B8.5 dsg vs. 6mt

[RickyBobby IV]

I've owned manual transmission cars since I could drive... with that being said my good friend is selling his 2013 DSG and was kind enough to let me borrow it for a few days. So far I've discovered how fast it is (stage 1 apr supporting mods) and easy drive ability. I worry that I will get bored with not having a manual. Any one else been in this dilemma before? The convenience factor is almost enough for me to pull the trigger. Talk me out of this or help me justify it haha

[LordMagnet]

If you're going to get an automatic, it doesn't get much better than this DSG. I've read a lot of people on here successfully transitioning to the DSG from a manual.

Not me though. I didn't care if I was getting a slower car, or less MPG, I needed a manual. Can't go wrong with either.

[SportVier]

Don't do it. I thought I could live with a DCT after decades of manual driving and convinced myself it "made sense". I lasted about 6 months.

For a dedicated track car, I would definitely consider a DCT. But for everyday driving well under the limit, a manual is so much more entertaining.

[LINDW4LL]

If you're already worried that you'll be bored by the DSG, I'd suggest you find a 6MT car. The DSG is great in it's own right, but it's no replacement from a 6MT from an engagement standpoint, and if that's what you're used to it's almost guaranteed that the DSG will bore you.

[RickyBobby IV]

You're all probably right. As much fun this car has been today if I can already see myself getting bored best not buy a $30k + car. Had to give it a serious go at least. Such a bummer because this is everything I want except the DSG part. All Napa leather, carbon inlays, lowered, awe touring exhaust, roc euro intake, I don't even know what wheels but they are dialed

[umairg35]

I was in the exact same dilemma and ended up buying A4 6MT because S4 6MT was hard to find. With remaining budget ended up upgrading suspension, tune etc but still no S4


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RickyBobby IV]

Well, if anyone is looking for an awesome car ready for stage 2 near Cincinnati send them my way.

[mlavelle92]

DSG is faster, 6mt more fun.

Ultimately what made my decision is that I'm betting on the B9 S4 not coming with 6mt which will boost the resale or at least preserve the value more than the DSG counterpart

[doug97gxe]

DSG is faster, 6mt more fun.

Ultimately what made my decision is that I'm betting on the B9 S4 not coming with 6mt which will boost the resale or at least preserve the value more than the DSG counterpart

the 6MT is faster .. the DSG has run better times because 1) more DSG Owners go to the track than 6 MT owners 2) the DSG can handle more power than the 6 MT before the 6MT needs to upgrade the clutch 3) Most 6 MT Owners are not willing to dump the clutch to get fast 1/4 mile times 4) its easier to mash the gas and go

but again.. the 6MT is faster .. most roll races will end up with the 6 MT out running the DSG

every time this debate comes up i will forever post this video

[mike907]

Practically the exact same power to the road with less shifting from a rolling start, will mean faster times, no?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[doug97gxe]

Practically the exact same power to the road with less shifting from a rolling start, will mean faster times, no?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

from what i understand the Manual is a little lighter with gearing for better top end as well

[mike907]

So is it a 'faster' car or faster from a roll?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[doug97gxe]

So is it a 'faster' car or faster from a roll?


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

excellent question .. age old debate of verbiage of quicker vs faster .. is quicker off the line and faster top speed? i guess its all in how you interpret it. Also nobody so far is willing to abuse their 6MT to compete with the times of the DSG so until then we might not have an answer to the quicker/faster how you interpret it question ..

as my buddy Donald Rumsfield put it "there are known knows and known unknowns, just because you don't know something doesn't mean it doesn't exists" .. lol

[skiptowncat]

If you define faster as setting quicker lap times around tracks or down the strip as most sane folk do, then DSG is faster every time.
If you define faster as a side by side roll from 40mph to 130mph as only a buffoon would, then the manual will pull a third of a car length and is faster

[doug97gxe]

If you define faster as setting quicker lap times around tracks or down the strip as most sane folk do, then DSG is faster every time.
If you define faster as a side by side roll from 40mph to 130mph as only a buffoon would, then the manual will pull a third of a car length and is faster

i guess i must be a baffoon and you must be a DSG owner

[jygesq]

