I moved back to the city and this stick is starting to wear on me. I have not ever driven a vette that wasnt a manual so thought i would ask, any thoughts on changing over to an automatic. I drove one with the paddle shifters in it and I personally didnt think it performed well at all. What am i giving up by swithing to an automatic by switching to an automatic in regards of performance, etc.? Thanks.

 

HP, plain and simple. It takes more HP to turn the automatic than the manual. That being said nothing wrong with the automatic and the paddles are fun once you get use to them and you can still scare the crap out of yourself. If you don't drive the car competitively i.e. autocross either car is acceptable.

 

Unless you're the best manual driver out there... you're probably not giving up much of anything. If you do go with an A6, the 08 and up models had two choices for the rear axle. The stardard was a 2.56 gear ratio while the performance option (stardard on all Z51 A6 cars) was a 2.73 gear which will give you a little extra snap off the line.

A Chuck CoW transmission tune will vastly improve your feelings on the paddles shifter performance.

 

Few comments. First, the clutch on my 2012 GS is featherlight; I could drive in traffic all day long, and I have skinny legs. And unless you're the 'multitasking' kind of guy (hope not), you don't have anything better to do in traffic than drive. Having said that, you need to adjust your driving style if you want to minimize clutch use/wear, and that's what I do. You can crawl with the clutch out at a pretty slow speed on this car, which is good. You should try it .

If you're not a die-hard manual guy and just want an automatic, the torque converter auto on the Vette is NOT a performance tranny, and neither are the 'paddles' (more like buttons). I'd never buy an auto C6 myself, but the truth is, as far as performance, it should be as quick, if not quicker, than a manual in most scenarios... just boring as hell . If you want a performance auto tranny, just wait for the C7; it'll reportedly come out with a proper DCT. The Mercedes Benz planetary tranny with wet clutches is probably the best of both worlds IMO; you just don't want a freaking (power robbing) torque converter in a performance car. Good luck.

 

Simply put....you're going to forfeit fun for convienience! Nothing more, nothing less.

 

Have got to disagree.
I enjoy my A6, to the point that it gets down the 1/4 mile in 11.1 and I can let my teenage kids drive me home from dragstrip after I had a beer or two, with no worries of clutch damage. How many owners would do that?

Obviously people have a difference of opinions, but it comes down to what do you want from the car. If your in heavy city traffic and don't mind rowing the gears, then stay with the manual. I know that I give up a few horses with the auto, but I like not having to work the clutch, just felt I had been doing it for 30+ years and didn't want the extra work.

 

If your the drag strip 1/4 mile type then automatic, anything else keep your manual or you'll regret it.

 

I have the A6 but wish I had M6. Keep the M6.

 

I like the A-6 in my '12 GS and I enjoy hpde events. The A6 allows you to concentrate on what is most important: getting around turns the quickest way possible and maintaining control of your car. I especially like the rev matching feature and have downshifted mid turn without upsetting the balance of the car. You still have to watch the rev's to get the shifts correct too so it isn't fool proof, but the system does work well. At the end of a long work day which seems to be the norm lately, it is a nice luxury to be able to put the car in D and just drive home.

 

Probably around 1-2 MPG's less than a M6 if thats a concern for ya.

 

You'll never have to change clutch fluid.

I really like my C6 automatic -- and I've had plenty of manuals in 40+ years owning cars.

 

Thank you all for your replys. I really do appreciate the insights.

 

As much as I enjoy driving a six speed manual, when I bought my 06 we decided to get the A6. I've had the car now for 6 years, and I can honestly say I've been overall very pleased with the trans, both in everyday driving and at the strip. Plus, on a trip I still get 29 plus mpg and at the strip it still turns low 12's.....on my old stock tires. Plus, ask anyone with a tranny tune what a difference that will make. I've seen guys pick up .2 sec. in the quarter with one and they're still great docile street drivers. I'd recommend one in a heartbeat.

 

True ... but with the A6 you need to change transmission fluid and filter

No doubt that technology has allowed automatic transmissions to be part of "performance" vehicles, but "traditionalists" will ALWAYS prefer a manual.

 

Quote:

LPT2011:True ... but with the A6 you need to change transmission fluid and filter

No doubt that technology has allowed automatic transmissions to be part of "performance" vehicles, but "traditionalists" will ALWAYS prefer a manual.

But, with a manual, clutches wear out, slave cylinder fluid has to be changed and for best results you'll need to get rid of the CAGS shift and get an aftermarket short throw shifter. I know...been there, done that! And, if you like the running the twisties, then stick with a stick! No pun intended.

 

OP: I have well over 130,000 miles on my 07 A6 Z51. It is my DD and I enjoy driving it all the time.

 

Dry sump is not offered on any A6 car. If you do track your car at the road course, and if you think you might use an R-compound tire one day, it becomes a big deal.

 

I always assume an auto tranny is quicker than a manual, even though with a torque-converter automatic is not always true. But it's always going to be more consistent. And with the non-torque-converter autos, I think it's always true. Having said that, I'd never buy an auto sports car; no amount of performance difference is worth not enjoying the involvement of rowing your own gears. It's always an ongoing quest to shift smoother and better, even after driving manuals for decades. I always have fun driving a manual, being in traffic or tearing thru the twisties.

Finally, with the GS, you get A LOT more features with a manual than an auto (dry sump, battery in trunk, differential cooler). Something to consider as well. But I wouldn't choose a manual for better performance . Choose it because you like it . Otherwise get the auto. If you think driving a manual in traffic is a chore, you're not a true manual guy, so just get the auto too . Oh, and I wouldn't choose one or the other for maintenance/longevity reasons; both are about the same when properly cared for, and not abused. Good luck with your decision.

 

Auto plain and simple they are way faster....... and Flash is just a hair faster then me...

 

Fixed it for ya!