2006 A3 DSG or Manual?

Hey,
I went to a couple of Audi dealers looking at the A3 2.0T. I love the car, it looks awesome. I just dont know whether to go with the standard manual shift or with the DSG. Any suggestions????

There's no doubt about it.
Go and get DSG!
The paddle shifters are really cool and practical too!

umm i say manual all the way.. personally i would get bored with the paddles after a month

I'd say DSG.
I have one and it ROCKS!!!
I love the sound it makes when it shifts.....

i like the manual but im probably gonna go with the dsg. the dealer was giving me a descent price for the a3 dsg, beige leather interior, open sky, and premium package.

oh i had another question. i was wondering how exactly the dsg works. do you use it like a manual without a clutch???

quote:

ORIGINAL: sly15

oh i had another question. i was wondering how exactly the dsg works. do you use it like a manual without a clutch???

I'd say no. I'm not entirely sure but I guess it’s noting too much different from standard automatic in front of the users but it’s totally different internally, it’s a different technology. I think it’s much more to do with Audi but the drivers.

The technology says (according to Audi) that DSG gearbox is a double clutch system, which consists of two wet plate-type clutches with hydraulically regulated contact pressure. One engages the odd-numbered and other the even-numbered gears. While the first clutch is transmitting the power, the second clutch is ready to engage the next gear, which is reselected, thus enables gearshifts to be made without interrupting the power flow and keeps the shift times extremely short. When the driver makes the gearshift, the first clutch is released and the second engages, so that the gearshift takes place in a fraction of a second.

People say DSG is fun after having the test-drive but I’m not sure how long they gonna say that for in practical daily driving. But those who are driving automatic from the day one and can’t drive stick this gonna be fun for them all the time because they got something better than the stuffs they were using.

quote:

ORIGINAL: sly15

oh i had another question. i was wondering how exactly the dsg works. do you use it like a manual without a clutch???

I usually drive D or S mode which is automatic mode, but the fun time is when you want to go though tight curves or intersections quickly. While you drive in D or S mode, you can directly get into manual mode when you hit paddle shifter without touching shift knob! You hit the brake and at the same time shift down by the paddle shifter directly before hitting a clipping point. Once you pass the clipping point, then immediately send gas and shift up by paddle shifter. This can be done very easily and quickly! Believe it or not, it's really fun.

I have a stick car and enjoy manual shift driving as well. Rev matching and heel-and-toe technique must be used and that is definitely one of fun-to-drive factors. I really like it. But remember, you can go through a tight curve by DSG/paddle shifter more quickly.

Besides, DSG paddle shifter has much quicker response (less time lag) than normal automatic. You can really enjoy Formula One like driving if you want. (I've never driven F-1 car before, but I guess that would be the "F-1 like" drive...)

That's one of how you can enjoy DSG/paddle shifter.

I heard the sales mans pitch about how fast the shift is and how new and improved all that bla bla crap. I have to tell you I didn't see what all the fuss was about. Get a stick.

Have you ever tried DSG?
If not, you must try it first.
I tried manual A3, but it's not so impressive, though.

Yeah, that what I took the test drive in. sorry if I wasn't clear.

I test drove both the dsg and the manual. I got the manual a3 and now wish I would have gone with the dsg because in retrospect the dsg actually IS faster than the maual, plus I live in a city and it's become a pain to have the 6 speed (dont get me wrong, i still LOVE my car)

I think that the question isn't any different that choosing whether you prefer a manual or automatic transmission.

I've driven both transmissions in the GTI and A3. The DSG is by far the most unique offering for this car and will definitely gain it's reward during resale. The DSG also shifts very smoothly and quicker than the manual, but how often will you be running a DSG car manually? The majority of your driving will be in fully automatic mode. So back to my original point, do you want to shift through your gears or use an automatic? I think you're good to choose either one, just understand yourself and be true to what you want. Also, I think there needs to be a determination on the torque capacity of the DSG if you plan on doing mods. I was led to believe that it won't do well over 300lbs of torque? Not sure if that figure is true, but definitely worth investigating if modding is in your game plan.

