[david_351]

I guess this isnt really gen specific, but why are so many Corvette ordered with automatics vs manual. there for mini-vans. Im just wondering why so many Vette owners choose an auto trans?

 

[The Torch]

Most are not ordered by the owners, they are ordered by the dealers and bought by the owners. 60 years ago, everyone could drive a stick, today fewer and fewer prople can which is why dealers order automatics. This allows them to sell to a bigger share of the market. Bottom line, is it's all about the bottom kine

 

[OldVetteFan]

I suppose that there are many reasons for having an automatic transmission in a Corvette. Don't forget that the first Corvettes were ONLY available with an automatic (the Powerslide).

This also isn't a new trend. Dig out your copy of the Corvette Black book, and you'll see that transmission choice from manual to automatic started during the C3 era, and never went back.

Trivia question: other than the C1's, in what model year did the automatic transmission build quantity exceed the manual transmission build quantity? It's probably earlier than you think! -- answer below...

Although I drive a six speed '95 (and enjoy it), there are times when I would be just as happy with an auto. My better half has already indicated that when we buy a brand new, Museum Delivery Vette, that she would prefer the auto (and with the six speed auto, I think I won't have a problem with that).

I also suspect that the demographics of the car tend toward older buyers. I will also speculate that older buyers, on average, prefer more convenience and comfort options (like automatics) than younger buyers.

When I was younger (like when I had my '65), there was no way I would have wanted anything other than the manual. Now that I'm older, the six speed is fun (especially the sounds & the feel), but I would still enjoy the car with an automatic.

My wife and I are more into the social aspects of the hobby. I love talking about and driving the Vette, but I also enjoy the friendships I've made here and in my local Vette club. When I was younger, it was strictly about me and the car.

So, while I can appreciate your feeling that Corvettes should be manual, I can certainly see why most of them are not.

I also think it's poor form on your part to castigate other Corvette owners because of their choice in transmission. That seems a bit shallow to me - do you also believe that all Corvettes should have manual windows, manual steering & brakes, and convertible tops, too?

Steven

Trivia answer: 1972 14,543 automatics of 27,004 built

 

[RTGordon]

I think an important thing to consider here is the purpose of the car when it is purchased. The majority of owners don't buy Corvettes because they plan on using it as a road racing rocket. There are so many reasons to purchase this car other than its track performance. Many drivers want a spirited driving experience, a vehicle they can cruise in as well as enjoy a jaunt through some mountain roads on occasion. Others use it as a daily driver; in big city traffic, a manual transmission can be cumbersome. After putting 93k on a 6-speed equipped Camaro, much of which was in city traffic, I can relate.

There are two sides to racing as well, if you want to look at the performance aspects of it. Road racing? Manual all the way (until they perfect a true manu-matic version). Drag racing, definitely the auto. You can achieve more consistent launches and passes.

 

[raidmagic]

I bought an auto over a stick when I bought my car (used) because I think the Doug Nash 4+3 is crap and wasn't willing to deal with any issues that might arise by having it. When I bought my car 6 speed cars were out of my price range.

 

[madman_04048]

Edit: No need for comments of that nature.

 

[War Machine]

I wanted the manual shift when I bought the 87 but had to take the wife into consideration. I don't regret getting the auto, that car was still a blast to drive.

 

[IPJ]

An Auto For Me Cause I Wanted One And I Could Afford One So I Got One. Now Then If Someone Wants To Buy Me A Vette I'll Be More Than Happy To Take Anykind They Want To Give Me. Til Then I Get What I Want.

 

[muddpile]

I bought mine because I couldn't find a manual car, and if I could, it was a low miler 6 speed that I couldn't afford. I'm 100% satisfied with the auto though.

 

[germeezy1]

Auto for me, a built auto with a stall you would really have to drive one to understand.

 

[strider67109]

Auto

Too much traffic these days. The idea of being stuck in a long traffic jam with a clutch is NOT my idea of fun. Being a truck driver most of my adult working years I've done all the manual shifting I really care to do. If I can have a choice(and at the moment I do) I will get a Automatic. Having a choice of a automatic was a very big factor why I decided to get a Corvette when I was finally able to get another sports car.

