Tiptronic for stick drivers?

[Brad Wilson]

Andrew Duane USG wrote:

> Tiptronic has been around for a while. How does it compare (when it's in
> "shift mode") to a stick? Will I end up hating it as much as the slushbox
> I have now?

It's not a manual shift, but it's much better than the 4-speed that you're
driving now, both from a control point of view and a performance point of
view.

> How does it handle things like braking to a stop when in a high gear?

It will automatically down shift for you, but not up shift, so you can hit
the RPM wall if you're not paying attention.

> Does the fluid drive just handle it (and you'll get no acceleration
> when you start), or will it drop back into first?

Drops down.

> I'm going to test drive one very soon to see what my own impressions
> are, but I'd like to poll the audience before trying to eliminate
> two of the wrong answers.

If you were to compare to a stick, you would be underwhelmed. But, if you're
sure you're going to have to buy an auto, and compare it to your existing
auto, then you will be happily surprised.

Best regards,
Brad

2000 A6 2.7 biturbo quattro 6-speed
http://www.quality.nu/bradw/audi/