Manual vs. Automatic
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Pearland Texas
Manual vs. Automatic
Hey guys, I'm interested to see what is said about this topic. I've always owned automatics, but every since I got my '08 Hayabusa I've been more intrigued with owning a stick shift car. It really has me wanting a stick the more I ride it. I know a motorcycle and a manual car are 2 completely different animals, but still. I'm curious to hear from others on this. Thanks.
The Consigliere
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 22,993
Likes: 6,042
From: 2023 Z06 & 2010 ZR1
Hard to say. It's never been discussed before here. Very few even have opinions about it, and the small number of folks that do don't raise them, usually because they are either too shy to do so, or for fear they might offend or upset somebody.
j/k
Hint: Use the search function - this has been beaten to death.
j/k
Hint: Use the search function - this has been beaten to death.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 4
I've always wanted standards. My first two cars were auto neons. I didn't really have a choice but once I started working on the railroad I only bought standards. My wrx, my wrangler (sold), and now my c6. I've also have my R1 but rockets don't come in autos hah i just have much more fun driving standards. Its just exciting when you get on it and your shifting threw the gears. Its a pain in the butt when you are in like a traffic jam but in a normal town its not bad, you get used to it. I definitely won't be buying autos as long as I can but it just sucks that more and more cars are getting rid of the true stick shift for the flappy paddle shifter which is definitely not a standard in my eyes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 776
Likes: 1
From: Northeast Ohio
This subject has been discussed on the forum many times. Both the auto and the manual in a vette are awesome, it's just a matter of preference. I have a manual in the vette, and auto in my other vehicles, and like both. Either way it is a vette, and will make you happy.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,966
Likes: 5
From: Wichita Falls Tx
Orange 05:
When I bought my manual 6 speed 3 years ago, I used the word "standard" in a post. The vultures around here were very quick to let me know "standard" was outdated. I was told to use either "stick" or "manual".
I suspect your use of the word "standard" might be a giveaway about your age to this old Corvette owner.
Glad to see you use an "old school" word I know.
When I bought my manual 6 speed 3 years ago, I used the word "standard" in a post. The vultures around here were very quick to let me know "standard" was outdated. I was told to use either "stick" or "manual".
I suspect your use of the word "standard" might be a giveaway about your age to this old Corvette owner.
Glad to see you use an "old school" word I know.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 26,745
Likes: 694
From: PA
I've always wanted standards. My first two cars were auto neons. I didn't really have a choice but once I started working on the railroad I only bought standards. My wrx, my wrangler (sold), and now my c6. I've also have my R1 but rockets don't come in autos hah i just have much more fun driving standards. Its just exciting when you get on it and your shifting threw the gears. Its a pain in the butt when you are in like a traffic jam but in a normal town its not bad, you get used to it. I definitely won't be buying autos as long as I can but it just sucks that more and more cars are getting rid of the true stick shift for the flappy paddle shifter which is definitely not a standard in my eyes.
Its kind of like an auto if you do. haha
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 181
Likes: 2
From: Fayetteville NC
My first 08 Vette was an auto, tuned when all was said and done with LT's, X-pipe, SLP's, etc. This go 'round I have a manual 08. The tuned auto was very quick and it was a fun car. The manual though is another kind of fun. I enjoy rowing the gears and the more "driver's car" feel. Both are just as fun, it's all just personal perference. Like stated above, go drive the two and get a feel for what you want.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,850
Likes: 38
From: Cleveland (Ohio City) OH
I got a manual '09 C6 coupe last November. First stick shift in 32 years. I love driving it with a stick. Keeps you more involved with the process. The drive becomes the point of the trip, not the destination.
That said, traffic is a consideration. In northeast Ohio it is not bad. If you are driving into Houston a lot and dealing with a lot of stop n go traffic, I'd recommend the automatic. If the car will be a weekender with lots of open roads, I'd indulge yourself and get the stick.
That said, traffic is a consideration. In northeast Ohio it is not bad. If you are driving into Houston a lot and dealing with a lot of stop n go traffic, I'd recommend the automatic. If the car will be a weekender with lots of open roads, I'd indulge yourself and get the stick.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,024
Likes: 13
From: Loveland CO to Central Coast CA
I've owned plenty of manual cars -- much more fun & involving than an automatic. Very glad to have had those cars, no regrets.
That said, I'm very happy with my C6 automatic.
Also, if you spend a lot of time stuck in stop-and-go heavy traffic, a stick shift can be tiresome -- especially if your knees are getting old, like mine.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 290
Likes: 4
Orange 05:
When I bought my manual 6 speed 3 years ago, I used the word "standard" in a post. The vultures around here were very quick to let me know "standard" was outdated. I was told to use either "stick" or "manual".
I suspect your use of the word "standard" might be a giveaway about your age to this old Corvette owner.
Glad to see you use an "old school" word I know.
When I bought my manual 6 speed 3 years ago, I used the word "standard" in a post. The vultures around here were very quick to let me know "standard" was outdated. I was told to use either "stick" or "manual".
I suspect your use of the word "standard" might be a giveaway about your age to this old Corvette owner.
Glad to see you use an "old school" word I know.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 13,733
Likes: 66
From: Hurst, TX USA
I've driven manuals all my life so I bought a 2003 Z06 back in the day. Found out quickly that I could no longer drive a manual. I couldn't hold in the clutch for more than a couple seconds without pain. It was a sad day when I realized that driving a manual was no longer possible. Since then I've owned 4 auto Vettes and can't say that I really miss the manual any more. (BTW the reason for the pain is an old sports injury that left me with about half of a calf muscle in my left leg.)
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 18,093
Likes: 1,585
But I'll throw my two cents in anyway......
My 05 had an automatic in it and I loved it and couldn't imagine going back to a vehicle with a stick. Found a killer deal on my 2011 but it had a manual in it
Reluctantly purchased it and now I cant imagine buying an automatic again. I am having a blast with the manual although I should add it's not my daily driver and I don't have to put up with traffic with it.