Patman

I specifically wanted automatic only. I've had many manual cars over the years, including the 98 Formula I used to own. But I got tired of missing shifts at the dragstrip, plus with this car being my daily driver, in rush hour traffic, the automatic is much nicer. I actually have more fun with automatics, I love how they'll downshift two gears sometimes when you hammer it.

I spent about 7 weeks last summer looking for a C5, and passed up a lot of nice cars because they were 6 speeds. I'm glad I didn't end up settling for a 6 speed!

Cart99

Even though I would have preferred driving a 6 speed, my main concern buying a used vette, was not knowing how a previous driver (or drivers) may have abused the clutch or transmission, or even over-revved the engine. I didn't want to pay for someone else's ineptitude with maintenance problems down the line. With the auto, it's much harder to stress the drivetrain.

ChipN

My wife doesn't drive stick and is unwilling to learn. I bought my car spur of the moment a year ago Memorial Day. I was reading the paper, said "look, there's a good sale going on" and she said "go out and buy one, just make sure its auto". Wasn't going to argue at that point.

My car was "fine" (needed suspension work to corner and handle the way that I felt a Corvette should) but was not as quick as I wanted. I had some work done (mild cam package, headers, gears, etc.) and got the performance that I wanted (dyno can be seen at http://www.comp-soln.com/C5_dyno.jpg - sort of large so I didn't want to include it as an image in this post).

After the mods it took me a while to re-learn how to drive my car. Unplanned downshifts result in more speed than I wanted and usually the back end of the car kicking out for a second or so until the stability control kicks in. Lots of fun when you want it but you need to be a little more careful of unplanned downshifts.

Not a bad thing, but I feel it would be more usable and easier to control in a M6. I also like being able to downshift into a corner, something that can be done but is not as effective with an A4. The car is very drivable (and fun to drive) and I use it to go back and forth to work everyday. Being stuck in traffic is much easier to deal with in an A4 so for the purpose of a daily driver it is fine.

So I'm not unhappy one bit with my car or the mods, but if I were to add heads and a supercharger (my original dream for this car) I would probably do that on a M6 instead. Seems the best way to control and fully utilize the available power and torque.

Just my opinion.

printmanjackson

I don't want to hijack a thread here but we are talking trans and gears.

What do you guys think the best trans/gear combonation is?
Factory options only!

I'm looking at a C5 with a 6 spd geared with a 3.42. With an over-drive it should not be a problem. Thoughts?

csmith46

i wouldn't sat "settle for" just because each has his or her own needs and preferences. Both are good at doing what they do.

2fast4sanity

All 6 spds have 3.42's from the factory. You only had a choice with the A4, either 2.73 or 3.15

Back on topic, I swore left and right I would not buy an auto. 3 months later, along comes a great deal on my '97 A4 coupe. Its got the 3.15 rear and Z51 suspension. I love it, and after getting caught in Hawaii traffic a few times, I'm glad that I didn't buy a manual here. Maybe I'll buy an MN6 when I go back to the mainland.

straightrunning

i've been shopping around and was looking for a 6spd, but came across an auto, pretty sure im going to get it. Just like what everyone else has said, just pick your favorite but take circumstances into account as well. I'm gonna be in traffic some of the time so an auto is gonna work out good for me too.

Oldad

Ordered mine with A4. 12k miles of smiles and would not change it.

boatboatboat

Sticks are real cool for about an hour. I drive my car ALOT. I talk on the phone, eat, drink all while driving. A stick was out of the question for me.

Besides have you ever tried to do a FLY BY on a stang, while giving them the finger ,and down shifting at the same time?

Auto's rule..........

printmanjackson

You can tell I'm a newbie to the C5!
Thanks

rcs128

I have a 5-speed Audi and an A4 Corvette. I drove the Audi in to the office today, mostly becuuse I feel like I've been neglecting her. Then I got stuck in 45 minutes of DC-area beltway traffic, and I found myself wishing I was in the Corvette -- for no other reason than it's an automatic. I think that speaks volumes -- be honest with your needs and driving style, and get the car that will make you the happiest the majority of the time.

ALX99

not to hijack a thread, but who has changed their a4 to a m6? did you have any problems? I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on installing the m6, just curious if it can be done without a hassle. I have full access to a shop, so the labor is not the issue, it's if it can be done without nightmares....

justalx@aol.com

MaNiFeSt

thanks for the comments guys. i have a stock 94' honda accord and its stick so i'm used to driving in traffic and crap in it. it does get annoying after awhile...

i'm currently moving to a large city where the traffic is pretty bad. for that reason i'll consider the auto.. i'll just keep lookin. thanks guys

KOMPNS8

many people bash the auto, but there are several good reasons to have an auto vette.

for example:

1) my grandfather lost the use of his left leg after being shot down in WWII and being a POW.

um.... ok, i can't think of any more, but i'm sure there's a second.

Rogue Wave

"Settled for an automatic"

Get what you want and don't settle for anything else.

I wanted an automatic and that is all I would settle for.

ebubman

we drove a 5 speed manual vehicle for 14 yrs. after 3 knee surgeries, the clutch gig wasn't always an option-----------hence, i would not have even considered an m6----i was auto all the way. bub

300bhp/ton

six as in 6 miles. Man I must live in a different world. My normal commute is 26 miles each way.

Although recently I've been working in Bristol which is 130 miles and 2 1/2 hours away. Only did it like 3 times a week but still.

country roads/back lanes/motoway/and busy town traffic.

I see your point, but unless you/anyone has a medical condition I personally think its more of an after thought reason for an auto instead of the main reason for getting one.

But each to their own, wouldn't do if we're all the same would it.

JOHNNY P.

I settled for an Automatic, It works wonders.

FLL-Mike

with Vett Girl

Blue Lion

As my car isn't a daily driver and I'm not in stop and go traffic, I preferred a manual. But my wife doesn't know how to drive one (I know, the perfect reason to get one!), I wasn't going to teach her on this car or buy one she couldn't drive if she needed to. No big deal though.