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Transmission Options?

darkecho

Newbie
Hey everyone,

I have a quick question:

What are all the different transmission options available on the Base/TDI/GTI?

I'm fairly sure that I'm going to get the DSG, but I've noticed that the TDI/Base and GTI have different looking shifters.. Is this purely aesthetic, or are there multiple variants of the DSG transmission?

I'm not interested in getting a manual, but I'm curious if there are any differences between the manuals among the various trims.

Thanks everyone! Hope to soon "graduate" from my 2005 Prius to a Golf/TDI/GTI/(Golf-R???) :fighting0030:
 

darkecho

Newbie
I did a search first but came up with nothing. So, forgive me if you are repeating yourselves.

What is the difference between the Tiptronic and the DSG?

1. Is the Tiptronic a "regular" automatic transmission, whereas the DSG is a computer-automated manual with dual clutches?

2. Is the 5spd vs. the 6spd ONLY a difference in gears, or is the 6spd a whole different beast?
 

deviant1

New member
1. Exactly - the regular Tiptronic has a conventional torque converter, while the DSG is automated with twin clutches

2. Not sure if the number of gears is the only difference, perhaps someone else can clarify?
 

darkecho

Newbie
So, if you're going to go automatic, you definitely want DSG...
right?

I've never driven a manual, but I imagine that the physical solid connection of the clutch has to feel torquier than the slushy-torque converter..

Am I right in thinking this?
 

mrbenyong

Passed Driver's Ed
seriously if u like driving, PLEASE dont give up DSG if u like autos.

if u r just a normal driver, dont really know any big difference for for normal auto. its cheaper and its not like u go racing or something! :)
 

darkecho

Newbie
Well I have an interesting history with my vehicles.

My first was a 2001 V6 firebird with which I created a handling beast (complete suspension replacement) and autox'd just for fun a few times.
Then I got a prius and became a domesticated human.
Now I'm looking for a compromise. Something fun + comfortable + practical.
The Golf seems to be a great match.

Now, back to transmissions, what do you mean about "giving up" on DSG? It sounds like a great transmission and really quick which sounds fun, but of course it's not an option on the base trim...

I've never owned a manual but don't know if I need anymore distractions and think the DSG would be fine.
 

mrbenyong

Passed Driver's Ed
trust me DSG! u will never regret! or go back to normal auto, because u seem like someone who likes cars. works especially well with turbos....
 

woofie2

Ready to race!
Basically a DSG is a manual transmission that is electrically shifted, when in sport mode it can shift amazingly fast.

A conventional automatic uses hydraulic fluid and diverters to shift.

Trouble was older conventional automatic transmissions had trouble with the TDI's extra torque, and dissolved themselves under performance driving or high torque loads.

Personally I drive and have driven a manual gearbox TDI, getting over 46MPG in my 2003 Jetta TDI lifetime average, That is with a 5-speed manual gear box. (55MPG + on the highway with a software upgrade chip and 5th gear swap) my uncle gets about 44 MPG in his 2001 Golf TDI and manual with a high of 48 on the highway.
I am currently getting 40-43 MPG in mixed driving with my 2010 Golf TDI 6-speed)
Both cars run about 2000 RPMs on the highway at 70MPH
browsing the fillup data on http://www.fuelly.com for the 2009 & 2010 Golfs and Jettas fill ups seem about the same for manual vs auto.

So then it comes down to maintenance, a DSG Requires a fluid and filter change every 40k miles, (don't put it off the DSG transmission fluid dissolves the gearbox very rapidly after 40k miles) Prices vary but you are talking $50 to $100 USD to change the fluid and filter (local shops may be cheaper)

Kind of like a Prius needs batteries sooner or later, there is always maintenance and up keep.
 

MonthOLDpickle

Ready to race!
I really had no choice on mine, DSG it is. But that is fine with me, cause 70% of my driving with a stick would suck and just add onto my carpel tunnel.

Though the rest 30%, I'd wish I had that 6 speed stick.
 

darkecho

Newbie
Well, Manual would be fun, but the DSG woud definitely be my pick for automatic.

I think I'd just be too annoyed with shifting, Plus I share my car and I'd have to worry about them not driving it right. The DSG doesn't require knowledge..
 
Tore up my left knee playing lacrosse 25 years ago (lateral meniscus if you want the gory details in addition to a repaired MCL). Still has chronic fluid on there but I am skipping the surgery (arthroscopy) because it really doesn't do that much good and I'm going to need spare parts in the next 15-20 years probably (I'm 45 years old and already have early osteoarthritis in both knees). What does this have to do with transmissions? DSG costs more, is expensive to maintain, has "PRND flash of death" issues and was boring as hell during every test drive I went on. Back driving a stick now and couldn't be happier. Even if I was stuck on the fuggin' Beltway for 1.5 hours driving to the wife's X-mas party at Congressional Country Club last week (Bethesda). Yes, her alumni group throws much better parties than mine does! :lol:

So, if anyone says "I can't do traffic with a stick" you can tell them you know an old fart with two bum knees who puts up with Washington DC traffic (#2 worst in the nation in last report) on occasion and drives in Baltimore/NJ/NY on a regular basis. :thumbup:
 

MonthOLDpickle

Ready to race!
Would you say that about your wrists? =p

=)

I would also love to have a stick, but the GTIs in my area were all DSG.
 

darkecho

Newbie
Stop making me doubt the DSG!

You're making my decision harder =)

I've never owned a manual, nor have I driven one much.

Though, I did go to driving course at Laguna Seca where I drove a SRT Viper manual.. Not enough time in the seat however, and it was mostly darting around an autocross course in 1st/2nd.
 

Beeb

Mk VI
I ordered a DSG..

purely because in a drag race the DSG always wins.
 
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