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I can't put into words how happy I am that I DIDN'T choose the A8. Test drove one and it was nowhere close to the PDK box in a Porsche...which (maybe naively) I was expecting after the sales manager told me how great the A8 was and how I would be doing paper work after the test drive....WRONG.
The M7 is just SO MUCH more engaging and fun. Period.
If you sit in traffic then fine, if you have physical limitations (health related) then fine, get the A8. If you're gonna spend all your time at the drag strip or stop light racing your friends, get the A8.
BUT, if you truly want to enjoy the car and have fun in the twist-backs and country roads etc...there is only 1 choice: M7.
Many people say the Porsche GT3RS is the purest sports car for the road/track...well they got rid of the manual...but had such a backlash they brought it back. Nuff said.
There is still a segment of people out that still actually like to DRIVE their cars. I'm not getting into the 'nannies' and the mag ride...yes they are all computers these day to some extent...but the M7 with rev match is the perfect marriage. Not as boring as an A8 and yet a couple enhancements to make the M7 even 'that' much more enjoyable. 1/10th or 2/10ths doesn't mean much to me...I just want to have fun...the M7 does that for me.
I went with the M7 and absolutely love it! My daily drivers are all automatics and that just gets old to me. These cars are so easy and fun to drive considering all the HP you have on tap. Anyone can drive an automatic transmission. With a manual, you just feel more in control. It's just hard to explain lol. As was stated before, its just crazy the eye rolls from folks when you tell them its a sissy stick. I have a buddy that was the same way with his Hellcat, he eventually went with a stick and is just ecstatic with his decision. Either way, both are fantastic cars, and you will love either one.
I agree with the M7 proponents. I did not even consider the auto and it wouldn't have mattered if it was PDK or DCT or whatever. They are all slushboxes and the fact that one or the other operates at a quicker pace doesn't change a thing for me. I think it comes down to intended use. If I were commuting in traffic with it daily or racing competitively, then the A8 would have made a lot of sense. Then again, if I were doing either of those things, I would have chosen a better car for the purpose.
I need to say it - it sounds like you are still at an age where you are looking to "beat the guy" rather than enjoy the car. It is hard for me to identify with that motive (applicable to teenagers and protracted adolescents, unless on a race track?). I like driving an A8 more than an M7 because I don't like to have to keep my foot on a clutch when in traffic. Also, the "automatic" goes through the gears quickly and if I get "bored" there is always the paddle shifts. Those who chose a M7 will likley favor them and those who chose an A8 the same. Best
No doubt! Keep in mind I am only 25 so that competitive blood is still in me pretty heavy. Even at track days on my bike I'm out there for fun but I don't like getting passed one bit! I would assume that's a natural instinct.
It probably doesn't help that paying for this beast is a lot of money to me so I don't want to wrap 80k up in something and not be completely satisfied. Because whether I like it or not I'll probably own this car for a while I get employee discount but She's still going to take a hit when I cross the curb.
All this info is excellent. I would really like to hear some of the guys that take them to the track thoughts on the trannys because that's where I'll be taking it to blow off some steam as much as possible! luckily Mid Ohio is practically in my back yard!
No doubt! Keep in mind I am only 25 so that competitive blood is still in me pretty heavy. Even at track days on my bike I'm out there for fun but I don't like getting passed one bit! I would assume that's a natural instinct.
It probably doesn't help that paying for this beast is a lot of money to me so I don't want to wrap 80k up in something and not be completely satisfied. Because whether I like it or not I'll probably own this car for a while I get employee discount but She's still going to take a hit when I cross the curb.
All this info is excellent. I would really like to hear some of the guys that take them to the track thoughts on the trannys because that's where I'll be taking it to blow off some steam as much as possible! luckily Mid Ohio is practically in my back yard!
I have been tracking motorcycles in advance level for a long time (still in my 30s )and I love being on a road course whether on a bike or in a car. If someone passes me and their driving / riding looks smooth then I try to follow and learn something.
I started tracking cars last year in my 2015 Z51 A8. The transmission was fun on the track. I also did 3 day school at Ron Fellow in a manual C7 and it was a blast. I ordered a Z06 which should arrive around the new year period and I went with manual. If you are planning to use your car at the track often, many including GM will recommend that you go with manual. Also, there are fast guys who track A8 often on the track with no issues. Test drive both and see what would work for you.
I had an auto on my last Vette and I really missed shifting gears! I really thought I was going to love it but at the end of the day I didnt. I figured that I was getting older and shifting would be a PITA...I really did miss it. No 2nd guesses with the Z...M7 all the way and love it!
I bought the A8, the first auto Corvette I ever owned and I love it. Full throttle is a rush, let me tell you. With this much power/torque I'm not sure anyone can row it and not get into some trouble.
Need to comment on all the posts from people who say that they're too "mature" to occasionally drive this mega car spiritly (is there such a word?). Why in the world would you own any car with 650hp and not want to experience the rush of all that power whenever you can safely do it. I'll tell you there is no bigger thrill than facing off and whooping up on some European snob driving a multi six figure wonder wagon. And I'm not some younger thrill seeker. Far from it but I'm not ready to stop having some fun either. Btw Prius drivers never drive their rides aggressively either.
Flame suit on so have at it.
I need to say it - it sounds like you are still at an age where you are looking to "beat the guy" rather than enjoy the car. It is hard for me to identify with that motive (applicable to teenagers and protracted adolescents, unless on a race track?). I like driving an A8 more than an M7 because I don't like to have to keep my foot on a clutch when in traffic. Also, the "automatic" goes through the gears quickly and if I get "bored" there is always the paddle shifts. Those who chose a M7 will likley favor them and those who chose an A8 the same. Best
Right on. If it's that important for your ego to win street races get the A7, and hope you do not lose your license or hurt someone.
BTW- it's would have, not would of. When something is excessive, it's too, not to.
Check out the additional price for the Auto plus gas guzzler tax on top of that just on the auto. I place my monies in other options and love the Manual. I am 70 and drive for the love of the road and the true feeling of car control.
I've heard of people regretting getting an Automatic .. but not the other way around. I ended up with an A6 just because of the great deal I got on my C7. I actually thought I would miss the manual transmission since all my previous cars had one. But to be honest .. I don't really miss it as much as I thought I would and actually like the fact that I get Remote Start with the Auto as well as the Exhaust Crack Shifts. And if I want to drive a stick I still have my Jeep Wrangler a classic Ford Maverick and a couple of motorcycles
Check out the additional price for the Auto plus gas guzzler tax on top of that just on the auto. I place my monies in other options and love the Manual. I am 70 and drive for the love of the road and the true feeling of car control.
Agree Love my M7 and used the money I saved for performance options ...
)and I love being on a road course whether on a bike or in a car. If someone passes me and their driving / riding looks smooth then I try to follow and learn something. 
