C6 automatic VS manual
Thread Starter
8th Gear
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Taipei Taiwan
C6 automatic VS manual
Shopping for a C6 lately and was surprised to find out majority of cars on the used market consists of auto transmision C6. Which is a faster car 0-60mph, 1/4 mile, top speed?
Is the reason for majority of used C6 being auto due to past owners dumping auto transmission in search of manual transmission cars? Could it be that auto transmission is the more popular and desirable model hence there are more of them on the used car market?
I currently own a late model tiptronic Porsche and manual Lotus. This will be my third sportscar. Should I opt for manual or auto transmission?
Is the reason for majority of used C6 being auto due to past owners dumping auto transmission in search of manual transmission cars? Could it be that auto transmission is the more popular and desirable model hence there are more of them on the used car market?
I currently own a late model tiptronic Porsche and manual Lotus. This will be my third sportscar. Should I opt for manual or auto transmission?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,791
Likes: 44
From: Loudon/Lake Mary Tennessee/Florida
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,230
Likes: 8,482
From: Rochester, NY
I drove them both before I purchased mine, and it was like night and day. Had to go with the Manual all the way. People will give many reasons for buying an auto over a manual truth is they do not want to shift and work the clutch.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento CA
Love mine
I love my auto. Yes it needs a tweek from the factory to get crisper shifts, but now it is great. It has the best of both worlds out in the twistys paddle shift to my hearts delight, caught in traffic or on the drag strip let the auto do it's thing. I could not be happier and I have had/ have both.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 6,412
Likes: 1,295
From: Bluffton, SC
Purely personal preference. Speed is not an issue since both are fast. Some drivers love to shift manually, others just want to leave it in one gear and let the car shift for them.
I've always thought that shifting manually was part of the sports car experience, but that's me.
I've always thought that shifting manually was part of the sports car experience, but that's me.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 572
Likes: 0
From: Seattle Wa
This is, of course, one of the most hotly debated topics in Corvette forums. And one of the reasons we have the new G/S Vette.
In the end, it comes down to personal preferance. Some folks have long bumper to bumper traffic commutes. Others are physically incapable of shifting. While still others simply prefer to NOT shift the car manually. Or, as in the story of my next door neighbor, he bought a auto so his wife could enjoy driving the Vette. (In over three years of ownership, she has driven it twice)
Then there's the other side of the story. Some believe that a Corvette is not a real sports car without a manual tranny, and that GM shouldn't even offer the car with an auto.
The truth is, that the majority of Vettes sold are equipped with a auto trans, as you've already found out.
Interesting enough, history has shown us that when GM releases a special, or more performance oriented version of their beloved Corvette, it has tradionally been offered only as a manual transmissioned car.
Lately that would be the Z06 and ZR1, but there have been others in the past too.
While I drive a Z06, and henceforth had no choice to what tranny I had, if I were purchasing a base model Vette, I would have still chosen a manual.
I prefer to shift, as all of my vehicles are manuals with the exception of my Silverado, which Chevy wouldn't sell to me with a manual.
So I'm sure you're not surprised when I say..."Go for the manual!"
In the end, it comes down to personal preferance. Some folks have long bumper to bumper traffic commutes. Others are physically incapable of shifting. While still others simply prefer to NOT shift the car manually. Or, as in the story of my next door neighbor, he bought a auto so his wife could enjoy driving the Vette. (In over three years of ownership, she has driven it twice)
Then there's the other side of the story. Some believe that a Corvette is not a real sports car without a manual tranny, and that GM shouldn't even offer the car with an auto.
The truth is, that the majority of Vettes sold are equipped with a auto trans, as you've already found out.
Interesting enough, history has shown us that when GM releases a special, or more performance oriented version of their beloved Corvette, it has tradionally been offered only as a manual transmissioned car.
Lately that would be the Z06 and ZR1, but there have been others in the past too.
While I drive a Z06, and henceforth had no choice to what tranny I had, if I were purchasing a base model Vette, I would have still chosen a manual.
I prefer to shift, as all of my vehicles are manuals with the exception of my Silverado, which Chevy wouldn't sell to me with a manual.
So I'm sure you're not surprised when I say..."Go for the manual!"
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,886
Likes: 1,193
From: Ft. Myers FL
I have an A6 which I do track. It runs great! Now, if you already have a Tiptronic Porsche, you will be disappointed with the A6. It only shifts great when you get it tuned. I'd recommend getting a manual. If you hate traffic, then drive your Porsche.
Retired & lovin' it!
