I run an A4 and do a lot of road racing with it. Just because you have an auto, does not mean you cannot shift. Which ever you select, you can't go wrong...the C5 is a fun car!

 

I just love flying by those stick guys - they never knew what hit them

 

I've driven automatic cars my entire life. There was always something ""missing" from the driving experience.

I bought my 6 speed c5 not knowing how to drive a stickshift... And have been learning since.

Best car decision I ever made. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

Both my C5s have been sticks - just like being able to shift my own gears. However, the C5 automatic is a fine tranny in itself and will do just fine. Best that you try and find an example of each and just test drive them to see which one you really like. Only you can make that decision.

 

Just drive both of them, how else would you know. I have a M6 wouldn't consider an auto.

 

Don't sell the a4 short on milage. With 3:15s I averaged 30-31 mpg on all my road trips(figured on actual gallons, not the computor). With 3:42s, a 3500 stall convertor, and a H/C pkg. I now get 26. Best of luck on whatever you choose.

 

QUOTE=Ephedranator]In the classic, man v. auto arguement, what are extra cost of owning the MN6-maintance wise. I am reading that many C5 owners get 70k our of a stock clutch. Basically I am buying an 03-04 coupe in the next week or two, and because I will be keeping this car for the next 4-5 years and daily driving it until I am outa grad school I decided to go with A4, because I percieved there would be less hassle/costs down the road. How much fun am I missing out in, I live in Mt pleasant, SC, no real traffic problems, and most of the miles I put on the car will be highway cruising.

Im all ears, but on a last note, If I decided to go MN6, why not just get a Z for 3k more in price?[/QUOTE]


I say, if you want a sporty car, buy a A4 vette, cadillac CTS-V, or a Nissan Maxima 3.5. If you want a REAL sports car(no offense to you A4 owners...ok maybe I offended some ), you gotta get a 6 speed(panties drop right about here, trust me I know) MN6 or M12, there is no such rush as to shifting your own gears(w/ CAGS eliminator) and being in control(wonder why GM made the 6 speed a $800+ option for the 6 speed....yeah yeah I know , they were catering to the elder buyers). If you want a true sports car, get a manual, if you want to be bored(you claimed you almost fell asleep in your auto), get the auto. I'm saying this in accordance to your criteria, of course, not 'cuz I'm biased!

BTW..more than half of C5 vettes were sold w/autos so they have the majority vote only because more than half of C5's were produced w/ auto's.....

 

A4 Boring. I don't think so

 

trust me , I have driven ALOT of A4's(stock), and it's no comparison to my MN6(stock-to-stock)!

 

The only regret I have about mine is the A4.

It's worked perfectly but I wish I had the M6. I originally thought I'd be driving in traffic a lot but after two years I've found that I just keep mine as a garage queen except on Fridays (that's my reward for getting throught the week). One day a week I could manage with a stick. Wish I'd gone with the manual.

 

Any car with an automatic transmission, no matter what the car, is only a glorified grocery getter! There is nothing like going through the gear box. It adds to the experience. More control. As to the ZO6 issue, one question. In your daily commute do you think you might ever want to take the top off? That is the only reason I shied away from the Z. I love running down the road topless.

But, as stated in previous posts, its YOUR car. get what you are comfortable with. You are the one that has to be happy.

Bob

 

Not much traffic, I'd go with the M6. My prior car was a 99WS6 MN6 which was great 3 years ago. Now the roads in my area are highly congested, and takes an extra 1/2 to a full hour to get to and from work on a daily basis, so the stopping/starting with the MN6 got old fast. Got a A4 C5 for the traffic reason, and betweeen the two vehicles, I can drive either with a smile on my face.

 

It sure is fun! Especially at the track where the manual tranny is suppose to have an advantage.

 

There is one thing continually missing from the MN6 guys argument...read my lips...YOU CAN MANUALLY SHIFT THE A4!! I run track quite a bit and most manual tranny guys over-shift the race course &/or miss a shift and LOSE TIME. Now if your male ego requires that you need something to play with to make you THINK you are driving...well...

I have beaten so many cars at the track, primarily due to my suspension, brakes, and tires...never once has someone come and said, but it is only an automatic. They expect to fall behind in on the straights, but I have had Lotus, Porsche, & Farrari owners say that the lost ground in the twisties. If you really want to drive a car and push her to the edge, the tranny is the least of your worries.

 

Don't explain this to them Sully!!! Let them keep assuming that because they have a clutch, they are better!!

Until they get so badly spanked by an automatic (on the track) that they get dizzy

 

While I have the upmost respect for Scully and EnglandGreen, there is just something about having total control of the gears that for me makes the driving experiance more satisfying. I love my MN6!!

Good luck with your decission!

 

I've tried that. With no stops between gears, I don't have much luck with shifting it myself. For those who do, I salute you but I just don't see much advantage.

 

Like others have said, you need to consider the driving enviroment you'll be in most of the time (highway or congested city traffic). Also, go out and drive both.

IMHO, there is nothing like a MN6 in a vette. I love mine and wouldn't have anything else. Good luck.

 

I have an A4 and this is only the 2nd auto I've ever owned, The last one was a minivan when the kids were younger. I would agree that its all to do with your local driving conditions. The A4 is willing enough if you push it but its not the same driving experience. I've not driven a C5 MN6 but I've driven the C6 manual.

Around Vegas with the traffic I'm really glad I went for the auto. When I get back to England with the open roads in the countryside I'll be wishing I had the MN6.

In reality that wasn't the decision I faced. In my case it was Vert or stick. On that one I made the best choice without a doubt.