6 speed Vs Auto
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Flint MI
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto
Well it depends. Typically auto's are easier to launch, but with a good driver a 6-speed should not have a problem running higher traps.
Still you don't see very many sub 10-second cars with manual transmissions. Generally when you get in that league, a well built up automatic trans with a 3500+ stall converter, and high rear end gear(4.10's) is best.
6-speeds are more fun to drive though....IMHO. And they do get better gas milage...if driven right.
Still you don't see very many sub 10-second cars with manual transmissions. Generally when you get in that league, a well built up automatic trans with a 3500+ stall converter, and high rear end gear(4.10's) is best.
6-speeds are more fun to drive though....IMHO. And they do get better gas milage...if driven right.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (keekster)
The six speed can be faster, it just depends on your point of view.
Stock for stock a good driver in a 6-spd will win over an auto. Once you start getting modified it gets harder and harder to launch the 6-spd. It's all about consistency. In high HP applications auto's get out of the hole better so that gives them an edge right away that you might not be able to gain back.
Note auto tranny's have fewer gears, meaning that the rpm difference between them is greater. The 6-spd has more, closer gears keeping the engine in it's peak power band a little better. The manual is more efficient, you'll never prove it otherwise. It just eventually becomes impossible to drive one extremely fast because of the human limitations involved.
So if you're talking a stock motor yes, if you mean modded then anything goes.
Stock for stock a good driver in a 6-spd will win over an auto. Once you start getting modified it gets harder and harder to launch the 6-spd. It's all about consistency. In high HP applications auto's get out of the hole better so that gives them an edge right away that you might not be able to gain back.
Note auto tranny's have fewer gears, meaning that the rpm difference between them is greater. The 6-spd has more, closer gears keeping the engine in it's peak power band a little better. The manual is more efficient, you'll never prove it otherwise. It just eventually becomes impossible to drive one extremely fast because of the human limitations involved.
So if you're talking a stock motor yes, if you mean modded then anything goes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 972
Likes: 0
From: Springdale AR
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (keekster)
I think it also depends on the gears in the rear end if you are talking Stock for Stock. I could be wrong, but I think most 6 spd. come with 3xx gears. I know alot of autos come with 2xx gears, mine has 259's. Which to me, mine seems sluggesh off the line with the 259's compared to the 6 spd I used to have that had 354's. I think if both cars are stock and both had the exact same gears in the rear end then I think the auto would be hard to beat. The 6 spd driver better be a dang good driver. :p:
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 14,165
Likes: 9
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (vette92_1)
A valid point, but the low gear ratio's in the rear of the auto is to maintain fuel economy and some top end speed. Put the same 3.45's in the auto it might get out of the hole pretty quick but when it comes to the shift, you still have the same trouble, too big a step.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,180
Likes: 1,740
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (vette92_1)
Usually the 6spd will be faster, until you start modifying the cars, then the Auto will usually get the better times.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 7,412
Likes: 259
From: Little Elm TX
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (Glock'94)
If you build up the auto, like mine, i don't think a 6spd would be faster, that is unless the 6spd driver is a top notch shifter.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 401
Likes: 1
From: Aptos CA
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (Glock'94)
This discussion seems to be all about drag racing and the ability of a human to shift faster or slower than an automatic in the 1/4 mile. Statisically an auto looses 10 to 15% rear wheel power to a manual right off the bat. So if you start with 400 hp in the stick at the rear wheels - you only have 340 to 360 in the manual at the rear wheels. Which is faster? Objective test show manuals being faster than automatics time after time.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 16
From: Little Elm TX
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (Skippy Stone)
This discussion seems to be all about drag racing and the ability of a human to shift faster or slower than an automatic in the 1/4 mile. Statisically an auto looses 10 to 15% rear wheel power to a manual right off the bat. So if you start with 400 hp in the stick at the rear wheels - you only have 340 to 360 in the manual at the rear wheels. Which is faster? Objective test show manuals being faster than automatics time after time.
