Re: A4 manual transmission questions

[Andy Poling <andy@realbig.com>]

Rob sez of the shifter in a test-driven A4q:
> impression was that it was very notchy, rubbery and balky; I felt like I was
> fighting the car at every shift.

Rob, I can only say that your test driver must have had a ragged 'box and/or
clutch.  This is possible if it's been on many abusive test drives.

The shifter in my '96 A4Q (2.8) is the best I've ever experienced in a sedan -
period (and I s'pose I should admit that I looked at a 318 before the A4).
It feels solid, the gates are very easy to find, and I always get the gear I
want immediately without effort or thought.  The synchros never balk me (in
either laid-back or "sporty" driving or full-tilt autocrossing).

I also drive/autocross a Miata (widely lauded for it's gearbox and shifter)
and had a second gen. RX7 before that, so I'm pretty familiar with just how
good a shifter can feel and work.  I've also owned and driven numerous FWD
sedans, Italian sports cars, 4WD trucks etc. so I also know what a lousy
shifter feels like.  :-)

I'd recommend that you find another A4Q to test drive because I don't think
that one gave you a valid impression of how the car really feels and works.

-Andy

'91 Miata: "ZIP"               '96 A4Q: "ZOOM"              '84 RZ350: "ZING"