A4 vs M6?
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
A4 vs M6?
I'm thinking about picking up a used C5 in the near future 
How do the two compare in the C5? How is the manual tranny, overall? I live in an area with a TON of traffic, so a really tough clutch gets annoying.
Is the a4 much slower in the 1/4 mile? And is it relatively easy to get an A4 into the 12's with boltons?
Thanks
How do the two compare in the C5? How is the manual tranny, overall? I live in an area with a TON of traffic, so a really tough clutch gets annoying.
Is the a4 much slower in the 1/4 mile? And is it relatively easy to get an A4 into the 12's with boltons?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,007
Likes: 2
Transmission choice is pretty much personal preference, nobody can make that decision for you. For me there is nothing like rowing thorugh the gears in a manual. I wouldn't want it any other way. The auto is more convenient, however it's not as rewarding.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,420
Likes: 5
From: "This is not a psychotic episode, but a cleansing moment of clarity."
Dude, if you're in heavy traffic, the A4 is a no-brainer. If you're using it as a daily driver in that traffic, then you don't even have to ask, you already know the answer! An A4 with a 3.15 axle is plenty fast for the street.
If you plan on taking it to the track, or use it only as your weekend fun runner, then go with the M6.
Either way, you come out a winner.
If you plan on taking it to the track, or use it only as your weekend fun runner, then go with the M6.
Either way, you come out a winner.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,549
Likes: 0
From: MDT
Originally Posted by jas142
I live in an area with a TON of traffic, so a really tough clutch gets annoying.
Thanks
Thanks
best of luck. bub
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 24,921
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From: Knoxville, TN
CI 3-4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03 thru '26
Originally Posted by Trigger Creep
Tough choice! Unfortunately, its all yours.
I was in ATL when I chose the A4. The only way to really be happy is to get 2 - one of each!
I was in ATL when I chose the A4. The only way to really be happy is to get 2 - one of each!
It's personal preference and driving conditions. Sounds like you may drive it more in traffic that down a drag strip.
Our "bolt-on" A4 just got 11.88 at the Carolina Challenge this past weekend. Bolt-ons included intake/exhaust (blackwing, ported throttle, headers, B&B PRT), transmission (3.42, Yank torque converter, transgo shift kit, trans cooler), and LS1-Edit tuning.
But that's alot of "bolt-ons"
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Uber Waxer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 8,651
Likes: 5
From: Hanover MD
Cruise-In 8-9-10-11 Veteran
CI 9, 10 & 11 Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '08-'10
i bought my 2004 a4 back when i was making the dc beltway commute to falls church va from my house near baltimore almost every day.
the auto is a lifesaver in traffic. you can make the a4 very quick easily with a stall, gears and headers.
the auto is a lifesaver in traffic. you can make the a4 very quick easily with a stall, gears and headers.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 86
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
My old C4 was auto and my C5 is 6spd. I would never drive an automatic sports car again, it was horrible. I drove a stick in LA (worst traffic in the country) for years and still wouldn't have it any other way. Besides, the Vette clutch is so easy to use.
No offense to auto guys, I respect everyone's choice, just my opinion.
No offense to auto guys, I respect everyone's choice, just my opinion.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 251
Likes: 32
From: S/W Illinois
All the above comments are good. You will have to drive both systems and decide which one you like. I live in the country. I've had a few autos and many sticks. For me, I very much prefer the stick. Any question like this can only be answered by the person asking it by experiencing the options, then selecting. No one can tell you what is right for you.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Bolingbrook IL
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
I live in the Chicago area and drive in rush hour everyday with my Manual, it doesn't bother me like every said it would. Traffic sucks no matter what you are driving.....I love the manual but you should get whatever you want.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,572
Likes: 4,610
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
Both are great, it is strictly a personal preference. For me it has to be a 6 spd manual. I love rowing through the gears and hearing the upshifts and downshifts in the exhaust note. 
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
Automatic is my personal preference, regardless of the traffic. I consider a manual transmission in the same category as a manual spark advance or a manual choke. Though my Corvette is primarily a street car, I also like to drag race and autocross as well.
Now I do like the thought of the new A6 with a few more gears.
Now I do like the thought of the new A6 with a few more gears.
Last edited by Bill Baird; Mar 2, 2006 at 06:30 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Williams1999
I live in the Chicago area and drive in rush hour everyday with my Manual, it doesn't bother me like every said it would. Traffic sucks no matter what you are driving.....I love the manual but you should get whatever you want.
For me, I would never get a high performance car WITHOUT a manual!!! I love the feel of total control of the car. I drive in Phoenix and I still love my M6. But thats just me
Last edited by thewakeboarder; Mar 1, 2006 at 12:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Originally Posted by JMc
Dude, if you're in heavy traffic, the A4 is a no-brainer. If you're using it as a daily driver in that traffic, then you don't even have to ask, you already know the answer! An A4 with a 3.15 axle is plenty fast for the street.
If you plan on taking it to the track, or use it only as your weekend fun runner, then go with the M6.
Either way, you come out a winner.
If you plan on taking it to the track, or use it only as your weekend fun runner, then go with the M6.
Either way, you come out a winner.
wish I had known about the 3:15 rear end when I was looking for the C5. But I'm glad I got the A4/2:73...any day now my 3:15 rear end will arrive and I will have refreshed C5. So lok for a C5 with A4/ 3:15 rear and be happy.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
Originally Posted by thewakeboarder
For me, I would never get a high performance car with a manual!!! I love the feel of total control of the car. I drive in Phoenix and I still love my M6. But thats just me
Update - Ah, I see you re-worded your post!