I think once an auto installs a torque converter in the 2400-3000 rpm area, its game over provided both have sticky tires. But stock vs stock with a good driver the stick seems to edge out the auto.
cheers,
Beach
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 838
Likes: 2
From: Out by the bridge again, TampaBay
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (Beach Bum)
This discussion seems to be all about drag racing and the ability of a human to shift faster or slower than an automatic in the 1/4 mile. Statisically an auto looses 10 to 15% rear wheel power to a manual right off the bat. So if you start with 400 hp in the stick at the rear wheels - you only have 340 to 360 in the manual at the rear wheels. Which is faster? Objective test show manuals being faster than automatics time after time.
Thats a bit off.... If a manual had 400 rwhp, the auto would have 380-390 rwhp.... the difference between the two is more in the 2-6% area vs 10-15%.
I think once an auto installs a torque converter in the 2400-3000 rpm area, its game over provided both have sticky tires. But stock vs stock with a good driver the stick seems to edge out the auto.
cheers,
Beach
Thats a bit off.... If a manual had 400 rwhp, the auto would have 380-390 rwhp.... the difference between the two is more in the 2-6% area vs 10-15%.
I think once an auto installs a torque converter in the 2400-3000 rpm area, its game over provided both have sticky tires. But stock vs stock with a good driver the stick seems to edge out the auto.
cheers,
Beach
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 8,184
Likes: 3
From: Santa Maria, CA
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (Beach Bum)
I think once an auto installs a torque converter in the 2400-3000 rpm area, its game over provided both have sticky tires.
cheers,
Beach
cheers,
Beach
plus I'm hesitant to shift the ZF fast due to a 2-3 synchro that is chewed.
My greatest fear is grinding gears at high RPM's and/or, it not letting me shift into 3rd when I need it most
I'm doomed :cry
[Modified by 89 Paul in Cal, 11:59 PM 8/11/2002]
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 401
Likes: 1
From: Aptos CA
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (Beach Bum)
This discussion seems to be all about drag racing and the ability of a human to shift faster or slower than an automatic in the 1/4 mile. Statisically an auto looses 10 to 15% rear wheel power to a manual right off the bat. So if you start with 400 hp in the stick at the rear wheels - you only have 340 to 360 in the manual at the rear wheels. Which is faster? Objective test show manuals being faster than automatics time after time.
Thats a bit off.... If a manual had 400 rwhp, the auto would have 380-390 rwhp.... the difference between the two is more in the 2-6% area vs 10-15%.
I think once an auto installs a torque converter in the 2400-3000 rpm area, its game over provided both have sticky tires. But stock vs stock with a good driver the stick seems to edge out the auto.
cheers,
Beach
Thats a bit off.... If a manual had 400 rwhp, the auto would have 380-390 rwhp.... the difference between the two is more in the 2-6% area vs 10-15%.
I think once an auto installs a torque converter in the 2400-3000 rpm area, its game over provided both have sticky tires. But stock vs stock with a good driver the stick seems to edge out the auto.
cheers,
Beach
Although, these numbers were really from remembered stats. Maybe they are dated and autos are more efficient these days. Point still stands: Stick delivers more power to wheels and road tests seem to show them faster. If you don't use your clutch, you can shift pretty fast.
But you guys would know better - I'm not a drag racer. I'm pretty good and heal and toe, though. :cool:
Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 452
Likes: 0
From: Griffin GA
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (keekster)
NO, It has to do with how the trans is set up. Just look at the F1 and Rally cars as well as a lot of drag cars there shift on demand Automatics. You have to get it set up for the type of driving you will be doing.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 401
Likes: 1
From: Aptos CA
Re: 6 speed Vs Auto (dppeaden)
NO, It has to do with how the trans is set up. Just look at the F1 and Rally cars as well as a lot of drag cars there shift on demand Automatics. You have to get it set up for the type of driving you will be doing.
Fuel dragsters use a continuous gear transmission. Totally different.