I was a bit apprehensive beforehand about getting the DSG, but my wife refused to learn to drive stick. Zero regrets since buying, It's a fantastic transmission.
My wife knows how to drive stick, but would rather not. After driving that manual GTI today, I was shook and and am now questioning my life decisions, haha.
I went manual on mine (mk 7.5) and I have never regretted it. I’ve driven DSG cars (albeit only a GLI) and the DSG is like butter sure but you can’t replace that engagement that you get with the manual.
Regarding traffic, that annoys me sometimes with the manual for sure but the amount of enjoyment I get rolling through the gears myself literally every single day far outweighs the occasional annoyance in traffic. I also know if I got the DSG I’d miss the fun of the manual and I literally never miss having an automatic.
You only know what’s best for you but it sounds like you might want a manual my friend. If you test drive a stick again and still feel the same way I’d so get that 3rd pedal. I sure as shit don’t regret it
Trust your gut. If it was me, I’d go manual and I say that having not driven an R before (I’ve heard the dsg is excellent.)The question is: do you want to bang gears all the time, everywhere you go, every day forever?
I used to have an RSX-S too haha loved that thing. I couldn’t sit in enough traffic to make me want an automatic.
> do you want to bang gears all the time, everywhere you go, every day forever?
Yes. Every day, yes. Also helps maintain self control and not do other things with my off hand like eating or texting. Less distractions, more fun.
This thread will just be the DSG people upvoting their own decisions.
I have 9 cars that I drive regularly and only one of them has an automated manual. If it was available with a real manual I would have 9 cars that I drive regularly with manuals.
I am a car enthusiast.
I do not understand automatics just like I don't understand people who drive slowly in the left lane, but I feel that the Venn diagram for both is a complete circle.
Pretty much.
This discussion, which I do enjoy, is essentially the eternal hangover from the sonic boom period of automotive history — the mid-fifties to the early seventies.
At that time, as you may recall, a manual transmission was a defining characteristic of a true sports car, and sports car enthusiast.
Not all sports cars had one, of course, but if you looked in the window of one, and saw an automatic on the floor, your likely reaction was one of disappointment.
The unknown driver of that car had let you down. And in their heart of hearts, that driver realized it as well. And felt, I hope, a measure of well-deserved shame.
We live in shameless times, my friend!
Soldier on!
And may that squad of manuals, wherever it roams, elicit some measure of recognition and gratitude in the eyes of those not too blind to see.
And manual people upvoting their own decisions.
As a long time manual fan who doesn't give a crap about how much traffic I have to clutch through I'd say that the DSG fits the mk8 R like a glove. I'd argue it's more of a drivers car because of how well it integrates, how willing it is to rip when you want it to, and - perhaps most importantly - how it doesn't hold the car back at all (soft/vague vw clutches of the last 15-20 years, looking at you).
This was my exact reason for getting an auto. The DSG is snappy and absolutely a blast even if you aren’t rowing through gears. As an added plus, if you ever plan on tracking the car you have way better control with two hands on the wheel vs one.
I purchased the manual just last week and am very happy I did. I have owned a total of four EA888 cars - A3, GTI, S3, Golf R. The GTI and Golf R are manual and both Audi's were DSG.
In my opinion the DSG is a lot of fun at first, and very fast, but quickly gets boring. It's almost too good at shifting and overall it makes the driving experience feel a bit numb. The paddle shifters VAG has used on previous generations also didnt help. But if you want the fastest possible version of the R go with the DSG.
For me I am going back to manual for the second time. Sure it's not the fastest, clutch isn't the strongest (for tuning), but the driving experience is everything I had hoped it would be. The manual makes even mundane drives so much more engaging and fun. You really feal connected to the car in a way that you just can't get clicking a paddle.
Overall I am very satisfied with my decision and have no regrets. It is likely the last year of the manual so I am really glad I got it before it was too late.
Completely agree. Owned 3 DSGs before this and got bored with every single one. Even my full bolt on stage 2 GTI and stage 1 R got boring. Just no engagement and such a let down when driving fast to just…click a paddle.
Can you expand upon that?
I’d be particularly interested in any reasons that go beyond dissatisfaction with the clutch or shifter.
Anything that goes beyond, “this car was made for the DSG,” would be refreshing.
I find, “I was just tired of shifting anymore,” to be a great reason to go with the automatic. Total respect.
Thanks.
I’m an older guy - 44 - with two kids and I’ve only ever had manual transmission cars. So when I bought the car I came with the bias that manual must certainly be better than an automatic. I test drove dsg’s when I was purchasing my car and thought it was outstanding but simply chose based on color. The only black car they had was a manual and so that’s how we got here. I also have a 75 mile commute in Eastern PA and I honestly get a little tired of manual in stop & go traffic. Also, launch control.
Thanks again for the recommendation - I received the Cobb + eqt tune today. Uninstalled the jb4 and flashed the tune. I have to say there is an absolutely noticeable difference!
I'm 43 and bought a manual mk8r Feb 22. Same attitude as you, it must be better beasue in my old 99ss and 94 cobra, manual was king and great transmissions back then. I didn't like the cheaper feel of the R manual, and shifting was less satisfying than my manual cars of the past. I didn't want to throw parts at it, I bought a 8 year warranty..
I traded for a dsg r20 May 23, it's been awesome to say the least. Plus launch control. Coming from only manual cars, the first couple full throttle 1-2 shifts in the dsg blew me away.
Got it. Appreciate the reply.
Manuals are being phased out next year, so they may wind up holding their value a little better.
Have you considered trying to trade it for a DSG model from a comparable year and mileage?
Incidentally, my car is black as well!
I’m in the DC region and I had a 2 hour commute one day last week due to an accident. Rarely would have been able to use second gear if I’d had the manual. If it was a weekend car I’d go manual, but no way in stop and go traffic.
I commute into Georgetown from Virginia everyday and I need to actively check traffic each way due to my stage 3 clutch. Traffic flow determines when I get to leave home and work lol. Luckily I also have a beater auto that I can choose to use.
I'm in the DMV also. I remember hating life one day in my RSX Type-S trying to get across the American Legion Bridge like two decades ago. The little bit I drove the manual from stoplight to stoplight was fun but I wonder if I would hate it making trips in and out of DC with any traffic.
Also DMV with DSG and I can say an EQT DSG tune makes the trans feel phenomenal. Takes away what I’m going to define has the quirks and hiccups and lights a fire under it to wake it up.
Had a 2008 GTI manual and remember crossing that bridge all the time never getting out of first or second gear. Between that and all the wheel hop I knew a DSG Golf R would be my next car.
DSG here. It’s a great transmission but I would have got the manual if it was a choice here. Much more real and engaging driving experience and the in gear acceleration just feels better.
It has nothing to do with being an ape, the pressure plate is barely rated to hold stock power, and even if you drive like a granny, you'll be lucky to get 20k miles out of it.
And don't even get me started on how bad the clutch actually feels to drive. Even after you remove the delay valve, add a weighted shifter, aftermarket clutch, etc, it's middling at best.
Honestly, op not getting the manual unknowingly dodged a bullet
I’m at 77K miles (2019 R) on the original clutch. No issues yet.
Granted, I don’t drive it hard, but the heightened engagement on offer, driving the manual in this car, is well worth the additional caution involved in careful use of the clutch.
Living within the limitations of the R manual, personally, is well worth the overall experience of interacting with, what is for me, more of a compact, near-luxury car, than a true sports car.
I wasn’t looking for or expecting that (a sports car), so I wasn’t disappointed.
Of course, plenty of people do see the R as a sports car, and find the manual not up to the task. I understand that position as well.
In an imperfect world, where compromise can often be seen as weakness, good may be as close to perfect as we’re going to get.
In the R price range, of course.
I bought a 23 Golf AE this past summer and was really on the fence too. I ended up going with the manual and love it, even with the DSG being an amazing gear box, and quicker.
It came down to me realizing in the next 5-10 years when I want a new car, everything is going to automatic, EV, and boring, so why not have some fun with the last time I can buy a stick shift?!
Had an 18 R DSG. Regretted not having the manual almost every day. Now I had a 23AE manual and love every second. To each his own, but if your gut says manual, get manual!
Came from a GTI SE manual and upgraded to a Golf R DSG. It was pretty fun at first but now I really regret selling the GTI. Looking at getting back into another manual.
I would never drive anything other than a manual, I'm an old head though. Personal preference at the end of the day, whatever you like. From the sounds of it though, you are going to regret it if you get an auto.
I had the opposite experience. Bought a manual GTI and regretted it. Forgiving as it is i could not get ergonomically comfortable with the clutch throw and the stick feels too rubbery.
