So recently I've been shopping around dealerships and such to get a better idea of what my next audi will be. its going to be a B6, and at one dealership I talked my way into test driving an 04 3.0L 6 speed. Then that got me thinking about the differences between 5 spd. and 6 spd tansmissions. Is one all that better then the other? Can you reach higher speeds in a 6 spd? Unfortunatly I couldn't reach highway speeds on the freeway because it was rush hour on the 401 (toronto) which is pretty much any time of the day anyways.

What I did notice was that 1st gear was pretty short compared to my 5spd. The rest of the gears (up to 5th) might have been a bit closer together but it was hard to tell. but you could almost start in 2nd from a stand-still with ease but im guessing that would affect your clutch in the long-run. Anyone driven a 6spd 1.8T? I'm guessing they use the same gear ratio/transmission. So really I'm just asking if anyone has any advice on 5spd vs. 6spd and themore than likelyminimal performance differences.

 

don't know the performance differences, but the 6-speeds are a lot more rare than 5-speeds. my mechanic's shop is also solely a used audi dealer and they always try to get the 6-speeds more than the 5-speeds. i don't know why but that's what they told me. anyone else...i'd really like to know as well?

LampyB.

 

I think you save more gas going in 6th, instead of 5th ))

 

I think the 6-speed is standard on the 03 3.0's. Maybe even from the 02. I would say...6-speed is so much cooler. It puts you 1 step closer to having a S4, haha

 

I have a 6sp and i love it, i really got the manual because i didnt like the way the auto looked in the console, now i love driving stick.

 

the biggest differance is going to be the gear ratios. They are generally closer together to promote better acceleration.They also usually have a lower OD gear to give a little better milage at freeway speeds, kind of helps make up for the higher first few gears. Hope this helps
here are the ratios: Manual
3.818:1
2.105:1
1.345:1
0.972:1
0.970:1
----
six speed
3.316:1
3.417:1
2.105:1
1.429:1
1.088:1
0.970:1
0.912:1

 

^ Useful post from a guy with only 5 posts. Other newbies should take note!

Are you sure about the 4 and 5th gear ratios on the 5 speed? They seem pretty close.

 

I htought the same thing. I checked a few different tech sites and they all had the same ratios. If you find something different post it though I would be interested in seeing a different 4 and 5 gear ratio if there is one.

 

This should help.

GEARBOX RATIOS

5 Spd. 3.50 1.89 1.23 0.93 0.73 CBD
5 Spd. 3.50 1.89 1.23 0.93 0.76 CET - European
6 Spd. 2.2L S6 & 4.2L S6+ 3.50 1.89 1.32 1.03 0.86 0.73 ** CBM **#
6 Spd. RS2 3.50 1.89 1.32 1.03 0.86 0.71 CRB CGR
6 Spd S6 4.2L & RS4 3.50 1.89 1.32 1.03 0.81 0.68 ** CBN
6 Spd A6tt - S4tt 3.50 1.89 1.32 1.03 0.81 0.68 DSY EDU
6 Spd 2.5L TDI 3.50 1.89 1.32 0.87 0.67 0.56
6 Spd A4 2WD 2001> 1.6L & 2.0L 3.50 1.89 1.23 1.07 0.73 0.60 FPN FRL 31/8 (3.875) R&P
6 Spd A4 2001> 2.4L & 3.0L V6 3.50 1.89 1.32 1.03 0.86 0.73 FRE 35/8 (4.375) R&P
6 Spd A4 2001> 1.8T & 1.9TDI 3.50 1.89 1.32 0.93 0.73 0.58 FPP FTT 37/9 (4.11) R&P
6 Spd A4 2001> 2.5L TDI 3.75 2.05 1.32 1.03 0.71 0.56 ENV FTM 35/9 (3.89) R&P
6 Spd AllRoad V6tt 3.75 2.05 1.41 1.07 0.86 0.73 See R&P Note
6 Spd AllRoad 2.5L TDI 3.75 2.05 1.23 0.93 0.73 0.60 See R&P Note

** both sets of ratios are listed for S6 V8 6 speeds.
**# DGV listed for A8 1994-> Includes oil pump & wide 1st gear
R&P Note: AllRoad has 35/8 (4.375) - other 01E has 37/9 (4.11)
Most A4 gearboxes have different R&P ratios.