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Review: Manual vs R-Tronic vs S-Tronic – Is the R-Tronic really as bad as people say?!

31K views 57 replies 25 participants last post by  GR8NJR8  
#1 ·
I was very privileged to get access to these three amazing cars...
The GT Spyder being my own and the manual being the original press car, as seen on Top Gear – among other places.
The 2020 RWD being an Audi press car on loan to a fellow YouTuber... Who I was "helping" with his filming 😆

I was quite surprised by what I learned about my preferences...
I thought some of you might enjoy the video...
Watch here: youtu.be/r1rLp9WnnVQ

 
#3 ·
All of the reviews that I've seen that have had the most criticism about the R-Tronic never mention that there's a technique to using it... So, my conclusion is that they were trying to drive it like it was a dual-clutch box and then being disappointed that it didn't work like one.

I do think that the R-Tronic isn't for everyone though... it really depends on what that person wants from the experience, whether they want maximum engagement (i.e. manual), minimum engagement (i.e. S-Tronic) or something that gives you something in between (R-Tronic).
 
#9 ·
Ha ha! Well, in some ways yes, but like I said in the video, there is a technique to exploiting it. I think most people are only disappointed in it if they try to use it like it's an automatic or double clutch... When you learn the technique to faster upshifts, getting that right is (almost) as satisfying as a fast upshift in a manual. Depends on what you want, maximum engagement (manual), minimal engagement (S-Tronic) – or something in between (R-Tronic)... In the GT the R-Tronic seems to suit the car.
 
#7 ·
I went form R to Gated back to R. I agree with the reviewer. You have to actually drive the car and are part of making it work. I just happen to love its characteristics and engagement. Strictly subjective of course but if given the chance, just like learning heel toe for the first time, it is very rewarding and raw, in a time where "supercars" are actually too easy to drive...as crazy as that sounds.
 
#12 ·
I don't think the question should be "Is the R-Tronic really as bad as people say" as much as it should be "Is the S-Tronic as good as people say" and the answer is yes. Yes, the S-Tronic is fantastic. As someone who has test driven a manual and an R-Tronic and currently owns an S-Tronic, it is that good.

The individual purchasing an R-Tronic is not looking to spend facelift money, nor do they want the manual experience. The R-Tronic gets you into an R8 at a reasonable price point and provides a terrific experience. Anyone who says "I like the bucking and the kick I get from the R-Tronic" is simply saying "I am ok with the experience the R-Tronic provides and I see no need to spend more money on an improved driving experience" - And that makes sense.

The individual purchasing a facelift S-Tronic R8 wants everything the R-Tronic models offered with an upgraded transmission and some additional bells and whistles. I've never had any buck, never had to remove my foot from the gas pedal in order to get a smoother shift, never had clunky gear shifts.
 
#13 ·
Thats alot of assumption...lol. I can assure you that my choice of non face-lift Rtronic had little to do with budget.
 
#14 · (Edited)
In the R8, I’ve only driven manual (my car) and R-Tronic once on track. It was jerky and slow to shift (lagged). Didn’t particularly care for it. I know there’s a TCU tune, and everyone says you have to let of the gas when you switch gears and drive it like a manual (since it’s a single clutch auto).

I’ve driven plenty of S-Tronics in other cars. Much smoother shifting (no lag) and can be harsh shifting as well (in a good way) when you are pushing them.

I’d say get manual (2006-2012/US) or S-Tronic (14MY and forward).
 
#15 ·
And FWIW, when you’re going full throttle down the straight stretch on track, and up shifting, it’s hard to wrap your mind around lifting off to shift when you don’t have a clutch pedal. All that in my head is connected. I’m more worried about where and how hard I need to start my braking for the upcoming turn and when I need to downshift, and how I need to enter the corner and when to get off the brake and on the gas again.

I’m a track newbie to be sure. But it’s hard to let off the gas to me when you’re using flappy paddles. When all the other cars I drive are DCT.
 
#16 ·
I can assure everyone that if you learn the Rtronic, it can be very smooth, engaging and fun and will outperform a manual every time. It's a mix of modern vs. classic.....kind of the bridge between the two. I personally prefer it over all three.

