View Poll Results: Can the Tranny be a deal killer?
6 Speed Manual
116
69.05%
Automatic
52
30.95%
Voters: 168. You may not vote on this poll
6 Speed vs Automatic
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 2
From: Outer banks North Carolina
I'll take the automatic any day! I used to be a 4 speed man back in the old "gasser" days until a pressure plate exploded in my "55" chevy c/gasser It took out the dash and windshield and injured a spectator along the fence. Sticks are fun though...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 18
From: Scottsdale Az
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 361
Likes: 34
From: Central MA
I had that decision to grapple with as I looked at Vettes for a year prior to buying my first in March. Saw several nice autos which were priced right but I just couldnt bring myself to buy any as I had really wanted a 6spd all along. Wife said well if you buy one get an auto so I can drive it too. Well you can learn....Anyway I was patient and found the right price/color/condition/mileage 6spd which was right for me. They are out there. Take your time to find what you want and you wont say woulda/coulda/shoulda.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 10,789
Likes: 894
From: Northern Illinois
Oldtimer
I've had my '98 with a 6-speed for over 14 years. I love driving a manual, but if I were to buy a new car it would be an automatic. No, it wouldn't be a deal breaker for me. 
Pro
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 643
Likes: 40
From: Wauregan CT
I'm fine with my A4, and would be equally fine with a 6 speed. I mostly shopped for Torch Red, not transmission type. I do have the desire to get a C5 Z06...not sure if that will happen at this point, but I'd shift that for sure...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,528
Likes: 752
From: South Dakota
It is a deal breaker for me.
A while back I found an '88 for a great deal price and bought it even though it had an A4. I missed the manual so much that I sold it to get a '94 6M. I don't miss the A4 at all. The 6M is just more fun to drive.
That was a while back and with C4's, but it hasn't changed. I still want the manuals.
A while back I found an '88 for a great deal price and bought it even though it had an A4. I missed the manual so much that I sold it to get a '94 6M. I don't miss the A4 at all. The 6M is just more fun to drive.
That was a while back and with C4's, but it hasn't changed. I still want the manuals.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,321
Likes: 220
From: Woodbridge, Virginia
For the streets I prefer an auto, I was looking for an auto c5 just because I was tired of clutches and traffic jams here in Hampton Roads area, but my track car was a stick. To stick with the subject, depending on the car it can be a deal breaker but I am happy with my a4 c5
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 3,011
Likes: 9
From: Dublin GA
If you just drive for pleasure on "uncrowded" streets, and might run a road course, then a M6 is fun
If you might drive in stop and go traffic (DD) or want to run drag race, then A4 is the way to go.
For me personally, I enjoy putting it in gear and holding my wifes hand while cruising.
I have also had enough A4s with stalls, to know that, all else being equal, they can't be beat in a drag.
Get what you want; DON'T compromise!
If you might drive in stop and go traffic (DD) or want to run drag race, then A4 is the way to go.
For me personally, I enjoy putting it in gear and holding my wifes hand while cruising.
I have also had enough A4s with stalls, to know that, all else being equal, they can't be beat in a drag.
Get what you want; DON'T compromise!
Racer
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 400
Likes: 28
From: St. Paul (smokey!) MN
Mine has the manual, but I wouldn't mind the auto as long as it has paddle shifters so I can downshift without mashing the throttle.
I've never driven an auto corvette, but every auto car I've driven has been far too aggressive about shifting into a tall gear, then very reluctant to downshift when accelerating. Makes for a very sluggish experience.
The new autos can be very nice. My dad just got a Porsche cayman with the PDK auto. In normal mode it has the same brain dead behavior. But in sport mode, it is a completely different beast. It tries to not let the engine drop below about 2100 or 2200 rpm. Up shifts are delayed, it preemptively downshifts when slowing for corners instead of waiting for you to mash the throttle. In this car anyway, I don't think there is much need for a manual.
I've never driven an auto corvette, but every auto car I've driven has been far too aggressive about shifting into a tall gear, then very reluctant to downshift when accelerating. Makes for a very sluggish experience.
The new autos can be very nice. My dad just got a Porsche cayman with the PDK auto. In normal mode it has the same brain dead behavior. But in sport mode, it is a completely different beast. It tries to not let the engine drop below about 2100 or 2200 rpm. Up shifts are delayed, it preemptively downshifts when slowing for corners instead of waiting for you to mash the throttle. In this car anyway, I don't think there is much need for a manual.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,936
Likes: 13
From: Redding California
Deal breaker for me, I can drive a stick as well as the next man, but don't want one. It's auto or nothing for me when it comes to a Corvette.
Similar with colors, there are some colors I simply would not buy.
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Similar with colors, there are some colors I simply would not buy.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
Absolute deal breaker, I own two cars both 6 speeds. When I'm at a cruise night and come upon a car I like the looks of the first thing I check is which transmission. Six speed I keep looking, auto I walk away shaking my head. Of course I grew up driving sticks and have never bored with them even in heavy traffic. And I'm and old timer.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 431
Likes: 3
From: Buffalo NY
6 speed all the way! I would never own a performance car that isn't a standard, or at least ad paddle shift. My dd is also a standard, but I will be replacing that in the not too distant future. All of the vehicles I have owned since age 18 have been standard (now 28) and I think it would be a nice change of pace.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,204
Likes: 1,139
From: Santa Rosa Beach FL
No, not a deal breaker for me. Z06 dictates manual.
When I bought my brand new '12 coupe I decided on A6 so wife could drive. She drove it all of one time. Didn't want to damage my car. Could have saved another 1K by not getting the A6 option. Final price was still not bad...36K. Had everything I needed.
Other than that I was fine with the A6, or A8 in the case of the '15 C7
Don't forget to not neglect the Ranger protocol on your manual
When I bought my brand new '12 coupe I decided on A6 so wife could drive. She drove it all of one time. Didn't want to damage my car. Could have saved another 1K by not getting the A6 option. Final price was still not bad...36K. Had everything I needed.
Other than that I was fine with the A6, or A8 in the case of the '15 C7
Don't forget to not neglect the Ranger protocol on your manual
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 190
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Ohio
6 speed
Before I purchased my Vette I had driven one with an Automatic and it just didn't feel like a sports car. I enjoy my 6 speed! I agree ...it depends on what you will feel comfortable with..and there's nothing cooler sounding than a Corvette running through the gears.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,361
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
Same here. I've had my 6 speed C-5 for 13 years, and I've enjoyed it. But I'm 13 years older now, and a getting a little "creaky". If I buy another one, it will be an auto....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 39
From: South Central PA
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Like others have said, depends on what you want to do with it. My C5 is a true touring car. I hop in it with my wife or one of my kids and we drive. Sometimes it gets driven to work and sometimes it goes on long trips. No way would I have wanted to be sitting in DC or NYC traffic with a 6 speed. My '69 is a 4 speed. It only gets driven around town and is a blast to drive.
