Manual or Automatic Trans?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,059
Likes: 1,837
From: cookeville tennessee
You really won't go wrong with either transmission. If you do a lot of stop and go driving or have problems with say your knees or legs, then perhaps a manual tranny is not for you. Since you will only drive the car occasionally, the manual tranny might not be such a big deal to you.
I've had two manual C5s and now have an A4 in my '03. The manual is fun to play with and some will say a true sports car is one with a manual tranny, but I get just as much pleasure from my A4. Plus I don't have to worry about missing gears, wearing out a clutch, or constantly having to shift gears when in traffic.
Ultimately, you have to make the decision on which would better suit your driving style and needs and which would make you happier in the long run. If you go with the A4, be sure to get the performance axle (3.15 rear gear ratio).
Best bet on the '03 you saw is to just go drive it and see if you could live with shifting the gears all the time.
I've had two manual C5s and now have an A4 in my '03. The manual is fun to play with and some will say a true sports car is one with a manual tranny, but I get just as much pleasure from my A4. Plus I don't have to worry about missing gears, wearing out a clutch, or constantly having to shift gears when in traffic.
Ultimately, you have to make the decision on which would better suit your driving style and needs and which would make you happier in the long run. If you go with the A4, be sure to get the performance axle (3.15 rear gear ratio).
Best bet on the '03 you saw is to just go drive it and see if you could live with shifting the gears all the time.
Cant put it any better here....
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 376
From: South Florida FL
I put this in the same category as people who park in handicap parking spots. I see people who have handicap plates or tags hanging from their rear view mirrors park in a handicap space and then pop out of their cars and walk to the store as good as anyone. I have bad knees from years of being a tile setter and hardwood flooring person. I could probably get a handicap tag for myself if I wanted. But as I see it, as long as I'm not in a wheel chair the physical activity is good. My point being only those people who I described above know if they really deserve to be using those parking spaces, and only you know if you are able and willing to drive and own a 6spd. I have nothing against automatics but I do love the sounds and the feel of the 6 speed. I only drove one auto C5 before buying my Frc and it was a much newer and lower mileage car, more options ect. But it didn't really excite me. I knew before I made an offer on my car it was what I wanted. So my best advise is to decide what you want before you buy.
think old and you'll be old.
reminds of that person who is always "sick"
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 192
Likes: 9
From: The Colony TX
I drove only a stick for over 25 years and loved it. Switched to A4 and am much happier for the following reasons (my top 10):
1. I don't "street race" or "track race" so the stick is of no value for my driving.
2. Drinking a cup of coffee is easier.
3. Cell phone usage is much easier.
4. I can eat a taco, burger, piece of chicken, sandwich, etc... with ease.
5. I can hold my wifes hand and not let go to shift. (nice for us romantics)
6. Heavy traffic is much easier.
7. Bad weather (rain, ice, snow, etc..) is much easier with both hands on the wheel.
8. Now both of my daughters (27 & 22) get to drive it on rare (and I do mean rare) occasions.
9. My gas mileage is way better because I don't drive my auto as hard as I drove my stick.
10. I can handle being stopped on a steep hill at a traffic light way easier.
1. I don't "street race" or "track race" so the stick is of no value for my driving.
2. Drinking a cup of coffee is easier.
3. Cell phone usage is much easier.
4. I can eat a taco, burger, piece of chicken, sandwich, etc... with ease.
5. I can hold my wifes hand and not let go to shift. (nice for us romantics)
6. Heavy traffic is much easier.
7. Bad weather (rain, ice, snow, etc..) is much easier with both hands on the wheel.
8. Now both of my daughters (27 & 22) get to drive it on rare (and I do mean rare) occasions.
9. My gas mileage is way better because I don't drive my auto as hard as I drove my stick.
10. I can handle being stopped on a steep hill at a traffic light way easier.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14
Many years ago I bought a Vette with an automatic. I really wanted a manual but I settled and I was never happy with that car. This time I made my list (in my head) of what I wanted and I didn't settle for anything less. It took me a while to find a car that matched my list. It was not a super fantastic deal and it had to come from a long ways off but I have no regrets and I'm excited about the car. Drive some cars, do some research and make sure what you want and stick to it.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'd say go for it!
I had the choice of a manual coupe or an auto vert. I never regret the choice I made.
Even despite the lack of feel, the A4 is a reliable and willing transmission. If you drop to 3 or 2 the mapping is markedly different. I drive mostly around the back roads of England. In D, the car is sluggish at slow speeds and the change up leaves you embarrased on corners as it bogs down. That said, if you drop a gear it returns to sports car performance. In slow traffic the A4 is just a massive advantage. That said, driving in England is a world away from US freeways.
You'll never get the same feel as a manual but for you, it sounds like its a great compromise
I had the choice of a manual coupe or an auto vert. I never regret the choice I made.
Even despite the lack of feel, the A4 is a reliable and willing transmission. If you drop to 3 or 2 the mapping is markedly different. I drive mostly around the back roads of England. In D, the car is sluggish at slow speeds and the change up leaves you embarrased on corners as it bogs down. That said, if you drop a gear it returns to sports car performance. In slow traffic the A4 is just a massive advantage. That said, driving in England is a world away from US freeways.
You'll never get the same feel as a manual but for you, it sounds like its a great compromise
Last edited by DeeGee; Dec 1, 2011 at 02:36 PM.
!
Pro
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 624
Likes: 1
From: Northern NJ
I drove only a stick for over 25 years and loved it. Switched to A4 and am much happier for the following reasons (my top 10):
1. I don't "street race" or "track race" so the stick is of no value for my driving.
2. Drinking a cup of coffee is easier.
3. Cell phone usage is much easier.
4. I can eat a taco, burger, piece of chicken, sandwich, etc... with ease.
5. I can hold my wifes hand and not let go to shift. (nice for us romantics)
6. Heavy traffic is much easier.
7. Bad weather (rain, ice, snow, etc..) is much easier with both hands on the wheel.
8. Now both of my daughters (27 & 22) get to drive it on rare (and I do mean rare) occasions.
9. My gas mileage is way better because I don't drive my auto as hard as I drove my stick.
10. I can handle being stopped on a steep hill at a traffic light way easier.
1. I don't "street race" or "track race" so the stick is of no value for my driving.
2. Drinking a cup of coffee is easier.
3. Cell phone usage is much easier.
4. I can eat a taco, burger, piece of chicken, sandwich, etc... with ease.
5. I can hold my wifes hand and not let go to shift. (nice for us romantics)
6. Heavy traffic is much easier.
7. Bad weather (rain, ice, snow, etc..) is much easier with both hands on the wheel.
8. Now both of my daughters (27 & 22) get to drive it on rare (and I do mean rare) occasions.
9. My gas mileage is way better because I don't drive my auto as hard as I drove my stick.
10. I can handle being stopped on a steep hill at a traffic light way easier.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 734
Likes: 2
From: Mt. Airy MD
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 4,831
Likes: 21
From: The Voice of Reason!
St. Jude Donor '14