Automatic vs 6 speed manual
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,826
Likes: 0
From: So. California
Automatic vs 6 speed manual
I learned to drive on a manual transmission and loved it. However, my last 2 'Vettes have been automatic due to the fact that I tend to drive in alot of traffic (live in Los Angeles, need I say more?). However, I test drove the 6 speed, and am now in love (once again) with the manual transmission. Am wondering, is that a wise choice? Will there be significant clutch and transmission repairs? 
Last edited by oneldybug; Mar 4, 2005 at 07:08 PM. Reason: icon in wrong spot
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 293
Likes: 49
From: Westlake Village Ca
I am on my 6th Vette (2 C4's, 3 C5's, and 1 C6), and never had had a problem and they were all 6 speeds. The C6 is by far the easiest to drive. And I drive 18-20k per year and am a one car driver. And, oh by the way, I also live in LA. Need I say more!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 5,420
Likes: 1
From: Just moved back to the "old country"
This has been discussed in many threads - bottom line, buy what you like and what works for you. I have driven the 6 speed and it is wonderful - but I wanted an auto and it too is wonderful - if you think you might like the auto I would suggest you try it ... I did and then I was sold -
No bad decisions here ...
No bad decisions here ...
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 8
Ah, the perpetual debate. Many of us have been there & yes, it boils down to personal decision, likes/dislikes, & traffic! My advice would be that if it'll mostly be a weekend driver, definitely 6sp, but depending on how much traffic you're in, you may well enjoy the auto- i got an auto this time & tho i miss the 6 speed about once a day, i don't miss it when i'm crawling in traffic! The torque of these things makes for great engine control even with the auto, tho of course you don't have quite the control of a manual. The ride, stereo & overall experience of driving a vette is something special, too, regardless of tranny. Test drive both, determine how much traffic you drive in (ie i drive 28 miles to work in dallas traffic, & my average speed is 33mph!!!), and pick one. As one wise person on this board pointed out, many auto drivers wish for 6spd & many 6sp drivers wish for autos from time to time, & until Chevy gives us paddle shifters, we have to go one way or the other. No losers here, just a wonderful car. Choose & go!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,287
Likes: 7
From: n/a SC
Originally Posted by Kreuzen
...shouldn't be allowed to put auto's in vettes! 
No, this is how it should be.......ALL verts no coupes just like mazda miatas!
vert is a vette thing not how the gears are changed the first vette was a auto vert. Show me a 53-62 coupe
all in fun people!
Last edited by wildman378; Mar 4, 2005 at 10:13 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 37,329
Likes: 12
From: Plano Texas
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
CI-VI Car Show Winner
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
I would suggest, assuming you are not in a hurry for the C6, to wait until mid- summer to see what GM has up their sleeves ala the 'new 6 sp automatic'.
Just my $0.02 considering your like of the auto.
Just my $0.02 considering your like of the auto.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Schaumburg IL
Personnally, If I was in your situation I would buy the auto. In solid bumper to bumper like the post above says you'll really feel it in the knees, not to mention the incredibly huge pain in your a$$ from shifting in traffic. And the coffee spills from stopping short, and the wear and tear on the trans and clutch, etc. etc. etc. etc.
