I know this is a longer one, I added video chapters to get to the topics you care about. Throw down in the comments if your a die hard manual fan or love the speed of the new automatics.
I have a question, on my drive home after buying my SS1LE I noticed that a couple of times on the highway I noticed I SWITCHED drive modes because my have was resting close you that area.. Have you or anybody else ever said anything about that?
I've actually converted like 4 of my buddies into manual drivers. One buddy bought a new 07 GT500 6spd man, he still has it. Another friend bought a 16 GT350 6spd man, the other 2 guys were twins, they both bought 2018 2SS Camaros, both M6. They were all auto guys and didn't even know how to drive a manual. At the time I had a 03 Z06 and taught all of them in that vette!
We are extremely fortunate souls to be able to walk into dealers showroom and purchase off the shelf manual transmission cars at it’s perfection right before they become extinct...we are at the end of an era.
Maybe? Haha I hope so too man. But the fact that your wanting a manual at your age shows there is still future demand and we need more of that. Good luck work hard man
I have a MANUAL and Soo glad I decided to do this as my MID LIFE CRISIS CAR. But currently have blue balls because I'm in Houston. Bought my car on Friday from Dallas, drove it home and haven't touched it because of A SNOW STORM, POWER OUTAGES.. can't wait to rip this thing up!!
Great choice.. I test drove the automatic and didn't feel the power I finally understood what the hoopla.. was about.. now so if yiu punch it in first an a drag race or strait shot it goes... and just sit back relax you moving.. I get that.. ok! But in a manual you can drop that gear or gears and you feel that same puch an any gear with more control.. I think for that kind of driving you have to work more in the automatic..!
I just traded in my 6speed 1SS to a 19 2SS auto and have zero regrets. Both are great in their own way. The auto definitely feels faster but I felt more in control in the manual. This auto is something else though!
@@zl1David i don’t think anyone with a manual would race a automatic mustang. If yo have a manual you deserve to only race people who actually drive their car.
Just bought a manual SS stalled a few times on the way home but day 3 and I feel really comfortable. Definitely worth learning. I’m glad I got a manual v8 while I still could. I encourage everyone to do the same
I agree with you 100%. I just bought a 2021 v6 Camaro and I opted for a manual trans. I hadn’t driven one for over 20 years. But, it came back to me in no time and I love it. 335 HP V6, what an awesome car.
The pulls are hard and don't stop. Also once you have remote start, u don't wanna go back. Manuals can't come with remote start on the keyfob because the clutch might be engaged and the stik might be in gear.
Modern automatics have a lock-up clutch torque converter which provides direct drive like a manual transmission clutch,. The Camaro A10 automatic torque converter clutch can engage in any gear other than first and is almost always engaged once moving. Also, the A10 is capable of shifting without disengaging the lock-up clutch, unlike a manual where you have to clutch in to shift. Not saying one is better than the other, but the automatic in the Camaro is nothing like automatics of the past and is capable of shifting faster than a Porsche PDK.
The new manual camaros also have this gate lock for when you’re down shifting so if the gear is too low for your speed it’ll resist letting shift into that gear
This should be an ad for the Camaro and a public service ad for manuals in general!! It makes me sad that manuals are so hard to find lately. I've had manuals for most of my driving career and it took so long to find the right one now. Coming from mostly 4 cyl turbos, my new manual SS is the most fun car I've ever had!
Have my C6 in manual and was worth every penny. Automatic is easier but the fun factor and driving experience just isn't there. Besides who am I racing? I personally am always trying to improve my driving skills. Good to hear your pros and cons brother! LT-1 is a great engine so hard to go wrong either way 😁
People think I’m lying when I say the manual M6 makes more horsepower than the auto... I never said it was quicker but I have my own opinion on that too🤨 Great video... 💯 but I love my M6❣️
Not with modern automatics with lock-up clutch torque converters. The converter in the Camaro 10 speed auto can lock up in any gear other than first, and is almost always engaged once moving. So no more fluid coupling losses like in early automatics.
