So the look is finally growing on me... and after driving my buddy's 2009 6-Speed, I am SOLD. Still love my C5.. but it is time to update. I know I want a 2008 or newer convertible (I want the improvements brought in during 2008)... But one thing is up in the air: manual 6-speed or paddle-shifted Auto. My question is simple: Which one accelerates faster? Are they the same? I know the days of manual cars accelerating harder are closing... but I want to know.. in terms of tenths of a second, are the 6-speed manuals faster? Are they as fun to drive?

 

The A6 is an excellent trans and has fun attributes, especially in the '08 and up version that rpm matches on downshifts. But it isn't a manual, doesn't feel like a manual and for those who like to shift a manual the A6 is a half hearted substitute.

As far as acceleration, the A6, for most normal drivers, is hands down the winner. Check these numbers from the C6 Tech/Perf Forum, Quarter Mile Challenge Sticky. You will see A LOT of A6's at the top:

Showroom Stock LS3 (2008 - ????)

11.71 @ 119.94 - AndrewZPSU - 08 M6 - (2590)
11.80 @ 118.82 - Gmrulz - 08 A6 Z51, NPP - (3482)
12.10 @ 117.60 - Dingrao - 08 A6 - (3567)
12.10 @ 115.19 - Odin - 09 A6 2.73 npp - (4329)
12.12 @ 116.59 - Pettvette - 08 A6 - (4282)
12.15 @ 115.59 - Old Goat - 09 A6 2.73 - (3712)
12.16 @ 116.54 - Vinsane112 - 08 A6 2.73 - (2744)
12.18 @ 117.72 - Hardhattg - 08 M6 Z51 - (2690)
12.23 @ 112.86 - 940CACC - 08 A6 - (2880)
12.26 @ 115.22 - Oklahoma - 08 A6 - (3767)
12.27 @ 118.66 - EZ28 - 08 M6 Z51 NPP - (3251)
12.35 @ 117.47 - Bain - 08 A6 NPP 2.73 - (2759)
12.26 @ 116.94 - TNorman - 08 A6 NPP - (4231)
12.40 @ 114.70 - Jschindler - 08 M6 Z51 NPP - (2138)
12.41 @ 116.15 - JTorchz06 - 09 A6 Z51 NPP - (3190)
12.41 @ 115.38 - HOXXOH - 08 A6 F55 - (2486)
12.49 @ 115.54 - 1.8T - 08 M6 Z51 - (2314)
12.55 @ 114.70 - Larry R - 08 A6 2.73 - (4058)
12.60 @ 114.12 - Beefcake - 08 A6 - (2882)
12.65 @ 114.99 - PhillyLS1 - 09 M6 - (3156)
12.66 @ 113.61 - CFP40 - 08 A6 NPP 2.73 - (2834)
13.35 @ 110.78 - M453W - 09 A6 NPP- (4061)
13.42 @ 109.32 - Dan Wendling - 09 A6 NPP - (4036)

 

The manual transmission should be fractionally faster IF you are really good with a manual transmission simply because it is mechanically more efficient than a torque converter automatic such as found in the Corvette, but not that many people make the effort to master the skills involved, and even the best of us will not execute every shift perfectly all the time. To me a manual transmission is ten times more fun than an automatic, but then again I don't have two left feet, I am not physically handicaped, nor do I drive in bumper to bumper stop and go traffic.

 

In my 20's and 30's, manual was the only way to go as a DD even.

Now in my early 50's the A6 was the right choice for me.

It's a personal choice....no one can make it for you.

 

just picked up ew GS with A6 came from 03 C5 Just due it you will be happy

 

 

I can answer this much, as far as I am personally concerned, the manuals are fun to drive, the Automatics would be extremely boring for me...... I'd never buy an Auto Corvette. If given one, I'd sell it.

Oh I can also tell you that you will love the C6. I too owned a C5 previosuly and loved it, but the C6 is even nicer. I still love the C5's though.

 

Drive one of each and then decide. You get pros and cons for both from here. I went A6 with my 06 and don't regret it. I believe you'll enjoy the C6 more than the C5 once you're in it. I know I do.

 

I've had manual trany's in other sports cars I've owned and I finally got so sick and tired of shifting all the time, and replacing the clutches. With the technology of the current automatic, I see them equally as fun.....and you can concentrate on other things than shifting.

The C6 is a massive leap from the C5.

 

About 70% of 08 C6 coupes have the automatic... probably more to choose from in the used-car market.

Which accelerates faster? IMO, it's a drivers race. So I wouldn't let that be your only reason for making a tranny choice.

Do some research. Lots & lots of auto vs manual threads.

I've had many manual trannies. I ordered my 09 C6 with the auto and I'm very pleased, no regrets. If I had it to do over again, I'd still get the A6.

 

I drove both before I purchased my 2008 and to me the Manual 6 speed was the only choice. Just more fun, you feel more connected to the car. As for which is fastest for many the auto would be faster but not enough to make me own one.

 

In 2009 two thirds of all coupes and 82% of all convertibles had an automatic; the rest including, Z06s and ZR1s had manual trannies which means 49.5% of all Vetttes were equipped with manual transmissions.

 

I went from a C5 to GS both manual big difference, GS much improved. Did you mention what kind of tranny you have now ???

 

I went from a M6 C5 to an A6 08... It was the right choice for me....

 

I can't imagine owning my Vette without it being a manual.

 

I also moved from a MN6 C5 to MN6 C6 a few months ago. If I had an A6 then my wife would want to drive it (she refuses to drive a manual). The C6 has a greatly improved shift feel over the C5, after it's warmed up. Plus, I love the tremec reliability.

 

do yourself a favor and get the A6 version. Rip that computer out along with the Trans module and send it to Chuck Cow. Just got mine back....... NASTY! I'll take that enhanced auto any day of the week. Simply sick!

 

For those of you whose wives rule the roost (I suspect the majority of CF participants) and who request (demand) an A6, it is the only way to go (if you want your marrage to survive). Good luck!

 

Automatic is always faster. Manuals are becoming a thing of the past even though I love mine. If I buy a Porsche I will get the PDK just so I can go fast.

 

I went with the A6 makes for a great daily driver and for the weekends I got the boosted C5 that is a blast rowing the gears, you can not go wrong with either tranny