S4 dsg vs manual
Discussion
Been reading up a bit about S4's, considering testing one and getting an Avant.
From what I have read most people seem to think the DSG suits the engine / general car best. In addition most likely to protect residuals as its the popular choice.
I read that the Torsen T-3 centre differential, has a default asymmetric 40:60 front-rear torque split on manual transmission.
Can anyone confirm this?
Because its often said this car is prown to understeer on the edge, but would have thought 40/60 would make that less so.
From what I have read most people seem to think the DSG suits the engine / general car best. In addition most likely to protect residuals as its the popular choice.
I read that the Torsen T-3 centre differential, has a default asymmetric 40:60 front-rear torque split on manual transmission.
Can anyone confirm this?
Because its often said this car is prown to understeer on the edge, but would have thought 40/60 would make that less so.
As far as I'm aware all new model S4s have a default 40/60 front/rear but with sport differential you can further bias this under throttle to your preferred setup.
As for S-Tronic vs manual I'd have the manual - 7 gears is too many and as fon as S-Tronic is it still isn't as satisfying as a manual. New V6 makes loads of torque anyway so slap it in 5th and forget about it!
As for S-Tronic vs manual I'd have the manual - 7 gears is too many and as fon as S-Tronic is it still isn't as satisfying as a manual. New V6 makes loads of torque anyway so slap it in 5th and forget about it!
Thanks for info on new model. I'm interested in the previous model, the B7. 4.2l V8 quattro. They're around the £20-25k mark now even from main dealers. Which I think represents bloody good value for a sports estate with 344bhp.
B7 (Typ 8E/8H, 2005-2008)
B7 (Typ 8E/8H, 2005-2008)
Edited by rapidophile on Thursday 10th September 14:53
I don't think you can you get the B7 with DSG.
I have a B6 (also 4.2 V8) and the only auto option is Tiptronic which is a traditional auto with paddle shifters.
I think it suits the car quite well but it is true to say that it's not as involving to drive as a manual. That said, it's much less hassle in traffic, makes for a very swift getaway from junctions and lights, and returns better fuel consumption (due to longer gearing) than the manual.
Drive both and see which you prefer.
I have a B6 (also 4.2 V8) and the only auto option is Tiptronic which is a traditional auto with paddle shifters.
I think it suits the car quite well but it is true to say that it's not as involving to drive as a manual. That said, it's much less hassle in traffic, makes for a very swift getaway from junctions and lights, and returns better fuel consumption (due to longer gearing) than the manual.
Drive both and see which you prefer.
Dr G said:
As for S-Tronic vs manual I'd have the manual - 7 gears is too many and as fon as S-Tronic is it still isn't as satisfying as a manual. New V6 makes loads of torque anyway so slap it in 5th and forget about it!
I wanted a manual, but Ive just driven an S-Tronic this morning, and liked it. Its actually pretty good just in auto. Still narks me a little that the S Tronic will not hold gear at the redline (although, TBH, how often I would be holding it there I dont know).Was going to hold out for a manual but the bloody dealer has offered me such a tempting deal on their showroom model (available immediately), and a great trade in price on my DTM, that Im on the verge of giving in and buying it.
Satan get thee behind me
Thought I wanted a white S4, test drove a black Avant and looks like I could end up with a red saloon
Watch this space
I'm pretty sure all B6 cars are a 50:50 split front:rear.
You might find some of the info on this thread useful discussing the differences between the B6 and B7.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
You might find some of the info on this thread useful discussing the differences between the B6 and B7.
http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?h=0...
Where MArc has the auto B6, I have the manual.
As Marc says, it's much nicer around town, better MPG, better at cruising speed on motorway etc. etc.
I went for the manual because I enjoy advanced driving - HPC / IAM etc - and felt I'd lose something if I only had an auto for a couple of years. That said, the engine is so torque rich at low revs that even on a motoway journey you leave it in 6th and you don't need to change gear between 30mph and....well, lots mph
It's simple preference really - you'll find fewer manuals available as many of the S4s (by the nature of the sort of car they are) had lots of autos, but drive both and choose the one for you.
It's a cracking car it must be said
As Marc says, it's much nicer around town, better MPG, better at cruising speed on motorway etc. etc.
