Poll : anyone bought a manual transmission and later wished they got an automatic
#21
Drifting
#22
If by rice rockets you mean sportbikes, a vette is quick for a car, but will have no chance against rice/crotch rocket unless you are literally going for a top speed run. Especially one with 160hp, that is stock Hayabusa territory if I'm not mistaken...
#23
I realize that "to each his own" and I should test drive them both and decide for myself, not let other people on the forum influence this key decision. Understood.
I've only recently learned to drive stick - not very skilled yet - and it's not fun (yet?). I like driving the automatic GS, I floor the pedal and take off, no hassles with shifting, which I'm not good at yet.
This is a daily commuter, 4 miles each way on city streets, and for running errands two or three times a week that might involve a little stop-and-go on the freeway for 30 minutes. I will never track it, just play a bit on freeways/highways, racing the rice rockets.
Everyone tells me, "trust me, you once you get used to manual you'll much prefer your vette in a manual then an automatic!" I want to trust them. It's a leap of faith , but I was wondering if anyone here was ever in the same situation.
Has anyone bought a manual sports car before they really knew how to drive stick, and then later switched to an automatic because they never really enjoyed the manual? If such people are far and few between, I'd be much more interested in going for the manual.
Thanks.
I've only recently learned to drive stick - not very skilled yet - and it's not fun (yet?). I like driving the automatic GS, I floor the pedal and take off, no hassles with shifting, which I'm not good at yet.
This is a daily commuter, 4 miles each way on city streets, and for running errands two or three times a week that might involve a little stop-and-go on the freeway for 30 minutes. I will never track it, just play a bit on freeways/highways, racing the rice rockets.
Everyone tells me, "trust me, you once you get used to manual you'll much prefer your vette in a manual then an automatic!" I want to trust them. It's a leap of faith , but I was wondering if anyone here was ever in the same situation.
Has anyone bought a manual sports car before they really knew how to drive stick, and then later switched to an automatic because they never really enjoyed the manual? If such people are far and few between, I'd be much more interested in going for the manual.
Thanks.
I just can't imagine a sports car, especially a Corvette, without one. I don't care if I drove 50 miles one way in all city traffic I'd take the manual.
Just my opinion though. Some people are happy as could be with an automatic.
#26
Drifting
My bad, i thought he meant cars, not bikes..... disregard!! lol
#27
My first C6 was an auto, my current C6 is a manual. If I would ever get another one it would be an ........................................ ..automatic again.
I miss the convenience of the auto.
I miss the convenience of the auto.
#28
Melting Slicks
I had a manual went to an auto and back to a manual all within 3 years. Rent a economic rental car and practice for awhile or until you feel comfortable. I agree with many others a corvette may not be the car to learn how to use a 6 speed. good luck on your choice
#29
Racer
I have never regreted getting a manual corvette. Look at it this way, you might not be able to drive a manual that well right now but trust me, once you've mastered it and you're flawlessly driving your 6-speed vette around having tons of fun, you'll feel closer to your car than you ever will to an automatic. It's kind of like an extension of yourself. It's like loving your wife or loving your dog, it just brings you that sense of satisfaction that you WILL NOT find anywhere else. Trust me, I wouldn't trade my manual C6 for anything.
BUT, if you must go with an automatic at least get one with paddle shifters. I've never driven a vette with paddle shifters but, there is a thread somewhere on corvetteforum about everybody loving the paddles. FYI
BUT, if you must go with an automatic at least get one with paddle shifters. I've never driven a vette with paddle shifters but, there is a thread somewhere on corvetteforum about everybody loving the paddles. FYI
Last edited by Brockman66; 12-05-2012 at 04:36 PM.
#30
Team Owner
#31
don't sweat it
Don't sweat it there poll. As you stated its a matter of choice. Of course you have to throw in the testosterone (sp) effect in as well. You know, some thinking they are more manly cause they have a stick. I can drive a stick better than most but i got an auto for the low milage factor. In other words, since I was buying pre-owned, low milage was more important that a stick. One of these responses did bring up a very good point though. If you do a lot of city driving, shifting all the time can get old very fast...esp. in a traffic jam.