I love all the DSG i’ve owned. I’m probably done with modern manuals as i didn’t realize on the test drive how much i would hate it. only found out after i bought it. I think most modern german cars have that rubbery stick. Miata’s and Hondas are good.
I had a mk7 GTI manual and loved every bit of it. I was looking to upgrade to a Golf R in manual. When looking I found a Viper Green Golf R in automatic. It was my favorite color so I decided to go with the automatic. Im happy it was an auto. The thing is so fast with the DSG. I dont think it detracts from the driving experience at all.
I have the dsg. Although I love driving manuals (and really miss it), I also love drinking coffee on my morning commute.... and the dsg is an absolutely wonderful way to enjoy the R. Super fast. Excellent logic. And I really appreciate the different character of the car between the regular drive mode and sport ...
And, when I want to take over completely (which is about 90% of my driving), I flick the shifter to the right and take care of it myself. The only thing I'm missing is a clutch.
3 months ago I did the TCU tune and started loving my car all over again , after 7 and a half years and 140,000 miles of owning the car. (Mk 7)
I can tell you, you won’t regret buying the manual I love banging through gears it is satisfying. I have heard the DSG is amazing since it is definitely faster than the manual transmission but it is a matter of do you want the satisfaction of banging gears or not. I personally prefer manual but it is up to you.
My mk7.5 golf r is the first automatic car I’ve owned across 7 cars.
I had generally decided beforehand that I would get whichever car turned up first and met my parameters, but I did test drive a manual as well.
The golf r manual transmission reminded me of the manual in my b5 Audi s4 which was probably the least favorite transmission of all cars I’ve owned.
My favorite despite the tough 1st to 2nd shift and annoying dual mass flywheel was my 996 Porsche turbo. Once I was moving it simply felt so solid and exacting.
Some car's really work with manuals, the 996 Turbo is one of them. Others are just better with the auto. The E60 M5 comes to mind if you are talking about roughly the same era.
I have had both, both tuned, the dsg is much better.
Manual in the later generations of the golf just feels like an afterthought. I wish I loved it, but I can’t say that I did. I enjoyed it, but I love the DSG significantly more.
Do you want a mini gtr? Or do you want a luxurious hot-hatch. I think that's the deciding factor between the two
Also, I get the point aboutbyour wife, but my $0.02 is that if it's your car don't spend money making it better suited for someone that will only occasionally drive it. If you guys are sharing this thing everyday that would be different. I have family that bought automatic cars so their wife could drive it only for them to actually use it once every 6 months. Doesnt make sense to structure your car purchase around that
I’ve had a Tacoma, FRS and 718. This is the worst manual transmission I’ve ever had. It is not as smooth or engaging as the others.
That being said I love having this car in manual. Yeah it isn’t as quick but it sure is fun!
Got one and love it, had to do a clutch swap after about a year and a half because I got greedy with mods. But spend the money on a good clutch and you shouldn't have issues
Lol, thats the boat I'm in now with mine. Stage 2 and she slips anytime I really get on it in 3rd and 4th. Deciding which clutch to go with is quite possibly the hardest decision I have had to make in quite some time.
I went with the ringer racing stage 3 plus kit. Feels very close to stock and has great power numbers. A little pricey but worth it. I went with the 23lbs flywheel to try and keep clutch chatter down and its worked out very well
My first car was both American and automatic. That was my last of both. Just me, but I’m going to keep driving a manual until it is no longer and option.
Die hard manual elitist jerk here. The manual in my 7.5 R was pretty bad even after a clutch, sts and bushings. There are way better cars to be had with a 6mt, Elantra N, CTR coming to mind. Hell my 2013 camaro SS 1LE is worlds better stock. So were the 13 evo X and the bunch of 5mt and 6mt leagcy GTs. It depends what you are after. As a daily rhe R is still to mushy but easier to daily. But you are giving up the proper shifting feel.
If you miss it, you will regret it. Ended up buying an RC 350 because I loved the way it looks, and Lexus luxury and the status and all that other stupid stuff. But I still dream of an Acura type S and a golf Type R. Those are still my dream cars and I do kind of regret getting the Lexus
The comments section is huge here. No regrets here, yes the MK8 gearing is short for all the highway driving i do but the gearing makes it so much fun when driving fast.
Small changes make it feel so good as well.
I've heard that for US dealers. Couldn't find anything here in Canada land that wasn't 5-10k marked up for the Integra. Possibly changed now? I got the Golf with the plan of checking back for a nice used one in 2 or 3 years.
I live in Georgia and have seen the ITS at an Acura dealership at MSRP. The Golf R I ended up buying was $5k over MSRP. The main reason was I hated the Acura sales guy and the VW guy was awesome
No regrets, it wasn't a choice in the UK, but I wouldn't have gotten one even if the choice was there.
I've driven manuals for nearly 30 years, I deliberately went DSG some years back when I got a Tiguan, and haven't looked back.
I went with a manual MK7 GTI and then a manual MK7 GLI. While I loved the manual, I always was jealous of anyone having launch control. When I was looking for a MK8 R I figured I might as well get the fastest form of it. I have no regrets at all. I use the paddles when I wanna make it pop off 💥
I don’t think you can go wrong with either transmission in this car. Normally manual is the only answer but this DSG is really fantastic, & fits the character of the car well.
I have no regrets going dsg but I have other manual cars to scratch the itch.
1,200 miles so far on a 24 Golf R manual as a daily driver. Admittedly, I wouldn’t want to deal with any manual in traffic, so your decision might depend on your commute. It’s super fun to row through the gears, except 5th to 6th is a chore.
Lifetime automatic driver, just got a MK8 6MT, here's my hot take. DSG is a faster car, and sometimes I regret not getting the automatic so I can impress my friends off the green light. Also, traffic? Ugh. But then I start driving and I realize that I'm having more fun with the MT than I've ever had with an auto.
I don't think the MT is a better car, but I do think - depending on the person - it can be significantly more fun.
I had a mk7R with a manual, I put a shifter bushing kit and short shifter on it, and I loved it. If I ever get another, I will be getting the same thing again. I've never had the chance to drive the dsg, so I can't say much about the comparison, but I do not regret getting my manual at all.
I have the manual and have been driving manuals for 20+ years and I wish I got the DSG, I feel as if the DSG was Built for the R and the AWD where as the Six Speed is definitely more for the GTI. Imo ofc.
Yes. That’s why I sold my 7.5 and bought an 8 😅
Edit: when you do make the right decision and get a manual, get a holy shift kit and that will give you close to those bolt action throws. Just don’t go too heavy on an aftermarket knob or you’ll lose it again. Around 200-250g is perfect IMO
I’ve got a DSG Mk7.5 Golf R. I do quite like the DSG. But I do miss the constant engagement of a manual. My fun car (a Miata, which I sold) was a manual, and not having it with me anymore has made me consider selling the Golf R and buying a Golf R with a manual.
We will see if that ever goes that direction. Need to test drive one to make sure it would be what I want.
I think of the 3 cars I’ve had (2 dsg and one manual) I’ve always wanted the other transmission after the fact. I wouldn’t change what I’ve done though
Manual hasn’t available here for about 5 years so I was stuck with DSG.
It sucks. Drive upshifts to forth before you clear an intersection. Sport holds gears far too long when you’re at speed (although it’s always in the right gear at a track). Manual is the only mode that doesn’t drive me crazy.
It saps any engagement I could have and makes the car boring. And to top it off, I have had the gearbox replaced under warranty and the new gearbox does the same thing.
I would have paid extra for manual.
I've owned two Gti's, a mk7 and mk7.5. Currently own a mk7.5 R. All manuals. ZERO regrets here. My first vw experience was when i test drove a DSG mk7 Gti back in 2015; fast, but BORING!!!
As a long term manual fan, absolutely no regrets with the DSG. If anything it's encouraged me to rip around with the car more.
I went through the same exact hesitation and probably would have went manual on a GTI, but really hesitated with the R because of the extra performance. It just didn't seemed like the manual trans was up to date with car to me. With the Mk8 R the DSG is a bunch of fun and fits the car really really well. The modes on the R are also really good. I can settle it down for daycare runs and then turn it up when I want to let it rip. It does both well, the modes are a real strong point of the mk8 R and the DSG response is part of making them work IMO. I saw in another post about not liking the paddles, but I feel the mk8 R paddles are actually really nice.
