The manufacturers data says that the auto is 2 10ths quicker to 60mph and is traveling faster through the quarter. Does this in fact hold true in the real world? Before I buy, I would like to know the truth. Thanks. :friday:

No, the automatic is NOT faster than the manual transmission. I'm not sure where you might have seen that stated (could have been a typo or misread).

Here is what I found when looking at Pontiac site ...

Clicking on the link for ..

Standard 4L65-E 4-speed automatic transmission

Returned ...

Custom tailored and performance tuned, the 4-Speed Automatic provides performance that rivals that of the Tremec given a 0 to 60 time of 4.6 seconds. The secret: Software programmed to match the 4L65-E to the LS2's on-and-off throttle characteristics.

This is saying the automatic "rivals" the performance of the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission.

Hope that helped :)

Originally posted by Jawz@Aug 19 2005, 04:26 PM
No, the automatic is NOT faster than the manual transmission. I'm not sure where you might have seen that stated (could have been a typo or misread).

Here is what I found when looking at Pontiac site ...

Clicking on the link for ..

Standard 4L65-E 4-speed automatic transmission

Returned ...

Custom tailored and performance tuned, the 4-Speed Automatic provides performance that rivals that of the Tremec given a 0 to 60 time of 4.6 seconds. The secret: Software programmed to match the 4L65-E to the LS2's on-and-off throttle characteristics.

This is saying the automatic "rivals" the performance of the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission.

Hope that helped :)
You know what, my memory was wrong. The Pontiac site does not show the Auto as being 2 10ths quicker to 60 mph - it is only one tenth. Go to pontiac.com -GTO -Specification and at the top of the page you will find quick facts download. There it shows the Auto as 4.6 seconds to 60mph and the manual at 4.7 seconds to 60mph. The quarter mile times are the same.

The auto may infact be faster to 60 as its easier to launch, while a manual has more tricks and technique to get a perfect launch...the auto is just mainly stomp and steer.

Manufacturers times mean nothing, zip, zilch, notta. IE worse than Car and Driver stats :)

Wow I never saw that page before. Thanks for showing me Cape Cod Yankee.

Kinda puts a smile on my face .. I bought an automatic :D

Since I don't know how to drive an automatic :D I had to buy the M6. Having driven nothing but sticks for the past 30 years in my personal cars, I'd have to say that the 0-60 times are dependent on the driver. The M6 is a close ratio 4-speed with a double overdrive. That firm clutch lockup give you 4MPG better highway EPA mileage (I'm getting 23.7 overall going to and from work), and it's LOADS more fun to drive. With a flat power band and close ratio 4-speed, you can't NOT find the right gear to fly when you want to.

Personally (and please, no offense) I find automatics boring as he11. Just steer and stare. Nothing to think about.j

But to each his own. :friday:

Alright then lets put the question this way: Two 05 gtos up against each other. One stick one auto. Stick has a good enough driver to know any tricks (good takeoff, powershifting, etc) who wins to 60mph?

they would be even, if anything the standard will be quicker as it has different gearing, meaning it will have faster acceleration, but also have to shift sooner.

I think Nocturn is correct...it's the shift that kills you. I saw somewhere out on the web a gear calculation for both the auto and the stick. I believe the auto does 0-60 in it's "first" gear. The M6 you will be shifting around 46 mph. For the speed shifter this probably won't make a big difference...but for the inexperienced...it may make a difference. The M6 is a great deal more fun to drive though....I'd go with the M6 if I were you and "learn" do drive it instead of just stomping on the A4 and staring around. :D

Usually manuals will be faster as they dont have to do with a torque convertor, but shift timing can effecet "crucial" numbers like 0-60.

If you look at the 1/4 times however, they are identicle.

Ok, here's my input. I have and had all autos in my GTOs, one had a his and hers(dual gate ) shifter. And I'll admit they are a easy way to have fun in a muscle car. But like all other cars, you have to get to know how they handle and react. My '05, I've noticed,you can only do certain things at certain speeds and rpms, so you got to plan ahead (or set them up) when you play with others on the road. Also the car will do different things off the line, when you "manually" start in 1st or 2nd and so forth(example- starting in 1st you can just light them up so much easier and longer, than just taken off in "D"). And it makes a great daily driver, especially in the city(more user friendly). Plus, these new auto transmissions now adays are very efficient(be it the hardware and or software). It just depends on preference, the manuals have always been aload of fun and great for the racers. No matter which one you prefer, the new GTO is a fast and fun car!

Ahh the annual transmission discussion...to elaborate
Manuals have more power to the wheels due to less drivetrain loss. Combine that with manuals also typically having more gears allowing a numerically higher gear ratio which then multiplies the power more. The added power makes up for having to shift extra times, particularly the longer the race is. This is why a 5spd autos greatly close the gap with 5spd manuals (ala mustang).
None of the mainstream mags powershift, so a manual can usually be a few tenths faster than the quickest mainstream mag if the driver's willing to sacrifice some clutch.
The more powerful the car is though, the less difference there is in performance generally speaking.

Originally posted by Nocturn@Aug 19 2005, 11:37 PM
If you look at the 1/4 times however, they are identicle.
I know several stock manual '05s have hit the 12s, has it been done with any stock autos?