Opinions: Manual vs. Automatic
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: El Segundo CA
Opinions: Manual vs. Automatic
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.
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If traffic conditions where shifting would be heavy don't bother you, go with the 6-speed. Lot of fun rowing through the gears.
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Edmond Ok
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.
To eliminate the skip shift is about a $15 dollor device
Excessive oil burn on early 01 models, usually associated with higher RPM driving. Some of the weak components of the T56 mn6 have been corrected in the latter models, (weak shift fork, etc). Column lock problem can corrected with about a $50 dollar device.
My opinion you would be happy with an automatic, but having had both I would prefer the MN6.
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Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Mustang OK
As far as maintenance or mechanical problems, I doubt overall that you will find that one has any more problems than the other. The column lock can be remedied with the column lock bypass available from several vendors. That having been said, I say it's really boils down to a personal choice as to which you like driving best. So, get what you like.
Good luck finding the right C5
...and welcome to the Forum! 
Good luck finding the right C5
...and welcome to the Forum!
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 257
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From: Gadsden Alabama
Originally Posted by Tact
The column lock issue is relevant in the auto as in the manual. I'm partial to the Z.
so...if your looking for 01-02, then the column lock is not an issue on the autos......
atilla....
ps...i was looking for a manual at first too....but ended up getting an auto.....just found the right deal.....the car is so fun to drive that i dont even miss the shifting.....just my 2 cents.....
Last edited by AtiLLa; Jul 12, 2006 at 10:24 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2006
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From: El Segundo CA
Originally Posted by Tigershark3
My DD is a manual shift. To be honest if the Corvette only came as an automatic I would not own one. It just would not be the same. My .02
Drifting
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St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Originally Posted by GrayC5
As far as maintenance or mechanical problems, I doubt overall that you will find that one has any more problems than the other. The column lock can be remedied with the column lock bypass available from several vendors. That having been said, I say it's really boils down to a personal choice as to which you like driving best. So, get what you like.
Good luck finding the right C5 ...and welcome to the Forum!
Good luck finding the right C5
...and welcome to the Forum! 
I've got an MN6 on a 2000FRC and like it. Just put in a B&M Precision Sports Shifter and like it even more--on the other hand a friend of mine just bought an A4 coupe with the 3.17 rear end and loves it--make sure you try them both.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
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From: East Lansing, Mi
I bought an auto because I got a good deal and didn't think I would care. I decided that I reallly wanted a manual so I had RPM transmissions convert it to a manual and put a Z06 trans in. I like the car much better now. Decide what you really want before you buy and then get what you like. Otherwise you may be disappointed.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Tonganoxie KS
M6 should have been standard! It's a Ford killing machine and blasting through the gears with total control over the RPM's is true driving euphoria! That said, if I lived in the land of stop-and-go (Atlanta for one) combined with hills (think California), an A4 would save a fortune in clutch work. Here in OZ, it's wide open throttle time.