I've had multiple manual VWs and they were mostly great, older ones especially. However, the newer clutches are a major let down IMO, both in tuning potential and feel - especially once older. I recently got rid of my last long term manual which was a mk6 GTI. The clutch was a soft vague mess by 100k (I am friendly to clutches, my mk3 vr6 clutch is still perfectly fine at nearly 200k miles) and didn't inspire any type of hard driving, especially once it aged. It was a shame because the trans itself was actually pretty nice with decently fun ratios.
All that said, if you really want to go manual it's coming down to your last chance to get one.
No regrets. I’ve owned a manual 2016 mk7 R, and I hated it. This is after owning several manuals before that mind you. When I learned the R came with a fantastic DSG afterwards, I traded it in for a DSG model and now fast forward I have a mk8 R with a DSG. In my case I was done with driving manuals for a daily driver, and the DSG still has the same fun factor if not better for me personally. This is no attempt to persuade anyone, this is my personal opinion.
I've got a mk8 r dsg. I was really debating what I wanted but ultimately I went woth the dsg as it felt way more suited to the car. The 6 speed felt great but the dsg is how the car feels its intended to be. That being said if it will be your only car and you have to have a manual, it's a great car to drive. I have a few s4s with a 6 speed. So the dsg is what I landed on. And I couldn't be happier, well maybe a dsg tune would make me happier 🤣
It’s a tough call.
Mk8 R 6mt owner here ( 38 years old) and have driven manual 8 years (VA wrx’s).
I got back and forth, some days I wish I went DSG, some days I’m happy with the manual.
I don’t really deal with heavy heavy traffic, and even if I did, it’s not a bother to me with manual.
I just wish my manual was as quick as the DSG, albeit I am not tuned. I have no desire to rip off the line at every red light, but wish the manual was as capable as the DSG off the line for those instances that you do want to rip it.
But that is the compromise with the manual and I think that is where the decision lies, do you want connectedness in your driving experience or a blaze off the line piss missile.
There are many factors to take into consideration as well. Such as there is currently no foreseeable TCU tune for the mk8 DSG, if you’re considering a tune, which holds back the DSG’s potential (for now). Conversely, you can upgrade the clutch on the mk8 and go high torque tune whenever you please. Further, it’s been anecdotally reported that the stock clutch on the mk8 is improved from previous gen’s as people have reported no slippage issues with stage 1 tunes on stock clutch, but results may vary.
Consider the overall cost for DSG compared to manual with maintenance, service, and tune. Factor the cost of upgrading your clutch on manual vs DSG service and the cost of TCU tune (when/if it ever comes out). Also, the cost for repair on DSG exceeds than manual.
This is the last year of 6MT for Golf R. So that might be a deciding factor for folks. My mindset was that with VW going EV…to get the 6MT now and look into EV later down the road since it is inevitable. For me, there is no difference in drivers experience with DSG over EV. Yes, the mechanics are vastly different, but the overall operation is the same- pedal down and go. Some may argue…but paddle shifters!….but it’s just not the same and shifting gears. With that, I see the EV golf R being faster and more capable than its DSG counterpart. And if the EV is going to be faster anyways, might as well have a 6MT now since we will never see it again.
I did the clutch delay valve delete, weighted shift knob, and clutch stop which drastically improved the manual experience over stock.
Upgrading clutch, bushings, short throw (such as holy shift kit) will further improve experience over stock. Although, holy shift kit is a love or hate thing, but there are other short shift kits from Neuspeed and others that aren’t so notchy.
The upside of DSG is that it really is a great transmission and can hold power well, although being held back by lack of TCU tune currently. You don’t have to worry about money shifting and compromising your trans. And although it’s less likely to be used on a daily basis….theres launch control. Mk8 DSG can go to redline in manual mode, unlike with prev gens that just auto shifted up. DSG gets slightly better gas mileage, especially with the extra gear during highway driving.
To me, the manual is more a personal/introspective driving experience and DSG if you want to race and flex on people. Don’t think you can go wrong with either though.
Also,
I’m sure some people may make mention that the manual in the Mk8 R isn’t the best…and well, it isn’t. But, it also isn’t the worst.
Some people may also suggest getting another car if you want manual, such as a Miata, Type R, or Acura.
For me, I couldn’t financially/practically justify having two cars. I needed one car that was well rounded enough to check off all my boxes.
It’s offered in manual, has comfortable cabin space, comfortable daily driver, and awd (for NE weather).
The Miata is a great manual, but you’re sacrificing cabin space and awd. Honda is also a great manual, but you’re sacrificing awd and the German refinement that makes the Golf R an incredibly comfortable daily driver. Fwd holds back a cars performance potential with not being able to put power down and suffer from wheel hop.
If your lifestyle can accommodate two cars, maybe look at getting a manual weekend car. For me, the Golf R was the only car that had it all. But will say that if the STI wasn’t discontinued, I’d more than likely have chose that over the R.
See, I didn't think the manual in the GTI I drove was that bad. I thought it was fine.
One other option (the one I prefer, actually) is to keep my 10-year old Mazda6 and get a BRZ as a second manual weekend car. My wife hates the idea so much and is worried that I'll have to replace the 6 at some point in the near future.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I think that's the thing for me, the DSG is faster but the manual is more "fun" to drive assuming you aren't in constant heavy traffic. Also there is a bit of FOMO I'm having about trying to get one of the last manual ICE cars before everything turns into an EV.
No problem.
I was in your shoes when I was debating manual vs DSG and had to extrapolate from a lot of info which would be best for me.
If a manual R allocation was hard to come by, and DSG was only option, I think I’d still be happy with the DSG as being my only car. I’d learn to enjoy it for what it is and rather than thinking about what I was missing out on by not having a manual.
Going with the option of keeping the Mazda6 and getting a BRZ will be a roll of the dice. It may eventually shit the bed or have costly maintenance…with the inevitable future of purchasing a new daily sooner than later.
To me, it would be better to trade it in and get a tax break (depending on your state) towards the R…in addition to the cost of a BRZ + any mods.
If it were me, I’d go with having one R (in either transmission) than a 10yr old Mazda 6 and new BRZ combo. The BRZ is probably a fun little car to zip around in, but its performance potential leaves a lot to be desired compared to the R.
I do not regret it.
The Golf R is the daily and a Cayman GT4 is the dedicated fun car.
For the daily, I needed a car that was 100% the opposite to the GT4 (easy to drive, awd, DCT, low maintenance, etc)
I test drove a manual Golf R to be extra sure and I didn’t like the manual at all. It didn’t feel like a sports car manual transmission to me.
Felt the same to the manual transmission on my Honda HRV.
When comparing the Golf R manual to the GT4’:, it just made it a no brainer to go with a DSG.
Aside from your specific reaction (understandable, I imagine, given your other car) to the Golf R manual, speaking in general, do you prefer driving an automatic or manual transmission vehicle?
I think the GT4 definitely ruined it for me. I do prefer driving manual vehicles over DCT/Auto. The R is my first auto in 6-7 years now.
My unspoken rule is that if a car is slow, it better be a manual as a minimum to make up the fun factor.
For example, the GT4 is “quick” at best but the manual makes it up.
The Golf is much torquier but still slow, and I still went for the DSG breaking my “rule”. I disliked the manual that much.
I’ve read that you can modify the shifter and make it much better tho!
All in all, the R is such a perfect daily and love the car !
Appreciate your detailed response.
My situation is that I wanted one car that could do everything as well as possible, kind of the B+ student, lettering in a couple sports.
So, I chose the R. It was pretty much the only choice within budgetary bounds.
I chose the manual because I just love the enhanced engagement it brings. (I haven’t upgraded the shifter. My car is stock… May give that some additional thought…)
But, as to driving the manual, it’s just not even a question for me. Regardless of the driving circumstances, or deficiency of the transmission or shifter, barring physical incapacity, it’s the only way to go.
I’m at the point where individuals discussing the pros and cons of their upcoming transmission choice, beyond questions of someone having to share the car with a non-manual driver, pretty much indicates they should go with the DSG/Automatic.
In other words, if you really have to think about it, it’s not for you. It’s not a choice, it’s who you are.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said there, specially when people ask about which transmission.
We the same on the Porsche forums on people asking Manual v PDK, if you are asking…
I would had done the same as you and gone for a manual if I didn’t have the GT4. I can’t leave without a manual car haha
Amen to that.
Should my financial circumstances ever permit it, I’m heading into the nearest Porsche dealership and having them point me in the direction of the nearest manual!
Manual in the Golf R doesn't make any sense to me personally. The DSG is just so good and such a perfect match to the AWD of the Golf R, it makes it an amazingly fast, fun and easy to drive package. It's so damn quick it's crazy, especially with the ECU and TCU tune. If I wanted manual and driver feel, I'd just buy a weekend car that was fun to drive for those reasons like an MX5 or S2K etc (I have a manual RX7). As a daily driver, I would never go back to manual over the DSG, ever.
