Automatic vs Manual
Instructor
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
For big power I'd prefer an automatic, but thats really getting off topic.
Some cars have lousy manual options, such as a lot of audi's and most non-sports cars in my opinion, but the c5 mn6 is a lot of fun.
I've owned a fair bit of cars, and my straight line performance cars have all been automatics or powerglides, but the rest have been manual cars.
If you are looking for straight line performance, I'd get an automatic, but if you do a lot of spirited driving and enjoy a nice long turn, get the manual and enjoy running through the gears.
Just my two cents.
Some cars have lousy manual options, such as a lot of audi's and most non-sports cars in my opinion, but the c5 mn6 is a lot of fun.
I've owned a fair bit of cars, and my straight line performance cars have all been automatics or powerglides, but the rest have been manual cars.
If you are looking for straight line performance, I'd get an automatic, but if you do a lot of spirited driving and enjoy a nice long turn, get the manual and enjoy running through the gears.
Just my two cents.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 628
Likes: 4
From: Columbia SC
Auto vs Manual
I purchased my first C5 a little over a year ago. I wanted a manual, as the autos I had driven were sluggish performers with their 2.73 differential gears. Since my purchase, I have had the opportunity to drive my and other manual C5s and I can say, without exaggeration, that the manual 6-speed in the C5 is the WORST-shifting transmission I have ever used, and I've rowed a bunch of manuals in 45 years of driving. Balky, heavy, notchy, liable to hit 2nd when you're going for 4th, I could go on but won't. Only a Pantera can match a C5 for poor shifting. Modifications can help but not much.
That said, I don't think that I would now prefer an auto C5. If it had a good "auto-stick" like some other cars these days it would be a different story. But as balky as the manual trans is, it still gives better overall control over the car in my opinion. A big question for your prospective purchase would be "Do I enjoy driving a manual transmission?" A lot of ladies--and some men--don't.
If you do choose an auto, budget for a differential gear change to 3.42. Makes a HUGE difference in the performance and enjoyment of the car without too great a mileage penalty. Good luck.
That said, I don't think that I would now prefer an auto C5. If it had a good "auto-stick" like some other cars these days it would be a different story. But as balky as the manual trans is, it still gives better overall control over the car in my opinion. A big question for your prospective purchase would be "Do I enjoy driving a manual transmission?" A lot of ladies--and some men--don't.
If you do choose an auto, budget for a differential gear change to 3.42. Makes a HUGE difference in the performance and enjoyment of the car without too great a mileage penalty. Good luck.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 11,992
Likes: 1,331
From: Middletown, DE
I purchased my first C5 a little over a year ago. I wanted a manual, as the autos I had driven were sluggish performers with their 2.73 differential gears. Since my purchase, I have had the opportunity to drive my and other manual C5s and I can say, without exaggeration, that the manual 6-speed in the C5 is the WORST-shifting transmission I have ever used, and I've rowed a bunch of manuals in 45 years of driving. Balky, heavy, notchy, liable to hit 2nd when you're going for 4th, I could go on but won't. Only a Pantera can match a C5 for poor shifting. Modifications can help but not much.
I must have driven some terrible manuals over the years -- and now we've really confused the OP!!!!
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 83
Likes: 0
From: Simi Valley CA
Have to agree that it's really a matter of personal choice.
I did the opposite from most...I went looking for an A4.
If this was just going to be a weekend car I might have gotten a manual, but since I use it as a daily driver an Auto was a must for me. I also have a medical condition that would make daily traffic almost impossible with a Manual anymore.
I did the opposite from most...I went looking for an A4.
If this was just going to be a weekend car I might have gotten a manual, but since I use it as a daily driver an Auto was a must for me. I also have a medical condition that would make daily traffic almost impossible with a Manual anymore.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 243
Likes: 1
From: Tucson AZ
If your question is which one works better - neither. Both operate and hold up well. Like most everyone says, it's your preference. What does he drive now, auto or stick, and does he like it? Mine is an A4 and I love it but for reasons other folks might not.
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
Having driven in excess of 3000 Corvettes (by far) of all generations and around 500 C5s I can say that a manual transmission is the only one I'd put my own money on. (personally)
Driving a '67 427/390 with a powerglide really isn't the same as the same car with a 4 spd. Kinda LAME without a manual.
Unless the car has an F1 gearbox like a Ferrari I'd always pass on autos... And that's coming from a person who does live in city traffic (Atlanta)
-Sorry to dog on the auto owners out there, but I'm not going to lie.
Driving a '67 427/390 with a powerglide really isn't the same as the same car with a 4 spd. Kinda LAME without a manual.
Unless the car has an F1 gearbox like a Ferrari I'd always pass on autos... And that's coming from a person who does live in city traffic (Atlanta)
-Sorry to dog on the auto owners out there, but I'm not going to lie.