According to motor week test done in 2013 Dsg s4 was faster than 6 mt s5. They tested both, Google and see this test. I have driven and owned only MT cars since 1968. 3 volvos, 2.acura legends, 2 BMW. when I did extensive test drive of S4,with MT , I GOT tired of all the noise,. I had week end test drive of demo s4.with DSG. and loved it.So I bought my S4 with DSG. I never regretted the decision. Especially in the winter with starts on inclines and in heavy traffic, clutch can become tedious. THAT BEING SAID ,IF YOU ARE SECOND GUESSING NOW,WAIT FOR MT CAR,. You WILL have buyers remorse if you buy DSG. Car.

[vwblackb5]

i guess i must be a baffoon and you must be a DSG owner

LOL

[stereojorge]

Owned nothing but manuals since 2001, went from a B8 6MT to a B8.5 DSG and it puts smiles on my face every day of my life still. And the convenience of not having to shift n such during normal city driving is a glorious thing :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RudyH]

I would get a 6MT before they are extinct

That's the dilemma I am going through. RS3, B9 S4...however, they are missing something...

I have always owned manuals and this was my first automatic. When the S4 came out the DCT was new cutting edge tech, besides going to a sequential which was found in higher end cars of the time like Ferrari's, you couldn't buy a better transmission. Yes it is great for stop and go traffic. Yes it is consistent and obtains things humanly impossible. However, the question is...

would you have sex with a robot? If you say no, grab a 6MT

[MrFunk]

This has been "debated" for years - not only here but on every other forum where MT and AT options are available.
If you are an MT person like me you will get bored, or the chances are extremely high you will be bored. The DSG is great when pushing the car but in 80% of daily driving scenarios it's just another AT car and it's boring (in my opinion).
It seems you are only considering this car because it's readily and easily available to you. Don't settle.

The whole faster or slower conversation is ridiculous. This is a daily drivers HEAVY sedan and even if the MT were to be slightly faster (or not) it's nothing anyone would ever notice running around town...

[The Fat Kid]

The DSG is fun if you drive it like a manual (i.e. paddles + dynamic/sport), otherwise both "auto" modes suck equally in different ways. I would not be comfortable owning a DSG out of warranty, especially if the car were modded.

Get the 6-speed if you are in the fence.

If you're going to get an automatic, it doesn't get much better than this DSG. I've read a lot of people on here successfully transitioning to the DSG from a manual.

Not me though. I didn't care if I was getting a slower car, or less MPG, I needed a manual. Can't go wrong with either.

PDK on the 911 is MUCH better than DSG

Manually shifting the DSG from second to first (even at 5MPH) felt horrible. The transmission would occasionally REFUSE to shift when really cold outside; gotta love nearly redlining a cold engine in first gear despite hitting the paddle at 3k RPMs...

[bayonet14]

DSG has come a long way - I had always owned a manual. The I got my 1st M3 w/SMG v1 - it sucked - was clunky even my wife 1st said "wow such a nice car but the gear change sucks"

Could you make the transition - yea easy peasy - my reason for the change...I lived in places where daily commute was stop and go traffic and in a manual...its a PITA and /or a workout
Example Hawaii

I would make a decision on:
1. what your daily commute drives like
2. you live near mountains or nice un-congested roads
3. have money to burn and its just another toy in your stable

[tjenne69]

When I started looking, I was exclusively looking for a 6MT. I could not find one locally, but was able to test drive a '14 DSG. I was impressed with how quick the shifts were in sport mode. Much faster than I could do manually. I ended up buying a '13 DSG. I do miss slamming gears, but I love the way the DSG drives.

[BDP]

Owned nothing but manuals since 2001, went from a B8 6MT to a B8.5 DSG and it puts smiles on my face every day of my life still. And the convenience of not having to shift n such during normal city driving is a glorious thing :)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

My thoughts exactly. I've been driving manuals for 24 years and the DSG doesn't make me miss driving one at all...especially in bumper to bumper traffic. I feel a DSG is a great DD set up, where a manual is better suited for the track where you can be more engaged.

