6 speed or automatic ?
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 896
Likes: 213
6MT.
I've had exactly one automatic (my 2013 Tacoma) since I figured it made sense since the wife can't drive manual. My truck was totaled and I had the chance to grab the unicorn (2016 Tacoma 6MT with the sunroof option) and jumped on it. Even my wife who can't drive manual said get the manual, you'll like it so much more.
Unless I physically couldn't drive manual anymore, I'd never put an automatic in a sporty / sports car. I'd take a hit on power over losing a manual. Luckily I'll never be in a position to purchase a new high end sports car, since very very few of them even have the 3-pedal option anymore.
I understand modern automatics can shift faster, smoother and get better gas mileage than their manual counterparts. I also get that sitting in bumper to bumper traffic with a manual isn't exactly an enjoyable experience. Give me the manual any day.
I've had exactly one automatic (my 2013 Tacoma) since I figured it made sense since the wife can't drive manual. My truck was totaled and I had the chance to grab the unicorn (2016 Tacoma 6MT with the sunroof option) and jumped on it. Even my wife who can't drive manual said get the manual, you'll like it so much more.
Unless I physically couldn't drive manual anymore, I'd never put an automatic in a sporty / sports car. I'd take a hit on power over losing a manual. Luckily I'll never be in a position to purchase a new high end sports car, since very very few of them even have the 3-pedal option anymore.
I understand modern automatics can shift faster, smoother and get better gas mileage than their manual counterparts. I also get that sitting in bumper to bumper traffic with a manual isn't exactly an enjoyable experience. Give me the manual any day.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,423
Likes: 200
From: Atlanta GA
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.
For a daily driver in this crazy Atlanta parking lot (what we call the interstates), I would not have a stick shift. I would have a one arm and one leg super muscle, but also lot of pain and cramps.
For my Corvette (which is NOT a daily driver), 6-7 speed. But I could change my mind if/when I move to a C7 with the 10 speed auto.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
This thread is like so many other opinion threads. In that everyone is going to tell you the reasons why what they have is the better choice.
I got an A4 mostly because I live in LA and most of my driving (while often spirited in nature) is stop and go, or on the open road. When I'm in the canyons I shift back and forth from 2nd to 3rd gear as needed, it works just fine.
If if I had gotten an A6 I think I would have been happy with the M6 because I found the gear box to be more fun to shift compared to the C5 manual. I think the C5 manual feels less precise I suppose, compared to Datsun and Nissan Z cars I drove back in my youth. It had been 20 years since I owned a manual tranny when I got my C5 2 1/2 years ago, and I really liked the smooth, long gear ratios in the A4, and I've enjoyed every day of it. Also like not having to worry about wearing our a clutch at this stage of life. The A4 seems bullet proof.
I got an A4 mostly because I live in LA and most of my driving (while often spirited in nature) is stop and go, or on the open road. When I'm in the canyons I shift back and forth from 2nd to 3rd gear as needed, it works just fine.
If if I had gotten an A6 I think I would have been happy with the M6 because I found the gear box to be more fun to shift compared to the C5 manual. I think the C5 manual feels less precise I suppose, compared to Datsun and Nissan Z cars I drove back in my youth. It had been 20 years since I owned a manual tranny when I got my C5 2 1/2 years ago, and I really liked the smooth, long gear ratios in the A4, and I've enjoyed every day of it. Also like not having to worry about wearing our a clutch at this stage of life. The A4 seems bullet proof.
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 211
Likes: 17
From: Knoxville TN
I drove an A4 (not sure what year model) while looking for my car. I am not sure what rear gear it had, but with only the four gears it really felt like a dog. The only thing really sports car-like about it was how low the seating position was. My M6 is completely different.
As most have stated you should really drive both and decide for yourself. The decision was very apparent for me after driving both.
As most have stated you should really drive both and decide for yourself. The decision was very apparent for me after driving both.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
The 2.73 rear gear that came with a lot of A4 cars is a dog. The torque management doesn't help.
Mine runs like a beast. The A4 needs to be set up properly if you want it to feel like a Vette should.
Mine runs like a beast. The A4 needs to be set up properly if you want it to feel like a Vette should.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
For me it's the fun factor of driving a 6 speed. Traffic aside, (i just deal with it) the whole experience of going threw the gears at a moderate speed still gives me a thrill even at my late age.
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Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
The C5 A4 is very fast. Gets up and goes quickly, and lives up to its torque and HP ratings. So I don't know what this Guy's point is. It's not like the manual transmission is rated the much faster or torquier than the automatic, but once again I'll point out that this thread invites bias as much as most comparison threads.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 361
Likes: 55
From: Los Angeles CA
Again, I can assure you that the so-called "fun factor is a non- issue" in the sense that there's a similar fun factor regardless which tranny you get.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 639
Likes: 28
From: Wytheville Virginia
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
The C5 A4 is very fast. Gets up and goes quickly, and lives up to its torque and HP ratings. So I don't know what this Guy's point is. It's not like the manual transmission is rated the much faster or torquier than the automatic, but once again I'll point out that this thread invites bias as much as most comparison threads.
I think it is supposed to be biased. If there was only one right way to build a car then they would all be identical. It is like asking what is the best flavor ice cream.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 139
Likes: 14
From: Almost Canada
I think the size of the vehicle has a lot to do with it, I did enjoy the auto tranny in my 1979 Trans Am back in the day. It was orange metal flake and had great pickup, mostly blondes but some red heads. I had other things to concentrate on in those days.
Last edited by WoodyJohnson; Jun 15, 2017 at 08:42 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
I disagree, auto's in a car like this to me is boring. Newer cars with 6, 8, and 10 speed auto's are a different world and I might even give one a shot. JMHO
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,189
From: Buffalo Texas
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,061
Likes: 106
From: The Natures Coast/Caribbean
Two 66 GTO, 1 67 GTO, 1 69 GTO all four on the floor. Today it's murder for me....
Intermediate
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 33
Likes: 6
I drive an M6.
I'm not as young as I used to be, I can race with the best of them, I've never had a problem in heavy Atlanta traffic, I can hold my wife's hand when we're cruising and you can bet your *** I've never missed a sip of coffee.
Just once I'd like to see someone who drives an automatic not rationalize it or make some stupid excuse and say they drive an automatic because they damn well want to and tell everyone else to **** off.
I'm not as young as I used to be, I can race with the best of them, I've never had a problem in heavy Atlanta traffic, I can hold my wife's hand when we're cruising and you can bet your *** I've never missed a sip of coffee.
Just once I'd like to see someone who drives an automatic not rationalize it or make some stupid excuse and say they drive an automatic because they damn well want to and tell everyone else to **** off.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 3,534
Likes: 432
From: Atlantic Beach FL.
Because I would defiantly have a manual if I lived in the hills. Where I live there is no point.
In a drag race an M6 wont shift faster and there is no need to downshift.
In a drag race an M6 wont shift faster and there is no need to downshift.
Last edited by Rob 02; Jun 15, 2017 at 10:55 AM.