#32
Team Owner
If you can't answer the OP's question, then don't post in this thread. We don't need yet another debate on which is supposedly better.
The question: Has anyone bought a manual sports car before they really knew how to drive stick, and then later switched to an automatic because they never really enjoyed the manual?
#33
Safety Car
where's the poll ??
#34
Safety Car
I think you have to decide what makes driving fun for you in your environment. For some people shifting trumps torque, handling, grip, acceleration, etc. For others shifting is below some or all of those things on the list. If a manual Miata sounds like more fun than an auto Vette, get a stick.
#35
Drifting
#37
manual or auto
I hadn't driven a stick shift in over 30 years when I bought my current 1999. I figured I'd buy an automatic but a friend of mind strongly suggested I go with the stick.....Best advice I ever received!
I installed a set of B & B Route 66 exhausts and it's like listening to music.
Go for the stick!
I installed a set of B & B Route 66 exhausts and it's like listening to music.
Go for the stick!
#38
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jan 2009
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I've driven both and live in NYC, so i now drive a tuned A6. When I go to my country home 100 miles away from NYC i use the paddles to hold the gear for the type of roads i am on.
#39
Safety Car
Member Since: Jan 2009
Location: Mooresville (Race City USA) NC
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I realize that "to each his own" and I should test drive them both and decide for myself, not let other people on the forum influence this key decision. Understood.
I've only recently learned to drive stick - not very skilled yet - and it's not fun (yet?). I like driving the automatic GS, I floor the pedal and take off, no hassles with shifting, which I'm not good at yet.
This is a daily commuter, 4 miles each way on city streets, and for running errands two or three times a week that might involve a little stop-and-go on the freeway for 30 minutes. I will never track it, just play a bit on freeways/highways, racing the rice rockets.
Everyone tells me, "trust me, you once you get used to manual you'll much prefer your vette in a manual then an automatic!" I want to trust them. It's a leap of faith , but I was wondering if anyone here was ever in the same situation.
Has anyone bought a manual sports car before they really knew how to drive stick, and then later switched to an automatic because they never really enjoyed the manual? If such people are far and few between, I'd be much more interested in going for the manual.
Thanks.
I've only recently learned to drive stick - not very skilled yet - and it's not fun (yet?). I like driving the automatic GS, I floor the pedal and take off, no hassles with shifting, which I'm not good at yet.
This is a daily commuter, 4 miles each way on city streets, and for running errands two or three times a week that might involve a little stop-and-go on the freeway for 30 minutes. I will never track it, just play a bit on freeways/highways, racing the rice rockets.
Everyone tells me, "trust me, you once you get used to manual you'll much prefer your vette in a manual then an automatic!" I want to trust them. It's a leap of faith , but I was wondering if anyone here was ever in the same situation.
Has anyone bought a manual sports car before they really knew how to drive stick, and then later switched to an automatic because they never really enjoyed the manual? If such people are far and few between, I'd be much more interested in going for the manual.
Thanks.
#40
ahem...to answer the OP question...i my last car before the C5 was a manual...i bought it not even knowing how to drive a stick...left the dealership as they made the grand announcement over the loud speakers about my purchase...made it all the way out of lot and down the street before i choked out!!! As time went on, i got better at it and enjoyed driving the stick, going through the gears, etc...
HOWEVER, when i made the switch to the C5, i chose a automatic over a stick...and now...AGAIN with the C6...i chose the A6 over a stick...like others have said, its a personal choice but I do enjoy the relaxing drive of an auto now...i drove a manual helping a friend recently and had fun but nah, auto for me for now
HOWEVER, when i made the switch to the C5, i chose a automatic over a stick...and now...AGAIN with the C6...i chose the A6 over a stick...like others have said, its a personal choice but I do enjoy the relaxing drive of an auto now...i drove a manual helping a friend recently and had fun but nah, auto for me for now