Auto vs 6 speed
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,496
Likes: 28
From: San Dimas Ca.
Pretty civil so far. I doubt if anybody is seriously swayed by these MN6 vs Auto threads. You have to drive both of them and see what suits you. It is a very personal thing. Thinking of changing my name to 6spd-idiot....
Rick
Rick
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,245
Likes: 21
From: Abingdon MD
As some have already said, be sure to drive both, and then carefully decide how you will drive the car.
For me, I occasionally drive my C5 for business, which means Balt-Washington God-awful traffice jams=A4.
Rickman
For me, I occasionally drive my C5 for business, which means Balt-Washington God-awful traffice jams=A4.
Rickman
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,987
Likes: 18
From: DuBois PA
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14-'15
If you're going to mod it and tune the shift points ect... you might be happier with an A4. I've had both autos and manuals and like mentioned already if it's your DD get an A4, been there done that! 
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,324
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From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
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St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
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CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
I agree with just going out and driving an example of both types of trannys. Nothing at all wrong with choosing either one - performance will be very good.
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Verdad Gallardo
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 11,069
Likes: 1,287
From: Central Ma
alot of people say "here we go again" no offense, but every day there is a newcomber to the "corvette experience" so go easy. I love the manual, it's what a sports car should be IMHO, but alot of peeps like auto, what suites yor needs, the mn6 is awesome, don't worry so much about speed, are you going to race it? the stick is way more fun to drive, are you really worried about a tenth or two?
Get what you like. MN6 here. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 829
Likes: 2
From: Arlington Heights Illinois
As a number of members mentioned, it depends on your intended use for the car. If you drive in a good deal of "stop and go" situations and drive the car daily, an Auto might be the ticket.
On the other hand if you drive for fun on weekend and very importantly if you intend to use the car for HPDEs a 6 speed might have the edge.
I track the car frequently (rr) and the 6 speed really adds to my enjoyment.
On the other hand if you drive for fun on weekend and very importantly if you intend to use the car for HPDEs a 6 speed might have the edge.
I track the car frequently (rr) and the 6 speed really adds to my enjoyment.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 2,866
Likes: 45
From: Tampa Bay, Go BUCS!!!Go Rays!!!Go Lightning!!!
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
try them both, in their own environmnt
Do you have about two miles of traffic lights near you?
Test drive the MN6 through them.
Do you have a five or ten mile twisty-turny near you?
Test drive the A4 through that.
Then objectively figure out which place you'l be spending most of your time and choose your tranny from that.
either way, its a Vette.
Test drive the MN6 through them.
Do you have a five or ten mile twisty-turny near you?
Test drive the A4 through that.
Then objectively figure out which place you'l be spending most of your time and choose your tranny from that.
either way, its a Vette.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Bolingbrook IL
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Everyone told me that it would be a huge pain to drive a manual in traffic everyday, but it's not at all to me. Traffic will suck either way. And I don't race or anything, to me it's just more fun to drive a manual.
Either way, it's a Vette and you will love it.
Either way, it's a Vette and you will love it.
Life Time NCM #2196
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 82,592
Likes: 1,710
From: Converse TX
I have a MN6 in my big HP car and just love it because it is not a drag car and have lots of fun rowing the gears, with my level of HP and twin disk clutch I do not use it as a daily drive, with that being said know that the clutch is broken in, I have had no issues in traffic. If I was going to build a quarter car then it would be A4 all the way or a daily driver, which mine is not
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 10,783
Likes: 15
From: Hurricane Alley
Stock for stock, the MN6 is faster. But who keeps their car stock?
I bought an MN6 because I like the control and its just my preferrence. You would more likely find me at an autocross type event than a drag race.
Since you plan on modding, and straight line speed seems to be a selling point for you, keep in mind some of the fastest 1/4 mile cars out there are autos.
A tune can make noticable improvements to an A4 in a corvette.
I bought an MN6 because I like the control and its just my preferrence. You would more likely find me at an autocross type event than a drag race.
Since you plan on modding, and straight line speed seems to be a selling point for you, keep in mind some of the fastest 1/4 mile cars out there are autos.
A tune can make noticable improvements to an A4 in a corvette.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,188
Likes: 1
From: Chino California
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
No think about it. I've driven a C4 A4 and a C5 A4 extensively. I drive the A4, step on the gas, push the brake pedal, that's it - car runs the show. With the MN6, I control so many more aspects about the cars driveability, response, mileage etc etc.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 1,521
Likes: 20
From: Knoxville TN
A4 ftw
I have the A4 and I love it! Can't beat the consistency at the drag strip, and hey unlike a 6 speed driver it WILL never miss a gear!! Plus if you want to mod the car a stall converter with an auto will give you a half second or better improvement in E/T. The only time I wish I had a 6speed is when I auto cross. I do miss having a manual for that. But like everyone else says drive both before deciding. 
Oh and if you get an auto like previously stated make sure it has the 3.15 gears noted as G92 on the options sticker.
Oh and if you get an auto like previously stated make sure it has the 3.15 gears noted as G92 on the options sticker.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 741
Likes: 47
From: Indianapolis IN
There was a time when men were men and you could control fuel mixtures, timing advance, and other such parameters from the driver's seat as well. In these days of heavily computerized cars, the car is running much of the show. Drivers of manual C5s have slightly more control of engine rpms due to the fact that they have six speeds with which to play rather than just four, but that's about it. There's a lot more to driving than just shifting.
Some people love the act of shifting all the time, others do not. I prefer an automatic. When I'm just cruising around, I put the car in D and that's it. When I autocross, I'll typically manually shift my auto to stay in the gear that I want.
That being said, some of my best friends drive manuals.
One last thing. If you do go for an auto, the 3.15 axle ratio does perform much better than the 2.73.
Last edited by Bill Baird; Mar 19, 2007 at 03:07 PM.