manual vs. automatic and prices
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
manual vs. automatic and prices
Hello everyone....I have one question and then a comment about prices. First, what does everyone think about a manual transmission vs. an automatic. I do not own a vette yet, but am looking. I have not driven a manual transmission since high school in the mid 70's, mostly in driving class, so I am 30 years used to an automatic. However, I do understand that a vette is a primo sports car and that maybe only old men drive an automatic transmission in them (no offense....I am kind of joking here).....so I am interested in what everyone thinks.....Second, I was reading another thread about prices and I can tell you that in the Cleveland, Ohio area, which has several dealerships with large allocations, I have not found any that are willing to discount a 2005 vette....MSRP is the norm and they do seem to sell them as fast as the come in.....now they are talking about ordering a 2006, of course at MSRP.....so what to do??......it would be great to get a vette in OCTOBER in Cleveland....what a great snow car to drive (LOL) !!!!!!!!!!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
The auto / manual question is a tough one to give advice on. It's like trying to say what's the best color. I think the best thing to do is try to drive one of each and see which feels better to you. My last manual was 20 years ago (Trans Am) and I was absolutely convinced that I didn't want the hassle of a stick if I ever got into a Corvette. That all changed when I test drove a C6 with a stick. The exhilaration was so strong that I didn't even bother to drive one with an automatic; I ordered the stick without hesitation. (The car is being built next week.)
Last edited by Jesse; Jun 19, 2005 at 12:35 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 26,714
Likes: 344
From: Houston, TX
Dennis - welcome to the forum 
First, on the transmission choice. You will get all kinds of opinions here - this comes up a lot. Most of the good guys will simply tell you to get what you want. I"m a six speed guy and my Corvette is a six speed, but for practical reasons my daily driver is an automatic (mostly because my wife has to be able to drive it).
My advice on manual transmissions is the same as my advice on buying a black car. If you are "drawn" to them, then go for it. If not, the hassles may become an annoyance to you. No right or wrong anwers here.
On pricing. There should be some discounts available. They have held closer to MSRP consistently during the good weather, but I think there may still be discounts. I'd call a few of the big "forum" dealers and see what they say. You can find them in the "Dealer Inventory" or "C6's for Sale" section of this forum.
First, on the transmission choice. You will get all kinds of opinions here - this comes up a lot. Most of the good guys will simply tell you to get what you want. I"m a six speed guy and my Corvette is a six speed, but for practical reasons my daily driver is an automatic (mostly because my wife has to be able to drive it).
My advice on manual transmissions is the same as my advice on buying a black car. If you are "drawn" to them, then go for it. If not, the hassles may become an annoyance to you. No right or wrong anwers here.
On pricing. There should be some discounts available. They have held closer to MSRP consistently during the good weather, but I think there may still be discounts. I'd call a few of the big "forum" dealers and see what they say. You can find them in the "Dealer Inventory" or "C6's for Sale" section of this forum.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,514
Likes: 1
From: Orwigsburg Pa.
I have been alternating between manuals and autos my last 5 cars----been keeping the manual for about a year and the autos for about 3 years. After a time the manual begins to wear out it's welcome --at least for me. Another thing is I just never warmed up to6 speeds--I very much like a 5 speed stick---4 moving gears and an overdrive. After time the extra gears for most are just not a neccessity. Most times you bang it in the first 3 gears and then have to back off anyway---5th gear is seldom used in everyday driving .
The manual is indeed fun espescially in twisty backroads--as a daily driver in traffic it becomes not so fun. What are your needs for the car---how do you plan to use it most??These questions may determine the decision best.
In a perfect world we all would have both.In fact a lot of guys here seem to have an mn6 Vette as well as an auto e55 AMG or some other exotic.
Good luck and you will enjoy whatever your choice .
The manual is indeed fun espescially in twisty backroads--as a daily driver in traffic it becomes not so fun. What are your needs for the car---how do you plan to use it most??These questions may determine the decision best.
In a perfect world we all would have both.In fact a lot of guys here seem to have an mn6 Vette as well as an auto e55 AMG or some other exotic.
Good luck and you will enjoy whatever your choice .
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 35,749
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From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
It’s a Vette in name only unless it’s a stick. A good sport car deserves a stick to appreciate it fully. With that said my daily driver (4x4 pickup) is an auto) I have driven my many standard shift vehicles in bumper to bumper traffic and do not find it that much of a problem. It’s not an age question about tranny types, heck I’m 58 and buying a new Vette (6spd) which I probably will keep for about 4 years. When I get a new one it will be a stick. The only way I will ever get an auto Vette is if something happens to me that will not allow a clutch to be operated.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 16,684
Likes: 1,193
From: La Center WA
Originally Posted by mpuzach
The auto / manual question is a tough one to give advice on. It's like trying to say what's the best color. I think the best thing to do is try to drive one of each and see which feels better to you. My last manual was 20 years ago (Trans Am) and I was absolutely convinced that I didn't want the hassle of a stick if I ever got into a Corvette. That all changed when I test drove a C6 with a stick. The exhilaration was so strong that I didn't even bother to drive one with an automatic; I ordered the stick without hesitation. (The car is being built next week.)
For the record, I sent a PM to the mod who edited my post. Here's his response:
"Is (dealer name) a forum vendor
I don't believe so, and we don't promote dealers on the forum who do not pay to advertise..."
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
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From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Originally Posted by Dennis LoConti
However, I do understand that a vette is a primo sports car and that maybe only old men drive an automatic transmission in them (no offense....I am kind of joking here)..... !!!!!!!!!!
