6 speed or automatic ?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 5,278
Likes: 539
From: Kelowna BC
I've always enjoyed driving stick, but growing up in Vancouver I only ever owned one (modded 350LT1 Monza). It was great fun, but rush hour could get tedious.
Regardless, I wouldn't buy an auto sports car. Our (wifes and winter respectively) Rogue and Grand Caravan are auto. I haven't owned an auto for my daily for 20 years or so, and don't plan to.
Regardless, I wouldn't buy an auto sports car. Our (wifes and winter respectively) Rogue and Grand Caravan are auto. I haven't owned an auto for my daily for 20 years or so, and don't plan to.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 394
From: Rocky Mountains
I have a 6 speed and it's my daily driver. I don't see what's the big deal about driving one in traffic. I hear that all the time. "Oh manual transmissions are fine unless you have to commute in traffic". And ? People act like it's a chore to shift gears. But then again I used a motorcycle as a daily driver for years, so I guess I just like the operator involvement.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
I have a 6 speed and it's my daily driver. I don't see what's the big deal about driving one in traffic. I hear that all the time. "Oh manual transmissions are fine unless you have to commute in traffic". And ? People act like it's a chore to shift gears. But then again I used a motorcycle as a daily driver for years, so I guess I just like the operator involvement.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 118
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver BC
Its all about what you want. Nothing wrong with an auto. It does have around 5% more drain in HP over a manual, certainly not enough to call it "underpowered". If you are daily driving in stop and go you would want an A4. If you want spirited driving only then an M6 might be for you. Most will say go for an M6 but there is still a large portion of the sports car community that links the shifter to whats in their pants and will demand a stick even after get smoked by an A4 on a drag strip. It boils down to what you like, not what others tell you.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
Its all about what you want. Nothing wrong with an auto. It does have around 5% more drain in HP over a manual, certainly not enough to call it "underpowered". If you are daily driving in stop and go you would want an A4. If you want spirited driving only then an M6 might be for you. Most will say go for an M6 but there is still a large portion of the sports car community that links the shifter to whats in their pants and will demand a stick even after get smoked by an A4 on a drag strip. It boils down to what you like, not what others tell you.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 139
From: Surprise AZ
I came close to buying a very clean low mileage A4 red convertible because it was a good deal and a super clean car. I ended up passing and 2 years later picking up my M6 targa. I'm glad I waited. I don't think the A4 would have been a bad car, on the contrary it was very pleasant. However I enjoy the M6 more and I am glad I waited for what I really wanted.
I know that a modern automatic can out shift me or any other human being. But I don't drive my car to beat a clock. I buy it to enjoy the drive. To me, as things are currently, I prefer shifting. All things are subject to change. As knees get older I may change my mind. But current plan is to drive what I enjoy now.
I know that a modern automatic can out shift me or any other human being. But I don't drive my car to beat a clock. I buy it to enjoy the drive. To me, as things are currently, I prefer shifting. All things are subject to change. As knees get older I may change my mind. But current plan is to drive what I enjoy now.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 139
Likes: 14
From: Almost Canada
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Drifting
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,820
Likes: 411
From: Somewhere in the middle of Kansas
I have had both and love the manual in my C5. I feel like I am in a true sports car having a 6 speed and banging through the gears in all sorts of driving environments. Now if I was to buy a C5 for my fiance, it would be an auto as she can't drive a stick.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
For you youngsters:
shift·less
ˈSHif(t)ləs/Submit
adjective
(of a person or action) characterized by laziness, indolence, and a lack of ambition.
"a shiftless lot of good-for-nothings"
synonyms: lazy, idle, indolent, slothful, lethargic, lackadaisical; spiritless, apathetic, feckless, good-for-nothing, worthless; unambitious, unenterprising
"he thought the whole family shiftless and dishonest"
Last edited by alxltd1; Jun 13, 2017 at 02:47 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 159
From: LaGrange Park, IL IL
St. Jude Donor '13, '15
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 12
From: DFW Texas
I learned to drive stick when I was 20 on a POS saturn SL2. In the 11 following years, I've had 16 cars and only two have been autos. A sports car comes with a stick, so unless your body flat can't take driving a manual, go buy a prius.
Or we can not be so sensitive and realize that the vast majority of women prefer automatics, thus his comment is mostly true.