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,471
Likes: 543
From: Jackson NJ
This is, of course, one of the most hotly debated topics in Corvette forums. And one of the reasons we have the new G/S Vette.
In the end, it comes down to personal preferance. Some folks have long bumper to bumper traffic commutes. Others are physically incapable of shifting. While still others simply prefer to NOT shift the car manually. Or, as in the story of my next door neighbor, he bought a auto so his wife could enjoy driving the Vette. (In over three years of ownership, she has driven it twice)
Then there's the other side of the story. Some believe that a Corvette is not a real sports car without a manual tranny, and that GM shouldn't even offer the car with an auto.
The truth is, that the majority of Vettes sold are equipped with a auto trans, as you've already found out.
Interesting enough, history has shown us that when GM releases a special, or more performance oriented version of their beloved Corvette, it has tradionally been offered only as a manual transmissioned car.
Lately that would be the Z06 and ZR1, but there have been others in the past too.
While I drive a Z06, and henceforth had no choice to what tranny I had, if I were purchasing a base model Vette, I would have still chosen a manual.
I prefer to shift, as all of my vehicles are manuals with the exception of my Silverado, which Chevy wouldn't sell to me with a manual.
So I'm sure you're not surprised when I say..."Go for the manual!"
In the end, it comes down to personal preferance. Some folks have long bumper to bumper traffic commutes. Others are physically incapable of shifting. While still others simply prefer to NOT shift the car manually. Or, as in the story of my next door neighbor, he bought a auto so his wife could enjoy driving the Vette. (In over three years of ownership, she has driven it twice)
Then there's the other side of the story. Some believe that a Corvette is not a real sports car without a manual tranny, and that GM shouldn't even offer the car with an auto.
The truth is, that the majority of Vettes sold are equipped with a auto trans, as you've already found out.
Interesting enough, history has shown us that when GM releases a special, or more performance oriented version of their beloved Corvette, it has tradionally been offered only as a manual transmissioned car.
Lately that would be the Z06 and ZR1, but there have been others in the past too.
While I drive a Z06, and henceforth had no choice to what tranny I had, if I were purchasing a base model Vette, I would have still chosen a manual.
I prefer to shift, as all of my vehicles are manuals with the exception of my Silverado, which Chevy wouldn't sell to me with a manual.
So I'm sure you're not surprised when I say..."Go for the manual!"
Over the years I've owned all kinds of sports cars from MG's & Triumph's to Alfa's to E-Type Jags & Vettes....all have had manual transmissions. IMHO that's what makes a sports car. On the other hand, if your Vette is to be a daily driver & you have a busy commute, then an Auto might be a better choice. All personal preference....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,188
Likes: 4
From: S.F. Bay Area CA.
Shopping for a C6 lately and was surprised to find out majority of cars on the used market consists of auto transmision C6. Which is a faster car 0-60mph, 1/4 mile, top speed?
Is the reason for majority of used C6 being auto due to past owners dumping auto transmission in search of manual transmission cars? Could it be that auto transmission is the more popular and desirable model hence there are more of them on the used car market?
I currently own a late model tiptronic Porsche and manual Lotus. This will be my third sportscar. Should I opt for manual or auto transmission?
Is the reason for majority of used C6 being auto due to past owners dumping auto transmission in search of manual transmission cars? Could it be that auto transmission is the more popular and desirable model hence there are more of them on the used car market?
I currently own a late model tiptronic Porsche and manual Lotus. This will be my third sportscar. Should I opt for manual or auto transmission?
A) ZR1, Z06, or Z51, manual
Q) Could it be that auto transmission is the more popular and desirable model hence there are more of them on the used car market?
A) No, the reason is that most of folks that buy Vettes are older, and don't want to be bothered shifting a manual transmission.
Q) Could it be that auto transmission is the more popular and desirable model hence there are more of them on the used car market?
A) Popular, yes. Desirable, yes, to those that don't want to shift.
Q) This will be my third sportscar. Should I opt for manual or auto transmission?
A) If you want a "sports car", get a manual. Since you are buying used, look for a '08, or '09, manual, Z51, dual mode exhaust (NPP, is the code), coupe, or the top performance '08 + Z06, '09 + ZR1, or a '10 GS, manual coupe.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 158
Likes: 9
From: Missouri
This all comes down to the individual. The first car I ever had was a 4 sp. stick. And the second by the way. But those two cars were back in the 60's. When I started driving in city traffic my third car was a automatic. Have never looked back. And even though I don't have a long drive (in city traffic) any more, when I purchased my Corvette (new in 09) It had to be an auto. There must be something to the A6 because GM sells and mfg's more of them than the M6. It will be your car. Get what you want!
