Standard vs Automatic - Launch Control
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,271
Likes: 8,544
From: Rochester, NY
They are obviously both fast enough to impress your passenger. As for a drag race I still say close enough that it comes down to the driver.
For me I love the manual and shifting gears, working the clutch, etc.
Just drive them both and make your decision, people love both the auto and the manual for many reasons.
For me I love the manual and shifting gears, working the clutch, etc.
Just drive them both and make your decision, people love both the auto and the manual for many reasons.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8,514
Likes: 235
From: Currently somewhere in IL,IN,KY,TN,MO,AR,MS,AL, or FL
A misunderstanding of launch control? It doesn't "shift" for you, you still have to manually depress the clutch and move the shift lever once you're moving.
A VERY experienced manual shift operator might beat a rookie in an Automatic in a drag race but any situation like a roll on downshift the Auto will win. Want to impress your friends? Floor your A6 from a 35 MPH roll.
A6 advantages;
No missed shifts.
No clutch fluid changes.
No "heel /toe worries, your left foot is just for braking
No problems moving from a stop on a steep grade
No worries about overrevving the engine from a missed downshift
A VERY experienced manual shift operator might beat a rookie in an Automatic in a drag race but any situation like a roll on downshift the Auto will win. Want to impress your friends? Floor your A6 from a 35 MPH roll.
A6 advantages;
No missed shifts.
No clutch fluid changes.
No "heel /toe worries, your left foot is just for braking
No problems moving from a stop on a steep grade
No worries about overrevving the engine from a missed downshift
And nothing impresses a passenger more than missing a shift.
The manual might be fun but the auto is a lot more convenient as well as being faster.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 4
From: ---Phoenix, AZ --- Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
From 30mph and below it will downshift to 1st gear and haul ***! Above 30mph it downshifts to 2nd which creates a slower pull until the rpm's build. In other words 35mph is a dead spot to me.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,641
Likes: 142
From: wolfeboro nh
Pro
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 577
Likes: 8
From: Black Diamond Wa
Go test drive both and make YOUR decision. That's the only way YOU can be happy. As for those who are worried about being embarrassed about missing a shift then you are an auto guy. Anyone who can manhandle a stick is WAYYYYYYYYYY more impressive than some guy pushing a button. Driving vs. riding. That being said an auto will almost always beat a stick in a drag race.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 216
Likes: 8
I've had 2 Supercharged SVT Cobra's, Trans AM, Challenger SRT8, '99 FRC Vette, and a 01 ZO6. All of these were manuals. Loved driving them for fun, not so much everyday.
Also had a Charger SRT8, 09 Cadillac CTSV, and my current 11 Grand Sport Vette. All automatic. They all "felt" faster to me and to some of my passengers than the manuals.
I realize that it's just because of they way the auto shifts that it feels faster, but it's hard to shift better than a computer.
The automatic, even with paddle shift does take some of the fun out of driving...no doubt.
However, I do not regret going with an auto. If I could afford to have both I would. Can't go wrong with either.
If you want to impress your guy friends..get a 6MT, it always has the wow factor. If you want to cruise and keep your right hand free to rest on your girl's leg than get the auto. lol
Both are fast as heck!
Also had a Charger SRT8, 09 Cadillac CTSV, and my current 11 Grand Sport Vette. All automatic. They all "felt" faster to me and to some of my passengers than the manuals.
I realize that it's just because of they way the auto shifts that it feels faster, but it's hard to shift better than a computer.
The automatic, even with paddle shift does take some of the fun out of driving...no doubt.
However, I do not regret going with an auto. If I could afford to have both I would. Can't go wrong with either.
If you want to impress your guy friends..get a 6MT, it always has the wow factor. If you want to cruise and keep your right hand free to rest on your girl's leg than get the auto. lol
Both are fast as heck!
