Why buy an automatic?
Team Owner
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From: Denison, TX
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St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'16
Originally Posted by gresch
Just out of curiosity, for those of you who bought an automatic, why did you do it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Currently living in and loving... Chico, CA
Knees, exactly! I was told 25 years ago never to drive a clutch car again. At this point, I'm just trying to avoid further surgery, and the inevitable mechanical knees, which only last about 10 years.
Welcome to getting old!
Welcome to getting old!
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I had always had manual tranny Vettes over the years, but when I bought my 92, I was ready for an A4. I still like it but now that I also have an 87 4+3 to play with, I get to have both!!
It's interesting that the 6-speed is now the standard tranny in the new C6 and the auto is a no-cost option (like it used to be in the good 'ole days).
It's interesting that the 6-speed is now the standard tranny in the new C6 and the auto is a no-cost option (like it used to be in the good 'ole days).
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Indianapolis IN
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by gresch
Just out of curiosity, for those of you who bought an automatic, why did you do it? Considering the type of car that a Corvette is, wouldn't a manual be more appropriate?
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 211
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From: Maggie Valley NC
Why do we buy things?
Originally Posted by gresch
Just out of curiosity, for those of you who bought an automatic, why did you do it? Considering the type of car that a Corvette is, wouldn't a manual be more appropriate?
If my 99 A4 were a six-speed, what would I get? Maybe 175 tops instead of 165? Is this relevant?
Hey, being over 60 years of age, I can't be bothered to shift in traffic. That does not mean I can't be bothered to go fast.
Recently in my 99 A4, I set a torrid pace on NC 215, a Dragon-like road, that made two C5 Vette guys behind me in six-speeds stir the crap out of their trannies to keep up.
Sometimes it is not the equipment, but the will of the wheelman that sets the pace.
The point being, all kinds of peope buy all kinds of things because they want to. Because it suits them.
Have you ever owned a Honda? Or a Magnavox? Why? Should you not have bought a Maserati or a Sony instead?
Last edited by RVers; Sep 6, 2004 at 08:54 PM. Reason: syntax
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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From: DFW/Long Island
Originally Posted by Wolfmanjohn
Knees, exactly! I was told 25 years ago never to drive a clutch car again. At this point, I'm just trying to avoid further surgery, and the inevitable mechanical knees, which only last about 10 years.
Welcome to getting old!
Welcome to getting old!
That must be some serious knee damage that you guys have, I've had 7 knee surgeries, 4 on the left and 3 on the right, and have no cartilage left in either, luckily driving a manual doesn't cause any pain. Hopefully "they" will have perfected knee replacements and hair re-growth by the time I hit 40!
Instructor
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 161
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From: San Diego CA
Originally Posted by gresch
Just out of curiosity, for those of you who bought an automatic, why did you do it? Considering the type of car that a Corvette is, wouldn't a manual be more appropriate?
Need I say more?
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Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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From: DFW/Long Island
Originally Posted by USNA62
Have you ever driven on a California Freeway during rush hour (which is most of the day now)?
Need I say more?
Need I say more?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Originally Posted by gresch
Just out of curiosity, for those of you who bought an automatic, why did you do it? Considering the type of car that a Corvette is, wouldn't a manual be more appropriate?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 5,407
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From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Since my car is a weekend warrior I went with the Z06. I wanted the extra hp and its been years since I owned a manual trans. I really enjoy rowing thru the gears and keeping the revs in the power band (when I am not just cruising).
However for straight line performance you cant beat an auto with a good high stall convertor that is both streetable and good at the track.
However for straight line performance you cant beat an auto with a good high stall convertor that is both streetable and good at the track.
Thread Starter
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
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From: DFW/Long Island
Originally Posted by 2k2C5
Because of one reason. Personal choice. It doesn't make it any less of a Corvette with an A4. There are advantages and disadvantages to both trannys.
Well yeah, that's the point of the question! I'm asking what the advantages/disadvantages were/are that swayed people to buy an auto....
Team Owner
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From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
I am 6'6" and to use the clutch it cause my knee to hit the hit the door near the power window switch. Plus after a while of constant hitting it causes my knee to get sore.
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
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From: Athens GA
Did it for the wife...she can drive a stick but said her days of driving a stick were over after leaving her daddy's farm. I said but it's a sports car and she said she didn't want to drive a stick in traffic on a hill, etc. etc. Turns out I drive the vert alone to and from work on Fri. I drive alone on nice days, and when we ride together, guess what, I drive. And we stay away from Athens and traffic and cruise back country roads...Punch line is I should have gotton a 6 speed and in fact I'm thinking maybe I should trade the CE vert for a Z06.
I almost forgot, the exhaust note leaves a lot to be desired too.
I almost forgot, the exhaust note leaves a lot to be desired too.
Last edited by The Duke; Sep 6, 2004 at 09:09 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,302
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From: yardley, pa 19067
I like the ease of the auto for driving and the G92 perf. axle really give the feel of raw power when I stomp on the gas!! A vette is a vette to me regardless of what type of tranny it has.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 611
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From: Benvenidos!!
I'm kind of surprised that it seems like most forum members, at least on this thread, have automatics. I ended up with a six speed, bit I was looking for an automatic. As I was looking, I ended up coming to the conclusion that THE car that I was looking for was the zo6, but I ended up with a coupe. I am very happy with those decisions.