Originally Posted by cross><hair
I picked up an 05 SRT-6 recently and like it so much I'm looking to pick up a Lmt Roadster. Unfortunately most seem to have automatics. I forgive the SRT-6 for having an auto because of the pure performance it offers. However I don't know how fun an auto normally-aspirated roadster would be to drive.
Does the auto transmission perform worse than the manual (ie 0-60, 1/4 etc)? I know in some cars the auto actually posts better times/performance. I don't know, I kinda like rowing my own gears. Thanks for the input!
So far, my experience is limited. But I can give you my view having recently test driven several NA automatics and now own both an SRT and a stickshift NA.
As you noted, the sheer power of the SRT beast forgives the automatic. I have so far found it to be boring to use the manual shifting of the auto on the srt.
The NA automatic was, at best, convenient. At worst boring. The underpower of the NA engine is very apparent in the automatic driveline. Acceleration is brisk and better than your average car but in the end, mundane.
The stick shift is clunky on this car. Especially the first to second launch. Mildly irritating. After that it is pure joy. The car is very intuitive and if you are at all co-ordinated, you can have a lot of fun in traffic and on back roads, without speeding or recklessness.
The SRT's best moments are at a stop light with an unsuspecting mustang, vette or (ha ha) ricer who thinks he has a rocket. Even playing with such a fool on the interstate can be fun.
But the NA with a stick can be a pleasure at normal speeds on a twisty back road or popping thru traffic at rush hour. The NA with an automatic in traffic is just.....convenient.
My opinions only and they are most definitely biased.
roadster with a stick