Manual vs Automatic
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,465
Likes: 114
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Manual vs Automatic (tailgunner)
I do have to wonder what the REAL % of auto owners is, that actually go to the drags. Guesses?
Very good point. I'd be curious as well. Since the main advantage of an automatic equipped car in a drag race application is consistency, the only cars that would really benefit would be Bracket cars and Super category cars (not cars just run down the strip on test and tune or on grudge race nights).
Oh yes, my SPORTS CAR has a manual trans.
And my BRACKET RACE car has an automatic trans. (albeit manual shift).
Greg.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 0
From: Dewdney BC
Re: Manual vs Automatic (tailgunner)
These threads alway seem to boil down to;
1. Manuals calling autos 'p$%^ssies', and
2. Autos beating their collective chests about drag strip prowess.
I do have to wonder what the REAL % of auto owners is, that actually go to the drags. Guesses?
1. Manuals calling autos 'p$%^ssies', and
2. Autos beating their collective chests about drag strip prowess.
I do have to wonder what the REAL % of auto owners is, that actually go to the drags. Guesses?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: MCAA License to Kill
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Manual vs Automatic (Curveit)
Guys in C-5s with automatics don't wave at me because my exhaust resonates so loud! :D There...that should cover it.
:chevy
:chevy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 897
Likes: 0
From: My Own Private Idaho
Re: Manual vs Automatic (mid life 90)
These threads alway seem to boil down to;
Seems like your all missing the point.
Seems like your all missing the point.
Sorry I confused the pressing 'issue' :rolleyes: with a side question and slightly different take. Since someone asked a question that has been asked over and over, I tried to add little variation in the answer.
[Modified by tailgunner, 1:19 PM 12/19/2003]
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,652
Likes: 2
From: 1990 383 Stroker Baltimore Maryland
Re: Manual vs Automatic (tailgunner)
[QUOTE
The question should be: What % of drag racers use auto's?
No, my point was that although autos are good for drag racing, what % of people buy them for that and actually take them to the strip?
I figured all 5 of you would respond here, but I was just wondering about the other 5,000.
:D
The question should be: What % of drag racers use auto's?
No, my point was that although autos are good for drag racing, what % of people buy them for that and actually take them to the strip?
I figured all 5 of you would respond here, but I was just wondering about the other 5,000.
:D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,600
Likes: 88
From: Springfield PA
Philly 'Burbs Events Coordinator
Re: Manual vs Automatic (vettefast)
It's all in what YOU prefer :cheers:
I have both a stick and an auto.
Both 1993's but they feel like 2 different cars and I love them equally just like my kids :lol:
I have both a stick and an auto.
Both 1993's but they feel like 2 different cars and I love them equally just like my kids :lol:
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Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,251
Likes: 1
From: Pueblo CO
Re: Manual vs Automatic (Rex Ruby)
I read quickly through all the replies to this post. I didn't notice anyone comment on the fact that the auto was a vert. and the maunal a coupe. That would account for alot of the handling difference wouldn't it? Vert. vs Coupe?
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Bellevue WA
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
I have an 89 MT. I figure if you're going for a vette, it's gotta be stick. Of course, I immediately got rid of the shunt to 4th gear. What a pain in the butt. I love the shift through the gears, love to down shift into cornering. There is a downside... stuck in traffic in seattle or idling through a parade at 3 mph. But hey, life is good with a stick. :cheers: :steering:
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,790
Likes: 0
Re: Manual vs Automatic (blacklight)
I inherited my '93 auto from my mom, so I don't really complain about it, but the auto RUINS the sports car experience. For me, the worst part is having only four gears. There is no worse feeling than approaching a slow hairpin, accelerating out, and feeling the car kick down to second gear abruptly. And the thing is, second is still too high, and first is too low.
I've driven late model cars with 5spd autos, (Passat W8) and this problem was not as bad.
I with Vettes, the choice of auto or manual is actually a non choice. Vettes are specialty cars, and lots of people pick them up used. That means they often take what they can get, once they find a car with the right price, in terms of auto or manual.
[Modified by metropolis, 1:40 AM 12/21/2003]
I've driven late model cars with 5spd autos, (Passat W8) and this problem was not as bad.
I with Vettes, the choice of auto or manual is actually a non choice. Vettes are specialty cars, and lots of people pick them up used. That means they often take what they can get, once they find a car with the right price, in terms of auto or manual.
[Modified by metropolis, 1:40 AM 12/21/2003]
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Re: Manual vs Automatic (metropolis)
I inherited my '93 auto from my mom, so I don't really complain about it, but the auto RUINS the sports car experience. For me, the worst part is having only four gears. There is no worse feeling than approaching a slow hairpin, accelerating out, and feeling the car kick down to second gear abruptly. And the thing is, second is still too high, and first is too low.
I've driven late model cars with 5spd autos, (Passat W8) and this problem was not as bad.
I with Vettes, the choice of auto or manual is actually a non choice. Vettes are specialty cars, and lots of people pick them up used. That means they often take what they can get, once they find a car with the right price, in terms of auto or manual.
I've driven late model cars with 5spd autos, (Passat W8) and this problem was not as bad.
