Do Automatic Corvettes really suck?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 33
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Do Automatic Corvettes really suck?
I'm looking at C4 Vettes and I noticed that most of them have Automatic Transmissions. Do they suck and are they not fun to drive/as fun? Should I take a chance with an Auto Corvette or should I keep looking until I find one with Stick Shift?
Last edited by LT1 Man; Apr 14, 2019 at 01:17 AM.
Popular Reply
Apr 14, 2019, 01:32 AM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Saskatoon Sask.
Find a freeway that is notorious for tie-ups for 2+ hours and you will have your answer.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Mission Viejo CA
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,677
Likes: 810
From: Saskatoon Sask.
Find a freeway that is notorious for tie-ups for 2+ hours and you will have your answer.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
As said depends on what lights up life for ya.
I've really enjoyed my prior and the current 35th Anni, both A4. They were both great 1/4 mile cars.
That said my "new" '89 MN6 is more "fun" to drive around my little community. Don't think I'm ready to take her into NYC just yet though.
My suggestion would be to drive an '89-'96 with MN6 and say an '88 and up to see which feels best.
I've really enjoyed my prior and the current 35th Anni, both A4. They were both great 1/4 mile cars.
That said my "new" '89 MN6 is more "fun" to drive around my little community. Don't think I'm ready to take her into NYC just yet though.
My suggestion would be to drive an '89-'96 with MN6 and say an '88 and up to see which feels best.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 697
Likes: 162
From: Huntington WV
While I like my 94 auto, everything else being equal, I would prefer a manual. But for an automatic I'm happy with how it performs. I switched from the 2.59 to the 3.07 gear and it made a very noticeable difference. I don't want a manual badly enough to part with the car I have to go get a 6 spd.
Last edited by Polo Vert; Apr 14, 2019 at 04:10 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,060
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
The reason you see more auto's for sale has to do more with GM's marketing realizing most people buying new corvettes had reach a point in life that they wanted a sports car, but didn't want a stick. For example in 1995, only 23% of C4's were sticks, 1996 only 29% of C4's were sticks...I believe that ratio is the similar for all prior years of C4's...so it's normal that ~70% of C4's for sale today will be automatics. Has nothing to do with them sucking. If you want a stick keep looking.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
OP: If most of your driving will have you constantly rowing the gears, i.e., city traffic, OR if you are a drag racer, the AUTO gets the nod.
But, if your one to wanting a closer relationship with the driving experience and love the snap resulting from a gear shift, MANUAL gets the nod.
I would HATE to have a stick in my work truck. HATE IT. But, an auto in my w/e cruiser and curve straightening Vette (Z) would diminish the experience.
So! Back to U! It depends on you. Performance wise, either will provide more than MOST Corvette owners can appreciate anyway!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2011
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From: Dallas Texas
2025 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Love my manual trans C4. I sold my auto trans C4, to get a stick C4. But I also love my auto trans daily car. Auto Vettes are fine, just that the 700r4/4l60/4l60e are weak.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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I drove my 94 auto for ten years NEVER wishing it was a manual. but being 6'3" and bigger shoe size I found a manual C4 very uncomfortable to drive
Safety Car
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From: Fredonia WI
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There is nothing wrong with an automatic Vette. I've owned both an auto and a manual. They are both Corvettes. Drive 'em and enjoy 'em.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 8,562
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From: Communist Colorado
Ive had both..... for me, a 6 speed is allot more fun to drive.... Rowing gears to me just feels like Im actually driving the car, and not going along for the ride... if you know what I mean... That said, an automatic doesn't SUCK, by any means.... just not as much fun in my opinion.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,793
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From: Mays Landing, NJ
Originally I was looking to but a manual, but wasn't able to find any in my area to look at. I grew up driving a number of manuals including a 3 on the tree van and drove my 5 speed Mustang 5.0 for many years and would probably still have it if someone didn't hit it parked in front of my house and totaling it. After spending time in my 91 I believe it was probably was best I bought an auto. I'm 6'2" and because of the narrow foot room in the C4 don't think I would have enjoyed a manual day after day.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 32,992
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From: Rochester NY
St. Jude Donor '09 thru '26
I love the auto on my '92, and as a bonus the wife can enjoy it too. (she can drive a stick ONLY if her life depended on it).
Now when the '64 is on the road, THAT is a 4-speed!
Now when the '64 is on the road, THAT is a 4-speed!
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
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From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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I chose an automatic because I didn't want the cost or hassle of a manual's maintenance. Didn't want to do it on my back in the driveway. Finding someone that wanted and could do it is another consideration. Thread somewhere where shop replaced clutch, had to remove distributor and couldn't or didn't reinstall it properly.
Autos are fun too. Track mode is leave it in 3rd (D) and just drive. You can also shift through the 3 gears without pressing the detent if you want.
So I think there is more to consider than just the driving experience. Just get one. You will love which ever one you choose.
JMHO
Joe K
Autos are fun too. Track mode is leave it in 3rd (D) and just drive. You can also shift through the 3 gears without pressing the detent if you want.
So I think there is more to consider than just the driving experience. Just get one. You will love which ever one you choose.
JMHO
Joe K
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
Automatics are fine.
However, they are different and in some ways better and some ways worse.
An automatic may be easier to drive daily in stop and go traffic, it may be more consistent in racing and somewhat easier to launch.
A manual can get better gas mileage ('94 EPA rating 24 vs 27 mpg highway although I got over 30 in my M6), and in my opinion is much more fun to drive.
I have had C4's both ways. I had a daily driver '88 A4 and I sold it to get an M6. I got a '94 M6 and glad I did.
It really comes down to your opinions and choice based on how you expect to drive the car.
Good luck.
However, they are different and in some ways better and some ways worse.
An automatic may be easier to drive daily in stop and go traffic, it may be more consistent in racing and somewhat easier to launch.
A manual can get better gas mileage ('94 EPA rating 24 vs 27 mpg highway although I got over 30 in my M6), and in my opinion is much more fun to drive.
I have had C4's both ways. I had a daily driver '88 A4 and I sold it to get an M6. I got a '94 M6 and glad I did.
It really comes down to your opinions and choice based on how you expect to drive the car.
Good luck.