Dilemma: Auto vs 6sp
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,724
Likes: 2
From: Holland Landing Ontario
I'm considerably older than you and mine's an M6. That was a definite prerequisite when I bought it, and I don't regret it. If you buy an A4, you may always wonder if you should have bought the M6. With the type of driving you describe, the M6 is the way to go (IMHO).
Dave
Dave
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 430
Likes: 18
From: Minnesota
My first three Corvettes (C4's) were automatic. My only issue with the automatic is when turning a corner lifting off the gas to slow down and then wanting to accelerate only slightly around the corner. Often the car was in the wrong gear, if I punched the throttle it would drop a gear, but if I only wanted to lightly accelerate around the corner the auto transmission was always in a higher gear and you kind of heard the engine/transmission bog down. Maybe that was a flaw with only the 700R4 transmission though.
The last two Corvettes have been 6 speed and I much prefer it as I am in total control over gearing and I can match the gear to the speed I am cornering at.
As a side benefit I can drop a gear at times just to make some cool noise with louder aftermarket exhausts when going into a parking lot or neighborhood.
The last two Corvettes have been 6 speed and I much prefer it as I am in total control over gearing and I can match the gear to the speed I am cornering at.
As a side benefit I can drop a gear at times just to make some cool noise with louder aftermarket exhausts when going into a parking lot or neighborhood.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
From: Jersey Shore NJ
When I was looking for my Vette it really only had 2-requirements.........it had to be a 6-speed and I had to be able to drive with a top off (targa or conv.).
I searched for 6+ months and even got my 1st color choice......magnetic red II.
Also, if you're going to put an exhaust on the car, a 6-speed is way more fun for revving the engine.........in between shifts, at stop lights, in traffic, in parking lots, under bridges while driving, in tunnels while driving, in the garage, in your driveway, etc, etc.
I do not daily drive mine in heavy traffic.
Ken
I searched for 6+ months and even got my 1st color choice......magnetic red II.
Also, if you're going to put an exhaust on the car, a 6-speed is way more fun for revving the engine.........in between shifts, at stop lights, in traffic, in parking lots, under bridges while driving, in tunnels while driving, in the garage, in your driveway, etc, etc.
I do not daily drive mine in heavy traffic.
Ken
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 17,336
Likes: 8
From: Maker of Sharp Objects, AL - Roll Tide
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
St. Jude Knife Maker
I drove a couple autos before I bought my '99 MN6. Vettes are quiet from the factory to begin with and I just couldn't stand not being able to tell which gear I was in based on 1. it being quiet, and 2. it was an auto. I can see where an auto would benefit a daily driver - especially in traffic, but I drive mine daily in moderate traffic, and it is great. I really got used to it quick when I hit a traffic standstill in a big city on my way home from dropping off the previous owner. 1st, nuetral, 1st, nuetral, 1st, nuetral, 1st, nuetral, and the clutch everywhere in-between. My left leg was sore the next day lol.
But when you park the car, walk away and look back, all those hard feelings go away. Its just soooo hard to get mad at this car even if everything goes wrong....They are so awesome!
But when you park the car, walk away and look back, all those hard feelings go away. Its just soooo hard to get mad at this car even if everything goes wrong....They are so awesome!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Hillsboro OR
My DD is a 02 6sp Z06 and I love the stick. It is way more fun to drive and it has to be the most flexible stick that I have every owned. The gear ratios are so broad that it feels almost like you can drive most gears at almost any speed. Oh yeah, I am 45 
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Michael S. Palmer
Lifetime Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,702
Likes: 76
From: New Jersey
St. Jude Donor '05, '12-'13, '15-'16, '21
Depends on type of driving you're going to do. The fun of a MN6 is definitely muted if your drivine experience is in a city enviroment.
IMHO nothing like a 6 speed to appreciate the car.....just depends on where you're going to be doing most of the driving.......good luck with your decision.
IMHO nothing like a 6 speed to appreciate the car.....just depends on where you're going to be doing most of the driving.......good luck with your decision.
Manual cars are fun to drive big time.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 19,752
Likes: 523
From: Ideals are peaceful...History is violent...St.Charles, MO.
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
C5 of Year Winner (appearance mods) 2019
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'12 thru'22
I love my MN6 but,I don't drive it daily.If I had to deal with city traffic
and drive it daily,automatic...reluctantly.
and drive it daily,automatic...reluctantly.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,749
Likes: 20
From: Liberty Hill Texas
I have the Manual. I had a long discussion with the wife - she cannot drive manual cars, etc... And I still have a manual.. When I purchase another corvette - it will be manual then too. To me, I don't really feel like the clutch is an issue. It's my DD so I do get to be in traffic every now and then. BTW.. I'm 50 as well.
Get what YOU like. It really does not matter what my say is on the subject. Some folks like automatics and some just can't drive a manual due to health or other reasons. No big deal. It's still one of the best cars on the planet regardless if it's auto or a manual.
Get what YOU like. It really does not matter what my say is on the subject. Some folks like automatics and some just can't drive a manual due to health or other reasons. No big deal. It's still one of the best cars on the planet regardless if it's auto or a manual.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
For whatever its worth... I waited around for an MN6 car and wouldn't have done it any other way. Absolutely nothing more pleasurable than top down driving while rowing through the gears, for me anyways.
If you are wanting an MN6 dont settle, just wait.. the cars are out there. If it doesnt matter, then get the best bang for your buck you can find and enjoy one of the sweetest rides out there period.
If you are wanting an MN6 dont settle, just wait.. the cars are out there. If it doesnt matter, then get the best bang for your buck you can find and enjoy one of the sweetest rides out there period.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 30,671
Likes: 4,621
From: Bonita Springs, Florida
I think I’m wanting a 6sp. The 6pd that I test drove was fun! There are several Vettes locally that I would SERIOUSLY consider buying, but they are automatics. One is a 2004 with 3200 miles!
My questions are, am I too picky on the tranny?? Why did YOU pick the your 6sp or automatic?? If age is a factor, I'm 50.
My questions are, am I too picky on the tranny?? Why did YOU pick the your 6sp or automatic?? If age is a factor, I'm 50.
Although the '04 is very tempting because it has very low mileage, I think that you would not be asking this question if it were a 6 spd. You will probably regret getting the auto trans after a short amount of time and eventually end up selling it to buy a 6 spd. I know, I have done the same thing.
Age is not a factor.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 5
From: Holly, Michigan
When I decided to buy my C5, it had to be a manual. I wouldn't even consider an auto (although the seem to be cheaper overall..Maybe it's just me)...The fact that i wanted an FRC only reinforced my decision (if possible)...M6 all the way...
6 speed all the way
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 0
From: Inland NW