I with Vettes, the choice of auto or manual is actually a non choice. Vettes are specialty cars, and lots of people pick them up used. That means they often take what they can get, once they find a car with the right price, in terms of auto or manual.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
DarkHalo, I think the major reason for your differing impressions of those two Vettes is that you were comparing apples & oranges.
The auto vs manual was only one part of the package. Dont' foreget the difference in engines, and maybe gearing and possibly suspension & steering ratios. You realy could only make a close comparison if the cars were otherwise very close.
For example, last winter I drove my mildy modded '88 A4 to OH where my son let me drive his bone stock '99 6-speed for a short. Though my '88 would have "blown his doors off" (well, not realy that bad but a win none the less) in the 1/4 mile, that '99 "felt" quicker while rowing through the gears. Here again there was realy no comparison due to the vast differences between those two Vettes.
Of course my goal is to keep my '88 Targa with the A4 and eventually get a roadster with a stick. :yesnod:
The auto vs manual was only one part of the package. Dont' foreget the difference in engines, and maybe gearing and possibly suspension & steering ratios. You realy could only make a close comparison if the cars were otherwise very close.
For example, last winter I drove my mildy modded '88 A4 to OH where my son let me drive his bone stock '99 6-speed for a short. Though my '88 would have "blown his doors off" (well, not realy that bad but a win none the less) in the 1/4 mile, that '99 "felt" quicker while rowing through the gears. Here again there was realy no comparison due to the vast differences between those two Vettes.
Of course my goal is to keep my '88 Targa with the A4 and eventually get a roadster with a stick. :yesnod:
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 3
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: Manual vs Automatic (65Z01)
DarkHalo, I think the major reason for your differing impressions of those two Vettes is that you were comparing apples & oranges.
The auto vs manual was only one part of the package. Dont' foreget the difference in engines, and maybe gearing and possibly suspension & steering ratios. You realy could only make a close comparison if the cars were otherwise very close.
For example, last winter I drove my mildy modded '88 A4 to OH where my son let me drive his bone stock '99 6-speed for a short. Though my '88 would have "blown his doors off" (well, not realy that bad but a win none the less) in the 1/4 mile, that '99 "felt" quicker while rowing through the gears. Here again there was realy no comparison due to the vast differences between those two Vettes.
Of course my goal is to keep my '88 Targa with the A4 and eventually get a roadster with a stick. :yesnod:
The auto vs manual was only one part of the package. Dont' foreget the difference in engines, and maybe gearing and possibly suspension & steering ratios. You realy could only make a close comparison if the cars were otherwise very close.
For example, last winter I drove my mildy modded '88 A4 to OH where my son let me drive his bone stock '99 6-speed for a short. Though my '88 would have "blown his doors off" (well, not realy that bad but a win none the less) in the 1/4 mile, that '99 "felt" quicker while rowing through the gears. Here again there was realy no comparison due to the vast differences between those two Vettes.
Of course my goal is to keep my '88 Targa with the A4 and eventually get a roadster with a stick. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 12,975
Likes: 22
Re: Manual vs Automatic (redwing76)
If GM built a good stick I would prefer a stick. The stick is to much money, the clutch is very pricey as is a rebuild for the 6 speed. The C5 manual trans with an aftermarket shifter is the way to go.
The 4+3 leaves a lot to desired. The throws are a mile apart. The OD uint is a gimmick. You can buy a short throw shifter for the DN 4+3 and the OD unit should be considered an automatic trans and serviced as such. Plus, there is a proper way to engage the OD unit. Engage clutch, press OD switch
The ZF is very pricey to repair. :iagree:
I prefer the auto. In other cars I prefer the stick but not in a GM.
The C-5's have the Tremec GM has finally got it right?
The 4+3 leaves a lot to desired. The throws are a mile apart. The OD uint is a gimmick. You can buy a short throw shifter for the DN 4+3 and the OD unit should be considered an automatic trans and serviced as such. Plus, there is a proper way to engage the OD unit. Engage clutch, press OD switch
The ZF is very pricey to repair. :iagree:
I prefer the auto. In other cars I prefer the stick but not in a GM.
The C-5's have the Tremec GM has finally got it right?
I will never get another auto in a Vette unless it is physically necessary.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 3
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Re: Manual vs Automatic (Double Aught)
The ZF is very pricey to repair. :iagree:
I prefer the auto. In other cars I prefer the stick but not in a GM.
The C-5's have the Tremec GM has finally got it right? See my comment above.
I will never get another auto in a Vette unless it is physically necessary.
I prefer the auto. In other cars I prefer the stick but not in a GM.
The C-5's have the Tremec GM has finally got it right? See my comment above.
I will never get another auto in a Vette unless it is physically necessary.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 7,033
Likes: 12
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
I bet at least 70% of vette owners buy the tranny that they really want. Personal preference. My pref is auto. After driving thru rush hour day after day after day after day there is NOTHING more annoying than rowing thru the gears. I do go to the strip and I sure don't mind the benefit of an auto and looking at my buddy crying that he has to shift and me saying tough s*$t. Whatever the sales per year of tranny there are your number probably will be within +-5% of want people want.