[doug97gxe]

my MT doesn't bother me at all in traffic

[BAHNSTORMER]

Drove manuals for almost all my adult life. I've got DSG, and let it do the shifting. Not having a clutch doesn't bother me at all.

[doug97gxe]

drove automatics in my life.. I got a 6MT .. and i do the shifting.. don't miss being lazy at all

[BDP]

my MT doesn't bother me at all in traffic

Trust me, I'm not going to get into an argument over manual vs. automatic (DSG,DCT...etc.). I respect everyone's opinion in the matter because it really just boils down to opinion. Neither is "better" than the other as it really just boils down to preference. For me having lived in Southern Cal, South Korea "Seoul" and tackled some nasty inclines in Gibraltar, I have come to appreciate the convenience of an automatic transmission.

The gap between manual and automatic has really shrunk over the years and the argument has gone from "slush box" and "irratic shifts" to basically manual owners just saying I like to row my own gears. There is nothing wrong with that but having been around it's very interesting to see the gradual performance piece of it swing to the automatic side (in most scenarios).

With that being said if my S4 only came with the "D" option I'd have driven it off a cliff already. The only thing with the DSG that makes it shine is S mode or manual flappy mode.

Enjoy your manual, Enjoy your DSG...you can't go wrong with either if you like them.

[doug97gxe]

Trust me, I'm not going to get into an argument over manual vs. automatic (DSG,DCT...etc.). I respect everyone's opinion in the matter because it really just boils down to opinion. Neither is "better" than the other as it really just boils down to preference. For me having lived in Southern Cal, South Korea "Seoul" and tackled some nasty inclines in Gibraltar, I have come to appreciate the convenience of an automatic transmission.

The gap between manual and automatic has really shrunk over the years and the argument has gone from "slush box" and "irratic shifts" to basically manual owners just saying I like to row my own gears. There is nothing wrong with that but having been around it's very interesting to see the gradual performance piece of it swing to the automatic side (in most scenarios).

With that being said if my S4 only came with the "D" option I'd have driven it off a cliff already. The only thing with the DSG that makes it shine is S mode or manual flappy mode.

Enjoy your manual, Enjoy your DSG...you can't go wrong with either if you like them.

I think a lot of the .. I used to be a Manual Lover now i love my DSG Owners are embellishing a little .. I've driven a cammed 600 hp 350z in 3 hr traffic on a trip from CT to VA and it didn't bother me.. I drive in traffic to and from work now with my S5 .. it doesn't bother me.. If you like manual's then yes you can make that transition because you were never truely in love with it. My Wife likes manual's .. she won't drive me car unless she HAS to.. my wife's truck in S mode shifts pretty sweet and its fake fun.. nothing compares to driving a MT. I had the RS5 guys tell me go test drive an RS5 and i won't want my Stage 2 MT S5 anymore, i told them i'm not going to waste my time or their time.

I would rather go back to my Manual Transmission 95 Maxima than drive a DSG S4/5

[doug97gxe]

One thing i do love about this MT is that the car will never stall... put it in 1st gear or 2nd gear get off the clutch and the gas and the car will creep.. it will never stall

[Thurston]

yeah i was going to be bored w/ the dsg ( a transmission that i respect ). I was actually just out practicing my 1st to 2nd 7200 rpm shift this morning (im terrible at it) and 1st gear rips so quickly it is unreal. Honestly, I believe the b8 s4 to be such a soulless heavy car and had I not gotten a manual I would have quickly jumped ship. That said, if it's a good deal go for it as you will have a reliable engine and a good looking car! also someone posted a video of a b8 dsg vs a b5 manual with incabin videos and my god the b8 looks plane jain boring as all get out while the b5 drive loses but just looks like he is truly engaged and working. idk it did it for me.

[S4Flyer]

Do you like tacos?

Do you like to eat tacos while driving?

If yes, then DSG.

[pkny]

My old B7 6mt avant was totaled so i went out and found a b8 avant. Car looks fantastic and thought wagon cravings were greater then the manual itch.
Well, i went with the wrong decision. Now i am in search of a 6mt S4.

[BDP]

I think a lot of the .. I used to be a Manual Lover now i love my DSG Owners are embellishing a little ..

