Get the 6 speed. You won't regret it. 
Six Speed Opinions
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,510
Likes: 43
From: Tulsa OK
Six Speed Opinions
I am thinking about trading up to a 2004 that is loaded (also Z51) and has a MN6. I have an auto now and really enjoy it. For those of you who have had both, which did you prefer? Positives and negatives please. I will have to decide this week. Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,547
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I have had both--my latest is MN6 and I will never go back. It just seems like the right thing to have--a Vette with a six speed. My 04 shifts much smoother than I thought possible, but still there ar emany who mod the shifter--but for now the GM version is fine for me. By the way, more RWHP and better mileage---for what it's worth.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 34,062
Likes: 4
From: Evans, GA
My first Vette, an 88 coupe, was s 4+3 stick and I loved it nut after 130K miles and daily driving in traffic amd my bumb knees, I opted for an aitomatic when I bought my 96 coupe. And then when I looked at a 2004 that I liked, the auto seemed OK. So there, you have my experience and opinion.
Cherish your Hopes...
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 13,074
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From: West Palm Beach FL
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St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07
Inititally thought of the auto for in town driving...
...now enjoying MN6 for 3.5 years and shifting is fun in town or on the highway!
...now enjoying MN6 for 3.5 years and shifting is fun in town or on the highway!
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 19,459
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From: Schaumburg IL
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
Nothing wrong with an A4, I have an 01 6speed, with 6speed more torque, better throttle response...feels a lot tighter and responsive..the auto again is fine,but feels sluggish on the throttle to me. IMHO 
Also think about making a gear change, with an auto you have to have tuning done...with the MN6 you could swap gears and not have to worry about tuning
The 6 speed is a PITA in stop and go traffic...also has the "marbles in the can" sound sometimes.
good luck with your choice
Also think about making a gear change, with an auto you have to have tuning done...with the MN6 you could swap gears and not have to worry about tuning
The 6 speed is a PITA in stop and go traffic...also has the "marbles in the can" sound sometimes.
good luck with your choice
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,353
Likes: 0
From: Richmond Hill Ontario
A4 or MN6
Jack,
A very important decision in deed! If you are driving in bumper to bumper traffic and use a cell phone, you might not like the MN6. If this vehicle is going to be used for daily driving in light traffic and for pleasure, the MN6 is alot of fun. I have driven both and they are both good and have there +'s. It really is a personal choice but be careful not to make the wrong decision as it could be costly to unwind.
Enjoy, Tino
A very important decision in deed! If you are driving in bumper to bumper traffic and use a cell phone, you might not like the MN6. If this vehicle is going to be used for daily driving in light traffic and for pleasure, the MN6 is alot of fun. I have driven both and they are both good and have there +'s. It really is a personal choice but be careful not to make the wrong decision as it could be costly to unwind.
Enjoy, Tino
Racer
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 402
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek SC
Wrestled with the same question when I ordered my 03. While thinking about this, I found a copy of a test Road and Track did on a 94 ZR-1 (appropriately titled "Requiem For A Heavyweight"). Much of the article talked about the relative merits of the ZR-1, when compared with an LT-1 with an A4. The writer finished the story as follows:
"Should I die and find myself in automotive heaven, where the roads are winding and the highway patrol nowhere in sight, I will ask St. Peter for a ZR-1. But for this world, where the freeways are clogged and a 30 to 70 mph run down the on-ramp has to pass for driving excitement, the LT1 with an automatic may be the perfect Corvette."
I guess you just have to sort out which is appropriate to your driving habits.
"Should I die and find myself in automotive heaven, where the roads are winding and the highway patrol nowhere in sight, I will ask St. Peter for a ZR-1. But for this world, where the freeways are clogged and a 30 to 70 mph run down the on-ramp has to pass for driving excitement, the LT1 with an automatic may be the perfect Corvette."
I guess you just have to sort out which is appropriate to your driving habits.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Originally Posted by TulsaVette
I am thinking about trading up to a 2004 that is loaded (also Z51) and has a MN6. I have an auto now and really enjoy it. For those of you who have had both, which did you prefer? Positives and negatives please. I will have to decide this week. Thanks.
If you ever decide you want to do some high performance driving on a roadcourse you will be much happier with a 6 speed. The A4 just doesn't cut it for any track driving.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,233
Likes: 5
I had a six spd, then an A4 auto that I liked in a C5, now an 04Z. I really missed the six Spd. Like someone else said, it depends on how often you drive it and what conditions. My other cars are automatics. So when I drive the Z06 I love the six speed. Hard choice, both very fun.
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Obviously with the auto you have no worries about clutch replacement or having to shift all the time. If you would get an auto - a performance axle is a great option. The six speed comes with the better rear gears, gets better gas mileage and the fun of shifting is there. Either way, the C5 is a great car. Just depends on whether you like to shift or have the car do it for you.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,510
Likes: 43
From: Tulsa OK
Thanks for all the comments so far. The car will be a weekend driver and occasional thru the week. I have a company car to drive everyday. So, this may factor into my decision, more fun with a 6 speed on the weekends. I love my A4, but think I might want to try something a little different.
Keep the opinions coming. Thanks guys, you all are great.
Keep the opinions coming. Thanks guys, you all are great.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,869
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From: San Diego CA
I can't imagine myself owning a Vette that wasn't a manual transmission. There are some who can't imagine owning a Vette that wasn't a convertible or a Vette that wasn't red. At this stage in my life (I'm 34), I want to shift the gears. I drive it in traffic and don't really care. I certainly don't think those who prefer the automatic own "lesser" Vettes.....this is just my personal preference. I have two kids so there's nothing particularly practical about a Corvette for us. I would say that you should just trust your instincts on this one. There's probably not a major difference in resale value if that's an issue.