six speed vs automatic
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 280
Likes: 26
From: Kansas
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Finalist 2022 C1 of the Year - Unmodified
six speed vs automatic
I want a new 2010 GS and seem to have a problem finding one with manual tranny... so, any thoughts about the automatic with paddle shift? Responsive or not??? Thanks in advance.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 10,436
Likes: 4
From: Everett Wa
I have owned both and in many ways still wish I had both. But if I have to chose, manual is my first choice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 2,655
Likes: 5
From: Brea CA
well..
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 180
Likes: 6
From: Macomb Twp. MI
I agree. Manual for fun. Auto for convenance. My 2008 was manual and fun except in the metro area where I live with too much bumper to bumper traffic. Ergo, I didn't drive it as much as I would have liked. 2011 GS is ordered with the auto for everyday convenance.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,438
Likes: 31
From: Fairfax Virginia
There is a broader market for automatics than manuals, thus dealers are more likely to order auto for inventory. However, if you look in a bit wider market area you should be able to find a manual because there are plenty of them as well.
We have one of each and although the auto is a good transmission, it is NOT a substitute for a manual. If you enjoy driving manuals, as I do, it is worth the effort to continue to search for the car you want with the trans that you want. You specifically asked if the auto is responsive, and the answer to that is clearly yes. However, the manual is more fun to drive IMO.
We have one of each and although the auto is a good transmission, it is NOT a substitute for a manual. If you enjoy driving manuals, as I do, it is worth the effort to continue to search for the car you want with the trans that you want. You specifically asked if the auto is responsive, and the answer to that is clearly yes. However, the manual is more fun to drive IMO.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
I think if you do "NOT" plan on racing or tracking the car, pick the one you like best...
However if you plan on tracking it (road course or AutoX) I'd suggest a manual... but if you like/prefer Drag Racing I for SURE would go with an Automatic!
However if you plan on tracking it (road course or AutoX) I'd suggest a manual... but if you like/prefer Drag Racing I for SURE would go with an Automatic!
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
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
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 13,298
Likes: 14
From: Somers NY
(only 16 yr olds do that) it would depend on the distance.. if you were racing 1/4 mile or more remember you have to shift 3 times... with an automatic it shifts itself, and NEVER will miss a gear..! However assuming the manual car's driver does not miss a gear, he had better be one "Helluva" good man with a stick car.... or he will lose ground at each shift point..I'm assuming both cars have the same engine and are not modified..
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,198
Likes: 99
From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
We went to the local dealer and told them we wanted to drive an auto and a manual.
Auto = Easy to drive. I really didn't like the way the paddle shifters worked, maybe I just needed to get used to them. The car felt more like a touring car.
Manual = The car really felt like a sports car. Yes, it is a little more work, but IMHO, well worth it. Even the wife liked the manual better than the auto.
If this was my daily driver I might feel differently.
Auto = Easy to drive. I really didn't like the way the paddle shifters worked, maybe I just needed to get used to them. The car felt more like a touring car.
Manual = The car really felt like a sports car. Yes, it is a little more work, but IMHO, well worth it. Even the wife liked the manual better than the auto.
If this was my daily driver I might feel differently.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,813
Likes: 287
From: Toronto Ontario Canada
There are other things to consider. The GS auto besides costing more money is much different. The manual GS has dry sump oiling, differential cooler and rear-mounted battery. It also has launch control. If you ever take the car to a track these extras are nice. The manual version of the GS is a bargain for the extras that you get.
Exactly my thoughts.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,673
Likes: 9
From: Upstate New York
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 0
From: Columbus Ohio
If a stick is what you want, there is no way I would settle for an automatic. I have one of each, and for the fun factor, there is nothing like a stick!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 13,198
Likes: 99
From: West Chester OH
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In IX Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '13
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 22,223
Likes: 4,201
From: Kannapolis NC
Another hater. Of course the paddles change something, they change the gears, up or down with your hands on the wheel. It can be left in drive, then it's like other six speed automatics, but still not like automatics in "any other car"