Auto vs. Manual

[Bald Guy]

For your Blackwing, did you go for the automatic or manual transmission?

Why?

 

[RDATLTE]

Automatic because it's my wife's / family car. My manual transmission needs are met with my ZL1 1LE. It’s an outstanding automatic transmission. There is no hesitation when stepping on it from a coast. It's always in the right gear.

 

[KatyTxCT5V]

Automatic on my 22’ 5BW as my wife wanted something she could drive in occasionally. I have a 16’ Z06 manual that satisfies for the manual side.
I could swear my 10A auto reads my mind as it’s always in a gear that matches the situation and I have zero complaints.

 

[beamon]

Manual as that was the only reason I became interested in a Cadillac!

 

[DriftBW]

I believe manual is the way to go with these cars, and that is why I bought one. Otherwise there are so many automatic cars in the segment. Also of interest, manual transmission high performance vehicles tend to hold their value a lot better. As much as deep down anyone can say that they don’t care much for resale value- it is definitely an added value and of note for us car enthusiasts.

 

[CT4-Venom]

I got A10 because I was able to get it for $10k off MSRP and an extra $2k for my trade in. It also has all the CF packages.

 

[rubberduck]

Manual as that was the only reason I became interested in a Cadillac!

First time Caddy owner here and MT was the only reason I didn’t choose something else. But, so glad I did. The car is pleasing on so many levels. The transmission is much smoother than I thought it would be and effortless.

 

[ToniCipriani]

Manual 4BW because there are zero other RWD manual sedans aside from the 5BW here in Canada.

And because I don't want a V8, so 4BW it is.

 

[LF4472]

Auto because I have bad knees (and progressing to hips) and so my wife can drive it if necessary.

 

[piranha971]

Manual. Or I would have been driving an M3 competition

 

[KnightI2]

Manual. Only reason it truly interested me.

I have a manual 2018 2SS and was thinking of selling to get a ZL1. The BW entered my awareness and was "my" ZL1 that could carry my family. All needs meet and loving it. Still have the 2SS.

 

[VBhak]

Manual... for all there reasons already listed. Only reason I traded in a paid off V3 and took on a car payment (again... ugh).. but definitely, definitely worth it.

 

[blackeneth]

For your Blackwing, did you go for the automatic or manual transmission?

Why?

Manual. After 20 years of family cars with an automatic, well, the kids are grown up now and have their own cars. So I can get a fun car. Prior to the family cars, I had driven manual transmissions — the last being a 1996 Pontiac Trans Am.

So I was looking for a V8 with a manual transmission. The C8 corvette doesn’t have a manual (and looks kind of fugly). I knew about the CTS-V, let’s look at Cadillac. Rats, the CTS-V is discontinued … but hey, what’s this, the CT5-V Blackwing. V8? Check. Pushrods? Bonus. MT6? Check. Supercharger? Bonus. Smooth ride? Bonus. 668 HP? About double what is needed, but what the heck. 625 lb ft of torque? About double what is needed, but what the heck. $100K? Gulp, but it could be the last car I ever own, so what the heck.

Frankly, if the CT4-V Blackwing had a NA V8 and about 350 HP, I likely would have gotten that.

Why a manual transmission? Prior experience that they are more fun to drive. 2nd gear is always fun. Just more to do while driving it. Need to pass on the freeway … downshift … bang … zoom. Although this car has so much power the downshift is optional. Effortless power. Annoying BMW next to you at the light? V-mode to open up the muffler … bang … zoom … goodbye.

The automatic would have some advantages — namely better cruise control and Supercruise. I drove an automatic at Spring Mountain at it was fine. The MT6 feels a little more special though.

I have to say, though, the standout surprise is the suspension with the 4th generation magnetic shocks. It’s spoiling all other cars for me. When I drive something else, I really notice the “bounce” when recovering from a bump. With the Blackwing, it doesn’t bounce.

 

[MC24]

Manual for me. I also own a Dodge Viper and I thoroughly enjoy the amount of driver engagement required by the manual transmission. Also, this is the very end of an era - the last American-made, RWD, manual transmission, V8, four-door sedan in production. Nostalgia counts for something too! I have several hundred miles on my CT5V Blackwing and I have enjoyed every one of them. I'm very happy with my transmission choice!

 

[moorefa]

For your Blackwing, did you go for the automatic or manual transmission?

Why?

Manual - because I only purchase cars with manual transmissions.

 

[Todd]

Manual, because my daily 20 minute commute was boring with all the high powered German sedans I have owned. You can’t open them up legally, so what was the point. Driving my manual 5BW daily is so much more enjoyable.

I still have a high power German automatic auto for highway road trips, where they do excel.

 

[TheShark]

as others have noted, the manual is the only reason why we got the car and I would have laughed 3 years ago if someone said "get a Cadillac"

 

[Sully]

I missed having something to do when driving... I had a 6MT 350Z and loved it, then autos from there. I love rowing into gears, downshifts, holding the gear as long as I want... I'm involved in the driving experience. Additionally, I figured manuals will have a higher resale at some point with this platform.

 

[Mondo]

For your Blackwing, did you go for the automatic or manual transmission?

Why?

Manual. Not old enough to drive an automatic Only roomy, rear wheel drive, 4 door sedan that's got some screw, with a manual transmission available on the planet. BTW, tremendous transmission, shift, clutch actuation like butter, rev match a bonus. Very pleased.

 

[fordperfaddict]

Manual 4BW because there are zero other RWD manual sedans aside from the 5BW here in Canada.

And because I don't want a V8, so 4BW it is.

I don't want a V8 might be the most Canadian thing ive ever heard aside from hockey jargin.