Great video. To me, an automatic transmission isn't bad at all either just because it's an automatic. It depends on the car and its character, the transmission quality and if it's needed because of physical disadvantages e.g. The only transmission I don't like in the long run is a DSG/PDK because they're going to crack sooner or later after being fun when new. Concerning a Camaro V8 or Mustang V8 I'd always prefer the manual over the automatic for quite a few reasons even though the both of them have a great modern 10-gear automatic transmission: 1) It is so freaking rare these days to get a new V8 with a manual transmission - you'll probably end up with a Camaro or Mustang. 2) A V8 with a manual is pretty soon going to be a rarity and much searched after in my opinion. Makes the car choice a choice of cult. By the way…isn’t a muscle car meant to be manual in its basic sense of existence?! 3) I love the auto revv matching function - makes shifting so much more fun and enjoyable, makes everyone think you’re a a fantastic driver, too, even when being brand new to manuals. 4) Six gears really are enough - the automatics with more gears are shifting all of the time even when it's definitely not required and this is totally annoying to me. 5) What's the point in using paddle shifts when having an automatic? - I won't get it in my whole lifetime, just get a manual then. 6) The connection between me as the driver and the car as my instrument is way more intense - and going all the way up in revvs is way more fun in a manual. 7) Makes me feel younger :). 8) I'd rather fill up my gas tank with the money I'm about to save and have driving pleasure for a lot of clicks. Well, concerning the downsides for me are a few for sure: a) "Sacrificing" the remote start feature - it wouldn't be that much of a problem to me even if it's cool having it. b) Having a bit longer shifts shouldn’t also be an issue when mostly driving on public roads. c) When getting stuck in a traffic jam that’s taking quarters or hours of stop and go would be most annoying to me with time. And when you consider taking a race ride on a track, you'll probably feel more at one with your vehicle in a manual and have much more of an intense experience than being in an automatic/DSG/PDK type of car. Only thing I really consider the best fit when driving in a manual is a manual hand brake because of personally managing brake and clutch - the Mustang has still got one (but could be more conveniently engineered - look at the German/Japanese cars), the Camaro doesn’t. In the end though, I would rather take the manual in a car like these and swallow this bitter pill rather than missing the joy of a manual V8 muscle car.
Thanks Bro!, I always been a auto driver of a 2012 Camaro SS and 2014 Camaro RS but I just recently bought a manual 2016 Camaro SS and it’s loads of fun to drive everyday learning it and getting that original muscle car feel I’ve always wanted but I had small doubts about would I continue to love a manual but after watching this I think I definitely made the right choice!! Great content👍
Hell ya man! 💪 I had a really hard time going back to an auto after driving manual for years. it didnt last long about two years and I had to be in a manual going forward. Enjoy your beast man
I have a 15’ SS Auto & I just leaned how to drive manual this past weekend. I drove my cousins manual 18’ 1ss. Let me just say I loved it, it feels a lot more enjoyable and connected with the car. You actually have to think of what you need to do 🤣 Might trade my 5th gen for a manual
So many pros and cons on both sides. After driving auto Camrys for many years, I retired to a rural area with no bad traffic, I had to go manual for the fun factor. Any time there was a slip up, it’s always been my driver error! Good info here; had no idea re. power delivery with a manual. Thanks for logical insight, I’m sure the debate will continue! 👍👍
My first car was a stick shift K car when I was 16. I enjoyed driving it and it made a huge difference in power to the wheels compared to other crappy 80s cars. Years later I worked as a truck driver and shifted through 13 speeds with no sync. I'm older now and enjoy the comfort of drinking a coffee while driving. This is why I paid extra for the auto in the 22 LT1.
I am very happy I found this video. I am ordering mine custom from Chevy, but it is not a V-8. I enjoy the V-6 for various reasons. I do believe this may be the last time we can get a manual transmission sports car. The world is changing to electric cars. Get these while you can. Do not take them for granted. I’ll give them another two years, maybe.. Thanks for supporting us manual drivers out there who truly appreciate the fun of driving. Great video!
Agreed man. No problems with the v6 I like those too and probably smarter way to go financially. Manuals are the more rare and more fun cars. Appreciate the good words 🤜🤛
@@Hot-1LE , if I were doing what you are doing in this video, I would love to drive a V8. I love that sound. However, in regular day-to-day life, the V8 will cost more with insurance, gas and taxes. It would also be more likely to get stolen. So that is why I choose a V6. I think I am only sacrificing the sound, a little. But the power is still there to have fun. I really think that the automatic makes sense, as you say, if there are some handicaps you have to deal with. Otherwise, why buy a Camaro if you are not getting a manual? There are plenty of other cars out there if you like automatic. The Camaro is designed as a manual experience. It is a true driver's car. I feel like you are cheating if you don't get a manual. Again, great video!!
I have not watched this yet just started but im going to say. Automatic 10 speed. NEVER the Chevy 8 Speed. Auto 10, faster, will be better on gas, better for racing and daily, handles more power and allows for quite a bit of leg room in that regard. Overall the A10 is a significantly better trans than the M6. It also holds a better resale value. Manual is for the people that love manuals. It's a dying breed for a reason and it's people holding onto either nostalgia or just what they like. It's a matter of form + function over what makes you feel good and at the end of the day if you are looking at a Camaro pick what makes you feel good.
