Looking for some insight...auto or manual?

[jr_hoyt]

I am ordering a 2LT Rally Yellow w/ Black racing stripes today (it's 1:15 a.m. right now, BTW). I know that I am ordering it with the RS package and a sunroof, however I'm in a dilemma about whether to go with a manual or an automatic... Now the wise man would make the obvious selection... Which for me would be the automatic as I was never fortunate enough to learn how to drive a standard (fluidly... I could do it if I HAD to)... My gut initially told me to order the manual and suck up the embarrasment of squeeling the tires and killing it multiple times just to get it out of the parking lot. However, nowmy gut tells me to order the automatic... I'm ordering it in Richmod, VA even though I live in OK.
I was just wondering if anyone may have some helpful advice on the issue, perhaps there are perks to one vs the other?!

Thanks in advance!

[Jeanius]

I was in the same dilemma when I bought my 95 trans am, I took the risk and went with the 6 speed and am DAMN glad I did! I had NEVER driven a stick before, My brother drove it home, and once we got it there I said Im gonna learn. I got it down the street, and kept stalling, couldnt do anything, and I was by myself, couldnt walk back home and say hey can you walk down here and drive my car back, so I HAD to learn and for damn sure I did.

If you want to feel like you are actually DRIVING the car, go with the 6 speed

Thats my opinion

EDIT:

Forgot to mention, Paddle shifting is NOTHING like an actual stick

[WhoDat24]

You won't regret your color choice, as for the auto vs. manual.. depends on ur personal pref.. i have an auto, it also comes with paddle shifters, which are cool and similar to a manual, but not much replaces the old-fashioned 6-speed.

[Mayhem]

I personally have never driven a Manual vehicle either.

I ordered a 2SS/RS Manual in May. I'm not even considering auto.... Although I've driven auto for 11 years. It's a Camaro !! Personally I'd have gone with something more sport/luxury or just flat out luxury if I wanted luxury.. (auto is a modern luxury) But the Camaro.... It's a muscle car... Which kind of screams muscle... Atleast in my opinion... But yeah, it really comes down to you.. Wouldn't want to make a choice because "so and so said such and such" and then end up regretting it later.

However to spare my clutch some pain I'm forking $$ up for a couple lessons, that way I don't have to "practice" on my new Camaro.

Wasn't able to find anyone willing to let me learn on theirs.

[cshaw2049]

Pretty much what has already been said. It is a personal decision. In my case my first few cars were stick then got married had kids and got automatics. But the Camaro on order is M6. Automatics put me to sleep!!!

[Jamie Mac]

Personal preference. Personally I like shifting gears and I live in Pittsburgh that is nothing but hills and turns. Haven't shifted anything but a motorcycle in about 20 years and I can not wait!

[Rusted Virtue]

I was in the same boat. I went with the manual and while I'm waiting I bought a $500 ford escort to practice on. I pretty much have it down after a couple months here.

The stick is def the right choice

[orange_5thgen]

Well, you're obviously not used to a stick so why buy one. I can drive a stick and was not sure which way to go either. I mean if the car is going to be a daily driver and you have to deal with a lot of traffic on a daily basis that means a LOT of shifting. That's why I considered an automatic for about 5 seconds and then went with a manual.

Ultimately the 6-speed is going to be a lot more fun to drive, but like someone said the autos do come with the paddle shifters so it's pretty close to a manual.

If you're not familiar with a stick and you really don't want to learn then go with the auto, BUT if you want to have some fun then learn to drive a manual and go with it.

It's just hard for me to think about a muscle car with an automatic transmission thats why I considered the auto for about 5 seconds.

BTW it's 5:02 AM here and I have not been to sleep. Still working!!!

[a6pk2go]

I grew up on a farm and most of my cars/trucks have been standards. They aren't that hard to learn IMHO. I'm getting an automatic due to my knees but I wish I was in my twenty's again and I would have a manual again. Good luck with your lessons.

[jking]

Originally Posted by jr_hoyt

I am ordering a 2LT Rally Yellow w/ Black racing stripes today (it's 1:15 a.m. right now, BTW). I know that I am ordering it with the RS package and a sunroof, however I'm in a dilemma about whether to go with a manual or an automatic... Now the wise man would make the obvious selection... Which for me would be the automatic as I was never fortunate enough to learn how to drive a standard (fluidly... I could do it if I HAD to)... My gut initially told me to order the manual and suck up the embarrasment of squeeling the tires and killing it multiple times just to get it out of the parking lot. However, nowmy gut tells me to order the automatic... I'm ordering it in Richmod, VA even though I live in OK.
I was just wondering if anyone may have some helpful advice on the issue, perhaps there are perks to one vs the other?!

Thanks in advance!

I'm in the manual/auto dilemma as well. I drove a '90 Pontiac Sunbird for 11 years and it was a manual, so I have no problem with driving manual cars. However, being 50 with a little arthritis in my knees, I don't know if I want to pump a clutch for the next 5-10 years, so I'll probably go with the automatic when I get my Camaro (more than likely next year). I originally wanted the Camaro with manual, but I talked myself out of it for the above reasons.

I'm looking at the RJT 2LT/RS with Auto and Sunroof when the time comes! It will be my daily driver.

[Red Hot SS]

Go with your gut and get the automatic. I'm getting a manual, but i've driven them since I was sixteen. Its a 2LT, which in my opinion is perfect for an automatic. That perfect balance of Power/Speed with Comfort/Daily-Driving ability.

But If you decide to go manual I wouldnt learn on your camaro.

P.S. Richmond blows. I live 20 min. from and dont know why you would order from there. lol

[Jeanius]

Originally Posted by jking

I'm in the manual/auto dilemma as well. I drove a '90 Pontiac Sunbird for 11 years and it was a manual, so I have no problem with driving manual cars. However, being 50 with a little arthritis in my knees, I don't know if I want to pump a clutch for the next 5-10 years, so I'll probably go with the automatic when I get my Camaro (more than likely next year). I originally wanted the Camaro with manual, but I talked myself out of it for the above reasons.

I'm looking at the RJT 2LT/RS with Auto and Sunroof when the time comes! It will be my daily driver.

The newer hydraulic clutches are alot easier to depress than the older wires, don't know if you've driven one, but it makes a huge difference

[c0rsa180]

I too was in the position when i ordered back in Feb, my brother let me borrow his GTO to learn on this past weekend and I'm happy i ordered the manual because I love driving stick

[Wild Bill]

IMO the manual is the only way to go with a sports car. My first new car was my 1971 SS Camaro with 4 on the floor. The only time I ever drove a stick shift was my friend's 1960 Ford Falcon with 3 on the column and you had to double clutch each gear. I had no problems learning. If you do a lot of bumper to bumper driving, you may want to go with the automatic. If not, you will have tons more fun with the manual.