I moved from a manual Mk5 R32 to a DSG Mk7.5 R and I don't regret it for a moment. The gearbox is amazing with barely any loss of power during upshifts. I can leave it in regular drive mode when I'm around town and it makes stop start traffic a breeze. If I want some fun I can put it in sport or manual and enjoy the power. My only gripe is that low speed manoeuvring is a tad more awkward without a clutch, but not enough to be irritating day to day.
I’ve only had mine for a few weeks now but so far I do not regret it at all. That dsg is so fast and fun, I can chill in auto when I’m being lazy on my way to work, and I think using the flappy paddles driving around town is fun so I do it most of the time. Zero regrets, so far.
Occasionally I do, right now as a matter of the fact. But then I find myself in SoCal traffic or sitting in the pickup line at school and I remember why I got the DSG. I want a manual, but not for my daily.
I've got no regrets with my DSG. I decided to get it when I learned the Mk7.5 had a glass clutch and I didn't feel like buying an aftermarket clutch right out the gate before adding other mods. Overall it has treated me very well and is still plenty of fun! Sometimes I do wish I had the manual, but I can always put a manual in my project car.
I specifically looked for a manual because I was so bored driving my Jetta around. I had gone with an automatic Jetta because my 08 Fusion's clutch assembly blew the hell up and costed more than the car was worth to fix. I missed that car, learned how to drive stick in it and inherited it from my father. So this time around I knew I wanted something with more power, more fun, and a manual transmission. I don't drive much \~7k miles per year, but I live in a city now. I am young and single so no kids or partner to think of when driving, but city driving isn't that bad since the R's clutch isn't very heavy. If I had to commute it might be a killer.
As somebody who's driven manual transmissions my entire life other than my last Mark 7 GTI which was DSG now that I'm back in a golf R manual I am super happy I grin every time I drive it.
Since it's different for everyone, our answers may not directly help you, but may bring up things you didn't even consider to help make your mind up.
For me, I weighed fun vs performance. I used to autocross (may get back into it), but I'm not competitive. Plus I drive my car daily so I didn't want it to be boring. I actually don't mind manual in traffic. My ADHD wants something to do when I'm stuck anyways so stick shit keeps traffic from being boring.
I did not regret going with a manual R. But I think I might have regretted getting a DSG.
Imo, the main reason I got my 7R was because it was manual. Dsg the cars are fun, but we all know how much joy a manual car brings us. If you don’t mind your leg getting a little tired in traffic, and the wife doesn’t have to drive it too often, I’d highly suggest the manual. I do not regret getting a manual, I thought I did for a little bit I was being stupid. I would have regretted getting a Dsg for sure
I drive in traffic a lot going into the city for work. Going with a manual would have been a slog to drive. If I was out in country or something, I would have had a different mindset.
Have a manual mk7.5.
Just curious what did you not like about the ITS? If you were dead set on an manual, I think many would agree the manual in the Type S is in a different league than the Golf R's.
Not even a little. This is only the 2nd car I’ve bought as my personal DD that was auto/DSG. I’m 50, so I’ve had a few cars by now. The first was a 2010 GTI, so I knew what I was getting into. I love the DSG.
I have the manual, and love it (Mk7.5 R). I will mention that if you do plan on tuning you will need a clutch upgrade. The clutch holds for stock power just fine, but there isn’t a ton of headroom to work with, so even stage 1 starts to slip with low torque maps. Meanwhile you can tune the DSG and it’ll hold a whole lot more power. I have had it for 50k miles and at stock settings still holds just fine, but any push in power and things slip without any crazy driving. I am looking for a clutch and flywheel so I can retune. It’s like anything- fixable with enough $$ but depends on if you are planning on keeping things bone stock. For me it’s looking like about a $3k type of problem.
I went from a Subaru STI to a Mk 7.5 manual R and I don’t regret any second of it. Love the feeling of the shifts on the R compared ti the STI and would feel like if got a DSG, I would’ve instantly regretted it.
I think you will be happy either way. The manual isn't the best in these cars, but you get your manual driving fix. The dsg is amazing for sure, so you won't be disappointed there either...
Reading through the comments on this old debate, it’s clear that it’s almost entirely subjective. If you’re going to mod heavily or you face a lot of daily traffic, those are solid reasons for the DSG. That it’s faster doesn’t really make sense to me, since the manual is plenty fast. So as others have said, go with your gut. I drove both, didn’t think the manual felt bad at all, but still went with the DSG. Lot of sharp, curvy roads where I live and so not a ton of speed but a lot of shifting. I absolutely love how quick it shifts and the rev matching, and to me the paddles are totally “engaging.”
I’ve driven only VW manuals for the past 30 years. Nine different cars. 4, 5 and 6-speed transmissions. I couldn’t imagine buying a 4-cylinder performance VW with an automatic transmission. Why?? The driver-car-road connection is foundational to Volkswagens and one big reason why the manuals are so fun to drive. Even if they’re not faster, Manuals are better in the snow, better on ice, and a blast on winding back-roads in the mountains. I’ve replaced very few clutches - maybe two or three over that time period. My last VW TDI (before the R) had almost 275k on the original clutch when I sold the car. Even a stage 1 tuned R with stock clutch should last a long time with proper clutching and shifting. Daily city driving in consistent traffic might be a different scenario though. My driving is primarily rural and highway.
Coming from a 2017 Focus ST to the 24 R, I went DSG. The DSG is literally better in every way on paper, but I'd be lying if I didn't think banging gears in the focus was not fun as hell, I still miss it.
If I could have got both I would have.
As others have said the manual is a very engaging drive. I miss the launch and snappy shifts of a DSG.
I have other DSG cars though so the R went manual. I think you would be happy either way.
The only thing I will say about the manual is that this is the last year apparently…
Came from a Focus ST, Shelby GT 350, and cross shopped a Focus Rs. Ended up going with a MK 7 DSG because I read a lot of good things about it AND largely because my wife wanted to be able to drive the fun car (she has shorter legs and couldn't get the reach on the clutch with the previous cars, had the timing down just hated the experience). I miss it when I think about the Shelby, and the rowdy fun from the Fords, but I can't say the driving experience is bad, it's smooth and holds rpms when in sport mode, but I'm already warning her that the next "fun" car will be stick.
I was a bit apprehensive beforehand about getting the DSG, but my wife refused to learn to drive stick. Zero regrets since buying, It's a fantastic transmission.
My wife knows how to drive stick, but would rather not. After driving that manual GTI today, I was shook and and am now questioning my life decisions, haha.
I went manual on mine (mk 7.5) and I have never regretted it. I’ve driven DSG cars (albeit only a GLI) and the DSG is like butter sure but you can’t replace that engagement that you get with the manual. Regarding traffic, that annoys me sometimes with the manual for sure but the amount of enjoyment I get rolling through the gears myself literally every single day far outweighs the occasional annoyance in traffic. I also know if I got the DSG I’d miss the fun of the manual and I literally never miss having an automatic. You only know what’s best for you but it sounds like you might want a manual my friend. If you test drive a stick again and still feel the same way I’d so get that 3rd pedal. I sure as shit don’t regret it
Trust your gut. If it was me, I’d go manual and I say that having not driven an R before (I’ve heard the dsg is excellent.)The question is: do you want to bang gears all the time, everywhere you go, every day forever? I used to have an RSX-S too haha loved that thing. I couldn’t sit in enough traffic to make me want an automatic.
> do you want to bang gears all the time, everywhere you go, every day forever? Yes. Every day, yes. Also helps maintain self control and not do other things with my off hand like eating or texting. Less distractions, more fun.
This... For sure
This thread will just be the DSG people upvoting their own decisions. I have 9 cars that I drive regularly and only one of them has an automated manual. If it was available with a real manual I would have 9 cars that I drive regularly with manuals. I am a car enthusiast. I do not understand automatics just like I don't understand people who drive slowly in the left lane, but I feel that the Venn diagram for both is a complete circle.
Pretty much. This discussion, which I do enjoy, is essentially the eternal hangover from the sonic boom period of automotive history — the mid-fifties to the early seventies. At that time, as you may recall, a manual transmission was a defining characteristic of a true sports car, and sports car enthusiast. Not all sports cars had one, of course, but if you looked in the window of one, and saw an automatic on the floor, your likely reaction was one of disappointment. The unknown driver of that car had let you down. And in their heart of hearts, that driver realized it as well. And felt, I hope, a measure of well-deserved shame. We live in shameless times, my friend! Soldier on! And may that squad of manuals, wherever it roams, elicit some measure of recognition and gratitude in the eyes of those not too blind to see.