Racer
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 355
Likes: 47
From: WEST TEXAS
Garage queen or daily driver, my muscle car or sports car will always be a stick!!!
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 5
From: Minneapolis MN
The manual with a skilled driver will be faster due to lower drive-train interference, but with an average driver the auto will be faster.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 82,175
Likes: 1,319
From: McKinney TX
St. Jude Donor '21-'22-'23-'24
Quarter mile times, forum members, bone stock.
Showroom Stock LS2 (2005 -2007)
12.21 @ 115.45 - LS1LT1 - 06 A6 - (1282)
12.23 @ 115.58 - 06C6FVR - 06 M6 Z51 - (337)
12.31 @ 114.82 - CYA Vett - 05 M6 F55 - (679)
12.38 @ 115.86 - Proney - 07 M6 - (3521)
12.42 @ 113.90 - DrRichie - 05 M6 Z51
12.49 @ 114.90 - Jschindler - 05 M6 Z51
12.53 @ 113.00 - Wicked07C6 - 07 M6 Z51 - (918)
12.54 @ 113.59 - Tony 63 Vette - 06 A6 - (1514)
12.54 @ 113.74 - Tony96LT4 - 06 A6 Z51 - (1153)
12.56 @ 113.39 - Red Sleeper - 06 A6
12.56 @ 112.00 - Orange C6 - 05 A4 Z51 - (60)
12.63 @ 114.88 - Prankster - 06 M6 - (1625)
12.64 @ 108.69 - DMcRacer - 07 A6 Z51 - (4223)
12.65 @ 111.65 - Zippin Zee - 05 M6 Z51 - (51)
12.66 @ 113.03 - Mdrrandall - 07 M6 Z51 - (1679)
12.69 @ 112.32 - Silverlx - 06 A6 - (876)
12.70 @ 112.43 - Jelsis - 06 A6 Z51 - (456)
12.70 @ 113.00 - Blackmajik - 07 A6 - (1631)
12.71 @ 111.30 - Flyin05 - 05 M6 Z51
12.71 @ 111.00 - Demented - 05 A4 Z51
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)
12.35 @ 116.67 - 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)
12.42 @ 116.67 - pea jay - 08 A6 - (4453)
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)
12.21 @ 115.45 - LS1LT1 - 06 A6 - (1282)
12.23 @ 115.58 - 06C6FVR - 06 M6 Z51 - (337)
12.31 @ 114.82 - CYA Vett - 05 M6 F55 - (679)
12.38 @ 115.86 - Proney - 07 M6 - (3521)
12.42 @ 113.90 - DrRichie - 05 M6 Z51
12.49 @ 114.90 - Jschindler - 05 M6 Z51
12.53 @ 113.00 - Wicked07C6 - 07 M6 Z51 - (918)
12.54 @ 113.59 - Tony 63 Vette - 06 A6 - (1514)
12.54 @ 113.74 - Tony96LT4 - 06 A6 Z51 - (1153)
12.56 @ 113.39 - Red Sleeper - 06 A6
12.56 @ 112.00 - Orange C6 - 05 A4 Z51 - (60)
12.63 @ 114.88 - Prankster - 06 M6 - (1625)
12.64 @ 108.69 - DMcRacer - 07 A6 Z51 - (4223)
12.65 @ 111.65 - Zippin Zee - 05 M6 Z51 - (51)
12.66 @ 113.03 - Mdrrandall - 07 M6 Z51 - (1679)
12.69 @ 112.32 - Silverlx - 06 A6 - (876)
12.70 @ 112.43 - Jelsis - 06 A6 Z51 - (456)
12.70 @ 113.00 - Blackmajik - 07 A6 - (1631)
12.71 @ 111.30 - Flyin05 - 05 M6 Z51
12.71 @ 111.00 - Demented - 05 A4 Z51
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)
12.35 @ 116.67 - 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)
12.42 @ 116.67 - pea jay - 08 A6 - (4453)
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)
Last edited by Vette_DD; Jun 15, 2010 at 12:49 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 4,724
Likes: 7
From: Southern California
The Corvette C6 Auto 6 will not perform anywhere close to the Porsche Tiptronic transmission even after a tranny tune. It will shift quicker, but the Tiptronic is extremely fast and super solid. There is a "night & day" difference in the two trannys. Go with the manual.