does V6 with Automatic get better mileage than manual trans?

[Bert]

I recently rented a 1LT with the automatic transmission (because that's all they have available) and was very impressed with the gas mileage -- I got 26 overall average, around 20 in stop-and-go city driving, and a little over 30 in a simulated mixed commute. (and I was not driving strictly for mileage, I did have a lot of fun with it at the same time)

But I saw a thread in the V6 engine forum where most of the manual transmission owners seem to be getting low 20's average.

I want the stick shift, but not if it is going to be a big loss of MPG versus the automatic.

Any ideas on this?

thanks in advance

[FutureCamaroOwner]

As far as I know you get better gas milage with the manual. You have more control on when you shift. Wouldnt be suprised if the numbers change a bit from driver to driver do to everyone driving different. Just my opinion

[01pewterz28]

I have an A6 and I am right at the 29-30mpg range

[wer2foxs]

I have a stick but not getting the mileage like you guys. However my lead foot might be the problem. Love hearing that motor when I go through the gears. lol

[Nutbutt]

The manual should get better gas mileage. Should
I'm getting 27 in mostly highway, little more in all highway.

[CamaroSpike23]

back in yesteryear when the only automatics available had 3 or 4 speeds, yes manual, hands down would almost always get better gas mileage. but with these new 6 speed autos, mileage is on par if not better than the m6. that being said, a lot of the m6 drivers are more than likely driving more aggressively than the A6 drivers which woul lead to lower mpg

[Blade]

^ Spike is correct there really isn't much of a difference tween the a6 and m6 anymore. So pick the car that you will enjoy the most driving.

[SlingShot]

A6 and getting 27 mixed ...

[mydreamcar]

Originally Posted by CamaroSpike23

back in yesteryear when the only automatics available had 3 or 4 speeds, yes manual, hands down would almost always get better gas mileage. but with these new 6 speed autos, mileage is on par if not better than the m6. that being said, a lot of the m6 drivers are more than likely driving more aggressively than the A6 drivers which woul lead to lower mpg

I agree with Camarospike23, a long time ago yes a manual would get better mpg, but today coupled with the ability to get more agressive at the wheels with a manual, the mpg is going to suffer unless you keep the rpm's at 3k on everyshifty and not go above 60 mph.

[rolnslo]

Since the A6 and M6 have different gear ratios, you'll probably come out with slightly better overall MPGs with the A6 since it can use both 5th and 6th as "overdrive gears", where the M6 only gets that in 6th.

Now, for me, I'd have to agree with Camarospike23...I do now and have always driven manual transmission cars harder that I ever do automatics.

[Bert]

thanks for the replies guys -- it does make sense, the slight difference in ratios plus the tendancy to run the RPM's up a little higher with the manual would add up to better mileage for the automatic

the automatic could be the best of both worlds . . . let it shift itself on the long borring commutes or use the tap shift to have fun . . . though it still isn't the same as a real stick shift with clutch

rolnslo, cool journal . . . looks like your MPG is consistent with most of the other M6's, low 20's overall average