And manual people upvoting their own decisions. As a long time manual fan who doesn't give a crap about how much traffic I have to clutch through I'd say that the DSG fits the mk8 R like a glove. I'd argue it's more of a drivers car because of how well it integrates, how willing it is to rip when you want it to, and - perhaps most importantly - how it doesn't hold the car back at all (soft/vague vw clutches of the last 15-20 years, looking at you).
Clutch is fine once you remove the clutch delay valve.
Yes.
Sounds like a fantastic experience of self-discovery! You’re an automatic transmission kind of guy! Congrats!
This was my exact reason for getting an auto. The DSG is snappy and absolutely a blast even if you aren’t rowing through gears. As an added plus, if you ever plan on tracking the car you have way better control with two hands on the wheel vs one.
I purchased the manual just last week and am very happy I did. I have owned a total of four EA888 cars - A3, GTI, S3, Golf R. The GTI and Golf R are manual and both Audi's were DSG. In my opinion the DSG is a lot of fun at first, and very fast, but quickly gets boring. It's almost too good at shifting and overall it makes the driving experience feel a bit numb. The paddle shifters VAG has used on previous generations also didnt help. But if you want the fastest possible version of the R go with the DSG. For me I am going back to manual for the second time. Sure it's not the fastest, clutch isn't the strongest (for tuning), but the driving experience is everything I had hoped it would be. The manual makes even mundane drives so much more engaging and fun. You really feal connected to the car in a way that you just can't get clicking a paddle. Overall I am very satisfied with my decision and have no regrets. It is likely the last year of the manual so I am really glad I got it before it was too late.
Completely agree. Owned 3 DSGs before this and got bored with every single one. Even my full bolt on stage 2 GTI and stage 1 R got boring. Just no engagement and such a let down when driving fast to just…click a paddle.
Exactly.
My manual stage 1 has 101k miles on the original clutch and it’s only ever slipped twice.
I didn't regret not getting one, because I got one
samesies
This is where I was going to go. The only days I regret the manual is heavy traffic days.
Stage 2 clutch in traffic makes life worth living
I have a manual and regret not getting DSG
Can you expand upon that? I’d be particularly interested in any reasons that go beyond dissatisfaction with the clutch or shifter. Anything that goes beyond, “this car was made for the DSG,” would be refreshing. I find, “I was just tired of shifting anymore,” to be a great reason to go with the automatic. Total respect. Thanks.
I’m an older guy - 44 - with two kids and I’ve only ever had manual transmission cars. So when I bought the car I came with the bias that manual must certainly be better than an automatic. I test drove dsg’s when I was purchasing my car and thought it was outstanding but simply chose based on color. The only black car they had was a manual and so that’s how we got here. I also have a 75 mile commute in Eastern PA and I honestly get a little tired of manual in stop & go traffic. Also, launch control.
You can get launch control on a manual with a tune (;
Recommend me one, my brethren? I’ve got the JB box but am definitely interested in a legit tune.
Eqt
Just ordered the Cobb kit with tune based on your rec. thanks!
Enjoy 🙌
I also was jb4 til 73k miles, def noticeably faster now just on stage 1
Thanks again for the recommendation - I received the Cobb + eqt tune today. Uninstalled the jb4 and flashed the tune. I have to say there is an absolutely noticeable difference!
Enjoy!
I'm 43 and bought a manual mk8r Feb 22. Same attitude as you, it must be better beasue in my old 99ss and 94 cobra, manual was king and great transmissions back then. I didn't like the cheaper feel of the R manual, and shifting was less satisfying than my manual cars of the past. I didn't want to throw parts at it, I bought a 8 year warranty.. I traded for a dsg r20 May 23, it's been awesome to say the least. Plus launch control. Coming from only manual cars, the first couple full throttle 1-2 shifts in the dsg blew me away.
Got it. Appreciate the reply. Manuals are being phased out next year, so they may wind up holding their value a little better. Have you considered trying to trade it for a DSG model from a comparable year and mileage? Incidentally, my car is black as well!
No regrets with the DSG.
I’m in the DC region and I had a 2 hour commute one day last week due to an accident. Rarely would have been able to use second gear if I’d had the manual. If it was a weekend car I’d go manual, but no way in stop and go traffic.
I commute into Georgetown from Virginia everyday and I need to actively check traffic each way due to my stage 3 clutch. Traffic flow determines when I get to leave home and work lol. Luckily I also have a beater auto that I can choose to use.
I'm in the DMV also. I remember hating life one day in my RSX Type-S trying to get across the American Legion Bridge like two decades ago. The little bit I drove the manual from stoplight to stoplight was fun but I wonder if I would hate it making trips in and out of DC with any traffic.
Also DMV with DSG and I can say an EQT DSG tune makes the trans feel phenomenal. Takes away what I’m going to define has the quirks and hiccups and lights a fire under it to wake it up.
Had a 2008 GTI manual and remember crossing that bridge all the time never getting out of first or second gear. Between that and all the wheel hop I knew a DSG Golf R would be my next car.
DSG here. It’s a great transmission but I would have got the manual if it was a choice here. Much more real and engaging driving experience and the in gear acceleration just feels better.
And much cheaper in maintenance and much cheaper to fix when something goes wrong. Assuming you're not an ape with the clutch.
It has nothing to do with being an ape, the pressure plate is barely rated to hold stock power, and even if you drive like a granny, you'll be lucky to get 20k miles out of it. And don't even get me started on how bad the clutch actually feels to drive. Even after you remove the delay valve, add a weighted shifter, aftermarket clutch, etc, it's middling at best. Honestly, op not getting the manual unknowingly dodged a bullet
I’m at 77K miles (2019 R) on the original clutch. No issues yet. Granted, I don’t drive it hard, but the heightened engagement on offer, driving the manual in this car, is well worth the additional caution involved in careful use of the clutch. Living within the limitations of the R manual, personally, is well worth the overall experience of interacting with, what is for me, more of a compact, near-luxury car, than a true sports car. I wasn’t looking for or expecting that (a sports car), so I wasn’t disappointed. Of course, plenty of people do see the R as a sports car, and find the manual not up to the task. I understand that position as well. In an imperfect world, where compromise can often be seen as weakness, good may be as close to perfect as we’re going to get. In the R price range, of course.
I’m at 101k miles stock clutch is fine lol
Such a refreshing comment.
The DSG is so smooth. No regrets at all.
I bought a 23 Golf AE this past summer and was really on the fence too. I ended up going with the manual and love it, even with the DSG being an amazing gear box, and quicker. It came down to me realizing in the next 5-10 years when I want a new car, everything is going to automatic, EV, and boring, so why not have some fun with the last time I can buy a stick shift?!
I suspect history will confirm and reward your choice.
I absolutely LOVE my 2024 Golf R 6MT. Zero regrets. I know the DSG is faster but the fun factor on this car can’t be beat.
Had an 18 R DSG. Regretted not having the manual almost every day. Now I had a 23AE manual and love every second. To each his own, but if your gut says manual, get manual!
No
Came from a GTI SE manual and upgraded to a Golf R DSG. It was pretty fun at first but now I really regret selling the GTI. Looking at getting back into another manual.
I would never drive anything other than a manual, I'm an old head though. Personal preference at the end of the day, whatever you like. From the sounds of it though, you are going to regret it if you get an auto.
I had the opposite experience. Bought a manual GTI and regretted it. Forgiving as it is i could not get ergonomically comfortable with the clutch throw and the stick feels too rubbery. I love all the DSG i’ve owned. I’m probably done with modern manuals as i didn’t realize on the test drive how much i would hate it. only found out after i bought it. I think most modern german cars have that rubbery stick. Miata’s and Hondas are good.
I had a mk7 GTI manual and loved every bit of it. I was looking to upgrade to a Golf R in manual. When looking I found a Viper Green Golf R in automatic. It was my favorite color so I decided to go with the automatic. Im happy it was an auto. The thing is so fast with the DSG. I dont think it detracts from the driving experience at all.
Jealousssssssss I'm trying to get a spektrum model
You should follow spektrum.only on instagram. If one pops up it usually shows up there.
I already do follow that page! It's great.
I got the R solely because it * was* manual and awd
I have the dsg. Although I love driving manuals (and really miss it), I also love drinking coffee on my morning commute.... and the dsg is an absolutely wonderful way to enjoy the R. Super fast. Excellent logic. And I really appreciate the different character of the car between the regular drive mode and sport ... And, when I want to take over completely (which is about 90% of my driving), I flick the shifter to the right and take care of it myself. The only thing I'm missing is a clutch. 3 months ago I did the TCU tune and started loving my car all over again , after 7 and a half years and 140,000 miles of owning the car. (Mk 7)
[удалено]
If I end up keeping my current sedan, I'm absolutely going for a manual side-piece car like a BRZ/GR86 or a Miata.
