rogergcam

I'm almost 72, and a few years back I bought the automatic. I learned to drive on a 4 speed, on the column, Simca! Back then to drive an automatic was a treat! But as kids, we turned our thumbs down on them.
I just don't feel like going back to the good old days! The autos are quick, and with the paddels, they can be fun also!
Whatever you do, you will enjoy it!

GARYFINN

Autos ARE NOT MANUALS Don't kid yourself.

marsheng

2019 A8 vert, contrary to all the haters my A8 is best transmission I have ever owned.

kennyjames21

True, they are faster and more efficient.

V Vette

No C8 for you! LOL

Vetteman Jack

OP - just go and see about test driving an example of both trannys and decide for yourself which one is better suited for you.

I had two manual C5s, one auto C5 and now an auto C7. Yes, the manuals are fun to drive but I can’t say I have missed the shifting just because I now have an automatic. I still have a lot of fun in the car and that is what really matters to me.

Whichever way you go, just enjoy the car.

JDSC8VETTE

There is no right or wrong answer to this question. Right for me is the M7. I always felt that any type of "sports" car should have a manual gear box. I know auto's are more convenient in heavy traffic and have been proven quicker than manuals. That doesn't matter to me. What matters to me is the driving experience and I really love the feel and the sound of driving a manual.

I have owned a few cars with paddle shifters and using them is not very satisfying and not even close to the feel of a manual transmission.

This is a very personal decision and you need to ask yourself what you want from your car and what others think is irrelevant.

Merlin803

I agree, you really want to try driving both.

I'll share my personal story, I am a long time 'auto' person for a few reasons - 90% of my drive is in stop and go traffic, I live in the northeast, so remote start is important, arthritis is catching up to my knees and my wife does not like to drive a manual nor does she like it when I am driving a manual and she is the passenger (which is every day since we work together).

However, on a whim last week when looking to trade in my 2016 Camaro SS auto for a new Camaro, I drove a new Camaro with manual and didn't like it at all. They happened to also have a 2017 Stingray manual and I drove it and really, really liked it. The shifting was so much smoother, easier and enjoyable than the Camaro (or any other manual car I have drove), long short short...we bought it. Several more days of driving it and I wouldn't trade it for an automatic. Very easy to drive and very enjoyable.

vett_guy

I have a manual....and sometimes it's a pain in the ***! Sometimes I would rather just let the computer shift for me. BUT....it would be boring driving an auto tranny vette.

lakemg

Wow another auto vs manual pissing contest...

~Stingray

Here is what I think is the breakdown...

1.) do you like rowing through the gears
2.) if you live in town with many stop lights\signs, would it bother you having to shift constantly
3.) Are you in stop\go traffic often (see 2)
4.) Do you like the learning curve of figuring out where the happy medium is so you don't jerk the car
5.) Do you value smooth rides for your passenger

4 and 5 can be negated with practice and permanently if you turn on rev match. But if you think that makes it pointless to have a stick, then think hard about your skill level and how often people ride with you.

I see the benefits of an auto, but I grew up driving a ford focus as a stick and I could not wait to get another one! It is 100% personal preference so don't let anyone convince you otherwise. What do you want to do? You should basically have your mind made up before reading these threads and only change your mind if you find a huge issue you hadn't' considered; such as GM's issues with the auto trans early on.

Vette Ski

BORING ?? Don't forget,( how can you?? ) what the automatic tranny is attached to !!!
Rich

Vette Ski

Throw some oil into this and it really gets slippery!
Rich

vett_guy

But of coarse!

I'm sorry...I meant...relatively speaking.

Vette Ski

Point taken!
Rich

rckt

I have owned both Manual & Auto Corvettes. The Auto's have improved alot (i.e. 8spd). However, there are issues with the current A8. I use my Corvette as a daily driver NOW so I prefer Auto. If I want to play, I use the paddles. Most of the time, I am just cruising with the Auto.

speed4tu

I had a z51 A8. Worst decision i ever made. Was going for a manual then but decieded I'd give the A8 a shot. It wasn't so bad at first but became a nightmare getting fluid flushes every time I turned around. Recently had all I could take of it and traded it for a Z06 M7. Now no more shuddering issues and the driving fun is back to 100%. Never looking back
So don't make that mistake, or anything else GM offers with the A8. Take the M7.

Big Lebowski

This might be the dumbest thing I've read on the internet today.

lakemg

😁
And...
1. What exterior/interior color should I get?
2. 1LT, 2LT, or splurge for the 3LT?
3. Coupe or convertible?
4. Z51 or base or should I get the GS, Z06, or ZR1?
5. Chrome wheels or black?
6. Order it or dealer stock?
7. Museum delivery or not?

Can't anyone make their own decisions? I'm going to start a C7 consulting company to help people figure which car to buy...

SingleTrackMinded

I have to agree.