Automatic v. Stick
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,147
Likes: 107
From: Cherry Hill PRNJ
Automatic v. Stick
Aside from those who for whatever reason don't know how to drive a stick or have bad left knee, who is going auto instead of manual (default option imho) and why? Also, haven't seen auto/stick performance comparisons....any out there?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,355
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What about those w/o a left knee?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 359
Likes: 89
From: Jacksonville Florida
I have had manual shift in one c2, one c3, still have an original owner auto c3, two c5's and two c6' and this time around I went with auto for paddle shift, consistant performance and easier resell!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 235
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If you clutch and shift absolutely perfect the M7 may be quicker 0 to 60 and 1/4 mile times.
If your human, the A6 is quicker and you'll never blow an engine with an accidental down shift.
On the course, if you don't track the car on a regular basses, the A6 in "track mode" is quicker and safer for the average Joe/Jane. The new A6 is so intuitive as to not shift in hard turn and upset the car's balance yet it attempts to rev-match the down shift to keep the engine in it's power band on deceleration, ever ready for you to pour on the power. An amazing transmission.
If your human, the A6 is quicker and you'll never blow an engine with an accidental down shift.
On the course, if you don't track the car on a regular basses, the A6 in "track mode" is quicker and safer for the average Joe/Jane. The new A6 is so intuitive as to not shift in hard turn and upset the car's balance yet it attempts to rev-match the down shift to keep the engine in it's power band on deceleration, ever ready for you to pour on the power. An amazing transmission.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 754
Likes: 79
From: Jacobstown, New Jersey
I have had a number of sports cars, trucks, suv's and lux. cars, I always want a manual trans. in a sports car because it just feels right, you can have more fun driving it and that's the reason for (me) buying one in the first place. Yes, there are times in traffic when an auto would be less work but I'll sacrifice that any day for the pleasure I get going through the gears the rest of the time. IMO.
Scraping the splitter.
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 8,111
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St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
That being said, I think I'm pretty good with a manual. I've had a few 9-second cars with 6-speeds, have made some of the quickest documented passes in an '03 Cobra and '13/'14 GT500 with one and currently track a '13 GT500 while executing pretty respectable heel-toe downshifts, lol.
That being said, I'd like an M7 car, especially if I end up tracking this car. But the regular intended use took a priority with this one.
IMO, the A6 cars will end up being the quicker choice.
S.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,032
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From: Houston Tx
St. Jude Donor '06
Allright....going to get beat up here, but in Houston traffic is one reason, but I actually have never driven a stick and don't know how. Anyone want to come and teach me? I'm happy with my Automatic though. Somehow the guys on here want to make it sound like if it's auto, it's not a Corvette. Whatever.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,355
Likes: 12
Allright....going to get beat up here, but in Houston traffic is one reason, but I actually have never driven a stick and don't know how. Anyone want to come and teach me? I'm happy with my Automatic though. Somehow the guys on here want to make it sound like if it's auto, it's not a Corvette. Whatever.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 193
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From: NY
Why, because that's what I wanted. I like power windows, A/C. etc. etc. also.
The only advantage of the stick is to save about $1,350.+tax IMO
For about the last 50 years the auto has been faster than a stick, but that's not the reason I got the A6.
I had more than my fair share of sticks in the past, and as long as I have a choice I will get the auto.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 961
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From: Clemmons NC
going Auto because I will be sharing this car with my father who is 66 and he will use it more as a cruiser and just doesnt want to have the manual experience. Its understandable but I would have chosen the 7MT just because my current car is DCT and it would be a fun way to mix up the driving when I use this VS the GTR. But I want miss it as I havent had a stick as a primary car in over 5 years so those days might be over for me
AIR FORCE VETERAN
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 6,223
Likes: 441
From: Pennsylvania
I am on a trip with my Corvette club. A friend loaned me his C5 because my C7 is not ready. I drove that 6 speed around New York City, and Connecticut , to New Hampshire. When I get back from this trip I never want to see a clutch pedal again.
However to each his own.
Bill
However to each his own.
Bill
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 5,054
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From: Tampa Florida
I had the C5 and C6 stick for 7 years. I just don't want to bother with the stick anymore. I just got lazy. Currently I have the SS Camaro 2SS with the A6. Once I got the transmission tuned, I actually feel like I have a stick without the clutch. The car shifts hard....snapping the neck. 
I expect the C7 to do the same with the transmission tuned if needed. Hence, if I had the money I would buy both. But this time, auto is my choice.
I expect the C7 to do the same with the transmission tuned if needed. Hence, if I had the money I would buy both. But this time, auto is my choice.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,030
Likes: 358
Thinking auto for the remote start option. It'd be nice to plop into a seat that has had the cooling ventilation on for a few minutes. Shifting is fun (DD a ZO6), but the wifes auto A6 is tolerable. If remote start was available with M7, I'd get that.