Auto VS 6-sp
Pro
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 700
Likes: 75
From: SW Missouri
Mine is a 6 speed 99 coupe. I have never had any regrets on the shifting. A true sports car is a manual IMHO. However, I once had a 93 Z-28 that was an auto. and I always regreted I didn't wait and get the 6 speed. After 9 months of owning it I traded for a beautiful black 6 speed. Now this is my first Corvette and I new it had to be the stick. The only difference know is my Corvette is not a dailly driver. But I still would have chosen the stick if it was my daily driver. Someday it will be a C6/Z51 6 speed. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 865
Likes: 19
From: NEWTON NC
Originally Posted by Vet Interested
With the problems related to the column lock on 6 speeds and how it does not appear to be such a problem with the automatic, do any 6-speed owners regret getting a 6-speed? I ask because I do not have a vet but will. I was leaning towards the 6-speed but the talk of the column issues makes me wonder. I figure, ask the guys who have dealt with the issue. Also, any automatic drivers wish they had gotten a 6-speed.
Thanks. Your answers will help me decide.
Thanks. Your answers will help me decide.
C
RVETTE
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,884
Likes: 2
From: Walnut CA
Column is lock is lame but don't let that dissuade you from getting a stick--if anything let it be that the shifter doesn't like going into first a third of the time, you have tons of traffic all the time or something else... I'm in SoCal and have the 6-speed, yeah I have to deal with the traffic but rev matching a shift is so much fun and I'm still boy racer so...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 1
From: www.Z16.org Western NY
I've got one of each.
I have more fun driving the Z06!
But that probably won't answer your question
Get an auto if you have: left leg problems, a wife that requires it or if you have no desire to shift.
I'm teaching my wife to drive the 6sp so our next one can have it... else I'm gonna have to go with the smiley faced c6 6sp auto so I can drive it in sport mode
I have more fun driving the Z06!
But that probably won't answer your question
Get an auto if you have: left leg problems, a wife that requires it or if you have no desire to shift.
I'm teaching my wife to drive the 6sp so our next one can have it... else I'm gonna have to go with the smiley faced c6 6sp auto so I can drive it in sport mode
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 2,481
Likes: 267
From: So-Cal California
2023 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
Certain people buy their cars for certain reasons. I have a permanent spinal cord injury that affects my left leg. I have been in love with Corvettes since before I could walk. I live in the heart of OC, Cali. Mine is an A4 and a DD. Sure when you can get out and use it an M6 is a blast without a doubt. Im sure if most of you had to use a 60s BB with a 4spd as a DD and had to commute in traffic you would be crying for an auto. Would you then say that its not a real Corvette? Let the people enjoy what they have, a Vette is a Vette!!!! Remember our Vettes started life in 53 with autos and none of us would be driving today what we are if it was not for those cars.
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
You should buy a manual. According to all the experts and pundits, manual Corvettes are "better" ... 
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 351
Likes: 1
It just comes down to personal preference and how you're using your car. I've had both. M6 is more fun for me - but mine isn't a DD. I would probably get tired of the manual driving in rush hour traffic everyday. Driving it only on weekends - me likey to shift gears!!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 805
Likes: 54
From: Murrieta CA
If you're on the fence and go with an auto, I'm betting you will regret it. My 2002 Mustang GT was an auto and I really regretted it. I got the manual in my C5 and have never regretted it for one second. Not even the few times that I've been caught in Southern California traffic. For myself, I can't imagine driving this car as an auto. But to each his own. CLB is a simple fix for the column lock problem and oh by the way, did I mention my wife doesn't know how to drive a manual and doesn't want to learn. 
Last edited by DirteeDave; Dec 4, 2005 at 05:11 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 6
From: Arroyo Grande CA
Originally Posted by Sully C5
These threads always crack me up. 
Every time I beat a 'manual' at the track (road course) I think of the line 'sportscars must be manuals'. 
Get what you want but don't do it based on the comments by those who think the only Vette worth having is a manual. I have driven both over the years & I actually find I can focus more on my driving at the track in my A4.
Every time I beat a 'manual' at the track (road course) I think of the line 'sportscars must be manuals'. Get what you want but don't do it based on the comments by those who think the only Vette worth having is a manual. I have driven both over the years & I actually find I can focus more on my driving at the track in my A4. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 947
Likes: 0
From: MS
Shifting gears is at least 1/2 the fun! I've had an auto which I thoroughly enjoyed. Now with 6 gears to go through "driving" takes on a whole new meaning. BTW, no real traffic issues to deal with on the Gulf Coast (Katrina territory).
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
auto vs mn6
Ive had vettes for years but not lately.Now ive got c-5 a4.great car,but i am i guess im stuck in the early 60s,cause i like the feel of a car for accel only.Its ok sling a car around the corners,but sooner or later youre gonea regret it.Stop lite or rolling starts are fun & only thing you might break is the drive line.You know that a4 is hard to beat if all things equal.Tci rep.told me that car a 2000 stall from fac.It sure feels like it when you kick it down.Anybody know for sure???Love my a4. tpa c
Supporting Tuner
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 51,896
Likes: 39
From: ================== Houston, Texas www.englandgreen.com ================== Necessary Evil™ __________
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
Originally Posted by b.j.prescott
Ive had vettes for years but not lately.Now ive got c-5 a4.great car,but i am i guess im stuck in the early 60s,cause i like the feel of a car for accel only.Its ok sling a car around the corners,but sooner or later youre gonea regret it.Stop lite or rolling starts are fun & only thing you might break is the drive line.You know that a4 is hard to beat if all things equal.Tci rep.told me that car a 2000 stall from fac.It sure feels like it when you kick it down.Anybody know for sure???Love my a4. tpa c
