Opinions: Manual vs. Automatic
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 92
Likes: 0
From: Modesto CA
had both
I've had both the mn6 and auto c5...I have the auto right now and wouldn't go back to the mn6...As a daily driver (which is all i have at this point), a stick isn't worth it around town in traffic, etc etc.
The auto is no less enjoyable...and if you badly feel the need to shift, you can mess around shifting the auto trans (no, not the same as a stick) but still
Once I can afford a strickly "toy" car, it will get 9 mpg and will be a weekend only stick, for now, I feel like I have the best of both worlds: Comfort/Ease & Muscle
The auto is no less enjoyable...and if you badly feel the need to shift, you can mess around shifting the auto trans (no, not the same as a stick) but still
Once I can afford a strickly "toy" car, it will get 9 mpg and will be a weekend only stick, for now, I feel like I have the best of both worlds: Comfort/Ease & Muscle
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,442
Likes: 534
From: PNW Cougar Country WA
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
C6 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
Have a 2K A4 and love it, especially in traffic. Has more go than i can use cause i don't do any running on a track and in the long run don't have to worry about clutches going out. I do down shift depending on the hills etc. and occasionally when excelerating into traffic and for the fun of feeling the power you have.
But then i never liked a stick, so it's your personal choice. This is a constant topic here for both sides so it probably depends on your driving style.
But then i never liked a stick, so it's your personal choice. This is a constant topic here for both sides so it probably depends on your driving style.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 700
Likes: 2
From: Spring Hill Florida
My advice
After owning 2 with sticks ( '67 & '69 ) in 1986 I decided that turning 46 meant getting an automatic. I still have the '86 but after about 2 years wish it was a stick. In Jan I bought my wife an '03 and we both insisted on a stick. Don't do something you might regret! Corvettes should have manual transmissions! Row those gears! And another plus is when you put on the B & B's, letting up in first or second is a blast!!!
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,875
Likes: 27
From: Long Beach NY
My '86 was an Automatic used for years as a DD into NYC Traffic. The Auto was OK! Did the job well.
My C5 is a Manual the real fun is back with a 6spd. There is nothing to compare with running thru the gears no matter what throttle opening. Kinda gives some sense of accomplishment as you execute a "perfect shift".
Maybe I have too much time on my hands???
Barrier
My C5 is a Manual the real fun is back with a 6spd. There is nothing to compare with running thru the gears no matter what throttle opening. Kinda gives some sense of accomplishment as you execute a "perfect shift".
Maybe I have too much time on my hands???
Barrier
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Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 349
Likes: 2
From: Rockbridge OH
Originally Posted by ICaughtVetteFever
Drive them both and get the one you like. The M6 feels quicker becasue of the taller rear end gear. Those guys that tell you only a real vette can have an M6 are full of 
However -
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,510
Likes: 240
From: Coconut Creek FL
As some have mentioned I also had both...my first C5 was a 97 Auto- and while it had the 3:15 gears and the Z51 suspension it was a great car! I sold it and bought a MINT 7800 mile 2000 6 speed in the same color as the 97 was...and let me tell you! I drive it every day in stop and go traffic and LOVE it! shifting these things is a rush! couple that with a nice exhaust system (i.e. I have corsa indy's with tiger shark tips) and the MN6 sounds impressive! like an exotic coming down in gears! If I had to do it all over again I would have gone MN6 all the way.
They have more HP (stock) to the rear wheels then an A4 does and the gears also make it snappy!
I say get the 6 - you will be very happy you did!
They have more HP (stock) to the rear wheels then an A4 does and the gears also make it snappy!
I say get the 6 - you will be very happy you did!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I am in my 60's have had several Knee operations, and own 5 Corvettes....
One is a automatic... The others are 4 or 6 speeds
The automatic is great on those days a knee (never know which one) is absolutely killing me...
On Days where the knee is only "hurting" or not bugging the crap out of me I drive one of the Manuel Shifting cars...
