I suppose the manual mode could be quite fun...with the paddle shifts and all. Feel like Lewis Hamilton minus the performance
Manual versus Auto
- Thread starter scarletian
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I suppose the manual mode could be quite fun...with the paddle shifts and all. Feel like Lewis Hamilton minus the performance
I suppose the fact of the matter is that both manual and auto boxes are evolving fast, and you really need to experience both and make your own choice.
Have you seen the new Porsche 911 7 speed manual? Yikes. In the right hands, that thing is a masterpiece. But with ratios packed that tightly into it, and the fact that most 911 drivers are not as talented as the engineers who built it, the potential to turn it into an expensive waste product is huge.
The same is true with DSG. Drive it right and it's incredible. But in the hands of us normal folk, yes it can also be really boring, and even frustrating.
Have you seen the new Porsche 911 7 speed manual? Yikes. In the right hands, that thing is a masterpiece. But with ratios packed that tightly into it, and the fact that most 911 drivers are not as talented as the engineers who built it, the potential to turn it into an expensive waste product is huge.
The same is true with DSG. Drive it right and it's incredible. But in the hands of us normal folk, yes it can also be really boring, and even frustrating.
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Haha, I take it you don't like Piruscoz 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.
I remember driving automatics in the US, 5 ltr engined thing through an auto box, what a waste, fuel was cheap though.
So I'm guessing when you drove automatics in America, they were Automatics in the true sense of the word ie with a torque converter ?
If so I would completely agree with pretty much everything you said above.
But you can't compare a automatic gearbox to a DSG gearbox, a dsg is nothing like an automatic with a torque converter, its like comparing Usane Bolt to a sumo wrestler
I like both, tested a dsg and thought it was good in traffic and fun with the paddles. I went for a manual in the end as cost was the factor in making my choice, if it was no cost then I'd have gone for dsg I think. However I am more than happy with manual as that's all I've ever had!
Well, this is a very subjective question. Probably depends on what you need from the car and your driving circumstances, whatever gives you the most pleasure!
This article sums up my test drive experiences.
https://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news/manual-labour-seat-leon-cupra-280-dsg-long-160500711.html
I'm going for the manual for all the same reasons.
This article sums up my test drive experiences.
https://uk.cars.yahoo.com/news/manual-labour-seat-leon-cupra-280-dsg-long-160500711.html
I'm going for the manual for all the same reasons.
I remember driving automatics in the US, 5 ltr engined thing through an auto box, what a waste, fuel was cheap though.
So I'm guessing when you drove automatics in America, they were Automatics in the true sense of the word ie with a torque converter ?
If so I would completely agree with pretty much everything you said above.
But you can't compare a automatic gearbox to a DSG gearbox, a dsg is nothing like an automatic with a torque converter, its like comparing Usane Bolt to a sumo wrestler
Yes you are right. I haven't driven a DSG (only test drives) but I prefer a stick and a clutch
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A DSG is nothing like a normal "slush box" auto as i call them. I detest auto's, absolutely hate driving them but the DSG is so far from a normal auto where it drives much more like a manual than an auto, and in flappy paddle mode (which it should be most of the time imho) it drives amazingly well.
We test drove both before purchasing. I found the DSG ok, but other half didn't, as its her daily driver the decision was swayed by that and the price premium the DSG demands.
I think we've made the right choice, for us anyway, in the manual.
I think we've made the right choice, for us anyway, in the manual.
I enjoyed both the manual and the dsg when test driving mine, ended up going for the manual as it was cheaper and easier for the dealer to source 2nd hand. I don't do a lot of start stop driving so didn't feel the need for the dsg (although during the drive from norfolk to the peaks I may have regretted it a little) but overall very happy with manual.
This is a great read for anyone who wants to know more about DSG transmission.
https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/DSG-gearbox-explained
Enjoy!
https://www.carwow.co.uk/blog/DSG-gearbox-explained
Enjoy!
interesting to see that vast majority of people on this topic love the dsg
but a quick look at the thread about people who have actually ordered a cupra
shows a pretty 50/50 split manual versus dsg
I have ordered manual because I tend to keep my cars a long time in order
to avoid the huge depreciation drop you always get buying any new car
I dread to think how much fixing a dsg box could cost in three years time
when the warranty runs out
but a quick look at the thread about people who have actually ordered a cupra
shows a pretty 50/50 split manual versus dsg
I have ordered manual because I tend to keep my cars a long time in order
to avoid the huge depreciation drop you always get buying any new car
I dread to think how much fixing a dsg box could cost in three years time
when the warranty runs out
Even at a 50 50 split that's a pretty big sea change, if you went back a few years and looked at people buying an old style auto vs manual for the same make/ model it would have been probably a 99 - 1 split on a car in similar size bracket to the Leon
Not so sure on the reliability, but I can't see major issues if really any at all and in a few years if they prove pretty reliable and no reason why they shouldnt, there will be a glut of them in second hand market from written off cars etc to be able to replace the odd failed dsg gearboxes with.
I remember the same discussion when Porsche started fitting the tiptronic gearboxes to the 911 etc, lots of people were worried about the cost if they failed reliability etc, proved too be completely unfounded and failures extremely rare.
That said I don't think Audi were quite so lucky with the stronic boxes, they seem too be quite prone to failure or so I was told and read on the forums when looking for a Audi quattro a few years back, although found no such horror stories for the later audi auto boxes so hopefully vag have ironed out the problems.
I do find that lots of people still think of old style auto boxes when they hear dsg/auto gearbox and some people don't even try dsg because of their past experience with old style automatics and dismiss dsg because they think they wil be the same.
I'd say try the dsg if you have never driven a car with one before you make up your mind
But at the end of the day dsg or manual is irrelevant, buy which everyone you prefer, there is no right or wrong choice
OK, found something but I'm not sure if it's included on the DSG or not. From VW's site...
The dynamic shift programme is a feature of our automatic transmissions. The gearbox control unit automatically selects the best gear, based on the engine map data and current driving situation. Selection takes into account your current speed, the weight of any towed trailer and whether your car is travelling up or down hill. It also adapts to your driving style and adjusts the gearshift points accordingly. If you adopt a sporty driving style, the engine will be allowed to rev higher through the gears, but if you use the accelerator more lightly, the gearbox will change up earlier. This adaptation does not affect the kickdown function, which is available in any situation. Gearboxes with dynamic shift ensure the engine's output is used to optimum effect by selecting the correct gear, keeping fuel consumption and exhaust emissions low.
Anyone know if this is a feature on the Leon DSGs?
All DSG gearboxes have the same functionality, it's a function of the transmission ECU. Its just the way they work, not something they can adjust depending on the model it's fitted to.
Have a look here...
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Direct-shift_gearbox
Scroll down to 'operational introduction'. It is explained pretty well here in the section marked 'D' mode.
Admittedly, the wiki site still needs citation, but it is correct none the less.
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As you say, this is wikipedia and the important bit is marked 'dubious' and 'citation needed' if you look closely. Needs to be peer reviewed or company site to be a fact.
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