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It appears to me and I could be totally wrong- that the manual is a much more prized commodity in the C5? In fact I understand it was a additional option in the C5 but the auto is an upgraded option in the C6.
Forum brethren and sisteren speak to me about the auto vs the manual in the C5
I like the ease of the Auto and the 1/4 it's quicker!
It just all depends on individual and their driving preferrence! Most do feel that since it is a Vette that one should have a manual that is since it is America's sports car and all and they do go hand in hand!
From what I understand the auto was standard and the M6 was an option.
That being said many of the cars sent to sealers were auto cars. It was also kinda an old man car, as those were the majority people who would have the $$ to buy one new. God forbid gramps bought a car and blew out a hip trying to push the clutch in.
Seems over the last few years the average age of vette owners seems to be dropping, no scientific facts, just my observation.
I have one of each and, properly set up, they are equally fun to drive, depending on mood and convenience desired. My M6 is a blast to row through the gears on winding back country roads but I absolutely love the A4 when I'm tooling around town or in the mood for some spirited driving when I'm not in the mood to shift. My M6 is a heads cam car with headers and 4.10's but the stock LS1 with intake, headers, high stall TC and 3.42's in the A4 is just as much fun and probably quicker in some ways due to never missing a gear.
Comes down to preference. Personally, I prefer the M6 - but, just.
From what I understand the auto was standard and the M6 was an option.
That being said many of the cars sent to sealers were auto cars. It was also kinda an old man car, as those were the majority people who would have the $$ to buy one new. God forbid gramps bought a car and blew out a hip trying to push the clutch in.
Seems over the last few years the average age of vette owners seems to be dropping, no scientific facts, just my observation.
Well I bought mine when I was only 20, so I'd say your observations are correct.
the person who previously owned my vette only had one leg and had no choice to get the auto. With me im closing in on height issues with the car and just found the auto to be more resonable for me
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It really comes down to what type of tranny you like to drive, but many prefer the manual in a sports car. And yes, the six speed was an extra cost option in the C5.
Don't forget that with manual you save on brakes if you downshift wisely to slow down and you save gas, too.
Plus I can always use a little more exercise.
I have one of each and, properly set up, they are equally fun to drive, depending on mood and convenience desired. My M6 is a blast to row through the gears on winding back country roads but I absolutely love the A4 when I'm tooling around town or in the mood for some spirited driving when I'm not in the mood to shift. My M6 is a heads cam car with headers and 4.10's but the stock LS1 with intake, headers, high stall TC and 3.42's in the A4 is just as much fun and probably quicker in some ways due to never missing a gear.
Comes down to preference. Personally, I prefer the M6 - but, just.
Great summary Patches. I just wish I had the option to run two vettes. With gas prices over $10 a gallon my wife has her eye on the one I do own
In my case the choice was either A4 Convertible or MN6 coupe to get the deal that was on offer.
I made the right choice IMHO although as Patches says, you can't beat an MN6 for pure driving pleasure.
From what I understand the auto was standard and the M6 was an option.
That being said many of the cars sent to sealers were auto cars. It was also kinda an old man car, as those were the majority people who would have the $$ to buy one new. God forbid gramps bought a car and blew out a hip trying to push the clutch in.
Seems over the last few years the average age of vette owners seems to be dropping, no scientific facts, just my observation.
Don't jump to conclusions on age,,Just did a thread about the OVER 40 bunch and the vast majority of 50+ and 60+ guys were going for 6 speeds---Maybe because when we grew up a real muscle car had a 4 speed and that mind set is still there!! Hell they are ALL FUN!!! My personal preference is the good old M6,, hope to be swapping gears to the grave,,grinning all the way!!! -