I don't have any reason to embellish. I like driving manuals also, but I like driving my DSG daily to and from work. If you put me on a track (with turns) I'd rather have a manual. I'm fairly good at driving a manual also as in every performance car I've owned with one, I was able to run great times in them. I also have a few perfect .500 time slips I've saved over the years from my 1/4 mile runs...while that's more reaction time orientated it does take some skill with a manual.

I don't doubt you like your 6mt, it's a fine choice...for you...maybe not everyone though.

I was actually just out practicing my 1st to 2nd 7200 rpm shift this morning (im terrible at it)

This is the most important shift in all of drag racing....everything else my 3 year old could crack off. This separates the good times from the bad ones.

[doug97gxe]

I don't doubt you like your 6mt, it's a fine choice...for you...maybe not everyone though.

this is true

[bayonet14]

I don't have any reason to embellish. I like driving manuals also, but I like driving my DSG daily to and from work. If you put me on a track (with turns) I'd rather have a manual. I'm fairly good at driving a manual also as in every performance car I've owned with one, I was able to run great times in them. I also have a few perfect .500 time slips I've saved over the years from my 1/4 mile runs...while that's more reaction time orientated it does take some skill with a manual.

I don't doubt you like your 6mt, it's a fine choice...for you...maybe not everyone though.



This is the most important shift in all of drag racing....everything else my 3 year old could crack off. This separates the good times from the bad ones.

No reason to embellish either - have owned just about everything for older to newer 56 VW /3 Series and newer in manual / M5 in manual / 993/911 manual / Golf R manual / about the only thing not newer that I have not owned is one of the newer 911s in a manual - all ALOT of fun - will I go back...no ... well maybe to a 993 or C4 Cab as a weekend driver

I have owned alot of cars both manual/automatic/SMG/DSG etc and lived in alot of places outside the US - die hard manual drivers are just that...die hard and will not move away from them...have also found some/not all but some have NEVER tried any of the 'newer' offerings....so understandably cannot make a 'fair' assessment between the 2

Some still like to row thru gears - me...not so much anymore ;) to each their own

[EstorilS4]

I drove the DSG and instantly knew I wanted the 6MT.

[halej]

The DSG is fun if you drive it like a manual (i.e. paddles + dynamic/sport), otherwise both "auto" modes suck equally in different ways. I would not be comfortable owning a DSG out of warranty, especially if the car were modded.

Get the 6-speed if you are in the fence.



PDK on the 911 is MUCH better than DSG

Manually shifting the DSG from second to first (even at 5MPH) felt horrible. The transmission would occasionally REFUSE to shift when really cold outside; gotta love nearly redlining a cold engine in first gear despite hitting the paddle at 3k RPMs...

For me driving a big truck many miles sitting in a lot of traffic shifting gears for many years, going with the DSG was the right option for me


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[ojmcneill]

I'll say this: I've had my 2013 S4 DSG for about 2.5 years I think.. Lately, last 6-10 months, I was really getting ansy to get back to a manual. You know that feeling. Recently though, I installed the 034 tranny insert and it felt a lot better. Then, last night, I installed the ECS rear diff inserts and WOW. I gotta say it's really really tightened things up. Albeit I've only had them for basically a day, I think I've fallen in love with my dsg s4 again. Shifts are freaking instant now and so crisp. There's no lag and there's no awkward shifts even from 2nd to 1st.

Look, in a perfect world, I'd be manual all day long. When I think about traffic, just crusing, etc etc though, I'm glad I have the DSG. I'd love a manual but only for the first week or so and then it would go back to damn, I wish I had the dsg. If it was only a weekend car or a track car, then sure, but I use this as a DD and given my full use, I'm glad I have the DSG. Anyone with it though, definitely needs to do the tranny insert and rear diff inserts. They really make that big of a difference. .

[j1n]

DSG is faster, 6mt more fun.

Ultimately what made my decision is that I'm betting on the B9 S4 not coming with 6mt which will boost the resale or at least preserve the value more than the DSG counterpart

The b9 s4 wont even have the DSG tranny. Its got a 8 speed reg auto tranny. Got the drive the b9 a4 with it and was not a fan.