johnnyvector

I've been officially approved to begin my search for just the right C7Z!

I know this has been done to death, but any advice given my specific situation would be greatly appreciated....


So I've been going back and forth on this... Here are some thoughts that have been going through my head....

-I've owned a manual C5 FRC, Miata, Z4, and others and I've enjoyed them all
-I'm not the most coordinated guy, Sometimes I have trouble hitting the right gear, especially on downshifts and trouble with 5 vs 7.
-Haven't read one post from someone with an A8 that now wish they had gone with the manual
-Overheating issue with the A8 (although seems only on heavy track use)
-A8 has "better" performance specs
-Manual has rev matching
-A8 has paddle shifting
-Car will be weekend fun car
-Manual is $3k cheaper
-Just checked Kerbeck's inventory and 18% are manual
-The A8 will be better for resale??
-A10 in the works?

Basically I'm very slightly leaning toward the A8 but I'm worried I'll miss the visceral sensation of shifting through the gears and regret my choice....

So, especially if you're someone who has always driven manuals and decided to go auto with the C7Z for the first time, I'd love to hear how you feel about your decision so far....

BWFitz

It's a personal choice so...choose one. Either way you won't be disappointed in the car. You might get laughed at, however!

UmCanesZ06

Well this is certainly going to be an interesting thread. I've driven manuals for as long as I can remember, in performance cars anyway. When I decided to order a new Z06 I went to my local dealer. I wanted to take one for a test drive and all they had were autos. We took it out and honestly, for the short time I drove it and I took it on the highway and got on it, it was so boring. I wouldn't take an auto if the dealer gave me the car for free.

sTz

M7...

Hopefully you'll get the info that you seek. If not, there are a boatload of threads on this topic.

Garret

Grow a pair and get what you want....people here can't make the decision for you....

mxk

I always had manual cars until my last corvette, a 2006 Z51. That was a great car, I was shocked at how much I loved it and it was my daily driver, but when I stepped up to a C7 I had to go back to a manual. They are just that much more fun, and I now have a little electric that is my commuter so the hassle of stop and go on inclines in traffic aren't there for me anymore. You'll be very pleased with a C7 regardless of which way you go.

johnnyvector

I know, I've read a lot of them....
Every time I think I've made up my mind I read something new that changes the perspective...

It's like that one strip from Calvin and Hobbes....

bgjersey30

I had a 2015 Z51 M7 and got a 2016 A8 Z06

upcharger

I had the same issue as you about 10 days ago. I'd driven the auto stingray and I liked it so much I decided to buy a z06. My friend let me drive his manual z51 for a day, I chose manual.

Here's my reasoning. Shifting is fun. Rev match is awesome. Way better for revving at people. I don't drag race for money. I'd be pissed if my car overheated at the track while my buddy lapped me n his gt3.

The auto is cool, don't get me wrong... Actually it's awesome. Just not as awesome as a stick.

My car red/red manual. The most kick *** vette possible. Imo

tail_lights

I don't think the quotation marks are needed, the autos are just easier to drive for most people.

If you are used to manuals and the car will be for weekends I see no issue with getting a manual. I had an auto C6 Grand Sport, manual C6 Z06, manual C5 and a couple of automatic C4s. I did not regret the A8 in any of the three C7s I have had and if (when) I go back to a Z06, it will be the auto (8 or 10) that I go with

h3mpking

I'm loving my Auto and the way it shifts! Where do you live? Maybe a member can take you for a ride in each.

ZenicaPA

Laugh away but I'm done kicking my left foot into the floorboard!

When I need the thrill of a manual, I fly to Vegas and go to DreamCars!

3 Z06ZR1

The stick is nice to use the wide torque of the Lt4 with the M7.
I shift sometimes 1-3rd and skip other 3-5 etc other gears as well nothing like a 4 speed. Still leave traffic behind quickly.
You can make a lot of choices.
Then nothing beats the easy cruising at highway speed in 7th.
100 mph is only 2 grand on the tach.

J. Gary

Like you I found the decision a tough one. I would like one of each. Living in the Detroit metro area I went with the automatic, no regrets. Last Corvette was a 2000 six speed coupe, enjoyed the shifting experience and I miss it at times but wearied of heavy traffic use. On the expressway I found myself having to watch the tach as I dealt with traffic. It seemed easy to lug the motor if you did not pay attention. If buying today I would get another automatic. Besides, when you put the boot to this car you need to hang on with both hands ;-)

jaden61

Love my A8. Nice and mellow in all modes. I usually have my right hand resting deep in my girls thigh, way more comfy than a ****.
When in sport or track mode you also have the ability to blip the throttle and go into "performance shift active" and the beast will come alive and be angry.
Or you can use manual mode and paddle shift at will.
You can use paddles in auto mode, but will revert back to Drive as you calm yourself.
A8 has a rev match during downshift also, doesn't go into a compression skid. Can not go into too low of a gear, will tell you shift denied.
Also, if hold downshift paddle for 2 seconds it will downshift to the lowest gear possible without going into redline.

There is alot more to this trans than just being an automatic, that's for sure.

BWFitz

Hide, Garret, hide. The PC police have a warrant for your arrest!

ZR-1DUDE

I have had my 2016 Z06 M7 for going on 3 weeks now. I have multiple cars but I am treating it as a daily driver. I am very pleased with the M7. Clutch is good, shifter is best yet in a bette. New with 8 miles on it the shifter was pretty stiff. Also, until the car warms up it can be a tad "notchy". I have a little over 1500 miles on the car and it only keeps getting better.

I drive in some nasty traffic sometimes (Dallas, TX) and the M7 works.

An A8 can shift faster but I am having fun with the M7.

D.

lgodom

If you decide on a auto, if wait for the A10, but I read your post and it appears that you really like manual transmissions. So that is the route to go. There is no wrong choice. I haven't driven a Z06, but I have test driven a manual and an auto C7. I've owned manual cars in the past,'and I really liked the way the C7 drove. I'm out of practice with a stick car and the C7 was easy to drive. I'd drive both cars and buy the one that puts a bigger grin on your face.

JackTripper

Daily Driver=A8
Fun/Weekend Car=M7

PS: RevMatch is awesome!

mcd_57

You will love the car either way...I promise. I went with an auto in my '16 Z...mostly because I still have the '07 sitting in the garage next to her. I just wanted to change it up this time. Every Corvette I've owned has been had a manual transmission until this one. I enjoy shifting gears, but this auto is a blast too. I can't imagine you being disappointed with either decision. Good luck.

Travis