So I am having a bitch of a time finding an S4 with a manual tranny but there are a bunch with Tip. I am test driving a Tip today, and would appreciate some input as to the pros and cons from people who have used both. It will be my daily driver, not a track car, although I have some amazing roads locally I want to enjoy with my S4. Any input would be great! Thanks.

Dcllanos

 

I have not driven the Tip....I got a CPO 04 S4 just over a month ago. It is the 6 speed. It is my daily driver and honestly, the clutch is not a nightmare in traffic. The 98 M3 I had was a nightmare, this is not bad at all in the NJ traffic.

 

Thanks for the reply, I love audi manual trannys, smooth and direct, I've driven the S4 Stick and it's great, I just have got to get in one soon and pretty much what I am finding is an abundance of Tips and no manuals. Thanks for the input.

Dcllanos

 

I to wanted a 6 sp & ended up with a TIP. Honestly, it shifts fast & smooth. Seams to be more reliable then the 6 sp.

Go & drive one, put it in TIP mode & have some fun. Even better when you add a TIP chip. In traffic, it just ROCKS!!

 

I was gonna get a manual, but driving up the hills in SF in traffic was just too much of a pain for me, so I chose tip, its not as smooth as manual but you get the paddle shifters to kinda comphensate for them if you don't have alot of traffic in your area, id suggest defintly go for the manual.

 

It depends. For one, a lot of people decide based on the traffic in the area. Though, through driving a stick for a while it can become second nature.

 

Its a personal descision IMO as the Tip has sufficient performance. However for me - as I absolutly love working a manual tranny and easily get frustrated with an auto (even one where "shifting" is possible) - its the 6 speed only (and I personally would never consider an auto when a manual tranny is available). I like the control and engagement of the manual tranny and for me I feel that something is missing without it - particularly in the twisties - but just in general. And except for (certain) long bumper to bumper situations I actually prefer the manual in traffic and like the control it offers. I find that I can use the gears and my clutch to regulate my speed (even in most stop & go trafic) better then having to always be stepping on the brakes using an auto. I think both trannies will give you great pleasure in this car but in general I feel a true manual tranny with a clutch is more appropriate for a "sports" car. I don't consider this to be an absolute - but it is certainly my preference. My Mustang is an auto - but its more of a cruiser car and not really a sports car. I'm OK with it (but still manaully shift a bit - revs out a bit better and love to "chirp" my rear tires in 2nd gear!). I've owned/driven one other auto - a Mazda Milenia S - as a manual was not available for it - and while it was a great car and lots of fun I was always frustrated for it not being a manual. And I'm always disapointed with rental cars (except in Europe) as I know - even with a sportier car - that it will come with an Auto - and I'm always wishing for a manual - it completes the driving experience IMO.

 

Hey thanks for the info and feedback, drove a Tip last night and found the system smooth but a bit unnatural for me personally, I am sure that it is a skill that you have to learn, just like driving stick was for the first time. As far as I know it is the stellar auto-stick system out there, so I don't think it will be a mistake getting one, but I am hoping for a manual. If anyone knows of one, see post in classifieds. Thanks again!

Dcllanos

 

I have to agree with Roadhawk in thata manual tranny is something else in a sports car.

I wouldn't call a Mustang a sports car though. IMO it's a poser car.

All the best whatever you get.

 

Did you happen to check my sig to see what Mustang I was talking about? I never said it was a sports car - but it is certainly no poser...its an original year Mustang - in fact one of the very first V-8 convertable Mustangs ever made - and its got only 53,000 miles - all original and in pristine shape. I know that this forum is about Audis - and most here more appreciate new, german and sport type cars - but heh now - there is something to be said for the old (American) classics and nice, well maintained older cars in general. I create quite a buzz with the car nearly every time I take it out - and it is a real joy to drive and just to be in driving around for passengers and driver alike...even with the automatic!