Quote Originally Posted by Yellow RS6 View Post
It doesn't help that a lot of the cars offering a manual can't seem to get it right. Either they have long throws (and/or rubbery shifters), on/off clutch uptake (or a heavy clutch), or poor pedal placement. Examples:
G35/37
Mazdaspeed3
GTO
'10 Legacy GT 2.5T

And, I'm sorry, as much as C&D raves about BMW manuals, I think they have long throws and a rubbery feel. I've been considering a manual again after 6 years of auto, but it doesn't help when most of the cars you test-drive just don't inspire you to get back into a manual. I will say, one car that I had a great experience with was an '09 GTI that I test-drove back in Aug. I drove a DSG and 6-speed back-to-back and while the DSG was really cool, I enjoyed that 6-speed. I assume an Audi manual would have a similiar feel, but it's really hard to find one to verify.

I have driven a manual S3, 135i and mark V GTI. The VW/Audi manual gearbox is much nicer to use, the clutch is light and the shift is easy. BMW box has long throw and can be difficult to engage, it is good if you are driving it hard but for daily use the VW/Audi gearbox is much superior. And yes the GTI and S3 gearbox feel very similar.