whats up charles
View Poll Results: Which Transmission do you prefer?
A4 - Automatic
66
47.48%
M6/MM6/M12 - Manual
73
52.52%
Voters: 139. You may not vote on this poll
A4 or M6?
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 60
Likes: 0
From: Conway SC
St. Jude Donor '08
I voted M6 but my 99 is an A4 - bought it off a family member, he ordered it that way. It's a DD and will likely never see track time other than a few fun runs, so I don't mind. I still may convert it to a M6 someday, if I find that 6-spd C5 donor car for a FFR GTM....... Ah, dreams.....
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,194
Likes: 27
From: Aurora IL
Drifting
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 14
From: Gig Harbor WA
All good inputs. They all boil down to "needs." My previous Vettes were all sticks used in relatively unpopulated areas where the military sent me. My current "sunny day" C5 was chosen due to gridlock in this area. If buying used, consider liklihood of an auto being over-reved/abused past redline versus stick. (FWIW, most new Ferreris are sold with auto-paddle shift -- same with Vettes.) Only you can determine your specific needs and satisfy them.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
Thanks for the input gentlemen. I know the decision is up to my own preference, but hearing other's view on "why they drive what they drive" was the reason for the post.
A lot of the reasoning made sense and there were some great points of view for both Auto and Manual.
A lot of the reasoning made sense and there were some great points of view for both Auto and Manual.
Last edited by Hysteria; Apr 24, 2008 at 02:13 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,194
Likes: 27
From: Aurora IL
Thanks for you input gentlemen. I know the decision is up to my preference, but hearing other's view on "why they drive what they drive" was the reason for the post.
A lot of the reasoning made sense and and there were some great points of view for both Auto and Manual.
A lot of the reasoning made sense and and there were some great points of view for both Auto and Manual.
It all depends on if you like a “free hand” … 
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 22,194
Likes: 27
From: Aurora IL
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,387
Likes: 30
I voted A4, even though I have an MN6. If you really want the truth, I mainly got the 6-speed so people wouldn't question why I didn't get it. I always will believe, through first hand experience, that you will go much quicker with an automatic if you are drag racing. You can probably go 12.2-12.4 all day long with just a vararam and a 4000 stall converter and maybe some drag radials. I'd like to see a 6-speed do that with just those mods. Autos feel faster too.
6-speed has its moments and I'm looking forward to putting on my new-to-me B&M sport shifter (I love B&M stuff and always will) to enhance the driving experience.
Only qualm I have with auto's is that you will have to rebuild it, which can cost about $1500 or more for a really nicely built one that can hold 800+ Hp where as the stock T-56s can and have taken people into the 9s less clutch replacements.
6-speed has its moments and I'm looking forward to putting on my new-to-me B&M sport shifter (I love B&M stuff and always will) to enhance the driving experience.
Only qualm I have with auto's is that you will have to rebuild it, which can cost about $1500 or more for a really nicely built one that can hold 800+ Hp where as the stock T-56s can and have taken people into the 9s less clutch replacements.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 355
Likes: 0
From: Dayton Ohio
I have a manual and will autocross this year.
If you could eaisly put a C6 auto in the C5 with paddle shift that would be the way to go. (Anyone done that?)
Just watched the Speed channel where they beat the new Pontiac G8- it is auto with a manual shift mode that blips the throttle on downshift.
One of my friends is a experienced road racer with a Built C4 manual and his wife has the new C6. He said the paddle shifters are the way to go.
If you could eaisly put a C6 auto in the C5 with paddle shift that would be the way to go. (Anyone done that?)
Just watched the Speed channel where they beat the new Pontiac G8- it is auto with a manual shift mode that blips the throttle on downshift.
One of my friends is a experienced road racer with a Built C4 manual and his wife has the new C6. He said the paddle shifters are the way to go.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,469
Likes: 4
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,529
Likes: 2
From: Lakeland FL
Stock for stock, It's a vette... 6 speed. I'll never have a sports car with an automatic.[/QUOTE]
auto sports cars just don't feel right we have a 350z that is auto and it's nice but kinda boring to drive always find my self reaching for the shifter
auto sports cars just don't feel right we have a 350z that is auto and it's nice but kinda boring to drive always find my self reaching for the shifter
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,190
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,190
Likes: 4,178
From: Kannapolis NC
I voted for the manual.
I have owned both manual and auto vettes. The difference is that with an auto the car drives you while with a manual you drive the vette.
Really, in the end it all comes down to how you plan to use the vette and your personal preferences.
Highly suggest you drive both and then decide. One thing to keep in mind. The stock C5 shifter sucks. If you get a stick put in the C6 Z06 shifter and do the anti-venom mod (reduces the spring pressure of the detente bolt for the shifting rod).
Good luck.
I have owned both manual and auto vettes. The difference is that with an auto the car drives you while with a manual you drive the vette.
Really, in the end it all comes down to how you plan to use the vette and your personal preferences.
Highly suggest you drive both and then decide. One thing to keep in mind. The stock C5 shifter sucks. If you get a stick put in the C6 Z06 shifter and do the anti-venom mod (reduces the spring pressure of the detente bolt for the shifting rod).
Good luck.
I guess with power steering the car drives you and without, you drive the car. You still have to drive, whether you take a hand off the wheel to shift or not.I personally don't think it should affect your decision that other people prefer one or the other. I've never asked anyone what I should like.