Oh, and to the OP,,, I have an A4 and love it becasue most of the time I'm doing gentle cruising. If I spent more time out of traffic or on Vette friendly twisties I'd have an MN6 for sure. Way more control,, way more fun.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,179
Likes: 2,306
From: Wesley Chapel, FL Las Vegas, NV
Do your self and your husband a favor and get the 6 speed. There is nothing wrong with the A4's but to me it kills the car. Sure I'll admit, it's a PITA when you're stuck bumper to bumper on the highway but the fun of going through the gears and the overall control of the car far outweighs the issue of traffic. I'm sorry I just can't see the point in owning a sports car of this stature with an automatic trans. But to each his/her own, the best thing for you guys to do is go drive both! Have fun and good luck! 
Ferrari
Lambo
Maserati
As posted earlier it's personal preference.
A manual does not make it MORE of a Sports Car then A4
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
In my opinion, manual is the only way to go with these beasts. It took me a while to find one up here in these parts because about 80% of them are automatics. I finally found one and I am as happy as can be. I am pretty sure that I would have regretted it if I had purchased an automatic. But that is only my opinion. It all depends on what you are looking for in a sports car.
PS: Manual transmissions were a $1000.00 option on coupes and convertibles. That is probably why there are more autos out there.
PS: Manual transmissions were a $1000.00 option on coupes and convertibles. That is probably why there are more autos out there.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,995
Likes: 9
From: Camdenton MO
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I went looking for a 6-speed car, but ended up getting an A4 model. It mostly came down to the price and other options on it. I have to say, the A4 in my Vette has been one of the best transmissions I've owned. Funny thing is, the 4L60E in my Camaro is crap! 
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 393
Likes: 0
From: Bristow VA
Probably don't have to worry about traffic in North Dakota...
I prefer the manual transmission just because like other people have stated, you are driving the car and are more of a part of it and have more control. An auto would be fine... If I were able to drive the C5 daily I might be looking for an auto because of the DC traffic.
I prefer the manual transmission just because like other people have stated, you are driving the car and are more of a part of it and have more control. An auto would be fine... If I were able to drive the C5 daily I might be looking for an auto because of the DC traffic.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 66
From: SoCal
when I went looking for my C5 I went looking for a manual. Even though I live in traffic (socal), I still had to have a manual. And that's what I got. Autos are better for traffic, but I have got used to it. The times I can hit the mountains with it FAR exceed the times with it in traffic. But as mentioned, it's personal preference. I had an 87 coupe that was auto. Just didn't feel right to me having a sports car and being an auto. Both my vettes now are manuals.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: West Palm Beach Florida
Having driven in excess of 3000 Corvettes (by far) of all generations and around 500 C5s I can say that a manual transmission is the only one I'd put my own money on. (personally)
Driving a '67 427/390 with a powerglide really isn't the same as the same car with a 4 spd. Kinda LAME without a manual.
Unless the car has an F1 gearbox like a Ferrari I'd always pass on autos... And that's coming from a person who does live in city traffic (Atlanta)
-Sorry to dog on the auto owners out there, but I'm not going to lie.
Driving a '67 427/390 with a powerglide really isn't the same as the same car with a 4 spd. Kinda LAME without a manual.
Unless the car has an F1 gearbox like a Ferrari I'd always pass on autos... And that's coming from a person who does live in city traffic (Atlanta)
-Sorry to dog on the auto owners out there, but I'm not going to lie.
Nothin beats an auto if your into 1/4 mile racing. Never miss a shift, lot faster than man can do it, right gears=better times.
.
Sorry to dog on the manual owners out there, but I'm not going to lie.
.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,604
Likes: 8
From: Belleville Il
Going to make a couple of assumptions here,,1-you know how to drive a stick,,and 2- Your 76 is an auto!! I too have to chime in with the FUN FACTOR is tilted WAY towards the M6. But I did drive a buddy's A4 and must admit ,,it wasn't unbearable!! My 2 cents,,since you already have an auto,,get a stick on the C5. I seriously doubt that you would regret it!! Must asmit to a bit of a bias though,,the only auto tranny I own is my F-150 Super Crew,,,No stick available
!! They are ALL vettes,,All Fun,,get what you really like/want!!Have these comments so far been of any help so far,,or just muddying the waters for you??
!! They are ALL vettes,,All Fun,,get what you really like/want!!Have these comments so far been of any help so far,,or just muddying the waters for you??
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 30
From: Fairfax Virginia
Obviously this thread is leaning heavy in favor of the manual, and as a general rule I will say that I personally lean to the manual as well. However, I have more than one vette so I bought an auto so that my wife and daughter would have it to drive. Well, guess what, I enjoy it much more than I thought that I ever would. I still prefer the manual over the auto, but believe me the auto is also a very nice car.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
A lot of great feedback. the 76 is a manual and his truck is an auto. No concerns on the driving of a manual but we are heading back to Minneapolis next year and the traffic is a concern. But concerned that there is a performance difference between the two.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Virginia
I'm new to this forum and also to Vett ownership ...when I fell in love with my 99FRC I had no idea it was only available with the 6speed ... after reading about this car I discovered that the car was built as a performance Corvette ..lighter stiffer etc .. so naturally they would put the performance transmission in the car. I know the auto lovers will disagree but if your going to really drive a SPORTS car then the choice is clear. 