The manual will create the most engagement and is unique but is the slowest of the three and the oldest tech of course. Some love it and I enjoyed mine, especially the gated feel and sound of the shifter. But, ultimately I missed the Rtronic and went back.

The rtronic will not outperform the Stronic, but I find the Stronic too sterile, although perfect in almost every way from a strict performance standpoint. If you want lightening quick shifts and a car that feels most like a standard automatic, the S will definitely work.

Once again, all three have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your own subjective needs and style. Anyone who tells you NOT to buy one over the other, or that they know for a fact which is better, should be ignored.

Try all of them, find what fits for your needs and enjoy knowing that you are part of a lucky few blessed to have any of them.
 
#17 ·
Once again, all three have their advantages and disadvantages depending on your own subjective needs and style. Anyone who tells you NOT to buy one over the other, or that they know for a fact which is better, should be ignored.

Try all of them, find what fits for your needs and enjoy knowing that you are part of a lucky few blessed to have any of them.
This is what it all boils down to, honestly.

There's simply no right answer here - certainly not a right answer that someone ELSE will dictate for you.
 
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#53 ·
In Auto, Sport? IT definitely tries to anticipate what you're doing in that mode. I only use mine in Auto for the "lazy" days or Sport, manual when I want to really drive. Not too many lazy days with that car though.
 
#23 ·
Ha, the good old polarizing topic...

You see, the problem, is as in politics. It doesn't specifically rely on the matter. It's us humans, it's how we perceive something, read and acknowledge something and how we act upon it. We may have different opinions based on our experiences and beliefs and be totally entitled to stand by them. But to be blind folded is another matter (and quite dangerous at it).

What is your assessment of "better"? Most of the time is "faster", "seamless". What is wrong with classifying it as "rawer"? Is an Apple Watch better than a Patek Philippe? Because it's connected? Because it's more accurate? Well, if all you care is that, then it is! But to negate the virtues of the ancient Patek movement and it's manufacture would be downright dumb on anyone's part. And there are quite a few people that like old, jurassic horology.

The way I see it:

- Manual: provides you the analog feel, the biggest bound with the vehicle. You engage on more levels, heightening the sensorial experience. You can try to shift faster, smoother, from 5th to 2nd at your pleasure.. No one cares that it's the slower transmission and everyone forgives that. Never seen anyone complain.

- S-Tronic: Pinacle of race-derived technology, faster, smoother, etc. Like clock-work. Amazing feat. Up, down, left, right, mid-range, red-line, never missing a beat. Truly spectacular.

- R-Tronic: The wors... hold on... not quite; some people actually enjoy the flawed transmission! Down shifts are thrilling. Up shifts thump you in the back, especially at WOT. Factory programmed to be slower at lower engine rpm and as fast as possible when driving spiritually. Is it jerky sometimes? Yeah! Clumsy-even in Auto mode? Touché. Does it rock you forward and back? Yes... if you don't modulate your throttle input. Same as with a manual transmission (if you want) by the way. Brings old supercar sensations, vibrations and whatnot.

To keep the post shorter, I'd like to just simply say that some may like the imperfect and raw R-Tronic experience. It's available everywhere, with more interior/exterior combinations and cheaper as well. Does this mean all R-Tronic buyers get it because they're cheapskates? What if they get the experience they are looking for? I, for one, don't think DCTs engaging. Effective? Sure. But not my cup of tea. BUT, I respect and UNDERSTAND why would anyone get a S-Tronic and don't feel the need to say how lifeless (IMO) they are over and over again. Specially if your are tracking your car and drag racing, or simply want a peaceful cruise, the S-Tronic is much refined and faster!

At the end of the day, each R-Tronic buyer leaves more S-Tronic models for you all! Double bonus!

So, what is your definition of "better"? And by the way, maybe a Tesla is "better"... just sayin' ;)
 
#33 ·
Except R-Tronics aren't "so cheap" in the UK. There is a premium for Manual admittedly, but more r-tronics produced = more for sale. Same with the lambo, very few produced!

Strange also that the e-gear was much loved, yet people hate on the r-tronic.

There are also a good few v8 s-tronics about.

I'm struggling with you discussions.

I'm not 40's and boring. 30's and lucky!
 
#28 ·
There was a time when a manual R8 was standard while R-tronic was an option.
Still much more R-tronics were ordered and sold than manuals. Any explanation for that?
Because most buyers of these cars when new were 40+, boring and wanted a auto.