There is nothing in the world like dropping the clutch and punching the gas on a V8 stick shift. If I had a job that required a bumper to bumper stop and go commute every day I would buy an automatic but until then I will only be driving manuals.
Just ordered a 2SS 1LE with a manual. Second go around with a Camaro. I had a manual 2014 5th Gen SS and loved it. Can’t wait to get my new ride. Nice video btw bud!! 👍
Yes you don't feel the punch in the automatic like a manual... and you have to double down shifts or even 3 down to chirp the tires in third gear.. that sucks. And if you don't drive a manual then forget it you don't understand lol...
I'm in a 2018 SS 6 speed manual, and I wouldn't have it any other way. The fun factor and the feeling of driving the car so far exceeds an automatic for me. My opinion only. The only down side to a manual for me is, when in bumper to bumper it's frustrating going from 1st to neutral, repeatedly. That aside, the pros largely outweigh the cons.
The M6 does have a creep mode, where if you are in 1st, you can gently let out the clutch and it will automatically keep the revs up and move the car forward without touching the gas. Takes some getting used to because you think it will stall, but it doesn't.
@@nigel_white that sounds like an awesome feature! So if you're in traffic you can basically just keep eating up the clutch? That takes away half the work. Thanks for the scoop brother!!
Keep it maunual. If you do not know how learn!! Manual i have a fuckin ss 1 le 2021 i dust feraaris here i florida and dust teslas!!!! Get a 6 speed you will kick way more ass. Just my 2 cents....b
The individual gears on the manual are very tall and 5th and 6rh are od gears. How does it feel for general acceleration? I currently drive the 10 speed auto in a Mustang GT PP1 but after 3 years I'm really missing a manual and going through the gears. How does the Tremec transmission feel? The only way to get a Tremec manual on the Mustang is either the GT350 or Mach 1. The manual in the GT is a Getreg MT82 which doesn't have a great reputation.
Despite the long gearing it accelerates hard with good low end torque. 0-53mph in first gear. The trans itself is very good, good clean shifts, handles high RPM well (unlike the mt82). The clutch could be better but that's not the transmissions fault. I totally understand the desire to go back to manual. I just get bored with autos haha.
@@Hot-1LE Thanks for the detailed reply! There are literally no 2021 Camaro's in manual where I live so I would either have to find a used one on a dealer lot to try out or order a 2022 without test driving it 🤔
Much of this is actually Incorrect. 1. The auto ss camaro is tested to be a few 10ths faster in the 1/4 mile which is SUBSTANTIAL. it's also faster around the Nurnberg race track and many others. 2. You CAN rev the autos with out touching the shifter lever.. pull both paddles in and then rev it.. its actually easier to rev the auto. 3. The auto shifts FAR faster then a human can shift.. 4. You don't have to press any buttons for it to shift. Put it in auto and the camaro and it actually shifts very well. Stick shifts definitely have their place. But if your goal is max speed and max track numbers.. the auto IS the way to go. Years ago stick shifts were the performance way to go. But the real reason most super cars, sports cars etc are going auto is because these new autos ARE faster.
It's not substantially faster. Yes you can rev an auto, I guess. Again I never said the human shifted faster I said there is less gears to shift with it and reference to mountain and track driving. The reason why supercars sell more is because the rich don't want manuals, your talking about real dsg transmissions not the 10 speed. Cute comparison good trans but it's not that. Autos are more popular because of traffic, people's desire and will for cars is diminished. Now I did say if you do auto racing and straight line racing to go auto. Few 10ths won't matter for most of us though. Fact is side by side racing an auto and manual of these cars will give you the same exact result.
@@Hot-1LE I ment incorrect (auto corrected for some reason) I would have to disagree that "the rich" don't want to shift gears. The super car manufacturers want their cars to be the fastest they can be.. because that's the goal. Years ago it was the manual that provided that, not really the case these days as you can see. I didnt say you said manuals shift faster, just stating a modern fact about high performance automatic transmissions. What is also FACTUAL thought, IS these modern "high performance " automatic transmissions are faster, also they are able to fit more gears in them due to their size. (The gears in manuals take up more room) not Because "the automatics lose more power" as you said. That was very true in older cars but not now. With them fitting more gears a few things happen, 1. They can stay in the power band easier at different speeds allowing them to be a bit more responsive and quicker and 2. They become more fuel efficient. Those are just facts. I have and have had both automatic and manual performance cars. I love shifting gears at times, but if all out speed is wanted, it's in a way unfortunately the autos that get that job done better these days. That's why it's so hard to find super cars/ performance cars in general in manuals and why it's VERY hard these days to find performance cars where the manual is faster. Many people don't want to spend that kind of money for the "slower version"
The autos still put down less power ask any tuner. You have your opinion but my point it this isn't significantly faster side my side for any driver. Just isn't. It's more consistent. But your really hung on this "faster" but even you said it's not even an entire second. Not even a half but a tenth. In the real world, most track days for most people this won't matter. The point is buy the trans you like because the difference is marginal.