Or we can not be so sensitive and realize that the vast majority of women prefer automatics, thus his comment is mostly true.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 2,398
Likes: 769
From: jefferson texas
For my toys over the years I've always chosen manual transmissions. There is something about the extra driver involvement that goes with a manual to turn a mundane trip into something more. On the other hand, having to commute in Jersrey/New York commuter traffic for 30 years made me appreciate autos in my everyday commuter beaters. Makes the bumper to bumper deal a lot more bearable. The fun cars will always have 3 pedals!!! Take care!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,308
Likes: 159
From: LaGrange Park, IL IL
St. Jude Donor '13, '15
Just saying...times have changed and it's not just women anymore who don't drive stick. The vast amount of this country drive auto and the manufacturers know it. Enthusiasts such as those on this site are the ones still buying stick when they can. We're a rarer breed inside this forum. I get that, but you posted it in this day and age to suggest it is still relevant. I'm not some tree hugging liberal, so don't get me wrong, but it really didn't sound great. We can let is rest, I'm not trying to pick a fight or lose track of the topic at hand. Sorry fellas.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 20
From: Akron Ohio
When looking at Corvettes I drove both automatics and manuals. The automatic just seemed wrong to me so I bought a manual. But I agree that if you're doing a lot of stop and go driving get an automatic. Also, don't even try to drive in parade in a manual (unless it's very short). I drove the NFL Hall of Fame parade a few years ago. It was full hour of clutching to stay at 2 mph. My left leg was in spasms at the end.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 12
From: DFW Texas
Sensitive, probably. I'll give that to you. Just saying...times have changed and it's not just women anymore who don't drive stick. The vast amount of this country drive auto and the manufacturers know it. Enthusiasts such as those on this site are the ones still buying stick when they can. We're a rarer breed inside this forum.
I get that, but you posted it in this day and age to suggest it is still relevant. I'm not some tree hugging liberal, so don't get me wrong, but it really didn't sound great. We can let is rest, I'm not trying to pick a fight or lose track of the topic at hand. Sorry fellas.
Just saying...times have changed and it's not just women anymore who don't drive stick. The vast amount of this country drive auto and the manufacturers know it. Enthusiasts such as those on this site are the ones still buying stick when they can. We're a rarer breed inside this forum. I get that, but you posted it in this day and age to suggest it is still relevant. I'm not some tree hugging liberal, so don't get me wrong, but it really didn't sound great. We can let is rest, I'm not trying to pick a fight or lose track of the topic at hand. Sorry fellas.
I agree that stick shift drivers are the minority, but that's all the more reason to keep the discussion going. Heck look at the 70's, nearly all of the cars were automatics, but by the time the 80's rolled around the stick was making a comeback. Same thing today.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 3,399
Likes: 1,339
From: Havre de Grace Maryland
Which do you prefer, and what is the reason?
When I first started driving my dad wanted to teach me to drive a stick I hated it! I could not drive it, and I was so nervous, so I quit, then I drove a automatic for awhile, my dad made me so nervous that I couldn't drive a stick, we had a 5 speed 95 Camaro, and one day I got so determined I took the car and drove it by myself, I did so good I was proud of myself, I couldn't learn how to drive a stick with anyone there, so I taught myself, I love driving a stick that's all I prefer to drive, I have a 03 s10 Xtreme 5 speed and a 6 speed Corvette, I hate driving automatics. So there is my story.
When I first started driving my dad wanted to teach me to drive a stick I hated it! I could not drive it, and I was so nervous, so I quit, then I drove a automatic for awhile, my dad made me so nervous that I couldn't drive a stick, we had a 5 speed 95 Camaro, and one day I got so determined I took the car and drove it by myself, I did so good I was proud of myself, I couldn't learn how to drive a stick with anyone there, so I taught myself, I love driving a stick that's all I prefer to drive, I have a 03 s10 Xtreme 5 speed and a 6 speed Corvette, I hate driving automatics. So there is my story.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
Which do you prefer, and what is the reason?
When I first started driving my dad wanted to teach me to drive a stick I hated it! I could not drive it, and I was so nervous, so I quit, then I drove a automatic for awhile, my dad made me so nervous that I couldn't drive a stick, we had a 5 speed 95 Camaro, and one day I got so determined I took the car and drove it by myself, I did so good I was proud of myself, I couldn't learn how to drive a stick with anyone there, so I taught myself, I love driving a stick that's all I prefer to drive, I have a 03 s10 Xtreme 5 speed and a 6 speed Corvette, I hate driving automatics. So there is my story.
When I first started driving my dad wanted to teach me to drive a stick I hated it! I could not drive it, and I was so nervous, so I quit, then I drove a automatic for awhile, my dad made me so nervous that I couldn't drive a stick, we had a 5 speed 95 Camaro, and one day I got so determined I took the car and drove it by myself, I did so good I was proud of myself, I couldn't learn how to drive a stick with anyone there, so I taught myself, I love driving a stick that's all I prefer to drive, I have a 03 s10 Xtreme 5 speed and a 6 speed Corvette, I hate driving automatics. So there is my story.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,904
Likes: 151
You would if you lived in Los Angeles.
Practically every intersection (and there are millions of them) has either a stop sign, or working traffic light.
I venture to say those that have a stick in Lo Angeles never hit third gear, unless they are far away from the city limits.
A while back, I counted the intersections I had to go through to get to the grocery store, which is a mile away.
Seventeen, and only one of them had the opposing lane stop sign.
I had to stop at all the rest.
Bob.
Practically every intersection (and there are millions of them) has either a stop sign, or working traffic light.
I venture to say those that have a stick in Lo Angeles never hit third gear, unless they are far away from the city limits.
A while back, I counted the intersections I had to go through to get to the grocery store, which is a mile away.
Seventeen, and only one of them had the opposing lane stop sign.
I had to stop at all the rest.
Bob.
Last edited by calguy; Jun 13, 2017 at 04:34 PM.