Manual owners....

[VidaMusic]

ok, first off, this thread is not a 'which is better' thread, i just want some advice.

i've been looking for a while now for an Ibis w/carbon blades and R-Tronic but i'm struggling to find one. i have driven both manual and RT, and took to the RT straight away as both my M3's were SMG so are very similar.

My questions to you manual owners are this, do you find the gator a pain in the ass, is it always clunking in and around gear changes or is it something you easily get used to??

it's just that there seems to be a few manual cars of the spec i want but not RT, so i don't know whether to just keep hanging on for the right car, or just get a manual.....

many thanks in advance

Rich - Vida

[RS4Cab]

The gated shifter is one of my favorite features of my car, at first I did find myself looking to making sure I was going into gates right but after a day of driving it becomes very natural. I love the sound of the click clack as you change gears, It makes you very involved with the driving experience. Since you like your SMG it makes it a tougher decision for you, But I hated my 2002 M3 SMG. I don't want to knock the RT since many like it, but pretty much every review I read on the car said skip it. Have you seen this video from 5th gear? Has some good up close shifting.

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a8KXNRm_q4&feature=related[/ame]

[Conker]

Having driven only automatics for the past 20 years I was a little worried about reverting to the manual - the R-Tronic is fantastic on the track but I just didn't like it for everyday driving so took the plunge and plumped for the manual.
I now love the action and involvement of the gated shift and have no regrets whatsoever although I would hate to have to use it (or any other manual for that matter) in heavy traffic for long periods.

[James Knight]

MANUAL MANUAL MANUAL

It's so more involving, and much smoother than the R-Tronic (which I'm not a big fan of) if you do it right. The clutch is light, gearbox positive - so it's never a pain, even in traffic. Changing gear is an event in itself, and you feel part of the car.

[ShelbyGirl1]

It is very easy to get use to. Like mentioned above, the first time driving it, you find yourself looking to see if your in the in the correct gear...but then it just becomes second nature. LOL...DH and I argue....which is better...clicking and clacking thru the gears or trying to be as silent as possible?
Drove the R-tronic...and like you mentioned, very much like the SMG on the BMW's....and the Ferrari is a F1 trans....but I much prefer the manual!!!!!!!!

[harrison]

There should be some insulation to prevent the click clack sound,(IMO) But this obviously is a selling feature.Audi has sold more Manuals than A/Ts' correct? I have enjoyed life just just a little bit more with the A/T. I find it necessary to use my right hand to do multi tasking!!! Having the A/t in the danger zone can save your life. Cheers! Go Lakers !!

[StuM]

Also owned two prior M3 SMG and hated it. Switched to newer M3 w/ manual.
Re the R8, we love the manual. The gated shifter is easy to live with and took no time to grow fond of. Nice action and engagement. Drove some R-tronics and didn't like them for everyday driving in any kind of traffic or stop-and-go driving. Manual was far better for us.
To each his/her own.

[harrison]

I have never driven the Standard, but I know I would love it !!!It is ALWAYS in Sport mode and the thought of burning the tires at whim is waaay cool. At least my tires will last longer with the "R" TRONIK, though.The way I drive,sometimes like I stole it !!! Keep the shiney side up and the sticky side down..P.S. It is going to be interesting finding out which veh. the clutches last longer in! There are no bad R8's ,just badder ones.(Baller ones)

[Jeff]

While my car has the R Tronic, I've had enough manual cars (last was a 2002 Honda S2000) to appreciate both. The S2000 had the best manual transmission I've ever experienced, easily better than my brother's M3 and his wife's 911.

My S6's automatic was wonderful -- put the transmission into S mode, foot off brake, mash the gas, and zoom away very, very fast. Shifts were silky smooth -- as you'd expect from an automatic transmission. (I do miss it.)

The R Tronic is not an automatic, and I think that much of the "bad press" comes from not fully understanding what you're getting. It's a manual without a clutch (as we all know), and with my advancing age (well past the tipping point -- it's all down hill from here) I appreciate shifting with just a tap when in traffic. At the right RPM, shifts are quite smooth, though it does take practice to get the hang of it.

I don't think you can make a wrong decision on an R8. The car is wonderful regardless of the transmission.

[geffers]

I'm a manual fan who struggles to understand why anyone pays a premium for a less controllable box. The manual in the R8 is v good but to be honest its a bit slow with the long throw and gate compared to the short switch you get in a Porsche say.