Manual vs Automatic
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,548
Likes: 3
From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member, Inland Empire Chapter
Manual vs Automatic
I got to drive an automatic trannie vette recently and was stunned and how it was a totally different ride. Everything about the cars handling and performance was diff. It was an '88 vert AT and mines a '91 coupe ZF6 MT.
How many of you have driven both and what was your impression of the differences?
How many of you have driven both and what was your impression of the differences?
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,620
Likes: 3
From: MCAA License to Kill
St. Jude Contributor
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
Well, I can't speak for the other side, but I think my auto kicks azz. I can harldy fault it for when I don't want to worry about shifting in everyday driving, or even in some autox situations where I want to pay more attention to the road than what gear I'm in...it never fails to provide ample power.
But if I had a manual, I could always be sure I was in the right gear. And if i had a 6spd, I'd have 2 more gears to play with. I mean, I can still shift my auto by selecting different gears, but there's only 4 and it's actually faster to let the comp do it anyway.
I think a vette auto provides plenty of fun, but for the true enthusiast, a manual is always needed :steering:
:cheers:
[Modified by JSA 007, 12:03 AM 12/17/2003]
But if I had a manual, I could always be sure I was in the right gear. And if i had a 6spd, I'd have 2 more gears to play with. I mean, I can still shift my auto by selecting different gears, but there's only 4 and it's actually faster to let the comp do it anyway.
I think a vette auto provides plenty of fun, but for the true enthusiast, a manual is always needed :steering:
:cheers:
[Modified by JSA 007, 12:03 AM 12/17/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 827
Likes: 1
From: Henderson NV
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
It is just another case of what one's preference is. Back in the almost forgotten days of my youth, when I was 16 (1949), auto transmissions were somewhat scarce. There were a bunch around in Oldsmobiles, Buicks and Chryslers, but most folks owned manual transmission cars. Now, I have owned both auto and manual C4's and they both are just fine as far as I'm concerned. I prefer my 93 6-speed, probably because I have ties to the past and I actually enjoy rowing through the gears. For me, it's part of my driving fun with my Ruby. I would not look down on anyone's preference; that is what makes us different one from the other. It only matters that we are driving a great car and having a great time doing so. :yesnod:
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,133
Likes: 1
From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
I have a auto but prefer a stick. THe Mrs wanted me to get the auto so she could drive it, she has now driven it twice in the 3 years we've owned the C4.
Oh well.
I will say that the auto has been great in any performance situation, and since the 3.73's have been installed I can easily lay down rubber in 1st, 2nd and get a loud chirp in 3rd :D . That has made up for the lack of a stick. :crazy:
Oh well.
I will say that the auto has been great in any performance situation, and since the 3.73's have been installed I can easily lay down rubber in 1st, 2nd and get a loud chirp in 3rd :D . That has made up for the lack of a stick. :crazy:
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
I come from the days of having a power glide was strictly chick stuff. Guys have to have sticks. "Slip and slide in a power glide" used to be the saying. Now all the 10 second machines all use autos and computers to launch. I still like my 6 speed. I feel like I'm doing the driving, not the other way around. I understand the auto gang, but it's just a preference thing (sometimes a need). At the drags, it seems that manual trannies have more break downs. I still think driving a Vette should be done with a stick, it keeps you involved with your machine. :thumbs: :steering:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,043
Likes: 3
From: San Jose Pat Tillman - American Hero
Re: Manual vs Automatic (Strick)
My first vette was a 91 auto... Lots of torque and fun on the streets, but since I never tracked it I can't say how it would have behaved there. I can definitely understand the comment about being able to pay more attention to the track and not what gear you're in, but like another said - the enthusiast must have a manny. I just got the LT4 this weekend, and I must say -- short of moving to San Francisco -- I'll never own an auto (in a driver's car...SUVs and minivans don't count) again!
:flag
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 6,715
Likes: 2
From: Santa Teresa New Mexico
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
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 4+3 leaves a lot to desired. The throws are a mile apart. The OD uint is a gimmick.
The ZF is very pricey to repair.
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.
The ZF is very pricey to repair.
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?
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 4,806
Likes: 0
From: Belle Chasse La
Re: Manual vs Automatic (GoodbyeGirl)
Seems we are in an area where everyone has their preferences.......to me there are advantages/disadvantages to both choices :yesnod:
Just be happy you HAVE a Vette and enjoy what you have :cheers: :D
Just be happy you HAVE a Vette and enjoy what you have :cheers: :D
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 4
From: Hinckley Ohio
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
I have had 89 auto & 96 LT4 vetes. I have & do have both auto & manual in my other vehicles.
Seems to me modern technology autos are pretty hard to beat. They never miss a shift, you don't burnout clutches, etc, etc, etc
But manuals are sure fun to drive......
Gets down to personal choice, but my quess is that considering driver skills, the auto will win every time for most drivers....
So bottom line is there is no right answer, they both perform and are fun to drive!!!!
[Modified by LT4BUD, 1:33 PM 12/17/2003]
Seems to me modern technology autos are pretty hard to beat. They never miss a shift, you don't burnout clutches, etc, etc, etc
But manuals are sure fun to drive......
Gets down to personal choice, but my quess is that considering driver skills, the auto will win every time for most drivers....
So bottom line is there is no right answer, they both perform and are fun to drive!!!!
[Modified by LT4BUD, 1:33 PM 12/17/2003]
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 159
Likes: 0
From: Live in OKC, OK. From FTL, FL
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
Every car I have ever owned has been a manual except my Corvette, and I've learnd that it takes some getting used too. Before the Vette I had a 93 Mustang 5 speed and it was fun, but I always wanted a Vette. So when my Vette came along I didn't care what kind of tranny it had. I Love my Vette, but the next one I get is going to be a 6 speed 'cause I think that's the only way to go in a sports car. Thats just my opinion. The Auto has some good qualitys especially in stop and go traffic, but I'm a manual trans guy.
:auto:
J :cheers:
:auto:
J :cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
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From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
John, I'm not too sure the spirit of your post was understood or not :confused: Can you elaborate as to what differences you felt between your ZF-6 and the auto tranny you drove?
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 88,774
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From: L.A river under the Los Feliz Bridge
St. Jude Donor '14-'15-'17
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
^6-speeds make you feel the car more, and i love mine. I have had both. If i had to drive in traffic everyday, then automatic. But i dont. :steering:
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 21,465
Likes: 114
From: Hillsboro OR
Re: Manual vs Automatic (DarkHalo)
I'd rather eat worms than drive an automatic Corvette street car (or
road course or autocross). :D
Yeah, an automatic is going to be more consistent in bracket racing,
but I really don't consider cars with IRS to be serious drag race
cars anyway.......... :D
Greg.
road course or autocross). :D
Yeah, an automatic is going to be more consistent in bracket racing,
but I really don't consider cars with IRS to be serious drag race
cars anyway.......... :D
Greg.