HOWEVER.... I drive the Corvettes for pleasure, and to enjoy driving them...IF I can NOT work the car by being in control of the thing... its no fun as I only steer..)
IF I were driving the car to relax and enjoy the scenery or had to deal with traffic I'd get an automatic..
Bob G.
One is a automatic... The others are 4 or 6 speeds
The automatic is great on those days a knee (never know which one) is absolutely killing me...
On Days where the knee is only "hurting" or not bugging the crap out of me I drive one of the Manuel Shifting cars...
HOWEVER.... I drive the Corvettes for pleasure, and to enjoy driving them...IF I can NOT work the car by being in control of the thing... its no fun as I only steer..)
IF I were driving the car to relax and enjoy the scenery or had to deal with traffic I'd get an automatic..
Bob G.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by Nighthawk7
I need your opinions. I'm looking for my first C5 ('01-'02). I've driven both the A4 and M6. I really like the M6. I live in SoCal and I've been driving a 5 speed Wrangler for about 10 years, so the shifting obviously doesn't bother me. The "skip-shift" thing on the M6 didn't seem to be an issue when I test drove one. I guess I wasn't really getting the RPMs up enough? The M6 did seem to "feel" quicker than the A4 though. My only concern with the M6 is the potential for more maintenance or mechanical problems (e.g. excessive oil burning, column lock, etc.).
So, here's my question. Based on your knowledge and experiences, would you rather have an M6 or A4? Do the potential issues with the M6 outweigh the enjoyment of driving a stick (as all high performance sports cars should be)? Should I limit my search to M6s, or would I still be happy in an A4?
If I splurge and get a Z, the point will be moot anyway.
So, here's my question. Based on your knowledge and experiences, would you rather have an M6 or A4? Do the potential issues with the M6 outweigh the enjoyment of driving a stick (as all high performance sports cars should be)? Should I limit my search to M6s, or would I still be happy in an A4?
If I splurge and get a Z, the point will be moot anyway.
The A4 is a fun car too and can be quick, but it sounds like you have almost already decided.
Btw- column lock and oil consumption are in the A4's and MN6's
Good luck
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 58
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From: El Segundo CA
Originally Posted by LoftyC5
Sounds to me like you answered your own question.
Nobody's convinced me yet.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
Likes: 48
From: Schaumburg IL
CI 7-8-9-11 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Originally Posted by Nighthawk7
Well, sort of. I just wanted to see if anyone had a good enough reason to also consider an automatic in my search.
Nobody's convinced me yet.
Nobody's convinced me yet.
I have a 6 speed btw and love it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,066
Likes: 0
From: Crofton MD
Originally Posted by Nighthawk7
I need your opinions. I'm looking for my first C5 ('01-'02). I've driven both the A4 and M6. I really like the M6. I live in SoCal and I've been driving a 5 speed Wrangler for about 10 years, so the shifting obviously doesn't bother me. The "skip-shift" thing on the M6 didn't seem to be an issue when I test drove one. I guess I wasn't really getting the RPMs up enough? The M6 did seem to "feel" quicker than the A4 though. My only concern with the M6 is the potential for more maintenance or mechanical problems (e.g. excessive oil burning, column lock, etc.).
So, here's my question. Based on your knowledge and experiences, would you rather have an M6 or A4? Do the potential issues with the M6 outweigh the enjoyment of driving a stick (as all high performance sports cars should be)? Should I limit my search to M6s, or would I still be happy in an A4?
If I splurge and get a Z, the point will be moot anyway.
So, here's my question. Based on your knowledge and experiences, would you rather have an M6 or A4? Do the potential issues with the M6 outweigh the enjoyment of driving a stick (as all high performance sports cars should be)? Should I limit my search to M6s, or would I still be happy in an A4?
If I splurge and get a Z, the point will be moot anyway.
I personally have a M6 and love it. Sports cars that make noise do very well with manuals.