I went for the manual because I enjoy advanced driving - HPC / IAM etc - and felt I'd lose something if I only had an auto for a couple of years. That said, the engine is so torque rich at low revs that even on a motoway journey you leave it in 6th and you don't need to change gear between 30mph and....well, lots mph
It's simple preference really - you'll find fewer manuals available as many of the S4s (by the nature of the sort of car they are) had lots of autos, but drive both and choose the one for you.
It's a cracking car it must be said
I was initially a little put off by the MPG, but having said that my last Honda Type R had a 2.0l VTEC and driven agressively you'd be lucky to get 250 miles out of tank of V-power c£60. Same with various other 2.0l Turbos I have driven.
I don't reckon I'll be much worse off with a 4.2 V8, especially given the amount of torque meaning it doesn't (have) to be revved quite as much.
I know, I know, I'm trying to talk myself into it.
I'm particularly interested in Stage 2 AMD too.
I don't reckon I'll be much worse off with a 4.2 V8, especially given the amount of torque meaning it doesn't (have) to be revved quite as much.
I know, I know, I'm trying to talk myself into it.
I'm particularly interested in Stage 2 AMD too.
Did you see my post a few days ago of all my MPG stats? Might help....
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
PS: When you rev it, it makes it faster and noisier. Now tell me you're not going to rev it
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
PS: When you rev it, it makes it faster and noisier. Now tell me you're not going to rev it
FUBAR said:
I wanted a manual, but Ive just driven an S-Tronic this morning, and liked it. Its actually pretty good just in auto. Still narks me a little that the S Tronic will not hold gear at the redline (although, TBH, how often I would be holding it there I dont know).
If you've been offered a car with all the toys then go for it, there is nothing wrong with S-Tronic - I feel about it I think the same way you do. There is on occasion once in a while where you miss that last degree of interaction - although the perfect downshifts every time are a lot of fun TonyHetherington said:
Did you see my post a few days ago of all my MPG stats? Might help....
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
PS: When you rev it, it makes it faster and noisier. Now tell me you're not going to rev it
Fabulously nerdy, I'm impressed. Its better than I thought. I used to get about that in my old Volvo 2.2 T5. nearly double the capacity and a V8. http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
PS: When you rev it, it makes it faster and noisier. Now tell me you're not going to rev it
I can charge my company 40p a mile too, so sort of covers it.
I have just ordered a 2010 S4 on the strength of past comments on this website and following a 3 day test. I confess I too had the big dilemna of which gearbox to pick. I tested the s tronic expecting heavy intervention from the electronics at higher revs, but found I could hit 7000 rpm with no auto up shifts and this on a brand new demonstrator. Audi claim that as engine loosens then it lets you go up to 7300 which seems plenty for all but the most extreme use. Having said that I am still worried about losing that feeling of absolute control that manual offers. I also hate the idea of gaining 0.2 secs to 62 possibly due extra weight and one more gear ratio.
On the plus side I noticed the downshifts get a little blip of throttle with the s tronic, very f1 like, while I found myself able to get 31mpg on motorway driving suggesting better figures still as engine gets less tight with time. Also has anyone else noticed that pedals seem offset in the a4? I tried a 3.0 tdi with a manual for the feel, and though the gear change was very smooth, the pedals did seem a good 6-8 inches more to the right then in the BMW I currently have.
Hence the choice to settle on the s tronic. I do have a week or two to change my mind so any positive reinforcement would help me rest easy...or strong feelings to the opposite.
thanks
On the plus side I noticed the downshifts get a little blip of throttle with the s tronic, very f1 like, while I found myself able to get 31mpg on motorway driving suggesting better figures still as engine gets less tight with time. Also has anyone else noticed that pedals seem offset in the a4? I tried a 3.0 tdi with a manual for the feel, and though the gear change was very smooth, the pedals did seem a good 6-8 inches more to the right then in the BMW I currently have.
Hence the choice to settle on the s tronic. I do have a week or two to change my mind so any positive reinforcement would help me rest easy...or strong feelings to the opposite.
thanks
Picked up my S4 Friday evening. Boy its been a long week 
Still taking it easy. I know they say you dont 'have' to run in cars these days, but I feel better doing it. Havent really felt the need to pop it into flappy paddle mode yet, but that time will come There is a nice 'pop' on the upshifts in auto.
