OK. First off, This is based completely on performance. I could care less If i have an A4 or M6. Ive been bitten HARD by the bug this year and Im gonna start modding beyond my lid and cutout.

Im thinking about going through a heck of a lot of trouble to sell my car and buy pretty much the same car I have now except have it be stick.

Is it worth it? Is the performance difference even there if I get a torque converter?

 

No matter what anyone says I don't think there is that much performance difference between the two M6 vs A4.

I have now had both 2002 A4 and my 2000 M6 w/SLP Cat-Back. There will be a little more RWHP soaked up by the A4 but gear ratios and faster shifts make up for that.

 

I think an auto loses 1-2% more then a manual transmission. With a higher stall this may be lowered but I'm not positive. Theres really no need to sell you car if you are happy with either transmission, just upgrade the auto to handle more power.

 

If two equal drivers were drag racing two equal cars except for one being the Auto and being the M6, most likely the M6 would win. However, the driver of the M6 would need a flawless launch and near perfect shifting. Its really, really hard to miss a shift with an auto tranny.

When I was looking to buy a Z28, I thought I must have the M6 but couldn't find one that didn't have a ton of mods done to it and if wasn't modified, I couldn't afford it. The autos are much easier to find and now after having it for many years, I don't regret it one bit. Driving in the city sucks with a manual.

 

In general the difference between an auto and a manual tranny is roughly 5%. Manuals do have more efficient drivetrains and so conserve more of the power getting to the ground.

HOWEVER, automatic trannies are the easiest to make go fast. Easier to launch, no worries about misshifts.

Auto for track racing, Manual for joyriding and races from a roll.

 

If you aren't shifting, you aren't driving.

Autos are boring and the 4L60E isn't the best transmission for high-horsepower longevity, either.

Mike

 

I stated in the first post this was purely based around performance. I agree a stick is more fun but not worth the huge pain to sell my car for the right price and find another one in as good of shape as my current one.

 

Don't pay him any mind...He drives a TOYOTA fer KRAESTS sake!