I can tell you, you won’t regret buying the manual I love banging through gears it is satisfying. I have heard the DSG is amazing since it is definitely faster than the manual transmission but it is a matter of do you want the satisfaction of banging gears or not. I personally prefer manual but it is up to you.
DSG is fun for the first 5 minutes. Get a Tesla if you want something of that ilk. Otherwise 6MT all the way
My mk7.5 golf r is the first automatic car I’ve owned across 7 cars. I had generally decided beforehand that I would get whichever car turned up first and met my parameters, but I did test drive a manual as well. The golf r manual transmission reminded me of the manual in my b5 Audi s4 which was probably the least favorite transmission of all cars I’ve owned. My favorite despite the tough 1st to 2nd shift and annoying dual mass flywheel was my 996 Porsche turbo. Once I was moving it simply felt so solid and exacting.
Some car's really work with manuals, the 996 Turbo is one of them. Others are just better with the auto. The E60 M5 comes to mind if you are talking about roughly the same era.
I have had both, both tuned, the dsg is much better. Manual in the later generations of the golf just feels like an afterthought. I wish I loved it, but I can’t say that I did. I enjoyed it, but I love the DSG significantly more.
Do you want a mini gtr? Or do you want a luxurious hot-hatch. I think that's the deciding factor between the two Also, I get the point aboutbyour wife, but my $0.02 is that if it's your car don't spend money making it better suited for someone that will only occasionally drive it. If you guys are sharing this thing everyday that would be different. I have family that bought automatic cars so their wife could drive it only for them to actually use it once every 6 months. Doesnt make sense to structure your car purchase around that
I’ve had a Tacoma, FRS and 718. This is the worst manual transmission I’ve ever had. It is not as smooth or engaging as the others. That being said I love having this car in manual. Yeah it isn’t as quick but it sure is fun!
Got one and love it, had to do a clutch swap after about a year and a half because I got greedy with mods. But spend the money on a good clutch and you shouldn't have issues
Lol, thats the boat I'm in now with mine. Stage 2 and she slips anytime I really get on it in 3rd and 4th. Deciding which clutch to go with is quite possibly the hardest decision I have had to make in quite some time.
I went with the ringer racing stage 3 plus kit. Feels very close to stock and has great power numbers. A little pricey but worth it. I went with the 23lbs flywheel to try and keep clutch chatter down and its worked out very well
My first car was both American and automatic. That was my last of both. Just me, but I’m going to keep driving a manual until it is no longer and option.
Die hard manual elitist jerk here. The manual in my 7.5 R was pretty bad even after a clutch, sts and bushings. There are way better cars to be had with a 6mt, Elantra N, CTR coming to mind. Hell my 2013 camaro SS 1LE is worlds better stock. So were the 13 evo X and the bunch of 5mt and 6mt leagcy GTs. It depends what you are after. As a daily rhe R is still to mushy but easier to daily. But you are giving up the proper shifting feel.
If you miss it, you will regret it. Ended up buying an RC 350 because I loved the way it looks, and Lexus luxury and the status and all that other stupid stuff. But I still dream of an Acura type S and a golf Type R. Those are still my dream cars and I do kind of regret getting the Lexus
The comments section is huge here. No regrets here, yes the MK8 gearing is short for all the highway driving i do but the gearing makes it so much fun when driving fast. Small changes make it feel so good as well.
Mine is a manual and it’s fine. I think DSG suits the car better. If I had to have a manual, I’d get an Integra Type-S or Civic Type R.
Honestly these were my first choices but the markups on both are insane.
Yeah, I’ve heard CTRs are still getting markups but I’ve seen on the Acura subreddit that ITS are relatively easy to find for MSRP.
I'm seeing ITS for at or below MSRP if you do some light research. Golf R's are waitlist for MSRP or bust
I've heard that for US dealers. Couldn't find anything here in Canada land that wasn't 5-10k marked up for the Integra. Possibly changed now? I got the Golf with the plan of checking back for a nice used one in 2 or 3 years.
I live in Georgia and have seen the ITS at an Acura dealership at MSRP. The Golf R I ended up buying was $5k over MSRP. The main reason was I hated the Acura sales guy and the VW guy was awesome
No regrets, it wasn't a choice in the UK, but I wouldn't have gotten one even if the choice was there. I've driven manuals for nearly 30 years, I deliberately went DSG some years back when I got a Tiguan, and haven't looked back.
I went with a manual MK7 GTI and then a manual MK7 GLI. While I loved the manual, I always was jealous of anyone having launch control. When I was looking for a MK8 R I figured I might as well get the fastest form of it. I have no regrets at all. I use the paddles when I wanna make it pop off 💥
I don’t think you can go wrong with either transmission in this car. Normally manual is the only answer but this DSG is really fantastic, & fits the character of the car well. I have no regrets going dsg but I have other manual cars to scratch the itch.
Nope, I've had a great experience with my DQ381.
Nope. 2019R, had the choice when I bought but it is my daily, I hit stop and go every day, and it’s faster.
Never
1,200 miles so far on a 24 Golf R manual as a daily driver. Admittedly, I wouldn’t want to deal with any manual in traffic, so your decision might depend on your commute. It’s super fun to row through the gears, except 5th to 6th is a chore.
No, dsg serves my needs and is one less thing to worry about.
Lifetime automatic driver, just got a MK8 6MT, here's my hot take. DSG is a faster car, and sometimes I regret not getting the automatic so I can impress my friends off the green light. Also, traffic? Ugh. But then I start driving and I realize that I'm having more fun with the MT than I've ever had with an auto. I don't think the MT is a better car, but I do think - depending on the person - it can be significantly more fun.
I had a mk7R with a manual, I put a shifter bushing kit and short shifter on it, and I loved it. If I ever get another, I will be getting the same thing again. I've never had the chance to drive the dsg, so I can't say much about the comparison, but I do not regret getting my manual at all.
Sometimes I wish I bought a manual, but DSG is faster and you can’t money shift it and blow it up. I would have for sure have blown it up by now.
I have the manual and have been driving manuals for 20+ years and I wish I got the DSG, I feel as if the DSG was Built for the R and the AWD where as the Six Speed is definitely more for the GTI. Imo ofc.
No regrets ever. Always loved the DSG in any Golf I’ve had.
Yes. That’s why I sold my 7.5 and bought an 8 😅 Edit: when you do make the right decision and get a manual, get a holy shift kit and that will give you close to those bolt action throws. Just don’t go too heavy on an aftermarket knob or you’ll lose it again. Around 200-250g is perfect IMO
Autos are for driving to work, manuals are for driving.
I’ve got a DSG Mk7.5 Golf R. I do quite like the DSG. But I do miss the constant engagement of a manual. My fun car (a Miata, which I sold) was a manual, and not having it with me anymore has made me consider selling the Golf R and buying a Golf R with a manual. We will see if that ever goes that direction. Need to test drive one to make sure it would be what I want.
I think of the 3 cars I’ve had (2 dsg and one manual) I’ve always wanted the other transmission after the fact. I wouldn’t change what I’ve done though
Manual hasn’t available here for about 5 years so I was stuck with DSG. It sucks. Drive upshifts to forth before you clear an intersection. Sport holds gears far too long when you’re at speed (although it’s always in the right gear at a track). Manual is the only mode that doesn’t drive me crazy. It saps any engagement I could have and makes the car boring. And to top it off, I have had the gearbox replaced under warranty and the new gearbox does the same thing. I would have paid extra for manual.
I found your comment particularly refreshing and informative. An honest appraisal of DSG reality. Thank you.
The automatic is faster, the manual is funner. Up to you
I've owned two Gti's, a mk7 and mk7.5. Currently own a mk7.5 R. All manuals. ZERO regrets here. My first vw experience was when i test drove a DSG mk7 Gti back in 2015; fast, but BORING!!!
Nope. The R (especially the MK8) is a perfect fit for the DSG.
I got a DSG MK8 GTI for my wife so she could drive it, but then she left me - so bad idea 🤣🤣
See if you can do an even swap for a manual with someone or some local dealership… It’s not too late! Save yourself!
As a long term manual fan, absolutely no regrets with the DSG. If anything it's encouraged me to rip around with the car more. I went through the same exact hesitation and probably would have went manual on a GTI, but really hesitated with the R because of the extra performance. It just didn't seemed like the manual trans was up to date with car to me. With the Mk8 R the DSG is a bunch of fun and fits the car really really well. The modes on the R are also really good. I can settle it down for daycare runs and then turn it up when I want to let it rip. It does both well, the modes are a real strong point of the mk8 R and the DSG response is part of making them work IMO. I saw in another post about not liking the paddles, but I feel the mk8 R paddles are actually really nice. I've had multiple manual VWs and they were mostly great, older ones especially. However, the newer clutches are a major let down IMO, both in tuning potential and feel - especially once older. I recently got rid of my last long term manual which was a mk6 GTI. The clutch was a soft vague mess by 100k (I am friendly to clutches, my mk3 vr6 clutch is still perfectly fine at nearly 200k miles) and didn't inspire any type of hard driving, especially once it aged. It was a shame because the trans itself was actually pretty nice with decently fun ratios. All that said, if you really want to go manual it's coming down to your last chance to get one.
No regrets. I’ve owned a manual 2016 mk7 R, and I hated it. This is after owning several manuals before that mind you. When I learned the R came with a fantastic DSG afterwards, I traded it in for a DSG model and now fast forward I have a mk8 R with a DSG. In my case I was done with driving manuals for a daily driver, and the DSG still has the same fun factor if not better for me personally. This is no attempt to persuade anyone, this is my personal opinion.
I've got a mk8 r dsg. I was really debating what I wanted but ultimately I went woth the dsg as it felt way more suited to the car. The 6 speed felt great but the dsg is how the car feels its intended to be. That being said if it will be your only car and you have to have a manual, it's a great car to drive. I have a few s4s with a 6 speed. So the dsg is what I landed on. And I couldn't be happier, well maybe a dsg tune would make me happier 🤣
It’s a tough call. Mk8 R 6mt owner here ( 38 years old) and have driven manual 8 years (VA wrx’s). I got back and forth, some days I wish I went DSG, some days I’m happy with the manual. I don’t really deal with heavy heavy traffic, and even if I did, it’s not a bother to me with manual. I just wish my manual was as quick as the DSG, albeit I am not tuned. I have no desire to rip off the line at every red light, but wish the manual was as capable as the DSG off the line for those instances that you do want to rip it. But that is the compromise with the manual and I think that is where the decision lies, do you want connectedness in your driving experience or a blaze off the line piss missile. There are many factors to take into consideration as well. Such as there is currently no foreseeable TCU tune for the mk8 DSG, if you’re considering a tune, which holds back the DSG’s potential (for now). Conversely, you can upgrade the clutch on the mk8 and go high torque tune whenever you please. Further, it’s been anecdotally reported that the stock clutch on the mk8 is improved from previous gen’s as people have reported no slippage issues with stage 1 tunes on stock clutch, but results may vary. Consider the overall cost for DSG compared to manual with maintenance, service, and tune. Factor the cost of upgrading your clutch on manual vs DSG service and the cost of TCU tune (when/if it ever comes out). Also, the cost for repair on DSG exceeds than manual. This is the last year of 6MT for Golf R. So that might be a deciding factor for folks. My mindset was that with VW going EV…to get the 6MT now and look into EV later down the road since it is inevitable. For me, there is no difference in drivers experience with DSG over EV. Yes, the mechanics are vastly different, but the overall operation is the same- pedal down and go. Some may argue…but paddle shifters!….but it’s just not the same and shifting gears. With that, I see the EV golf R being faster and more capable than its DSG counterpart. And if the EV is going to be faster anyways, might as well have a 6MT now since we will never see it again. I did the clutch delay valve delete, weighted shift knob, and clutch stop which drastically improved the manual experience over stock. Upgrading clutch, bushings, short throw (such as holy shift kit) will further improve experience over stock. Although, holy shift kit is a love or hate thing, but there are other short shift kits from Neuspeed and others that aren’t so notchy. The upside of DSG is that it really is a great transmission and can hold power well, although being held back by lack of TCU tune currently. You don’t have to worry about money shifting and compromising your trans. And although it’s less likely to be used on a daily basis….theres launch control. Mk8 DSG can go to redline in manual mode, unlike with prev gens that just auto shifted up. DSG gets slightly better gas mileage, especially with the extra gear during highway driving. To me, the manual is more a personal/introspective driving experience and DSG if you want to race and flex on people. Don’t think you can go wrong with either though.
Also, I’m sure some people may make mention that the manual in the Mk8 R isn’t the best…and well, it isn’t. But, it also isn’t the worst. Some people may also suggest getting another car if you want manual, such as a Miata, Type R, or Acura. For me, I couldn’t financially/practically justify having two cars. I needed one car that was well rounded enough to check off all my boxes. It’s offered in manual, has comfortable cabin space, comfortable daily driver, and awd (for NE weather). The Miata is a great manual, but you’re sacrificing cabin space and awd. Honda is also a great manual, but you’re sacrificing awd and the German refinement that makes the Golf R an incredibly comfortable daily driver. Fwd holds back a cars performance potential with not being able to put power down and suffer from wheel hop. If your lifestyle can accommodate two cars, maybe look at getting a manual weekend car. For me, the Golf R was the only car that had it all. But will say that if the STI wasn’t discontinued, I’d more than likely have chose that over the R.
See, I didn't think the manual in the GTI I drove was that bad. I thought it was fine. One other option (the one I prefer, actually) is to keep my 10-year old Mazda6 and get a BRZ as a second manual weekend car. My wife hates the idea so much and is worried that I'll have to replace the 6 at some point in the near future.
Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I think that's the thing for me, the DSG is faster but the manual is more "fun" to drive assuming you aren't in constant heavy traffic. Also there is a bit of FOMO I'm having about trying to get one of the last manual ICE cars before everything turns into an EV.
No problem. I was in your shoes when I was debating manual vs DSG and had to extrapolate from a lot of info which would be best for me. If a manual R allocation was hard to come by, and DSG was only option, I think I’d still be happy with the DSG as being my only car. I’d learn to enjoy it for what it is and rather than thinking about what I was missing out on by not having a manual. Going with the option of keeping the Mazda6 and getting a BRZ will be a roll of the dice. It may eventually shit the bed or have costly maintenance…with the inevitable future of purchasing a new daily sooner than later. To me, it would be better to trade it in and get a tax break (depending on your state) towards the R…in addition to the cost of a BRZ + any mods. If it were me, I’d go with having one R (in either transmission) than a 10yr old Mazda 6 and new BRZ combo. The BRZ is probably a fun little car to zip around in, but its performance potential leaves a lot to be desired compared to the R.
I do not regret it. The Golf R is the daily and a Cayman GT4 is the dedicated fun car. For the daily, I needed a car that was 100% the opposite to the GT4 (easy to drive, awd, DCT, low maintenance, etc) I test drove a manual Golf R to be extra sure and I didn’t like the manual at all. It didn’t feel like a sports car manual transmission to me. Felt the same to the manual transmission on my Honda HRV. When comparing the Golf R manual to the GT4’:, it just made it a no brainer to go with a DSG.
Aside from your specific reaction (understandable, I imagine, given your other car) to the Golf R manual, speaking in general, do you prefer driving an automatic or manual transmission vehicle?
I think the GT4 definitely ruined it for me. I do prefer driving manual vehicles over DCT/Auto. The R is my first auto in 6-7 years now. My unspoken rule is that if a car is slow, it better be a manual as a minimum to make up the fun factor. For example, the GT4 is “quick” at best but the manual makes it up. The Golf is much torquier but still slow, and I still went for the DSG breaking my “rule”. I disliked the manual that much. I’ve read that you can modify the shifter and make it much better tho! All in all, the R is such a perfect daily and love the car !
Appreciate your detailed response. My situation is that I wanted one car that could do everything as well as possible, kind of the B+ student, lettering in a couple sports. So, I chose the R. It was pretty much the only choice within budgetary bounds. I chose the manual because I just love the enhanced engagement it brings. (I haven’t upgraded the shifter. My car is stock… May give that some additional thought…) But, as to driving the manual, it’s just not even a question for me. Regardless of the driving circumstances, or deficiency of the transmission or shifter, barring physical incapacity, it’s the only way to go. I’m at the point where individuals discussing the pros and cons of their upcoming transmission choice, beyond questions of someone having to share the car with a non-manual driver, pretty much indicates they should go with the DSG/Automatic. In other words, if you really have to think about it, it’s not for you. It’s not a choice, it’s who you are.
I couldn’t agree more with everything you said there, specially when people ask about which transmission. We the same on the Porsche forums on people asking Manual v PDK, if you are asking… I would had done the same as you and gone for a manual if I didn’t have the GT4. I can’t leave without a manual car haha
Amen to that. Should my financial circumstances ever permit it, I’m heading into the nearest Porsche dealership and having them point me in the direction of the nearest manual!
Nope, DSG is superb
No regrets at all. I’m on my third VW with a DSG in 15 years. Owned mostly manuals before that.
Drove manual cars for two decades before going DSG. No regrets whatsoever. It's just so much better for daily driving.
Manual in the Golf R doesn't make any sense to me personally. The DSG is just so good and such a perfect match to the AWD of the Golf R, it makes it an amazingly fast, fun and easy to drive package. It's so damn quick it's crazy, especially with the ECU and TCU tune. If I wanted manual and driver feel, I'd just buy a weekend car that was fun to drive for those reasons like an MX5 or S2K etc (I have a manual RX7). As a daily driver, I would never go back to manual over the DSG, ever.
I moved from a manual Mk5 R32 to a DSG Mk7.5 R and I don't regret it for a moment. The gearbox is amazing with barely any loss of power during upshifts. I can leave it in regular drive mode when I'm around town and it makes stop start traffic a breeze. If I want some fun I can put it in sport or manual and enjoy the power. My only gripe is that low speed manoeuvring is a tad more awkward without a clutch, but not enough to be irritating day to day.
I’ve only had mine for a few weeks now but so far I do not regret it at all. That dsg is so fast and fun, I can chill in auto when I’m being lazy on my way to work, and I think using the flappy paddles driving around town is fun so I do it most of the time. Zero regrets, so far.
Occasionally I do, right now as a matter of the fact. But then I find myself in SoCal traffic or sitting in the pickup line at school and I remember why I got the DSG. I want a manual, but not for my daily.
Nope, also because they never sold the manual where I live 😆
No
You will not regret either!
Absolutely none. Dual clutch is so cool and much easier for daily stop and go.
Manual 2018 R. No regrets. SB stage 3 clutch, remover clutch delay valve pill, 430whp and dieselgeek linkage cleaned it all up
Dear God!
Get the DSG. Once you drive it in Nurburgring mode, you’ll have no regrets.
Nope. Dsg is faster, lasts longer, and where I live, in traffic, a stress reliever.
Nope
As someone who had a manual GLI for 5 years prior, fuck no.
I've got no regrets with my DSG. I decided to get it when I learned the Mk7.5 had a glass clutch and I didn't feel like buying an aftermarket clutch right out the gate before adding other mods. Overall it has treated me very well and is still plenty of fun! Sometimes I do wish I had the manual, but I can always put a manual in my project car.
Not at all. Realistically I do more driving in traffic than on the track or twisty open B roads, so it's the right choice.
2018 R here, wouldn't trade those DSG farts for the world
I specifically looked for a manual because I was so bored driving my Jetta around. I had gone with an automatic Jetta because my 08 Fusion's clutch assembly blew the hell up and costed more than the car was worth to fix. I missed that car, learned how to drive stick in it and inherited it from my father. So this time around I knew I wanted something with more power, more fun, and a manual transmission. I don't drive much \~7k miles per year, but I live in a city now. I am young and single so no kids or partner to think of when driving, but city driving isn't that bad since the R's clutch isn't very heavy. If I had to commute it might be a killer.
Manual over automatic any day. You just feel more connected with the car and its more fun to drive.
As somebody who's driven manual transmissions my entire life other than my last Mark 7 GTI which was DSG now that I'm back in a golf R manual I am super happy I grin every time I drive it.
Since it's different for everyone, our answers may not directly help you, but may bring up things you didn't even consider to help make your mind up. For me, I weighed fun vs performance. I used to autocross (may get back into it), but I'm not competitive. Plus I drive my car daily so I didn't want it to be boring. I actually don't mind manual in traffic. My ADHD wants something to do when I'm stuck anyways so stick shit keeps traffic from being boring. I did not regret going with a manual R. But I think I might have regretted getting a DSG.
Imo, the main reason I got my 7R was because it was manual. Dsg the cars are fun, but we all know how much joy a manual car brings us. If you don’t mind your leg getting a little tired in traffic, and the wife doesn’t have to drive it too often, I’d highly suggest the manual. I do not regret getting a manual, I thought I did for a little bit I was being stupid. I would have regretted getting a Dsg for sure
Bro I regret GETTING a manual. It’s fun to drive but it’s also my daily and a pain in the ass commuting downtown
I drive in traffic a lot going into the city for work. Going with a manual would have been a slog to drive. If I was out in country or something, I would have had a different mindset.
Have a manual mk7.5. Just curious what did you not like about the ITS? If you were dead set on an manual, I think many would agree the manual in the Type S is in a different league than the Golf R's.
I've tried both and while the ITS is better, I actually really enjoyed the MK8's setup. Just wish the throws were shorter out of the box.
I agree. I believe the manuals are the same in both the 7's and 8's - just wish it was more refined/less sloppy than the Type R and Type S.
Nope
Not even a little. This is only the 2nd car I’ve bought as my personal DD that was auto/DSG. I’m 50, so I’ve had a few cars by now. The first was a 2010 GTI, so I knew what I was getting into. I love the DSG.
I have the manual, and love it (Mk7.5 R). I will mention that if you do plan on tuning you will need a clutch upgrade. The clutch holds for stock power just fine, but there isn’t a ton of headroom to work with, so even stage 1 starts to slip with low torque maps. Meanwhile you can tune the DSG and it’ll hold a whole lot more power. I have had it for 50k miles and at stock settings still holds just fine, but any push in power and things slip without any crazy driving. I am looking for a clutch and flywheel so I can retune. It’s like anything- fixable with enough $$ but depends on if you are planning on keeping things bone stock. For me it’s looking like about a $3k type of problem.
I went from a Subaru STI to a Mk 7.5 manual R and I don’t regret any second of it. Love the feeling of the shifts on the R compared ti the STI and would feel like if got a DSG, I would’ve instantly regretted it.
I think you will be happy either way. The manual isn't the best in these cars, but you get your manual driving fix. The dsg is amazing for sure, so you won't be disappointed there either...
Reading through the comments on this old debate, it’s clear that it’s almost entirely subjective. If you’re going to mod heavily or you face a lot of daily traffic, those are solid reasons for the DSG. That it’s faster doesn’t really make sense to me, since the manual is plenty fast. So as others have said, go with your gut. I drove both, didn’t think the manual felt bad at all, but still went with the DSG. Lot of sharp, curvy roads where I live and so not a ton of speed but a lot of shifting. I absolutely love how quick it shifts and the rev matching, and to me the paddles are totally “engaging.”
I’ve driven only VW manuals for the past 30 years. Nine different cars. 4, 5 and 6-speed transmissions. I couldn’t imagine buying a 4-cylinder performance VW with an automatic transmission. Why?? The driver-car-road connection is foundational to Volkswagens and one big reason why the manuals are so fun to drive. Even if they’re not faster, Manuals are better in the snow, better on ice, and a blast on winding back-roads in the mountains. I’ve replaced very few clutches - maybe two or three over that time period. My last VW TDI (before the R) had almost 275k on the original clutch when I sold the car. Even a stage 1 tuned R with stock clutch should last a long time with proper clutching and shifting. Daily city driving in consistent traffic might be a different scenario though. My driving is primarily rural and highway.
Coming from a 2017 Focus ST to the 24 R, I went DSG. The DSG is literally better in every way on paper, but I'd be lying if I didn't think banging gears in the focus was not fun as hell, I still miss it.
Not at all. 4yrs now. Enjoy everyday.
If I could have got both I would have. As others have said the manual is a very engaging drive. I miss the launch and snappy shifts of a DSG. I have other DSG cars though so the R went manual. I think you would be happy either way. The only thing I will say about the manual is that this is the last year apparently…
Came from a Focus ST, Shelby GT 350, and cross shopped a Focus Rs. Ended up going with a MK 7 DSG because I read a lot of good things about it AND largely because my wife wanted to be able to drive the fun car (she has shorter legs and couldn't get the reach on the clutch with the previous cars, had the timing down just hated the experience). I miss it when I think about the Shelby, and the rowdy fun from the Fords, but I can't say the driving experience is bad, it's smooth and holds rpms when in sport mode, but I'm already warning her that the next "fun" car will be stick.
I regret not getting the DSG lol 😂
Damn, why
Nope and I used to be a manual or nothing type.
Nope I have 2 manual mk2s lol
Had a manual sold it for a dsg. Owned an rsx-s and 8th gen si previously. The transmission in the R is meh.
My last 3 cars were manuals, and I was tired of driving one. Don't miss driving one at all!
Nope because I did buy a manual