A4 manual transmission questions

[ROBGoldie@aol.com]

I recently test drove an a4 2.8Q with a manual transmission.  I'm planning to
order a 1.8t 5 speed and wanted to get the feel of the stick shift.  My
impression was that it was very notchy, rubbery and balky; I felt like I was
fighting the car at every shift.  Afterwards, I test drove a BMW 318 5 speed.
 Granted, this car is about as slow as minivan, but the 5 speed felt
wonderful.  What is it about Audi's transmissions that make them feel the way
they do?  Are there any modifcations (Short-throw kits, etc..) that could
improve the feel?  Would a front-drive a4 have a better feeling transmission
due to less rotating mass?  Will it get better with age? Why doesn't Audi
just use a ZF or Getrag unit similar to BMW? I really like the car otherwise
but don't know if I can live with the transmission (and I do not want an
automatic).  

Rob Goldie
Thinking about a 1.8T 5 speed...