Buying a Jetta SportWagen - which transmission would you recommend for ME?

[Aaron Butler]

I know this is a hot-button topic that goes back to the introduction of the DSG transmission. I'm sure that it has been discussed ad nauseum. That said, when I search for the items that matter most to me, I don't come up with many hits.

I'm mostly indifferent between the 6-speed manual and the DSG. I've driven both and they both seem nice. I like rowing the gears, but I have a Porsche Cayman S for that.

What I really want is a vehicle that gets the best mileage possible, and I want whatever transmission will get me that. Most of my driving is on the highway. I'm the kind of guy that will geek out about hypermiling my car. As such, I'm leaning towards the manual for the added ability to shift into neutral and coast extended lengths of road, etc.

Alas, can manual driving techniques really outperform the DSG in real-world MPGs?

Thanks in advance for the input!

[sgtpeper67]

The only reasons I can think of to get the auto is if you're physically unable or don't know how to drive a manual or spend a great deal of time in traffic.

With all of the threads we have on issues with the automatic, I'd strongly recommend the manual.

The gas mileage will be comparable if not better. The vehicle will likely be less expensive initially with lower maintanence costs over the vehicle's life. I imagine a car equipped with the auto is a little heavier?

Either way you're getting a great car.

[sgtpeper67]

Also, I think you want to leave it in gear when coasting, not neutral.

[Keithuk]

Originally Posted by sgtpeper67

The only reasons I can think of to get the auto is if you're physically unable or don't know how to drive a manual or spend a great deal of time in traffic.

Correct I couldn't agree more.

DSG is another computer controlled component and the do have trouble with the mechatronic control module it.

The choice is yours.

[scruff1]

I agonized over whether to get an automatic or manual. I finally decided on the manual and have never regretted it. It was a good thousand dollars cheaper, has none of the issues associated with the DSG transmission, and it's a blast to drive.

[speedracer1407]

Originally Posted by Aaron Butler

As such, I'm leaning towards the manual for the added ability to shift into neutral and coast extended lengths of road, etc

Thanks in advance for the input!

Not sure why you'd want to shift into neutral. An idling engine is still burning fuel, while coasting down in gear burns no fuel at all.

VW even recommends keeping it in gear while coasting down to maximize fuel economy: The screen between the gauges on my 2011 Golf includes a "recommended" gear for maximum economy. When coasting down in neutral, it always recommends shifting back into an appropriate gear.

[wimpog]

Manual++

[jimi179]

final drive ratio not the same, 6mt,2.76 vs dsg 3.03

[Ol'Rattler]

Originally Posted by speedracer1407

Not sure why you'd want to shift into neutral. An idling engine is still burning fuel, while coasting down in gear burns no fuel at all.

VW even recommends keeping it in gear while coasting down to maximize fuel economy: The screen between the gauges on my 2011 Golf includes a "recommended" gear for maximum economy. When coasting down in neutral, it always recommends shifting back into an appropriate gear.

Absolutely correct. Coasting in neutral won't save fuel, is illegal in many state and wears out your brakes a lot quicker.

Could you imagine coming down a long mountain pass coasting in neutral, using your brakes to maintain speed and you rear end someone because your brakes got hot and faded?

Back on topic though, If you plan on keeping the car for a long time, get the manual. if you are going to trade it before the warranty is up, get the DSG.

[Daniel L]

For highway cruising the manual is geared taller. Your engine will be turning at less RPM on the highway with the manual and you'll be getting better mileage. The DSG is also slightly less efficient than the manual due to inherent efficiency losses associated with the wet clutches used. I believe the only reason why the DSG tests higher on the EPA tests is because it is programmed to upshift at ridiculously low engine speeds.

Here's a topic where some Brits are discussing exactly what you're looking for: http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/po...ex.htm?t=67138