Its the same with 997 turbo. Most spec’d tiptronic, then pdk arrived.

Technology has moved on since then.

You only have to look at autotrader. Some r tronics have been on there for years. Same with tiptronic 997 turbos.

M3 csl gets away with smg because there wasn’t a manual option and it’s a special car.
 
#30 ·
Im 42 mate. Not boring though :)

The statement wasn’t meant to piss people off. That is just the demographic of most buyers (leasers) in the U.K.

Most people who bought (leased) the v8 new, or who buy a base 911 now. Do so for the image/prestige not the car. Normally financed through their company or employer.

Thats why we have so many r tronics and tiptronics In the U.K.

The dual clutch replacements are so much better. People who never would have considered a auto (myself included), prefer a good dual clutch over most manuals. The R8 gated box being a obvious exception.

Most modern cars have “stodgy” manual gearboxes.
 
#31 · (Edited)
My point is that most R8 buyers at that time went for a R-tronic even if it was more expensive than a manual while they had the possibility to make a test drive in both cars.....
In Europe everybody is used to driving a manual so many must have found the R-tronic a better choice which has nothing to do with age imo. This doesn't mean that the manual was a bad choice but only shows that the R-tronic was considered a better option by most buyers and the same can be said about the S-tronic compared to the manual.
Since the vast maiority of R8's sold in the past were R-tronics as compared to manuals one can expect that the maiority of R8's for sale now are R-tronics.
I think my brain still functions although I am 67 yrs old:)
 
#32 ·
My point is that most R8 buyers at that time went for a R-tronic even if it was more expensive than a manual while they had the possibility to make a test drive in both cars.....
In Europe everybody is used to driving a manual so many must have found the R-tronic a better choice which has nothing to do with age imo. This doesn't mean that the manual was a bad choice but only shows that the R-tronic was considered a better option by most buyers and the same can be said about the S-tronic.
Since the vast maiority of R8's sold in the past were R-tronics as compared to manuals one can expect that the maiority of R8's for sale now are R-tronics.
I think my brain still functions although I am 67 yrs old:)
There is no doubt the manual is better than the r tronic.

There is no doubt that the age and type of person buying dictated why more r tronics were ordered than manuals.

When the R8 was launched it attracted the same “yuppie” crowd as the 911. If driving enthusiasts were buying them, there would be more manuals.

It was the pose mobile every idiot in west London wanted to be seen in when it was launched.
 
#49 ·
I think you may have missed the point – it depends on what you want:
• For the smoothest most daily-usable R8 (but, arguably least engaging) with the fastest 0-60 time – get the S-tronic
• For the most driving engagement you can get in a regular R8 – get a Manual
• For a blend of driving engagement (different to a manual but similarly gratifying) and that modern supercar experience of pounding through the gears with a paddle-shift – get an R-Tronic (just don't expect it to behave like an Auto – it's not an auto)

But if you want the most hardcore and most engaging driving experience overall, then the GT is the one, R-Tronic and all. I really don't think it needs a manual and, in fact, I think giving it a manual might actually take something away from the experience... and the S-Tronic definitely would.

Let me try to explain... You know that feeling of driving a go-kart on a track, then getting back into your car – the car feels much softer and compliant than you remember for the first few miles? That's what it's like getting out of a GT and into a regular R8 – it's like getting out of a go-kart and into an A7. The GT is a raw, connected, visceral experience where the paddle-shift adds to the track-focused nature of the car. But, it has that extra level of engagement where you need some skill to exploit it. A bit like driving a manual-sequential race-box if you've ever driven one (slight lift on upshift for clutchless upshifts). And, it's that experience that I think R-Tronic owners want... the GT just delivers that in a way that completes the experience.

But what would I know – I only drove them all back to back on the same roads to arrive at these conclusions ;-)
 
#36 ·
I guess you can have a good laugh on me then. I love the Rtronic. Enjoy the chuckles!
 
