7speed Manual vs. A8
04-28-2016, 09:12 PM
#1
7speed Manual vs. A8
Every car I've owned has been a manual (33 years and many cars). I'm considering the purchase of a C7 and wonder how 'fun' the automatic is. Any folks out there come from the manual world to an automatic C7?? Any regrets? Is it still 'fun' to drive? Of course I'm going to test drive an automatic (already drove a 6sp), but a test drive is so limited, I want real world comments etc.. My driving style is 'spirited', I look forward to curves and turns. I'm not a drag racer or a 120mph'er..
Thoughs?
Thoughs?
04-28-2016, 09:22 PM
#2
Scientific Negotiator
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
04-28-2016, 09:24 PM
#3
Le Mans Master
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The C7 was never available with a 6 speed manual, the only manual that has ever been available in a C7 is a 7 speed.
04-28-2016, 09:27 PM
#4
04-28-2016, 09:28 PM
#5
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CORVETTE TODAY Host
St. Jude Donor'15
^^^ Then I'll correct the title of your thread for you!
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RichinCincy (04-28-2016)
04-28-2016, 09:35 PM
#7
Racer
This again?
If you want fun get the manual.
If you want fast get the auto.
But to me the manual is still fast enough, and it is a lot more fun to drive the car than having the car drive you.
If you want fun get the manual.
If you want fast get the auto.
But to me the manual is still fast enough, and it is a lot more fun to drive the car than having the car drive you.
Last edited by OrioleFan; 04-28-2016 at 09:38 PM.
04-28-2016, 09:37 PM
#8
Drifting
Would have loved a stick but the wife made me go auto. We keep our vehicles for a long time and she thought we'd (me) get tired of it especially in Houston traffic.
I gave in, I wanted the car more than I wanted to hear her nag. I mean, remind me.
I gave in, I wanted the car more than I wanted to hear her nag. I mean, remind me.
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RichinCincy (04-28-2016)
04-28-2016, 09:38 PM
#10
So, is it still enjoyable to drive??
04-28-2016, 09:45 PM
#13
There's a part of me that every now and again thinks how nice it would be to share with others the fun of driving this car which would be easier had I chosen the auto. Then I kick that guy to the curb and blast through the gears making those wonderful exhaust noises and I get over the "sadness".
#savethestick
#savethestick
Last edited by JoeCT; 04-28-2016 at 09:46 PM.
04-28-2016, 10:00 PM
#14
Melting Slicks
Like you, I have always been a stick guy; I love running back roads and doing a little track now and again. When the C7's came out I had the opportunity to drive several '14's and '15's (auto & manual) on the track (students cars).....I was impressed with both 
The match rev lever is something I wish I could have had on my GS BUT the 6 or 8 speed paddle shift in tight corners when sifting up or down is just as impressive. So when it came time to upgrade to a new '15 Z51, I really didn't care if I wound up with a M7 or A8. Well I spotted one on the local lot with all the options I wanted and correct color and it happened to be an A8. I have now owned the car for 11 months and have racked up 23K on the clock and love the auto.
As much as I loved jamming gears with pass Vettes, Cobra's, SS T-Birds and "P" cars, I really do love the A8 when carving the back roads of Arkansas or running on the NCM track (like today). It is so nice to pop a gear up or down in the middle of a corner without taking my hands off the wheel AND the best part is it doesn't upset the balance of the car should you be all loaded up at 100+ in a high "G" corner.
I'm sure whatever you buy, you will love the way it drives and find it to be the best choice.....after all, it's a Corvette.
The match rev lever is something I wish I could have had on my GS BUT the 6 or 8 speed paddle shift in tight corners when sifting up or down is just as impressive. So when it came time to upgrade to a new '15 Z51, I really didn't care if I wound up with a M7 or A8. Well I spotted one on the local lot with all the options I wanted and correct color and it happened to be an A8. I have now owned the car for 11 months and have racked up 23K on the clock and love the auto. As much as I loved jamming gears with pass Vettes, Cobra's, SS T-Birds and "P" cars, I really do love the A8 when carving the back roads of Arkansas or running on the NCM track (like today). It is so nice to pop a gear up or down in the middle of a corner without taking my hands off the wheel AND the best part is it doesn't upset the balance of the car should you be all loaded up at 100+ in a high "G" corner.
I'm sure whatever you buy, you will love the way it drives and find it to be the best choice.....after all, it's a Corvette.
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04-28-2016, 10:05 PM
#15
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St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'10, '14
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KRamz (08-16-2019)
04-28-2016, 10:08 PM
#16
Team Owner
I drove both before I made my decision. I chose the M7 was a very easy decision after the test drives.
04-28-2016, 11:33 PM
#19
Melting Slicks
I have great fun in my auto. Paddles work well enough for manual control in the twists without having to take my hands off the wheel. When the auto kicks into performance shift mode, always brings a smile to my face. 23k miles and counting, never regretted it. And I grew up on a stick
04-28-2016, 11:46 PM
#20
If I could do it again, I would choose the 7sp over the auto. The auto is a little lacking for me. Step on the pedal and there's a delay to find the right gear which I dislike. Plus I'm having trouble with my transmission.