"S" mode in A6 better than DSG "S" mode.
01-20-2007, 12:32 PM
#1
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"S" mode in A6 better than DSG "S" mode.
I've put 4000 miles on each the two pictured vehicles. The A6 is a 2005 with the optional 18s (all seasons) and the 2007 GTI is equipped with the DSG transmission. There is no question the A6's S mode is far superior to the S programming the DSG uses.
The S mode in the A6 does not keep the revs as high as the DSG does. The DSG will hold the GTI at 4500 RPM during casual cruising. It rarely kicks down after a delay in change of throttle position. The car is not "smart" enough to realize that the car does not need to be held so high in the power band. Even if the car was being used in a track environment, the RPMs are still too high. The 2.0t motor in the GTI does not have the top end power necessary to warrant such a high cruising RPM. On the other hand, the A6 will kick down after the rapid acceleration has taken place and normal cruising speed has been reached. The A6 will shift into the next gear (but not go all the way to 5th or 6th to keep some power on reserve and maintain the sporty feel, which I like).
The DSG S mode does not have any predictability to it. When used on sweeping on ramps and maintaining a constant speed, the DSG will sometimes kick down (or even UP) a gear without notice or change in throttle input. It is very odd - it holds gears when you want it to, and changes gears when you least expect it. The A6 will actually hold the gear during these sorts of maneuvers and go to a lower gear as you exit the ramp. I actually tested each car back to back on the same on ramp and dare I say the A6 feels more settled due to the car not changing gears mid turn? Having the car shift mid turn upsets the car and can make piloting it a very nerve racking experience if executed at a relatively high velocity.
The A6 is better at reading the drivers mind as to when to hold a gear vs when to shift. In the case of "S" modes, the A6's transmission computer is the winner.
Please note that I am only comparing S modes. While using D or manual mode, the DSG is night and day better than the A6...but that is to be expected due to the mechanical differences.
Here is a picture of the two vehicles side by side:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40817/image_00019.jpg">
The S mode in the A6 does not keep the revs as high as the DSG does. The DSG will hold the GTI at 4500 RPM during casual cruising. It rarely kicks down after a delay in change of throttle position. The car is not "smart" enough to realize that the car does not need to be held so high in the power band. Even if the car was being used in a track environment, the RPMs are still too high. The 2.0t motor in the GTI does not have the top end power necessary to warrant such a high cruising RPM. On the other hand, the A6 will kick down after the rapid acceleration has taken place and normal cruising speed has been reached. The A6 will shift into the next gear (but not go all the way to 5th or 6th to keep some power on reserve and maintain the sporty feel, which I like).
The DSG S mode does not have any predictability to it. When used on sweeping on ramps and maintaining a constant speed, the DSG will sometimes kick down (or even UP) a gear without notice or change in throttle input. It is very odd - it holds gears when you want it to, and changes gears when you least expect it. The A6 will actually hold the gear during these sorts of maneuvers and go to a lower gear as you exit the ramp. I actually tested each car back to back on the same on ramp and dare I say the A6 feels more settled due to the car not changing gears mid turn? Having the car shift mid turn upsets the car and can make piloting it a very nerve racking experience if executed at a relatively high velocity.
The A6 is better at reading the drivers mind as to when to hold a gear vs when to shift. In the case of "S" modes, the A6's transmission computer is the winner.
Please note that I am only comparing S modes. While using D or manual mode, the DSG is night and day better than the A6...but that is to be expected due to the mechanical differences.
Here is a picture of the two vehicles side by side:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/40817/image_00019.jpg">
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01-20-2007, 06:15 PM
#9
AudiWorld Member
They're totally different cars. AWD vs FWD. 3.2 vs 2.0T. Comparing them on the same ramp doesn't
tell the whole story. Chassis setup, transmission programming, weight distribution, ergonomics are quite different between these two cars. The A6 might feel better on a curve, but properly driven, on a racetrack the GTI might blow the A6's doors off.
As for "S" mode itself, unless you're dragracing, the A6 does a great job getting off the line in "D". Again this comes from allowing the transmission to learn your driving habits. My '05 C6 knows I have a heavy foot and readily "jumps off the line in "D". My ABS drove my car and was amazed at the difference over the demos he regularly drives. (And he likes to show the car's limits, too!)
As for "S" mode itself, unless you're dragracing, the A6 does a great job getting off the line in "D". Again this comes from allowing the transmission to learn your driving habits. My '05 C6 knows I have a heavy foot and readily "jumps off the line in "D". My ABS drove my car and was amazed at the difference over the demos he regularly drives. (And he likes to show the car's limits, too!)
01-21-2007, 06:08 AM
#10
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I think it's programmed with the typical buyer in mind.
The A6 owner simply won't settle for higher RPMS at cruising speeds. I agree, the S mode in the MKV and 8P chasis definately holds the gears longer but I'm betting the A6 'S' mode is simply programmed less 'aggresively'