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A4 vs M6

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Old May 11, 2010 | 12:11 PM
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Default 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.
Old May 11, 2010 | 12:17 PM
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Don't believe everything you read in a mag..

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Old May 11, 2010 | 12:30 PM
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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.
Old May 11, 2010 | 12:54 PM
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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"
Old May 11, 2010 | 01:02 PM
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Originally Posted by ignatkor
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 2000 A4 with LG Streets and vararam runs 12.72 @110
Old May 11, 2010 | 01:02 PM
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For a manual to outperform an auto, the car has to be driven there. And its harder than it seems. I know, I have a manual and have been embarrassed by how I drive her sometimes :o
Old May 11, 2010 | 01:06 PM
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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.
Old May 11, 2010 | 01:18 PM
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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.
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Old May 11, 2010 | 02:27 PM
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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.
Old May 11, 2010 | 02:47 PM
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If there aren't three pedals on the floor, I'm not interested. Automatic transmissions are for SUV's.
Old May 11, 2010 | 03:12 PM
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Originally Posted by Blow Torch
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"


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.
Old May 11, 2010 | 03:19 PM
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I regretted getting an auto until I realized what 4:10's can do ! Now I couldn"t be happier, especially with the amount of driving I do.
Old May 11, 2010 | 03:29 PM
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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!
Old May 11, 2010 | 03:40 PM
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Get her tuned if you have not done so already.Had my A4 2.73 done today. Like WOW!
Old May 11, 2010 | 03:43 PM
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Originally Posted by retired cop
Get her tuned if you have not done so already.Had my A4 2.73 done today. Like WOW!
What kind of numbers did you make? I hear the autos usually make about 295RWHP.
Old May 11, 2010 | 04:13 PM
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Originally Posted by SCM_Crash
What kind of numbers did you make? I hear the autos usually make about 295RWHP.
I have also heard that. M6s make a tad more power
Old May 11, 2010 | 05:53 PM
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what dont you like about the auto? lot of auto guy in this thread, so it will be biased.
All i'll add about the M6/M12 is if you like driving, its definitely a better driving experience.

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Old May 11, 2010 | 05:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Rob01C5
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!
Nice times
Old May 11, 2010 | 05:59 PM
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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.
Old May 11, 2010 | 06:07 PM
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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.



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