Automatic is definetly the more convenient option. But I don't suffer through 10 MPG for convenience :P I want to enjoy every gallon the most I can, and I feel a lot more connected to the car with a manual.

 

Driving stick in a big city can be a bit strenuous, but if you're located in suburbia or anywhere with fairly open roads stick is the way to go. Having complete control of 300 horsepower is extremely fun.

Buying an automatic sports car is like marrying a supermodel only to find out she used to be a dude. It spoils everything.

 

well, I guess that about covers it.

 

Just get a brainless auto with a 5000 stall and a trans-brake like my uncle's '67 Bel Air.

Seriously though, I wish I had a manual. Auto is convenient though.

 

pretty simple answer.

You will never shift faster than an auto can, end of story. I had a 6 speed in my car before I went to the auto, why did I go to an auto you ask? Because I wanted to go faster, because building an auto to take power costs 1/10th of what building a GOOD 6 speed costs. Because you WILL go consistently faster with a nice stalled auto than you'll ever be able to in a 5/6 speed car, end of story

NOW, take what I say with a grain of salt, because my car isn't as fun to drive on the STREET as it was with a 5/6 speed. If I didn't care about numbers and just wanted a car that was fun to drive, it'd be a 5/6 speed in a heartbeat. But if you're building a car that you want to go fast at the track, there is no comparison.

 

When I get my Camaro I would at some point like to take it to a drag strip, so I guess thats a reason to get automatic.

 

keep in mind, my car sees MAYBE 1-2k street miles a year. The large majority of its time is spent at the track, if that wasn't the case, I'd have a 6 speed. If you can afford to pick up a 5/6 speed now, I'd do it. Drive the car as is and get it to a point where I was, where it wasn't cost effective to continue driving a stick. At that point, switch over. I sold my T56, clutch, flywheel, pedal assembly, clutch master to purchase my built th400 and converter and had over 1000 bucks left over from the sale.

What I'm saying is, don't rule out an auto, they're great fun and with the right stall for your combo can be every bit as fun and fuel efficient as a 5/6 speed (at least within reason). But, ultimately, if your car sees a lot of street driving, a stick car is a blast to drive. Just don't fall into the "a stick car is faster than an auto car" BS

 

manual all day every day baby!!!!!!!!!!!!! theres no point in having a muscle car if it gonna be an automatic in my opinion when you have a manual car its like driving a completely different car and you have complete control of the speed you wanna go along with the rpm's and all that good stuff with an automatic car you cant control the rpm because it will shift the gears for you making the drive kinda boring. but i suppose if your getting a little older automatic is better for you depends on what ya want really

 

slow down homeskizzle, not all automatics are electronically controlled, just so we're clear. There is such thing as a manual valve body, where you still have to shift gears but there is no clutch pedal and there is no "D" where you can put it in and mash the pedal. Witchcraft you say.....right?

 

My first 2 cars were autos, a Focus ZX3 and an Impala LS, they were nice but I knew how to drive a stick before I bought them and was always let down with the lack of feeling/connection you get with the auto. Any spirited driving is much more fun, and gas mileage and performance when stock both tend to improve with the manual trans over the auto.

If you don't know how to drive a stick I'd say have someone teach you first, decide if you like it, If your up in the air about it, go with the best deal since it is a used car. Also are you set on a v8 or would you rather a v6, the v8 I would say for performance can go either way, at a certain point an auto is faster in a straight line, in stock form the manual tends to be quicker with a decent driver. With the v6 the auto makes it a dog, especially with the 3.4L.

I have the 3.8L with the 5spd and 3:42's, I get an average of 22 driving how I want (not beating it or driving for mpg) When I drive to school I average 25(2/3 highway). I'm taking mine to the track with some of my buddies again in september for some street legal's bracket racing, if you aren't making a race car and are just planning for a bolt on DD, trust me, trying to be consistent with a manual every time is a lot of fun. Also my buddy gets 29/30 mpg with the 6 speed v8, the auto doesn't get that well. Just some facts and opinions to hopefully help you out.