Auto vs Manual
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
From: Regina Sk
Two quick points - You are correct, 6sp is harder to find, therefore perhaps sells for more. However, a GM salesman told me that more and more women are loving the Vette and they often demand an auto therefore more buyers when you come to sell. 
I'd go for the manual for the fun
I'd go for the manual for the fun
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 3
From: MD
St. Jude Donor '11
Originally Posted by StephenT
I got an A4, if you drove on north east NJ roads to work you would understand. Not that people don't drive sticks here, an A4 is just easier and the power loss to the rear wheels it not like it was years ago. As far as not down shifting etc... I just move the gear select down to 3rd or 2nd when need be. And I don't know where the rule came from that a sports car was required to have a stick. Race cars, exotics, sports cars come with clutchless, paddle-shifted manuals and some have an auto mode. That is what I would prefer and would have gotten if it was offered on the Vette.
Check out this op-ed: http://money.cnn.com/2002/12/17/pf/autos/shift_wars/
Check out this op-ed: http://money.cnn.com/2002/12/17/pf/autos/shift_wars/
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 3
From: MD
St. Jude Donor '11
Originally Posted by StingR
Gotta go with the M6. In my mind it's the true sports car feeling, traffic or not 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 811
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From: RPV CA
if u truly love driving.....mn6 is the way to go.....i suffer from heavy traffic everymorning, i take my vert as daily driver thesedays, but if there is a slight open road, i am going for the joy....for a few minutes of joy, i spend 2+ hours in socal commute....
happy motoring....
happy motoring....
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Advanced
Joined: Mar 2005
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I actually have the same delima in my upcoming purchase....auto or manual. I have only had two cars in auto, A probe GT and a Nissan 200SX SE. The 200SX actually had about 250hp so it was kind of sporty. All the rest have been Manual.
Anyway, like most here, I see pros and cons in both. I drive a manual currently and sometimes I just want to scream at how unhandy it is to have to drive a manual, especially when I am trying to answer a phone call or eat or drink something. However it can be very fun to punch it and let those rpms climb and actually feel I have complete control of the car. Manual is probably a bit more fun.....at times but those times are going to be kind of few and far between when you really get down to it, but when they are around your going to be grinning ear to ear. I imagine getting a specific tone out of your exhaust is a nice factor as well since you can effectively control your RPMs when cruising and lets not forget the ability to dump your clutch and do very nice burnouts if you can afford the tires that is.
On the other hand, I didn't feel slighted in the least when driving my Auto 200SX. The power was there when I needed it and the shifting was very smooth and at the proper RPMs when in sport mode. I can only assume that the Vette will have even a more superior auto trans than my 200SX had. An Auto will allow you to relax more when driving and just enjoy the ride or change your radio station at any time.
My conclusion is that for me, either way is perfectly fine, after all it is going to be a Vette I am purchasing so what could be wrong with that. My advice....go for the best deal or the one with the specific features or colors you want and don't let the type of transmission be the deciding factor.
B.
Anyway, like most here, I see pros and cons in both. I drive a manual currently and sometimes I just want to scream at how unhandy it is to have to drive a manual, especially when I am trying to answer a phone call or eat or drink something. However it can be very fun to punch it and let those rpms climb and actually feel I have complete control of the car. Manual is probably a bit more fun.....at times but those times are going to be kind of few and far between when you really get down to it, but when they are around your going to be grinning ear to ear. I imagine getting a specific tone out of your exhaust is a nice factor as well since you can effectively control your RPMs when cruising and lets not forget the ability to dump your clutch and do very nice burnouts if you can afford the tires that is.
On the other hand, I didn't feel slighted in the least when driving my Auto 200SX. The power was there when I needed it and the shifting was very smooth and at the proper RPMs when in sport mode. I can only assume that the Vette will have even a more superior auto trans than my 200SX had. An Auto will allow you to relax more when driving and just enjoy the ride or change your radio station at any time.
My conclusion is that for me, either way is perfectly fine, after all it is going to be a Vette I am purchasing so what could be wrong with that. My advice....go for the best deal or the one with the specific features or colors you want and don't let the type of transmission be the deciding factor.
B.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,133
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From: ~The DARKSIDE Group~
If you want to drag race or comute in heavy traffic a pedal masher is the way to go. If you want cool 6 speed is your ticket. Had both, I prefer the stick; winding thru the gears is more fun for me personally.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 717
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From: Pleasanton CA
Originally Posted by 3RD-INF
Different strokes for different folks. Get what ever you want.
I have an A4. Some days I wish I had an M6, and there are other days I'm glad I have an A4. Get what ever, but get a C-5 and you can't go wrong.
I have an A4. Some days I wish I had an M6, and there are other days I'm glad I have an A4. Get what ever, but get a C-5 and you can't go wrong.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 82,866
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From: Dust Bowl
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08
Originally Posted by 98NassauBluC5
OK... let him throw on a good stall TC and see who cares?
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,754
Likes: 0
From: Redwood City Ca
I didn't buy a Vette to be stuck behind an automatic! My six speed coupe is also my DD, and I wouldn't have it any other way. But that's just me. It's your car - you're the one who has to drive it every day. 