6 speed vs automatic

[Z51 Coupe]

I am ordering a 2004 convertible (Commemorative Edition) this summer (already have but dealer cant place order yet of course) except I haven't told him if I want a 6 speed or automatic.

I'm torn between the choices (price not an issue). I have a 6 speed 1991 now and have had a 1992 automatic plus 3 4speeds in the '60's.

As I am older now (62) I'm wondering if an automatic is more practical but I also am interested in whether a 6 speed has more resale value in the long run or if fewer people would buy a 6 speed because they cant drive a manual transmission. Not thinking of selling it for many years but looking for some opinions. I still like to drive the 6 speed also but am not into racing, etc.
:confused :bash :argue

 

[yellow_2002_germany]

If you look at pricing trends of older vettes, almost without exception, vettes with a manual tranny have a higher resale value.

 

[Glennm27]

My personal opinion, I would never make that decision contemplating resale value! Who cares? I'd get what I would most want for myself! ...........................and that would be the MN6, no doubt!

 

[corvettecrazy]

although I am not allowed to drive our vette I think the thrill of having more control is worth every penny that a 6spd can offer.

unless you drive frequently in heavy traffic I would suggest the 6spd

 

[singledad_9]

Concur with everyone else, there is nothing like a 6sp. Even in heavy traffic, my left leg is now bigger than my right leg.

 

[RedLdr1]

Row your own? Not...

Definitely an automatic for me... I drive in metro Atlanta traffic and the Vette is a daily driver... One round of "Friday Follies" here will have you longing for a "slushbox"...:eyerole

Go with what you are comfortable with is my .02...

 

[Tomrw]

With the traffic in the Washington, DC- Baltimore area an automatic is the only way. :Silly
Tom

 

[justafamilyman]

Hi mtcrsr,
I love to tell you the story about my orderinga 2003 vette, but it may bore the others. If you want to "hear" a long tale, private message me back.
I have heard: growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. I went the mandatory route and ordered my Vette with the MX0 with the 3.15 rear axle. I loved going thru the gears on my father's motorcycle (175cc) and in my Honda Accord when I was a younger man. Unfortunately, time and tide wait for no man and each eventually catch up. I know my abilities and in-abilities.
I believe, however, everyone here wil agree, it is up to you. As was said in the 3rd Indiana Jones movie: "Choose wisely". The addendum is: "...then enjoy". Don't forget the wave.

 

[Eric]

With the traffic in the Washington, DC- Baltimore area an automatic is the only way. :Silly
Tom

You can say that again! I drove a stick to work and back on I-66 once and that was enough. I have bad knees already anyhow.:eyerole

-Eric

 

[Roadster Fan]

personal choice for sure

but if your sitting on the fence and struggling with the answer, then get the 6-speed. Nothing like running thru the gears. Have you ever heard a guy lamenting that he wished he had an automatic rather than the stick in his sports car?. Didn't think so :L I only drive mine for pleasure, if it was a daily driver, I'd still want the 6-speed . But I'm the type that walks a golf course too :eyerole.
Here's to whichever you get
Brett

 

[REDGAR]

Love the manual but the A4 works a little better for me and my bracket racing hobby

 

[JBsC5]

Its definitely a personal decision..yet since you asked for opinions..I'll tell you I live in the NYC metro area and traffic doesn't get much worse throughout the USA..

I thought at 40 or so..with the fantastic automatics made today...I'd just order up the automatic with 3:15 rear gears...I had that 1999 Corvette with Z51 suspension...and it was a veritable (sp) missle..Very fast as everyone can attest..

meaning that from an acceleration from a dead stop..that relatively stock automatic car is amazing and very consistant..

I would suggest that there is a great possiblity....if from some reason....you choose the automatic..that its within the first year or so..that the urge will hit you as it did me...it was like a burning desire that I never anticipated...I just had to have one..


And thats the big but....

The automatic just wasnt' the same thrill as a six speed.

I traded in the automatic 99 for a six speed '01 and its the best thing I could have done..

Its just a lot more fun. ... I know drag racing this thing versus the automatic would most probably put the automatic out front.. .. but who cares..Forty mile an hour roll ons..60 mph roll ons...diving into the corner and being in the right gear both entering and exiting..

I say get the stick..

Both great cars.....one's a world class GT cruiser.....and ones' an all out maniac balls to the wall Time machine...

And thats the key...You don't have to put the stick shift version on the track to get that feeling of "race car" ...you get it every time you turn the key..

 

[RHill]

The choice is strictly personal …

I like the way you can enter and exits corners under control with a six speed. I don't use my Vette as a daily driver nor do I care to trash it a 1/4 mile at a time. I'm old enough to say " Been there done that". I’ve owned and driven Vettes for over thirty years and the ones I remember most are the ones with manual transmissions.

So I wouldn't let your age judge your transmission choice, unless you have physical limitations which require you to do so.

 

[Ctfoodguy2000]

When I was trying to decide last year, I drove both. I hadn't driven a stick in years. The thrill of going through the gears, control of vehicle, and pure exhileration outweighed the infrequent times I stall or the rolling backwards on hills and the pain of driving in traffic. Do what is right for you without regard to resale value! Good luck.

 

[hawaii-5-lo]

hey everyone,
i have an automatic,and i love it,its nice to take a cup of coffee with you sometimes,grab and change c.ds,adjust temps etc...but if you get the auto,the 3:15 is a must.someone said ever hear of a 6-speed guy wishing he had an auto,'yes', my friends 30th trans-am 6-speed,even with cags eliminated or what ever,he wishs he bought a auto!i have a 93 saturn as a daily driver,i frickin hate the stick.re-sale value after a few years,minimal,and if you get a auto with the 3:15 option its probably the same anyway.oh ya,real men drive autos so they can get friskey with there lady in the car on the way home from dinner just my taste,no offense to any 6-speed drivers,later,Todd.

 

[Daryllawman]

Automatic is nice, have had sticks for years........nice to get a brake........lol........just my $ 500.00 worth.......to each his own.....

 

[401K Vette]

I have both, but I love the manual. There's more of a connection between you and the car.

 

[80vette_ca]

Mine's an auto and I love the feeling of putting the shifter into 1 at a stop then putting the pedal to the floor, letting the RPMs get to around 5000 then manually shift it into 2. Having the tires squak and the hard jurk throwing you into the seat is a great feeling, but I must say I think a six speed would be fun and a little more sporty, but what do I know anyways?If you want the six speed then get it, you can always trade it to me

 

[SlowRide]

Got to be a 6-Speed

It's great to run through the gears!!

 

[pweter98vert]

I've had 4 vette's and this is my first auto. I sometimes miss the stick, but traffic tends to take all of the fun out of it. I very satisfied that bought auto.
:J :J