 

[fyreline]

My '07 is a six-speed manual, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm 52, and this is my "Hey, it's a nice day, let's go for a ride" car. I've had Corvettes before (all manual, by the way) and to me the upshifting and downshifting is part of the fun. I can certainly understand the appeal of an automatic to those who can't drive a manual (shame on 'em - learn how!), and up until recently my wife never owned a car with an automatic transmission. As has been said, the modern Corvette automatic is very good indeed, and in fact if you're a drag racer it may be your best choice. It's all about choice, how you drive, and why you drive. Both are excellent.

 

[red_johnny]

I searched for 4 months to find mine. I wanted a 6 speed so it made the search even harder. But I finally got it.:thumbsup:

 

[Evilways]

I understand completely the reason like manuals, they are fun, but only if life was an open road course. Reality sets in when you're stuck in road construction traffic or rush hour and it's the never ending up-down-up-down-etc shifting. Automatics,in stock form,provide lots of enjoyment and performance and ,as stated earlier, when built, un matched performance and hard shifts. I had a built 4L65E Rossler tranny and a 3200 stall in my 2000 TA and I have to say I've never been put back in the seat and slammed repeatedly during EVERY gear change in any manual like I was in that car. My C6 is an A6 car and from all I've read, it's based on the non electronic 400 tranny, built to sustain 600 ft pounds of torque. Not many stock manuals can say that. :thumbsup:

 

[TheRooster73]

We're stuck with an abundant number of automatics because people in North America are sheep. It should be a manditory requirement in drivers ed that you have to learn to drive stick.

There is no good reason why every car for sale new on a dealers lot does not come in both auto and manual.

 

[Sidepipe]

I bought a 2004 Vette with the auto and 3:15 gears. Got it with the Museum Delivery. The auto allows my wife and myself to enjoy the Vette in traffic, since this is our trip car. If I want to row the gears I get into my 65 ragtop and listen to the sidepipes. Don't think that everyone who drives an auto Vette has lesser ability than the manual boys. It's a choice. Some guys need to lighten up.

 

[BUCKSFAN]

I guess this isnt really gen specific, but why are so many Corvette ordered with automatics vs manual. there for mini-vans. Im just wondering why so many Vette owners choose an auto trans?

:down:

:WTF not sure what planet you live on, or if you even own a corvette. (dont see a vette listed on your profile) but i have had 5 vettes all have been automatics because i drive them everyday and dont want to fight dallas traffic. sticks are great but not in traffic, but since you seem so uniformed on corvettes the new ones have paddle shifters so you get a litte of both worlds. by the way I drive a stick just fine my first Z28 was a 1984 5 speed h.o.

 

[bojvette]

easy to drive with only one foot !! the left foot you can tap on the floor to the 8 track player in the car [ i mean c d player ] !! and you can drink and drive [ a coke a cola ]
lets see what else after owning many corvettes and other cars with 4 speeds and clutches I bought this car wath a auto trans !! some day will take pictures of my left calf its bigger then the right calf from pushing in a 4000 lb clutch in chicago with a stop light every other block !!!!

 

[atomicc6]

stick v. auto

I believe for most of us, owning a vette is such a personal thing, like a relationship. It's all about how you want to interact. Personally, I could never see myself in an automatic. There's nothing like the tug of the torque when you're grabbing gears!

 

[OldVetteFan]

We're stuck with an abundant number of automatics because people in North America are sheep.

Sheep? It could be that they simply prefer automatic to manual transmissions.

It should be a manditory requirement in drivers ed that you have to learn to drive stick.

We can't produce students that can read, write, or make simple change. You think the NEA can really provide an education that includes driving manual transmissions, too?

There is no good reason why every car for sale new on a dealers lot does not come in both auto and manual.

Sure there is - it's called CONSUMER CHOICE, and the consumers have decided that they prefer automatic to manual transmissions. They also prefer air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, power steering, power brakes, and cruise control.

Why are threads like this generally confined to the stark choice between automatic and manual transmissions? Why don't we see posts on roll up windows vs side curtains?

For those of you that look down on the automatic drivers, why do you care so much about the transmission choice? Do you look down on all the C4 and newer generation cars because we didn't choose to retrofit our cars to eliminate AC, power assist, and other convenience items? Do you truly believe that a sports car can only be enjoyed if it is hot, uncomfortable, and miserable? You sound like my Drill Instructor!

Steven