John
What's the difference?
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Fenwick West Virginia
OK, so what are the major differences between the atomatics and the manual transmissions? I am looking to buy a finished 69 and I am debating a auto or manual. because of the era I am leaning towards a manual. Does one offer more performance? I would think that you would potentially have more problems with the auto. Thoughts?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
Hey, that's good.
I was going to say it is all about whether you are simply using it for transportation (automatic) or if you are using it for control (manual). the automatic shines in rush hour traffic, drag racing, eating and drinking while driving, non-interested driving, your knees are shot, your hips are shot, etc.
The manual is an absolute necessity in autocrossing, road racing, running the canyons or other twisty roads, in snow, and so on.
I was going to say it is all about whether you are simply using it for transportation (automatic) or if you are using it for control (manual). the automatic shines in rush hour traffic, drag racing, eating and drinking while driving, non-interested driving, your knees are shot, your hips are shot, etc.
The manual is an absolute necessity in autocrossing, road racing, running the canyons or other twisty roads, in snow, and so on.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Wexford PA
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Fenwick West Virginia
Funny thing about drag racing. You do not have
to be the fastest car to win the race.
An Auto is consistent IE it takes the same amount
of time to shift every time. That makes for consistent
ETs.
A manual's shift times are only as good as the driver and
are not thought to be consistent. Good manual drivers
have beat autos time and time again. Not a lot of
good manual drivers around any more.
If I were to drag race for money it would be behind an auto
with a good trans brake and manual valve body.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,385
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA.
Hey, that's good.
I was going to say it is all about whether you are simply using it for transportation (automatic) or if you are using it for control (manual). the automatic shines in rush hour traffic, drag racing, eating and drinking while driving, non-interested driving, your knees are shot, your hips are shot, etc.
The manual is an absolute necessity in autocrossing, road racing, running the canyons or other twisty roads, in snow, and so on.
I was going to say it is all about whether you are simply using it for transportation (automatic) or if you are using it for control (manual). the automatic shines in rush hour traffic, drag racing, eating and drinking while driving, non-interested driving, your knees are shot, your hips are shot, etc.
The manual is an absolute necessity in autocrossing, road racing, running the canyons or other twisty roads, in snow, and so on.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 5
From: N.Richland Hills Texas
For autocross / road racing.. AUTO all the way... I select "3" in the 700R4 and then have a free hand to hang on to the T bar ... Those Vega seats are the worse for racing, and that's with a harness being used...
mine is an auto, but if you can get your hands on a 4 speed,
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I'm not only old school but I am now a senior citizen and own 6 Corvettes.... I just purchased my 1st automatic a few months ago because I'm having problms with my legs...
But whoever said you drive a 4 or 6 speed and ride in an automatic said it all....
The automatic just ain't no fun to ride in... I still like to drive !!!!!
Seriously unless you drive in down town New York City I personally see no reason at all to ever own an automatic Corvette ... kind of defeats the purpose in my opinion... and I say this as a gy who just purchased one because riding in a Vette is still better then driving a Mini Van ...
Bob G
But whoever said you drive a 4 or 6 speed and ride in an automatic said it all....
The automatic just ain't no fun to ride in... I still like to drive !!!!!
Seriously unless you drive in down town New York City I personally see no reason at all to ever own an automatic Corvette ... kind of defeats the purpose in my opinion... and I say this as a gy who just purchased one because riding in a Vette is still better then driving a Mini Van ...
Bob G
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,972
Likes: 6
From: Chester Virginia
The good thing is that the Vette automatic is according to many on this forum a pretty stout automatic. Mine is a 4 speed and you'd be surprised how many times you touch the clutch just on a simple, local drive. Love to hear and control the whine of the engine through the gears. I'm taking it in the Touring Lights day on VIR's road track April 13 and it has 17 turns and we get basically 100 minutes of track time during the day. I will work the clutch more than 800 times that day in all probability and Vette clutche's aren't for sissys! At 67 I'm actually training my legs for this 'cause >800 shifts in a day is way more than I normally do. Easier to do the auto but way more fun with the 4 speed and I wouldn't mind it turning into a five speed someday to get a better road overdrive type gear. Call me when I turn 80 and we'll see again.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,451
Likes: 326
From: Indy Indiana
no so in old cars, but manual trans in newer cars are a pain to sell. the statistics are that 11% people would even buy a manual and 89% must have a automatic. I had a 6 speed '01 vette that I sold back in 04 that I basically had to drop the price to the lowest in the nation. buyers were passing me over buying automatics. I had a 96 S10 pickup in 2000 that I could not sell because it was a manual. I had to keep dropping the price to even below wholesale before I could find a buyer.
sure they are fun but resaleability is a factor.. no at all really in a classic car, but absolutely in the newer cars..
sure they are fun but resaleability is a factor.. no at all really in a classic car, but absolutely in the newer cars..