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#39 ·
Mid 30’s so easy with that 42 crap. Lol🤪

Manual Preferred and Perfect in my mind. Shift it hard if you want or Soft. Doesn’t matter. Yeah it’s slightly slower then the autos but it feels even better

R-Tronic when tuned is very nice but lacks some refinement by far the best in my mind for the track and is a great option for people really wanting the experience as it shifts just like all my really fast race cars

S-Tronic is very fast but is horrible when tracking! It’s smooth and feels like a normal car. On the track it’s very confused! Has to do with it constantly thinking your gonna up shift when close to redline but when you slow down and downshift it messes it up and causes issues. This isn’t really specific to Audi but the type of transmissions.
 
#40 ·
I grew up driving manual cars. I took my driver's test in a manual. I love manual cars. But... I gotta say, I love my R-tronic. It's fun, raw and honestly makes me giggle. Do I think it's the pinnacle of technology? Nope. Do I hate it in "Auto" mode. Yep. Do I love driving that car? Oh yes. And when you switch on "Sport" mode... It's even more aggressive. So fun!

I driven DCT cars. Or Porsche PDK cars too. Smooth. But as was mentioned, I just find the R-tronic makes me smile. It's truly a matter of opinion. But that's mine.
 
#43 · (Edited)
I grew up driving manual cars. I took my driver's test in a manual. I love manual cars. But... I gotta say, I love my R-tronic. It's fun, raw and honestly makes me giggle. Do I think it's the pinnacle of technology? Nope. Do I hate it in "Auto" mode. Yep. Do I love driving that car? Oh yes. And when you switch on "Sport" mode... It's even more aggressive. So fun!

I driven DCT cars. Or Porsche PDK cars too. Smooth. But as was mentioned, I just find the R-tronic makes me smile. It's truly a matter of opinion. But that's mine.
Each transmission brings it's own fun and excitement to R8's beautiful platform.

As always, manuals are more rare, raw and clinically engaging, matching the R8's naturally aspirated V8 or V10.

The R-tronics are still quiet appealing too. Horacio Pagani is putting single-clutch in his multi-million dollar cars. Many say that with a tune, R-tronics get closer to the S-tronics, and they can even update with the newer tested-and-true Kevlar clutches (HiTech Exotic, ... etc) for even crisper shifting.

Different flavors for different folks. I believe these transmissions are pretty fun in their own way !!
 
#50 ·
I found this road test update from Road & Track interesting. Its writing was due to getting their hands on a manual after initially testing an R-Tronic. Their results off the line will probably surprise most.

That doesn't surprise me at all. I think that will depend on grip levels and how much of the revs you can use while still putting the power down.
There will be cases where you can use more revs in the manual than the R-Tronic will allow and replicate this and other settings where you don't have the grip to do that and the R-tronic might win... However...

It depends on what you want most?
0-60 bragging rights and better quarter miles in high-grip settings or faster lap-times on a road-course/race circuit?

Or, is it more about the experience? Do you want a classically engaging driving experience of a manual or that manual-sequential race-box feeling of the R-Tronic?

I don't think there's a right or wrong answer.
 
#42 ·
I"ve owned my 2011 v10 spyder for about 5 years now. When I finally found a black, with red interior spyder (my must haves), it was this car and of course it is R-Tronic. At the beginning, a little clumsy, but did learn to really appreciate the nearly automated, but manual experience. Then I tuned the TCU - which, when I "mash it" makes a big difference, slight difference when driving normal. Would I like the S-tronic - almost definitley a yes, but would I trade my tuned TCU 2011 for an identical S-Tronic, probably not - I don't think the minimal difference would be worth it - I'd miss having that nearly manual experience!
 
#45 ·
When I first looked at the car, the only thing that the dealership had was a R-tronic automatic. We took it out on the road, and I could not believe how horribly it drove for such an expensive vehicle. Then the salesman tells me that I have to let up on the gas when I shift. That's not being engaged. That's doing things to overcome a gross shortcoming of the transmission. You can rationalize it anyway you want, but it just doesn't work well. I have a gated manual, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
 
#47 ·
It works EXACTLY like your manual transmission....they are EXACTLY the same transmission. One requires you depress a clutch and one engages the clutch for you. Once the driver can put 2 and 2 together, and treats is as such, it is a wonderful thing, very engaging and much faster than a manual. Everyone calls the Rtronic an Automatic Transmission. It is not an automatic and if driven like an automatic, will act strange. Try driving your stick shift manual and while shifting, don't lift off the gas and see how that feels.