Auto or 6-speed
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
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From: Cypress TX
Re: Auto or 6-speed (Bluewasp)
I too thought about this when deciding on which to get. I was the one having trouble deciding between the A4 and MN6. The A4 is nice for driving in traffic, but how often do you do it? The MN6 is nice when you feel the need to have some fun. I opted for the MN6, I will deal with traffic and the rest of the time have fun.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 172
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From: Central CT
Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
My 6 speed is very civilized. Not like the old musclecars that took 2 feet to push the clutch in. The tranny shifting is a bit tight until warmed up when it's cold out.
I had driven a used automatic SS camaro before buying the vette, and the tranny was very clunky. I don't know if the vette's auto ages more gracefully, but that helped me decide on the stick.
Besides, our everyday drivers are automatic, so a sportier pleasure vehicle is more fun.
I had driven a used automatic SS camaro before buying the vette, and the tranny was very clunky. I don't know if the vette's auto ages more gracefully, but that helped me decide on the stick.
Besides, our everyday drivers are automatic, so a sportier pleasure vehicle is more fun.
Racer
Joined: May 2001
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From: Dahlgren VA
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Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
It all boils down to how you plan on using the car and most importantly what you like. Both are good and I'm sure you would enjoy either one.....after all, it's a "vette"! Personally, I had a 95 C4 with auto and thoroughly enjoyed the car (80k miles), but there were times when I wondered how different a 6-speed would have been in a particular situation. Before I bought my 2k1, I test drove used C5's with autos and really didn't notice a whole lot of performance difference from my C4. Later I found out the autos that I test drove had the 2.73 rears in them. Then I test drove a 6-speed 98 or 99 and let me tell you there was a noticeable difference in the way the car pulled through the gears...very strong. My mind was made up then. My new one would have a 6-speed and it does and I LOVE IT! Now I know those 3.42 gears have something to do with it, but I love having complete control of it as well. I know I'll never run the consistent times at the drag strip as an auto equipped car, but then again, I didn't buy her for that reason. Enjoy the car regardless what you purchase.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 451
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From: Champaign IL
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Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
Main concern is wife driving car, i.e., concerned she will be less willing to drive car if I get a stick. Does anyone have any input other then personal preference? Looking for technical reasons or information on the stick such as difficulty pressing clutch, etc. I have not driven the stick and the dealers don't have one I can try.
I haven't had any problems with my clutch being too stiff, even after a good 6hr block of stop and go driving, but I'm also a youngish guy so your mileage may vary.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,267
Likes: 6
From: Cumming Ga
Re: Auto or 6-speed (StormCrow)
I would never dream about buying an automatic sports car. The 6 is much better. I think it is a pity that so many people can't even drive a stick. Like my girlfriend, but I am teaching her.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,630
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From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
Reason for trading in my pristine '94 (23Kmiles) was I wanted a six-speed. Besides I drive it only for pleasure and never in heavy traffic.
If you do get the automatic at least try to get the performance axle option code G92 (3.15) versus the standard 2.73 rear in the auto. A bit better stoplight to stoplight performance. If you order the Z51 suspension with your automatic it will come with the 3.15 rear.
P.S. another benefit for me is that the wife can't drive a stick...though she doesn't want to drive it for fear of getting a scratch on it.
If you do get the automatic at least try to get the performance axle option code G92 (3.15) versus the standard 2.73 rear in the auto. A bit better stoplight to stoplight performance. If you order the Z51 suspension with your automatic it will come with the 3.15 rear.
P.S. another benefit for me is that the wife can't drive a stick...though she doesn't want to drive it for fear of getting a scratch on it.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 16,453
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From: here
Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
vettenuts....
If the wife prefers an auto, and you can only have one vette, I feel the A4 is your only choice. If she enjoys it too, then you can eventually get a second one, and only have to worry about what you want for that one..:) If she doesn't enjoy the car, you'll hear about it for the rest of your life...
If the wife prefers an auto, and you can only have one vette, I feel the A4 is your only choice. If she enjoys it too, then you can eventually get a second one, and only have to worry about what you want for that one..:) If she doesn't enjoy the car, you'll hear about it for the rest of your life...
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Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Elmhurst, IL (West Suburb of Chicago) & Home of MEGA Horsepower
St. Jude Donor '06
Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
Can't beat the old A4 at the old drag strip :smash:
Just ask Wade of ARE Racing, who races the fastest street legal vette in the Country (or World for that matter)!
Nitrovette :smash: :flag
Just ask Wade of ARE Racing, who races the fastest street legal vette in the Country (or World for that matter)!
Nitrovette :smash: :flag
Racer
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 288
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From: Chicago IL ------
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Re: Auto or 6-speed (vettenuts)
Go auto better in traffic. Plus you can see how pissed 6 speed guys
get at the track when your in mid 12's with little mods such as
gear and converter? :crazy: :lol: :smash:
get at the track when your in mid 12's with little mods such as
gear and converter? :crazy: :lol: :smash:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 1,203
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota FL
Re: Auto or 6-speed (Jimmy O)
A Corvette with an automatic is like a Cadillac with a stick...they just don't seem to go together (the previous statement would not apply if I lived in San Francisco) :yesnod:
I guess I'm a lucky guy...my wife was thrilled when we found out the 97 we were gonna buy had a 6-spd. She loves it; it's her everyday driver, and even lets me drive it. (Of course, having a 4-spd 57 in the garage doesn't hurt, either.) :lol: :lol:
Two Corvettes, ten speeds (soon to be eleven!)
[Modified by SebringBill, 10:33 PM 10/27/2001]
I guess I'm a lucky guy...my wife was thrilled when we found out the 97 we were gonna buy had a 6-spd. She loves it; it's her everyday driver, and even lets me drive it. (Of course, having a 4-spd 57 in the garage doesn't hurt, either.) :lol: :lol:
Two Corvettes, ten speeds (soon to be eleven!)
[Modified by SebringBill, 10:33 PM 10/27/2001]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,173
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Re: Auto or 6-speed (vette-crazy)
I've got one of each so let me throw my .02 in....
The MN6 is a blast, but if most of what you do is "in town" driving, think about the A4. :boxing It all depends on you, and what you are going to use the car for. :yesnod:
The MN6 is a blast, but if most of what you do is "in town" driving, think about the A4. :boxing It all depends on you, and what you are going to use the car for. :yesnod:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
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From: Riverview FL
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Re: Auto or 6-speed (Jimmy O)
Go auto better in traffic. Plus you can see how pissed 6 speed guys
get at the track when your in mid 12's with little mods such as
gear and converter? :crazy: :lol: :smash:
get at the track when your in mid 12's with little mods such as
gear and converter? :crazy: :lol: :smash:
