ZL1 - Stick VS. Auto = Which Will Be Faster?

[Shurenuff]

Originally Posted by BiggFoot

I hear ya Bro. I am in the same place as you. I have never driven a Camaro so the wife and I went to a large dealership in the Houston area and I test drove a 2SS auto last night. Didnt take me long to figure out that there is just something missing in a high performance car when you are not in control of the shift. I have decided to concede the 2/10's E.T. time at the strip that the auto will supposedly provide and go with the stick so I can have some fun!

In the end, it's all about choice and what makes you happy.

Very simple and concise way of putting it and from my perspective I couldn't agree any more.

[|BLACKSS|]

Will the zl1 have the paddle shifts like the ss autos? I have got my paddle shifting down perfect 6200 every shift. So I hope the zl1 is the same.

[Truck Norris]

It all depends on how GM calibrates and tunes it.

The auto could be quicker if GM gave it a better converter and gave it a race mode that will firm up the shifts and anything else that can make it accelerate quicker.

The auto WILL be quicker once the modding begins.

[Danko]

Okay, this is not all that easy. Automatic 6.2 CTS-V is faster. Automatic 6.2 Corvette is slower, so it will be close. Other factors are the gas guzzler tax and related EPA mileage figures to consider. Tax on CTS-V Caddy auto is $1300 higher. Maybe not a lot considering the car's price, but... I love my stick 2010 Corvette but I am strongly considering an automatic ZL1 (and REMOVING the fugly spoiler!) and keeping the Vette. What would make my choice VERY simple would be for GM to put its upcoming eight speed auto into the ZL1 like Chrysler will be doing with SRTs.

[Z_Rocks]

Originally Posted by Tysen

I recall Fbodfather saying that even though he was a diehard manual enthusiast, he would seriously consider the automatic in the ZL1. Can't remember what thread that was. However, I would take a manual any day over an auto. So regardless of which one is faster, I'm going that route (plus, less family members/friends will ask to drive it since hardly any of them can drive a stick).

I remember reading that post too.

But I also agree Manual is the best frt sport car. It's just so much more fun with down shifting, playing with the clutch and being able to rev at your disposal.
Cars like Corvette, ZL1, Porsche, Ferrari and etc. are meant to be driven and not just putting you foot down on gas pedal.

[John Deere Racer]

Originally Posted by blufin

I've got a feeling the top 10 will be a mixed bag of autos and manuals.

With the stick car being the fastest on the list

Factory stick cars always r faster and quicker
Till u put a convertor in the auto

[2cnd chance]

It will be so close that only the driver will make the difference. Drive what you like because someone will always be faster.

[boxmonkeyracing]

Originally Posted by John Deere Racer

With the stick car being the fastest on the list

Factory stick cars always r faster and quicker
Till u put a convertor in the auto

then why is it GM claims the Auto SS is faster then the stick? todays transmissions aren't like the 90's and older.

[Bo Tie 1]

Iam wondering if the automatic will have the dreaded AFM ?

[John Deere Racer]

Originally Posted by boxmonkeyracing

then why is it GM claims the Auto SS is faster then the stick? todays transmissions aren't like the 90's and older.

Never have seen that claim

[Danko]

My first car had a stinkin' TWO speed auto.......... Six are so nice, but Chrysler is now offering 8 speed autos in Chargers and 300s and will be offering 9 speed FWDs soon. YES! I CAN see buying an LT1 with an 8 speed auto.

[mikeyroche]

Originally Posted by Ltespd

The auto definitely faster and more consistent for the average guy. But I think the very fastest times will come from expert manual shifters.

This^

Pretty much the way its always been

[Truck Norris]

Originally Posted by mikeyroche

This^

Pretty much the way its always been

That is usually the case when talking about natural aspirated engines and manuals. That all changes when you are making 10 psi of boost that gets lost during every upshift on a boosted engine. Maybe if they has some sort of launch control and no lift shift like the Coblat SS/TC has.

[srb8]

Manuals are becoming an endangered species. It's only a matter of time before GM goes to the dual clutch or single clutch, or whatever else the automated manuals are called nowadays by the different car manufacturers. Even Ferrari and Lamborghini don't offer a manual on their newest supercars, because it doesn't work seamlessly with the rest of the computer controlled components of the car. In other words, the human drivers aren't capable of shifting properly.
So the answer to the question comes from Ferrari and Lamborghini. The auto is faster.