@@Hot-1LE lol I'm hung on facts..1st thing is 1st, "consistency" helps with being faster when 2 vehicles are VERY similar. Lets start with a drag race.. do you have any idea how big a 1-2 tens of a second gap is in a 11-12 second car? It's about 1 to 2 cars gap..THATS HUGE in the drag racing world. That's just in a 1/4 mile. Road Course example: on road Atlanta the auto is 2 seconds faster PER lap. So with in 4 laps the manual won't even be able to see the auto.. and when a typical sprint race is about 30 laps the auto will be about a 1/3 track ahead of the manual. That IS substantial. You guys are just doing pulls here and there,But When you actually put them on a track as intended, the outcome is clear. I do agree with get the transmission you want and enjoy it.
I’m a huge manual fan, I drove semi’s for 30 years. Have a 2020 SS manual w/ 605 wheel hp and I also have a 2021 ZL1 auto which is pretty much bone stock with the exception of tires, for now. The ZL1 is my road course track rat car and myself and many others have proven repeatedly that it’s far quicker around the track than the manual ZL1’s. Any time you have comparable powered Camaros with auto and manual and the manual is faster, the person in the auto just can’t drive. I’ve kept my manual SS just for the fun factor, but when you want to win…. Auto!! and I don’t care if it’s drag racing or road course. As for the 20 hp loss at the wheels, that equates to about 1/1000’s of a second loss in the 1/4 mile which is all gained back and then some with the far quicker shifts of the auto. Then there’s adding hp. My manual with almost 700 hp at the flywheel required a Monster Triple disc clutch. The manual trans itself is crazy strong but the clutch is just okay-ish. The 10 spd requires nothing up to 850 hp and past that you’re looking at doing a clutch pack and turning up the line pressure. End of the day, manual just for fun ( why I kept mine) and 10 spd if you’re looking for fast. My future wants is the no lift up shift trans from the Cadillac CT5 Blackwing in my Camaro, that just might be a game changer but I highly doubt that swap is viable.
Had an Elantra N with a DCT and mostly drove it in manual mode, coming from manuals before it. Like you mentioned, even though I did technically have *almost* full control of the gears, it's hard to know what gear you are currently in without looking at the dash, vs a manual you either just know or if you did manage to forget, put you hand on the shifter and you can feel which gear your in. Another issue is when you want to skip gears: lets say I'm cruising in 8th with my DCT and want to drop to 4th or 5th to pass, you have to tap the button quickly the correct number of times. Even if you do that correctly, sometimes the computer misses a press. I'm back to driving a manual, I like having that direct control and knowing the transmission is doing what I want and expect at all times.
Manual Manual Manual! No other options. Funniest thing to me is seeing a super bad ass Vette (Z06/ZR1) then looking inside and seeing an Auto. Makes me go Limp!
Wow! The voice-over on the racing actually was really calm and engaging as a video!!! Thank you for the great video and information also! For 2021, would you recommend a LT1 or 1SS for a base V8? If all you care is about the best driving experience, looks/aesthetics and don't care about assistance tech/interior tech packages at all?
Thanks so much for the compliments. If you don't care about any tech or interior bits then the lt1 is a great bang for the buck. It's a very raw sports car. I think the only loss here is the inability to get the magnetic ride control which you could get on a 1ss. Of course that moves the cost up a little more and if that's not in your interest then the lt1 will fit your needs. Still.handles really well, it's fast, sounds awesome and most people wouldn't even know the difference. (Not that it matters). I really appreciate the support.
@@Hot-1LE Great! Thanks so much. That is true. Just need the basics, functionality and little bit of looks, which 1SS imo has the more aesthetic grille. But it may not be worth the cost in the end if the exterior is just going to be black hehe.
Just grabbed my SS with a 6-speed manual, thank you for this video, very informative. I learned a lot thank you. Still breaking her in and wearing summer Tires so I have been taking it easy this whole time. Looking forward to what Chevy describes as some "spirited" driving this spring (with due regard of course).
