on down shifts usually. You can do it in D or S mode anyway, after 8 seconds in D it goes back to auto. In S mode if you get tired of it then just hold upshift and it goes back into auto S mode. Really, you could just leave it in S mode. There are some F1 type adapters and some single paddle shifters (aftermarket) that are on the table to make it more fun.

So manual or auto? Well, for me do I want to eat a burger and drink my coke when I've got the top down...yes, sometimes. The 0-60 and top speed, yadda, yadda...we're talking .10/sec difference and I wouldn't ever be able to tell the difference anyway. For Pete's sake it's still 4.0 seconds either way.

Goodyear tires are noisy especially on bad roads but I've got 6,500 miles and they are in no way, shape or form close to being worn out. If you drive aggressively then you'll wear anything out. I agree, apparently GM does too, that Michelin's are a better choice.

GS or Base? Well, if you got the dough there's a lot more to be had with the GS. Besides, it'll be the last Vette with big fat tires and a widebody for a while.

AddisonD

Best reasoning ever to consider the automatic!
~

Cyber Greg

I live in Los Angeles and have never owned an Automatic as my personal daily driver. (My wife's car has an Automatic). That said my GS M6 Rocks! Oh and I like both blonde and brunette which essentially describes my wife if you get my drift. ;-)

ProfessorDeath

Manual.