Just the opposite. Only the older guys around here can actually drive a manual. The young guys NEED an automatic and have never heard of or can do double clutching. I hear all this nonsence about 'blipping the throttle" which is just an excuse for not pulling off a proper DC.
Sloppy, rough and hard on the transmission= throttle blipping
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
Outside of a few people who just dont like sticks I dont think you will get much arguement that they are more fun to drive. The question is will it become more hassle than pleasure. I have been a stick guy since I was a kid and seldom drive an auto. For me even in stop and go traffic Im not bothered in the least. Im pretty much a human auto I guess. Thats just me though. For you it might be enough to make you want to slit your wrists. Perhaps a good friend or relative could let you borrow their stick car for a day or two and you could put in some stick time? That would at least give you a taste and help stir those dormant stickshifting brain cells. Might answer your question for you.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,253
Likes: 50
From: Sandy Eggo Calif.
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12, '16
Originally Posted by crabman
I dont think you will get much arguement that they are more fun to drive.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
Originally Posted by Dennis LoConti
However, I do understand that a vette is a primo sports car and that maybe only old men drive an automatic transmission in them ...
On the other hand, it's great to see guys in their 80's and 90's still driving Vettes, so who am I to criticize? If they need an auto to help them get the car in motion, more power to them!
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ztheusa
Just the opposite. Only the older guys around here can actually drive a manual. The young guys NEED an automatic and have never heard of or can do double clutching.
In Europe the vast majority of cars are, and has always been, stick shifts. And no one, not even "old farts", double clutch.
/
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,430
Likes: 81
From: Whidbey Island WA
Originally Posted by TommyV
Maybe the new A6 w/ paddles will bring a little more entertainment value to the auto.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 14
Originally Posted by Vette owner wannabe
I do belive that "double clutching" became obsolete around the time after the war (WWII), when the the modern fully synchronized manual gearbox was widely introduced. There is absolutly no need for double clutching, in a post war car!
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,369
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From: For the strength of the pack is the wolf . . . . . . and the strength of the wolf is the pack.
MN6 v A4 is a personal choice.
You'll find many threads and hundreds of opinions on the subject.
The best advice I've read here: The fact that you're asking means you should probably go for the A4.
I suggest at least trying to get a test drive in an MN6, and take it from there.
You'll find many threads and hundreds of opinions on the subject.
The best advice I've read here: The fact that you're asking means you should probably go for the A4.
I suggest at least trying to get a test drive in an MN6, and take it from there.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 22,437
Likes: 2
From: Hamburger Hill...MAY 69
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by 6spdC6
It’s a Vette in name only unless it’s a stick. A good sport car deserves a stick to appreciate it fully. With that said my daily driver (4x4 pickup) is an auto) I have driven my many standard shift vehicles in bumper to bumper traffic and do not find it that much of a problem. It’s not an age question about tranny types, heck I’m 58 and buying a new Vette (6spd) which I probably will keep for about 4 years. When I get a new one it will be a stick. The only way I will ever get an auto Vette is if something happens to me that will not allow a clutch to be operated.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 18,369
Likes: 142
From: For the strength of the pack is the wolf . . . . . . and the strength of the wolf is the pack.
Originally Posted by juiceman03070
53-54-Autos only....So 55 must have been the first year Vettes were built....I drive a truck all week , and my wife likes the Vette to take to work....This for me is a pleasure vehicle so A4 was our choice..WHAT EVER MAKES YOUR DOG BARK
Don't forget '82. Only autos there too.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 113
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by shopdog
Properly double clutching will reduce wear on the synchros.
Originally Posted by shopdog
And double clutching will allow you to quickly shift down several gears at a time without overriding the synchro and grinding.
/
Last edited by Vette owner wannabe; Jun 19, 2005 at 08:45 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 58
Likes: 1
From: Washington North Carolina
Auto vs Stick (we say straight drive in NC!):
Test drive 'em both - then decide.
Re: double-clutching: now here's a topic I can speak on. (20 years in big trucks) Most of the time in big trucks, I never used the clutch (except for launching or stopping). When the speed is matched to the rpm, it falls into gear. Period. Double clutching is not necessary in a car - unless - you fail to match the rpm needed for the next gear (hence - "blipping the throttle."). Want to get proficient at shifting? Go find an old B-Model Mack truck and learn to shift a 15 speed tri-plex without the clutch!
It's all about rpm's, my son.
Test drive 'em both - then decide.
Re: double-clutching: now here's a topic I can speak on. (20 years in big trucks) Most of the time in big trucks, I never used the clutch (except for launching or stopping). When the speed is matched to the rpm, it falls into gear. Period. Double clutching is not necessary in a car - unless - you fail to match the rpm needed for the next gear (hence - "blipping the throttle."). Want to get proficient at shifting? Go find an old B-Model Mack truck and learn to shift a 15 speed tri-plex without the clutch!
It's all about rpm's, my son.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 420
From: Taildragers rule! USA1
Originally Posted by Vette owner wannabe
I do belive that "double clutching" became obsolete around the time after the war (WWII), when the the modern fully synchronized manual gearbox was widely introduced. There is absolutly no need for double clutching, in a post war car!
In Europe the vast majority of cars are, and has always been, stick shifts. And no one, not even "old farts", double clutch.
/
In Europe the vast majority of cars are, and has always been, stick shifts. And no one, not even "old farts", double clutch.
/