Paddle Shift v. Manual

[Randy R.]

Looking to order a 2010 Grand Sport (convertible) and was wondering the pro's and con's of the 6 speed paddle shift compared to the manual shift. I'm personallt leaning towards the manual but could be swayed. All thoughts and ideas welcomed.

[Chris E.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

Having driven both a C5 with the 4 speed non-paddle shift automatic and my current daily driver with a 5 speed manual, I would say in my book it is a no-brainer question. Get the manual transmission.

You're ordering a special edition convertible corvette. Don't get the paddle shift.

I haven't driven a paddle shift car, and wouldn't mind one as a daily driver, but for a vette, it has to been a stick for me.

One other point to consider would be your target audience when you go to sell it (if you plan on selling it ever). Tranmission and body style are big segmentation points for selling cars. The manually tranny cars seem to hold their value better.

[Pat M.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

I have never driven a paddle shift but I can't imagine liking it. I gotta have a stick!

[Kenneth T.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

Randy,
Not wanting to be a spoiler here, but. I have driven several, Ferrai's, plus (FX cars) prancing stalliong cars, and not having to be distracted with the shift. Just looking for the next turn, power, brake, power, brake.
Love the Paddles.
Ken

[Jim D.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

Having actually owned both (not a 4 spd. auto and a 5 manual )I much prefer the paddle shifter. Not only are the easier to drive in traffic (in fully auto. mode) they are faster than a manual in performance/manual shift mode. Drive both and make your own INFORMED decision.

Jim

[Tom H.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

I guess it all depends on how you plan to use the car. Both transmissions are top notch and a blast to drive. Personal choice is the answer. Buy the one that fits your needs the best. You won't be sorry.

[Paul J.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

Randy,

Manuals are fun, and have always been so. I will not offend my fellow members with my opinion of paddle shifters, but suffice it to say that regardless of the benefits, paddle shifters are another device that reduce the mental and physical challenges of performance driving specifically, and sports cars in general. Just my opinion.

Paul

[Henry A.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

OK, I will chime in...I have a 2007 C6 paddle shift car. First of all it is a great car...all stock turns the 1/4 mile in 13.0 @ 105 with just stabbing the throttle. The paddle shift is great for the holding a gear and getting the shift when you want it and not when the computer wants it. There is an annoying lag in the shift...almost 500 rpm...it is not a true paddle shift like the foriegn exotics. I mostly drive mine in the "S" (paddle shift mode) without using the paddles. GM has set it up to provide more agressive shifts and makes the automatic a little more fun.

I would preffer a manual shift car, but this car is in the garage for my wife and daughter to use when ever they would like...it has become the quick trip and go out to dinner car. The rest of the stable is more of the garage queen collector type cars.

Just my 2 cents...by the way the C6 is a great car and value.

[Paul J.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

OK, I will chime in...I have a 2007 C6 paddle shift car. First of all it is a great car...all stock turns the 1/4 mile in 13.0 @ 105 with just stabbing the throttle. The paddle shift is great for the holding a gear and getting the shift when you want it and not when the computer wants it. There is an annoying lag in the shift...almost 500 rpm...it is not a true paddle shift like the foriegn exotics. I mostly drive mine in the "S" (paddle shift mode) without using the paddles. GM has set it up to provide more agressive shifts and makes the automatic a little more fun.

I would preffer a manual shift car, but this car is in the garage for my wife and daughter to use when ever they would like...it has become the quick trip and go out to dinner car. The rest of the stable is more of the garage queen collector type cars.

Just my 2 cents...by the way the C6 is a great car and value.

Good point, Henry. Tom hinted at it, that the car may have to be used for different things, other than just ripping around the block. My 78 L82 was a boring automatic, but my wife had to be able to drive the car and we traveled extensivly in it where the four speed would either not be used or be a hinderance in heavy traffic. When I wanted to shift I could still do it, but without the clutch it wasn't much fun. Guess the solution is to own more than one.

Paul

[Clem Z.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

after having all auto trans since 1997 in my last 4 new corvettes number 5 has a 6 speed manual and this is my first manual shift since a 4 speed citation X-11 in 1981 and i love it even at 75 years of age. i do not have to drive the corvette every day so that may also enter into the equation

[John D.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

I plan on stepping up to the plate and getting a C5 or C6 in near future. Catch though is if the car has a 6 speed it's history. Where I live the traffic is horrible to say the least . And tons of hills also. Who wants to shift gears. Too bad the Corvette doesn't have a nice Allison automatic like my 2500 GMC. Now that's a tranny. (maybe the new Corvette does have an Allison???) JD

[Bill C.]

Re: Paddle Shift v. Manual

I just rec'd a 2009 c6 with the 6 sp. auto with the paddle shifter. I needed the auto as my wife also drives the car. I originally thought the paddles were nothing but a "toy"; but after a little practice they can be a lot of fun.
Hope this helps
Bill