BTW, I love my manual transmission and wouldn't trade it for the DSG.

Choose wisely, for while the right car will bring you much joy, driving the wrong car surely won't.

Cheers!

Chef

Forget the DSG.

I have a 3.2 with the DSG (the only transmission offered with the V6). I'd recommend the manual tranny on the 2.0. I find it much more enjoyable to use a clutch pedal. While the DSG can best me with fast, smooth shifting in gears 2 through 6, it can't in first gear engagement, which is anything but smooth. The thrill of using the paddles on my 3.2 wore off quickly. The experience is non-involving and way too remote. Further, nail the throttle and the car will automatically upshift at redline. If you're in a high-enough gear, punch the throttle and the DSG will kick down a gear or two.

For driving enthusiasts, here's a test. What word doesn't belong in the folowing sentence: My manual transmission automatically upshifts and kicks down.

One last nit. If you use the DSG in automatic mode ("D"), prepare to be in sixth gear in the first five seconds of driving. "Sport" mode offers a far better experience.

Interestingly, I would only recommend the DSG with 3.2. Why? Because the 3.2 weighs as much as a Five-Series BMW sedan!!. Unless Audi can pump more HP into the 3.2, or put its Quattro models on a weight loss plan, a traditional manual would make this car even slower. For a car with a respectable 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds, the 3.2 simply doesn't feel that strong (IMO). If Subaru can get 300HP and 300/lb/ft TQ, out of a 2.5 liter turbocharged 4-banger, why can't Audi get more grunt out of its V6?

Get the 2.0 A3 manual tranny, chip it, get a good aftermarket rear swaybar, and have a blast.

DSG man def.

I tested several DSG A3's before buying my 6 speed manual. I was impressed with the technology aspects but I couldn't get past the sudden boost in speed just prior to the transmission shifting. The DSG is faster but the feel and the uneven accelaration drove me to buying the manual.

quote:

ORIGINAL: sly15

Hey,
I went to a couple of Audi dealers looking at the A3 2.0T. I love the car, it looks awesome. I just dont know whether to go with the standard manual shift or with the DSG. Any suggestions????

It's funny when these type of questions are asked. Poor ole sly15 is probably even more confused know. I'd say you go into the dealer put the blinders on and follow your own heart. You're going to be driving your car so test both types and you'll know which you want. Lead never follow!

BTW, I personally have the DSG. I don't say it's better or worse, but it's what I, let me repeat the I, I have because of personal needs.

I think the only way to convert manual AND automatic lovers to DSG is to:
1. provide a clutch pedal that can give additional clutching control if they want for the corners and launch control.
2. the option not to use the clutch thus giving ultra fast 8ms shifting (BMW and Ferarri "SMG style" shifting is a slow 60ms to 150ms).
3. same weight as a standard manual tranny
4. an auto mode that will shift for you during your 1 hour "bumper to bumper"/"stop and go" commute to and from work.
5. other wishes?

quote:

ORIGINAL: haulin79

I think the only way to convert manual AND automatic lovers to DSG is to:
1. provide a clutch pedal that can give additional clutching control if they want for the corners and launch control.
2. the option not to use the clutch thus giving ultra fast 8ms shifting (BMW and Ferarri "SMG style" shifting is a slow 60ms to 150ms).
3. same weight as a standard manual tranny
4. an auto mode that will shift for you during your 1 hour "bumper to bumper"/"stop and go" commute to and from work.
5. other wishes?

Sorry, wouldn't convert me. I enjoy my manual transmissions regardless of whether I'm on a two lane mountain twisty or sitting in NYC bumper to bumper traffic. Why would I want to spend my money on all of that extra complexity when everything that I want/need/desire is already provided by a manual transmission?