I don't know a single person that's ever said that. The lt1 has been in the c7 before the camaros and no one really has issues. These are really reliable and strong engines.
Trying to buy 1 now 2ss 6spd. Dealers say u gotta wait a year plus! In canada here. Used are as much or more than new. Dont want to buy a car thats a year old before i get it!!
It’s not a lot of button work for the auto it’s super simple break and hold the down shift lever and the car will automatically put it into its lowest gear for the speed
When I brought my rebuilder 69camaro in 96 my 1 stipulation was it had to be a manual that got killed earlier this year i replaced it with a 2010 SS/RS and looking into them a manual was the only way to go no dod more horsepower and to be a muscle car it should be a manual.I wouldn’t wont one if i was stuck in traffic a lot which isn’t a problem here.hi from New Zealand 🇳🇿 loving manual Camaros since 96
For me it depends where I am driving and my mood. For instance I was a car porter for Ford. We would drive from Dearborn to Flat Rock. Driving behind other manual drivers, I didn't like at all! One my own I love a manual transmission! I don't have leg, or foot problems so I am good.
I have a manual 1le and love grabbing gears, but like you mentioned I will be having a surgery on my left foot soon, so I thankfully have a DSG GTI for my daily driver
@@Hot-1LE I remember you mentioning that might be a consideration for you, in another video. That’s why I commented, truly am blessed that I have both ✔️👍
Auto doesn't feel like you're in charge. It feels like dead inside. With manual, it just feels right! You're active and aware of the surroundings. I don't know it's just me!
How are manual v8 Camaros in hilly snow prone areas? A few people I’ve talked have said I should get an auto LT (v6) or an auto v8 due to snow and hills. Also what years does this video apply to?
@@CT-5736-Bladez all years. Manual is fine it actually has a ice/snow mode that adjusts throttle input and adjusts the traction control specifically for that scenario.
Hill Start and Rev Match are wonderful features. Combined with actually using first to 4th CAGS. It's the lazy mans manual! Do it for Dale! Get the manual folks!
Going back to the gen4 93to02 Camaro's the manuals were much stronger in them from the factory. Just something else to look in to. Some manuals are just built better than some autos and vice versa. Something to look into for your specific car.
Unless you're handicapped physically unable or simply just don't know how there's no reason to be driving an automatic Camaro... The manual transmission offers such a better driving experience those who know will agree trust me I speak from experience
I personally would go for another 2016-18 SS. The front end on these 2019+ cars (I know they fixed it for 2020 onward) are still UGLY. plus the 2019+ cars all gained 35-60 lbs.
I had an auto 2016 Dodge Challenger sxt, decided to sell it for something new after driving it for about 3 years. Now I’m interested in the 5th gen camaro ss. I haven’t drove Manual much but I test drove a 2012 1ss today and I really like it I’m just not confident in my skills. Especially dropping $20k on a car I can’t fully drive yet lol. So debating on getting the one I test drove today or finding an auto 5th Gen 2ss for all the features and upgraded interior.
I have an auto 2019 Zl1, and you kinda convince me to buy a manual for my next car but you didn’t mention the DCT or Auto paddles at all for a fair comparison video.
I had some comparisons of the manual to the paddles in there. Missed button clicks with paddles, unable to adaptively shift slower or smoother, more clicks/gears to go through in the canyons. I don't see a huge advantage in paddles overall except they make the auto a bit better in regards to control of an auto itself. Appreciate the feedback man 👍I bet that Zl1 is a hell of a beast
Hi actually did. And he is so right about it. You just feel disconnected! And that's one of the main reasons I'm selling my BMW auto and going for a real manual Chevy performer
Question? What is faster? Just didn't feel the torque in the automatic maby I don't know how to drove automatic? Lol since I know how to drive manual.. I guess the right driver the 10speed is or could be faster.. ?? I don't really know? 😕
@@Hot-1LE Not fully true though either. Performance difference: 1/4 mile you want the auto, if you do a track course with turns, you want an M6. The A10 actually struggles over deciding which gear to be in. 1LE is the track car, LT1 is the dragstrip car. Depending on what you want to do, that really does determine what performance you are looking for, but there is measurable differences. Sadly however, I don't have a 1LE, nor an LT1 lol. So I'm stuck with a base 2SS that is modified slightly for drag racing. :x Not done yet still have a ways to go, but not in a hurry to get there. o_0 or am I?
The lt1 have different rear end gearing they are actually slower than a SS with the same A10 but the m6 is the same as the SS. The measurable difference are so small I'm saying it dosnt matter. I've races autos and been right there with them. Know autos on the track it's driver dependent. Get what you enjoy.
