Manual versus Auto

[Fred99]

we all know formula one cars etc are now auto

No, they are not - they use a gearbox very similar to a DSG with paddles. The changes have to be made by the driver.

They have a clutch (two actually) which are only used at the start or leaving the pits.

I think you will also find that the gear change in a VW DSG is almost as fast as an F1 car - just a few milliseconds.

 

[Seastormer]

Had 3 DSG Cupras now (2 Bizas) after years of manuals, and won't be going back to a manual, no more missed gears and fully on the steering gets you along a twisty road far quicker. The DSG SC gets the best MPG and is quicker and cleaner than the manual version too, check out the stats in the brochure.

 

[TonyFSC]

I am now on my third car with DSG, so am completely sold on the concept.
I would not entertain one without paddle's.
On the open road I often go fully manual, as you prefer OP.
A feature of the latest Leon DSG, is pull back stick for Sport, pull back again for your preferred mode.
Tony

 

[Stagsfell]

Very interested in this topic. As I've mentioned in another thread, may have to go auto soon due to knee/foot issues.

Driven DSG's many times and generally been impressed but had that niggling worry about missing the feeling of being in control if I had one full time, so good to see the views of those who have made the switch. My other issue is that the Mrs won't even contemplate an auto but after a while with only 1 car she's now got her own again (Mii) so wouldn't need to drive the auto.

On the other side of the coin however, is there anyone who has gone DSG and regretted it or reverted to manual?

 

[P0LKR]

Very interested in this topic. As I've mentioned in another thread, may have to go auto soon due to knee/foot issues.

Driven DSG's many times and generally been impressed but had that niggling worry about missing the feeling of being in control if I had one full time, so good to see the views of those who have made the switch. My other issue is that the Mrs won't even contemplate an auto but after a while with only 1 car she's now got her own again (Mii) so wouldn't need to drive the auto.

On the other side of the coin however, is there anyone who has gone DSG and regretted it or reverted to manual?

I had a dsg Leon Mk2 and liked it. I then bought a crappy 116i BMW manual and hated that. I didnt like the car or the gearbox.

I insisted my next car which was a Leon cupra was a DSG. Love it. I do wish I had a manual on a small % of driving but overall dsg is the way to go. So relaxing. I have also found that the dsg on this car has virtually no lag whereas the last car was easy to confuse the gearbox which caused hesitation sometimes.

 

[playerjs]

I have never owned a DSG and probably won't in the near future. I do drive an Auris and Prius Hybrid from time to time and feel it's no fun, yes its relaxing but I prefer to get my blood flowing and get into driving.

 

[yellowcone87]

I have never owned a DSG and probably won't in the near future. I do drive an Auris and Prius Hybrid from time to time and feel it's no fun, yes its relaxing but I prefer to get my blood flowing and get into driving.

Its impossible to enjoy driving a Prius because its a vile, hateful heap of a car and could never possibly in any way ever be compared to the experience of driving a DSG. I'm not being rude, just honest.

If youre really basing your decision on that, I suggest you take a test drive in a DSG Leon. You could not be further from the mark than in a ruddy Prius.

 

[Solo]

Its impossible to enjoy driving a Prius because its a vile, hateful heap of a car and could never possibly in any way ever be compared to the experience of driving a DSG. I'm not being rude, just honest.

If youre really basing your decision on that, I suggest you take a test drive in a DSG Leon. You could not be further from the mark than in a ruddy Prius.

I think he is agreeing with you by saying it was no fun

 

[yellowcone87]

I think he is agreeing with you by saying it was no fun

Yes, I know.

That's the point. You can't say that a DSG is no fun - without trying one - just because other autos you've driven weren't. That's like saying a Rover is a lovely car because Jaguars are and they're both British.

Both of those Toyotas are nothing like a DSG to drive.

 

[playerjs]

Its impossible to enjoy driving a Prius because its a vile, hateful heap of a car and could never possibly in any way ever be compared to the experience of driving a DSG. I'm not being rude, just honest.

If youre really basing your decision on that, I suggest you take a test drive in a DSG Leon. You could not be further from the mark than in a ruddy Prius.

Haha, I take it you don't like Pirus coz I'm not sure . I don't like automatics that's just my personal opinion, I have driven a couple of automatics in America. It's just lazy, boring driving, no buzz and no adventure imo.

It's good for people who have health issues, regularly drive in heavy traffic, couldn't pass manual driving test, etc. Maybe, when I am older I will switch

Each to their own, nothing wrong with it, but you have to consider that its more expensive, cost more to repair, performance depends on engine size, efficiency, slower gear shifts, etc.

