Do Automatic Corvettes really suck?
 

I'm looking at C4 Vettes and I noticed that most of them have Automatic Transmissions. Do they suck and are they not fun to drive/as fun? Should I take a chance with an Auto Corvette or should I keep looking until I find one with Stick Shift?

Automatic C4
 

I have a 94 C4 with a automatic and its awsome. It's really a matter of choice, drive them both and make a decision. Good luck!

You're 40 years old, and haven't yet figured out whether you like to drive a stick or an automatic? Give me a break!

:ack:

lol. op, they are both good. if u r a cruiser type get the auto. if u r the road track type get the manual.

Find a freeway that is notorious for tie-ups for 2+ hours and you will have your answer.

As said depends on what lights up life for ya.

I've really enjoyed my prior and the current 35th Anni, both A4. They were both great 1/4 mile cars.
That said my "new" '89 MN6 is more "fun" to drive around my little community. Don't think I'm ready to take her into NYC just yet though.

My suggestion would be to drive an '89-'96 with MN6 and say an '88 and up to see which feels best.

While I like my 94 auto, everything else being equal, I would prefer a manual. But for an automatic I'm happy with how it performs. I switched from the 2.59 to the 3.07 gear and it made a very noticeable difference. I don't want a manual badly enough to part with the car I have to go get a 6 spd.

I wouldn't have anything but a built automatic.. But some people hate them.

The reason you see more auto's for sale has to do more with GM's marketing realizing most people buying new corvettes had reach a point in life that they wanted a sports car, but didn't want a stick. For example in 1995, only 23% of C4's were sticks, 1996 only 29% of C4's were sticks...I believe that ratio is the similar for all prior years of C4's...so it's normal that ~70% of C4's for sale today will be automatics. Has nothing to do with them sucking. If you want a stick keep looking.

Ah, SO TRUE.

OP: If most of your driving will have you constantly rowing the gears, i.e., city traffic, OR if you are a drag racer, the AUTO gets the nod.

But, if your one to wanting a closer relationship with the driving experience and love the snap resulting from a gear shift, MANUAL gets the nod.

I would HATE to have a stick in my work truck. HATE IT. But, an auto in my w/e cruiser and curve straightening Vette (Z) would diminish the experience.

So! Back to U! It depends on you. Performance wise, either will provide more than MOST Corvette owners can appreciate anyway!

I have 6 hobby vehicles all manual trans. I drive/ride those vehicles for fun, and to me manual trans = fun. But I don't drive in stop and go DD traffic.

Love my manual trans C4. I sold my auto trans C4, to get a stick C4. But I also love my auto trans daily car. Auto Vettes are fine, just that the 700r4/4l60/4l60e are weak.

I drove my 94 auto for ten years NEVER wishing it was a manual. but being 6'3" and bigger shoe size I found a manual C4 very uncomfortable to drive

There is nothing wrong with an automatic Vette. I've owned both an auto and a manual. They are both Corvettes. Drive 'em and enjoy 'em.

The driving experience is completely different, but from a performance standpoint your really not giving anything up so it’s just whatever you prefer. I love my auto Vette.

Ive had both..... for me, a 6 speed is allot more fun to drive.... Rowing gears to me just feels like Im actually driving the car, and not going along for the ride... if you know what I mean... That said, an automatic doesn't SUCK, by any means.... just not as much fun in my opinion.

:iagree: Originally I was looking to but a manual, but wasn't able to find any in my area to look at. I grew up driving a number of manuals including a 3 on the tree van and drove my 5 speed Mustang 5.0 for many years and would probably still have it if someone didn't hit it parked in front of my house and totaling it. After spending time in my 91 I believe it was probably was best I bought an auto. I'm 6'2" and because of the narrow foot room in the C4 don't think I would have enjoyed a manual day after day.

I love the auto on my '92, and as a bonus the wife can enjoy it too. (she can drive a stick ONLY if her life depended on it).

Now when the '64 is on the road, THAT is a 4-speed! :yesnod:

I chose an automatic because I didn't want the cost or hassle of a manual's maintenance. Didn't want to do it on my back in the driveway. Finding someone that wanted and could do it is another consideration. Thread somewhere where shop replaced clutch, had to remove distributor and couldn't or didn't reinstall it properly.

Autos are fun too. Track mode is leave it in 3rd (D) and just drive. You can also shift through the 3 gears without pressing the detent if you want.

So I think there is more to consider than just the driving experience. Just get one. You will love which ever one you choose.

JMHO

Joe K

Automatics are fine.

However, they are different and in some ways better and some ways worse.

An automatic may be easier to drive daily in stop and go traffic, it may be more consistent in racing and somewhat easier to launch.

A manual can get better gas mileage ('94 EPA rating 24 vs 27 mpg highway although I got over 30 in my M6), and in my opinion is much more fun to drive.

I have had C4's both ways. I had a daily driver '88 A4 and I sold it to get an M6. I got a '94 M6 and glad I did.

It really comes down to your opinions and choice based on how you expect to drive the car.

Good luck.