Car feels lovely and solid and you can just sense the power within waiting to be released
OK, I havent been on many motorway runs (well, only one 10 miler) and havent been caning it, but Im yet to break through the 23mpg barrier
Already been collared in a car park by a chap asking questions and to have a look round it
I'll stick some photos up tomorrow
Still taking it easy. I know they say you dont 'have' to run in cars these days, but I feel better doing it. Havent really felt the need to pop it into flappy paddle mode yet, but that time will come
There is a nice 'pop' on the upshifts in auto.Car feels lovely and solid and you can just sense the power within waiting to be released
OK, I havent been on many motorway runs (well, only one 10 miler) and havent been caning it, but Im yet to break through the 23mpg barrier
Already been collared in a car park by a chap asking questions and to have a look round it
I'll stick some photos up tomorrow
Congratulations on the new car! Is it a saloon or an Avant?
What made you pick the s tronic? Did you opt for the trick suspension as well, or were you happy with standard set up? Am impressed that you are showing such restraint. My test weekend was pretty unbridled. I wanted to see how it compared to rear wheel drives which I have had a history of owning.
Past audis have tended to be a little remote, but this one felt much more connected to the road.
Look forward to seeing your pictures.
What made you pick the s tronic? Did you opt for the trick suspension as well, or were you happy with standard set up? Am impressed that you are showing such restraint. My test weekend was pretty unbridled. I wanted to see how it compared to rear wheel drives which I have had a history of owning.
Past audis have tended to be a little remote, but this one felt much more connected to the road.
Look forward to seeing your pictures.
rapidophile said:
Fabulously nerdy, I'm impressed. Its better than I thought. I used to get about that in my old Volvo 2.2 T5. nearly double the capacity and a V8.
I can charge my company 40p a mile too, so sort of covers it.
I managed over 29mpg on a long motorway run over the weekend. I'm not sure I'll ever crack 30 though, although MrsTwo might have a chance.I can charge my company 40p a mile too, so sort of covers it.
Jhart said:
I have just ordered a 2010 S4 on the strength of past comments on this website and following a 3 day test. I confess I too had the big dilemna of which gearbox to pick. I tested the s tronic expecting heavy intervention from the electronics at higher revs, but found I could hit 7000 rpm with no auto up shifts and this on a brand new demonstrator. Audi claim that as engine loosens then it lets you go up to 7300 which seems plenty for all but the most extreme use. Having said that I am still worried about losing that feeling of absolute control that manual offers. I also hate the idea of gaining 0.2 secs to 62 possibly due extra weight and one more gear ratio.
On the plus side I noticed the downshifts get a little blip of throttle with the s tronic, very f1 like, while I found myself able to get 31mpg on motorway driving suggesting better figures still as engine gets less tight with time. Also has anyone else noticed that pedals seem offset in the a4? I tried a 3.0 tdi with a manual for the feel, and though the gear change was very smooth, the pedals did seem a good 6-8 inches more to the right then in the BMW I currently have.
Hence the choice to settle on the s tronic. I do have a week or two to change my mind so any positive reinforcement would help me rest easy...or strong feelings to the opposite.
thanks
3 day test drive, how did you manage that or is your car part of a fleet through your work. On the plus side I noticed the downshifts get a little blip of throttle with the s tronic, very f1 like, while I found myself able to get 31mpg on motorway driving suggesting better figures still as engine gets less tight with time. Also has anyone else noticed that pedals seem offset in the a4? I tried a 3.0 tdi with a manual for the feel, and though the gear change was very smooth, the pedals did seem a good 6-8 inches more to the right then in the BMW I currently have.
Hence the choice to settle on the s tronic. I do have a week or two to change my mind so any positive reinforcement would help me rest easy...or strong feelings to the opposite.
thanks
Im seriously tempted by the new S4. Did you get any discount?
Jhart said:
Congratulations on the new car! Is it a saloon or an Avant?
What made you pick the s tronic? Did you opt for the trick suspension as well, or were you happy with standard set up? Am impressed that you are showing such restraint. My test weekend was pretty unbridled. I wanted to see how it compared to rear wheel drives which I have had a history of owning.
Past audis have tended to be a little remote, but this one felt much more connected to the road.
Look forward to seeing your pictures.
Saloon. But so was my DTM. And the dog can stay at home What made you pick the s tronic? Did you opt for the trick suspension as well, or were you happy with standard set up? Am impressed that you are showing such restraint. My test weekend was pretty unbridled. I wanted to see how it compared to rear wheel drives which I have had a history of owning.