 

[yellowcone87]

I can think of several diseases I'd rather have than a Prius.

However, personal taste is entirely fair pal. If they're not for you, that's the benefit of choice I guess! I've had loads of autos over the years, mainly because of health issues, but of all of them the DSGs have been by far and away the best. Its as close as I can get to a 'proper' manual gearbox without needing a clutch pedal, and that's good enough for me.

 

[playerjs]

I can think of several diseases I'd rather have than a Prius.

However, personal taste is entirely fair pal. If they're not for you, that's the benefit of choice I guess! I've had loads of autos over the years, mainly because of health issues, but of all of them the DSGs have been by far and away the best. Its as close as I can get to a 'proper' manual gearbox without needing a clutch pedal, and that's good enough for me.

Yeah we'll have to agree to disagree about the pirus. I think they are great cars for some, fo reasons other than performance and would not be my personal choice aesthetically speaking but perfect for people who are eco friendly environmentalist and who like ridiculous efficiency.

I am happy to read that you enjoy your DSG and it helps with ur health as well.

 

[Solo]

Each to their own, nothing wrong with it, but you have to consider that its more expensive, cost more to repair, performance depends on engine size, efficiency, slower gear shifts, etc.

Slower gear shifts? I think not!

I won't list all the positives of DSG to counter your opinion because it is personal preference and each to their own. It's like debating what's the 'best' colour......There isn't one!

 

[schofier]

Had a DSG Golf GTI for 7 years. Had a manual Cupra 280 for 7 months now. No regrets. There was plenty I liked about the DSG box, but also a few niggles which used to irritate me. Maybe the modern DSG boxes are improved.

 

[playerjs]

Slower gear shifts? I think not!

I won't list all the positives of DSG to counter your opinion because it is personal preference and each to their own. It's like debating what's the 'best' colour......There isn't one!

You should list the positives, as it's a valid counter argument... It will be informative for anyone who is reading this thread and may help choose the best transmission for their needs.

I am not an expert with cars but I am guessing gear changers depends on the type of DSG technology used and also the pre-determined shift points...this will be set to some sort of optimal, to give a good balance between economy, performance, etc. With a manual the driver decides when to change if that makes sense?

 

[Solo]

You should list the positives, as it's a valid counter argument... It will be informative for anyone who is reading this thread and may help choose the best transmission for their needs.

I am not an expert with cars but I am guessing gear changers depends on the type of DSG technology used and also the pre-determined shift points...this will be set to some sort of optimal, to give a good balance between economy, performance, etc. With a manual the driver decides when to change if that makes sense?

Ah yes sorry, I thought you meant shift times, as in the time it takes the system to shift from 1 gear to the next when you have the DSG on manual. As opposed to the length of time it stays in a gear before deciding to shift (shift points), when you have it in auto. Because in terms of how long it takes to shift from 1 gear to another, it is milliseconds giving seamless acceleration and instant changes if you fancy driving it manually.

I agree though, DSG will change up later when in sport mode which isn't everyone's cup of tea when you're just trying to drive gently. But good job there are other modes to rectify this to cover various driving situations.

 

[lajohnz]

DSG is awesome........I just prefer swopping cogs manually

Only gripes with DSG :- stupid sport mode and that little bit of hesitation when you first move off .

 

[yellowcone87]

Its important to remember also that DSG boxes actually have a kind of 'fuzzy logic' which means it actually learns how you like to use the car and will adapt itself around your preference over time. Therefore, the more you use the various modes and settings, the better it will respond to what you ask it to do.

Of course it is never going to be as intuitive as a manual, but the more you use it, the better it will get and the better you will get at anticipating how to get the best out of the box.

 

[playerjs]

Ah yes sorry, I thought you meant shift times, as in the time it takes the system to shift from 1 gear to the next when you have the DSG on manual. As opposed to the length of time it stays in a gear before deciding to shift (shift points), when you have it in auto. Because in terms of how long it takes to shift from 1 gear to another, it is milliseconds giving seamless acceleration and instant changes if you fancy driving it manually.

I agree though, DSG will change up later when in sport mode which isn't everyone's cup of tea when you're just trying to drive gently. But good job there are other modes to rectify this to cover various driving situations.

haha no its my fault, I used the wrong terminology.

 

[Solo]

The main positive of DSG is that you can drive it fully automatic, fully manual or a combination of both. For me, this is perfect for all driving situations.

Having driven manuals for over 20 years, I totally understand the attraction of a gear stick and clutch pedal. But with DSG being so good and having the versatility to be driven manually if desired, the fact that you can drive it fully automatic if you want gives it the advantage and offers everything a traditional manual does, plus a lot more.