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I wrestled with this decision more than any other when I ordered my Z51. I got my A6 in October & now have about 6K miles on it.
For me, an auto will never be quite as satisfying as a manual, even with the paddles. But as time goes on, I'm learning to appreciate the paddles more and more. They hold any gear as long as you want. When you want instant torque, a flick of the left paddle will downshift immediately (no need to touch the stick) and hold it there as long as your foot is in it. On winding roads, they work superbly. (I'm still getting used to them for autocross.)
As much as I love the connected feeling of a manual, I am satisfied that I made the right choice. But, as stated above, it is a highly personal decision.
I wrestled with this decision more than any other when I ordered my Z51. I got my A6 in October & now have about 6K miles on it.
For me, an auto will never be quite as satisfying as a manual, even with the paddles. But as time goes on, I'm learning to appreciate the paddles more and more. They hold any gear as long as you want. When you want instant torque, a flick of the left paddle will downshift immediately (no need to touch the stick) and hold it there as long as your foot is in it. On winding roads, they work superbly. (I'm still getting used to them for autocross.)
As much as I love the connected feeling of a manual, I am satisfied that I made the right choice. But, as stated above, it is a highly personal decision.
Good feedback. That's what I was wondering...can you get some semblance of the manual via the paddles? That way, with my compromise, my wife can drive it (won't be left out) and I can enjoy the manual control of the gears in some situations for fun.
Why? Just more fun? I want a manual but my wife doesn't know how to drive one so I'm sacrificing the manual so that she can drive it from time to time.
Yes, just more fun. You need to balance that with convenience.
Fun always wins in my book but you need to decide which is more important to you.
Everyone will have their own preference, but I don't think there can be any debate that stick is more fun and auto is more convenient.
And there are those who will say that you should definitely get the stick based on your last statement
From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
Originally Posted by Diver Down
Good feedback. That's what I was wondering...can you get some semblance of the manual via the paddles? That way, with my compromise, my wife can drive it (won't be left out) and I can enjoy the manual control of the gears in some situations for fun.
While my experience is with the C6 paddles, I have to say that between those and a genuine stick..there simply ain't no comparison...
I went with the A6 just for convenience of being able to do something else with my hands if I ever need them instead of shifting. I also saw a lot of videos of people racing and then missing gears... completely destroys the fun or feel of the M7 for me. Working with the paddle shifters over time should give a desirable feel after getting accustomed to the A6.
These are all just my opinions... your mileage may vary!
I got an Automatic and am kicking myself for it. I admit I have not played with the paddle shifters yet...so I don't know if I can recreate the feeling of a manual. Most of the youtube videos doing comparisons to other vehicles seem to show manual transmissions.....and they look to be having more fun than people with Auto's.
Just saying....Get it in Cyber Gray...2LT...Z51 with the special suspension and red calipers and M7...and if you don't like it...we'll swap?
No way to create the fun factor of a manual with paddle shifters on the auto. JMHO