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 497
Likes: 15
From: Niagara Falls NY
Thanks for all the great feedback to my original question. I'm feeling better about going with an automatic. I'm sure there will be times I wished I had the stick, but overall the automatic seems ideal.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Texas Hill Country Texas
Now I got one. Sometimes I do wish for a stick, but I've learned how to use the paddles (it just took awhile as I think mentally it requires a different perspective) and now I'm pretty happy with the auto.
In fact unless the C7 has a dual clutch paddle shifter, I think I'll stick to an auto then too.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
From: Rochester IL
Why are we talking opinion here? Isn't there some subjective test that has run a 2011 GS M6 vs an A6? If not let's do it. Then we can know if the hand built Wixom engine with the dry sump oil system is designed to be faster in the M6. Or we can discover if the power robbing necessary (what is it - 5% loss to run the automatic - that would be 436 hp vs 415 hp?) to run the automatic can overcome the "lack of efficient manual shifting". No opinions here based on emotion but as Sgt. Friday used to say "Just the facts maam, just the facts." Come on, where are all you archival searchers? 
I have a M6, Would have nothing but, JM2C
And by the way…. Launch control is the cats A$$……! !
"AND" NO-WAY does it spin for 100 Ft….."Give me a break"
That's what it supposed to alleviate is the wheel spin….
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 316
Likes: 0
From: San Deigo California
Years ago I was at a Sox and Martin drag seminar. The audience kept asking round about questions about the automatic. Finally Ronnie Sox straight up said to stop asking those questions they tested and they use a standard. The PR guys must have told them they could not say outright that the standard was better, but duh - why are we one of the best drag teams in the country and using a standard trans.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 6,359
Likes: 163
From: Concord NC
Years ago I was at a Sox and Martin drag seminar. The audience kept asking round about questions about the automatic. Finally Ronnie Sox straight up said to stop asking those questions they tested and they use a standard. The PR guys must have told them they could not say outright that the standard was better, but duh - why are we one of the best drag teams in the country and using a standard trans.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 5,892
Likes: 1,200
From: Ft. Myers FL
redzone:Maybe because it was 1965?
I had to chuckle at this one. I remember seeing those guys get smoked by the Ramchargers driving their TORQUEFLITE Dodges...
This subject goes on and on. I had a manual C5, which I did race and ALWAYS had traction issues. And even though I had more RWHP than many opponents, I lost because I couldn't hook up or missed a shift more times than I care to count. Now I have a 2006 A6 that I bought new. I have over 100 runs on my stock runflats ( I wouldn't even attempt that with my M6 C5 ) and I run against a lot of very good racers at Englishtown. Here's the truth.....99% of the top running and winning cars are autos. So, if you want a great DD and have stop light go power...get an A6. I always loved shifting my M6, but, unless you're into road racing, the A6 wins every time.
Plus, I'm not even going to mention what happens when you get a tranny tune from ECS or COW... Yes, it's crazy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 3,421
Likes: 20
From: Indiana
OP...My first two Vette's were manuals(Coupe & Z06), my current is an auto. The auto is just as much fun, it will stick you to the seat, it can get sideways with a lot of throttle, and it will smoke the tires if you feel the need. Don't listen to the my ***** are bigger than yours because I drive a manual crowd, it's just childish grade school stuff. You will get advice here from both sides, but ultimately, it's your money that is being spent, get what you want. Good luck, and enjoy whatever you decide on.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,216
Likes: 4
From: ---Phoenix, AZ --- Boiler Up, Hammer Down!
OP...My first two Vette's were manuals(Coupe & Z06), my current is an auto. The auto is just as much fun, it will stick you to the seat, it can get sideways with a lot of throttle, and it will smoke the tires if you feel the need. Don't listen to the my ***** are bigger than yours because I drive a manual crowd, it's just childish grade school stuff. You will get advice here from both sides, but ultimately, it's your money that is being spent, get what you want. Good luck, and enjoy whatever you decide on.
Well said coming from someone who lives in Bloomington, IN!
