A4 vs M6
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 589
Likes: 0
From: Navarre Florida
A4 vs M6
Recently I started to regret that I went for an automatic(01 vert), I have had several people telling me how much better performance you can get with M6, however I myself never tried corvettes with manual transmission. According to some internet sources M6 is almost 0.5 sec faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile.
My question is this Have you tried both M6 and A4 and what did you think? I am putting long tube headers with x-pipe and mufflers, also have an intake and a tune, and 3 15 gears do you think with these mods my auto can be close to a stock m6 in performance? 0-60, 1/4 mile, passing speed etc.
My question is this Have you tried both M6 and A4 and what did you think? I am putting long tube headers with x-pipe and mufflers, also have an intake and a tune, and 3 15 gears do you think with these mods my auto can be close to a stock m6 in performance? 0-60, 1/4 mile, passing speed etc.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 1,847
From: NJ
2025 C8 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C8 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C7 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Don't believe everything you read in a mag..
Last edited by Shirl; May 11, 2010 at 12:20 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,379
Likes: 1
From: MA
I'm always so happy I got the A4 for the main reason is that my car is a daily driver/commuting car and for all the stop and go traffic that I deal with every day, I'd have gone nuts with an M6.
For a weekend/fun car, I'd have gotten an M6 for sure.
If I need to, and get into the spirited driving, going from 2-3 or D works well enough.
For a weekend/fun car, I'd have gotten an M6 for sure.
If I need to, and get into the spirited driving, going from 2-3 or D works well enough.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
For FUN factor and auto-crosses, an M6 is THE way to go.
For a DD, city driving, or drag racing, you can't beat an auto.
The M6 is faster stock because it has 3.42 gears and you can launch it at a higher rpm.
Put a 3.42 (don't bother with the 3.15) and a stall, and the M6 won't stand a chance in straight line acceleration.
Don't worry, unless you like changing gears (and some do) you'll be happy with the performance of the A4 once you "mod it"
For a DD, city driving, or drag racing, you can't beat an auto.
The M6 is faster stock because it has 3.42 gears and you can launch it at a higher rpm.
Put a 3.42 (don't bother with the 3.15) and a stall, and the M6 won't stand a chance in straight line acceleration.
Don't worry, unless you like changing gears (and some do) you'll be happy with the performance of the A4 once you "mod it"
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,644
Likes: 15
From: Norman Oklahoma
Recently I started to regret that I went for an automatic(01 vert), I have had several people telling me how much better performance you can get with M6, however I myself never tried corvettes with manual transmission. According to some internet sources M6 is almost 0.5 sec faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile.
My question is this Have you tried both M6 and A4 and what did you think? I am putting long tube headers with x-pipe and mufflers, also have an intake and a tune, and 3 15 gears do you think with these mods my auto can be close to a stock m6 in performance? 0-60, 1/4 mile, passing speed etc.
My question is this Have you tried both M6 and A4 and what did you think? I am putting long tube headers with x-pipe and mufflers, also have an intake and a tune, and 3 15 gears do you think with these mods my auto can be close to a stock m6 in performance? 0-60, 1/4 mile, passing speed etc.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,780
Likes: 42
From: Lake Norrell Arkansas
There will always be faster vettes than mine. I agree about the weekend fun facter so I bought the M6. I have a lot of fun driving mine just the way it is. No mods other than wheels and cat back exhaust. Enjoy your vette the way you want it. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,109
Likes: 1
From: Clayton CA
From everything I've read, you have to really, REALLY know how to drive the M6 to get the optimum performance from it. Can't tell whether you already have the 3.15 gears or not. I have 3.15s in my '99 coupe. I've been told that 3.42 or 3.73 gears, and high stall torque converter is the way to go to turn the car into a screamer.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
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
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
I've driven plenty of GM A4s. I'm not a fan. Both of my Trans Ams were A4s. I regretted having an A4 in my 2002 WS6 Trans Am. It was incredibly boring. All that power and only an on/off switch to control it.
When I bought my 1990 300zx with a 5-speed, I liked driving it more than the far faster and more comfortable WS6 Trans Am.
My last 2 Corvettes have been 6-speed manuals. I don't regret it at all and I absolutely LOVE driving manuals.
When I bought my 1990 300zx with a 5-speed, I liked driving it more than the far faster and more comfortable WS6 Trans Am.
My last 2 Corvettes have been 6-speed manuals. I don't regret it at all and I absolutely LOVE driving manuals.
Racer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: jacksonville fla
For FUN factor and auto-crosses, an M6 is THE way to go.
For a DD, city driving, or drag racing, you can't beat an auto.
The M6 is faster stock because it has 3.42 gears and you can launch it at a higher rpm.
Put a 3.42 (don't bother with the 3.15) and a stall, and the M6 won't stand a chance in straight line acceleration.
Don't worry, unless you like changing gears (and some do) you'll be happy with the performance of the A4 once you "mod it"
For a DD, city driving, or drag racing, you can't beat an auto.
The M6 is faster stock because it has 3.42 gears and you can launch it at a higher rpm.
Put a 3.42 (don't bother with the 3.15) and a stall, and the M6 won't stand a chance in straight line acceleration.
Don't worry, unless you like changing gears (and some do) you'll be happy with the performance of the A4 once you "mod it"
Do gears(3.42 or 3.73s) and a hi stall T/C(Yank SS3200 or SS3600) and you won't have to worry about and M6 at the drag strip.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,706
Likes: 5
From: Toronto Ontario
I've got an 02 A4 coupe with the crappy 2.73 gears and still pulled out a stock time of 13.1 in the 1/4 mile. Currently running 12.8 with a Vararam and Borla catback. Not bad for an auto with highway gears.
Wait until the 3200 stall and the 3.42s go in!
Wait until the 3200 stall and the 3.42s go in!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 9,526
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles California
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 10,644
Likes: 15
From: Norman Oklahoma
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 12,413
Likes: 502
From: Rio Rancho NM
I rather have a manual I like to be in "control" lol. To me it's more fun and the sound is great if your holding a gear. I drove a auto 99 and thought wow this is boring. The only time I wished I had a auto was when I sat in traffic once for 3 1/2 hours due to an accident and that crossed my mind for a second.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,977
Likes: 0
From: Mansfield, Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11, '14
A lot of close minded people here for sure.
We have the A4 and love it, especially after the ECS mail order tune.
It is all subjective, but I do not see a reason to look down on a Corvette because it is an automatic.
Give the M6 a try, just depends on what you like, in the end they are all Corvettes.
We have the A4 and love it, especially after the ECS mail order tune.
It is all subjective, but I do not see a reason to look down on a Corvette because it is an automatic.
Give the M6 a try, just depends on what you like, in the end they are all Corvettes.