Past audis have tended to be a little remote, but this one felt much more connected to the road.
Look forward to seeing your pictures.
I ended up buying my local dealer's showroom car, so it came specced up with pretty much everything (including S Tronic when I was originally after a manual). Much higher spec than I was originally looking at and considerably over my original budget, but they offered me a good discount, great trade in price and most importantly, it was available within a week me impatient? Nah
)I gave the demo car a good spanking so am aware of what it can do, but with my own car Im taking it easy until its got a few more miles on it, but the devil sitting on my shoulder is whispering in my ear louder and louder as each mile passes
Currently fighting the urge to put a Miltek exhaust on it
Will stick photos up in a new thread. Dont expect too much as Im certainly no David Bailey and used a phone camera.
200 miles in it this weekend and I havent been anywhere
Hi All, long time lurker, my first post here.
Am awaiting my S4, ordered end of May and due to be built Wk42. I ordered STronic with LOTS of options and was told the STronic gearbox was delaying build. I then specced Sepang Blue which has added another 9 weeks to the build. Hope you guys don't have to wait so long. I managed just over 10% discount for factory order if that helps anyone.
Am awaiting my S4, ordered end of May and due to be built Wk42. I ordered STronic with LOTS of options and was told the STronic gearbox was delaying build. I then specced Sepang Blue which has added another 9 weeks to the build
. Hope you guys don't have to wait so long. I managed just over 10% discount for factory order if that helps anyone.10% discount sounds about par for the course. Supply of saloons is low, so you may have to wait for them, a few dealers in the southeast say all build slots for 2009 are now taken. If you are eager for a real beauty then go to Sheffield Audi where you can get a deal on the very low mileage demonstrator in Sprint Blue with 5 spoke 19in alloys, but no trick suspension (that ruled me out...)
Mine is pretty loaded on goodies too, with a lead time of 14 weeks. Interestingly the s-tronic did not slow down the build, but offered me better residuals (£600).
I got a chance to test drive the car for a few days due to a colleague who is a fleet manager. Definitely the way to test a car. I had tested a M3 the week before; 20mins around the crowded streets of Kingston and I am supposed to part with 60k of hard earned cash!? Yeah right.
The S4 did get a little caning in my hands. The only way to get a feel for the beast. What surprised me is how much more speed it carries without feeling like you are on edge. Some may miss the seat of your pants feeling, but I love the sheer cool of it all. Effortless and clinical but with Drive Select option in dynamic mode, I now have an Audi that steers like a BMW without the run-flats hammering my spin under hard breaking. The quattro does take away some of that shove in your back that gives you a sensation of speed in other cars, but this car is very very fast. I tested it from a standing start and also at 30 mph up to 60 vs a 335i; both with automatic gear boxes. No contest - I mean none at all!
Add the feel good factor the interior has, and I am now a born again Audi convert after 2 consecutive BMWs.
I am still keen to hear what people are getting MPG wise as I did not break 26 MPG with mixed roads but spirited driving.
Welcome other's views.
Mine is pretty loaded on goodies too, with a lead time of 14 weeks. Interestingly the s-tronic did not slow down the build, but offered me better residuals (£600).
I got a chance to test drive the car for a few days due to a colleague who is a fleet manager. Definitely the way to test a car. I had tested a M3 the week before; 20mins around the crowded streets of Kingston and I am supposed to part with 60k of hard earned cash!? Yeah right.
The S4 did get a little caning in my hands. The only way to get a feel for the beast. What surprised me is how much more speed it carries without feeling like you are on edge. Some may miss the seat of your pants feeling, but I love the sheer cool of it all. Effortless and clinical but with Drive Select option in dynamic mode, I now have an Audi that steers like a BMW without the run-flats hammering my spin under hard breaking. The quattro does take away some of that shove in your back that gives you a sensation of speed in other cars, but this car is very very fast. I tested it from a standing start and also at 30 mph up to 60 vs a 335i; both with automatic gear boxes. No contest - I mean none at all!
Add the feel good factor the interior has, and I am now a born again Audi convert after 2 consecutive BMWs.
I am still keen to hear what people are getting MPG wise as I did not break 26 MPG with mixed roads but spirited driving.
Welcome other's views.
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