For me, driving stick gives my ADD a place to rest. Clutch, rpm monitoring, shifting, it gives my busy mind something to do while driving. I know this is a really personal thing, but I'm sure I'm not the only one to feel like this. Also, in terms of satisfaction - you really can't beat a manual. You're the one controlling the car, moving the gear and putting the car into a better place to accelerate better. It's something that makes you feel really in tune with your car, and to me, that's a feeling that's unrivaled.
I don’t wanna watch every video as soon as it comes out Because I want to binge watch the entire build but I can’t help myself and I keep finding myself watching every single brand new video
While I understand the appeal for quickness and ease, I would go for manual. Only in a very high powered car I would consider paddles. For low powered sport cars is more about the experience instead of quickness. Also, I have heard that dual clutch transmissions are very expensive to repair if something goes wrong. At the end of the day I recommend to get whatever you enjoy driving the most
I was expecting you to mention launch control, it is surprisingly brutal and tons of fun! I let a friend launch it and the smile on his face was worth me getting the DSG.
Coming from a JDM Honda guy who has only owned Hondas, I am excited to purchase a MK7 GTI (also DSG) soon to drive around as a fun daily and do simple mods. I appreciate you making this video to help people like me who are indecisive about what type of tune to get and what to expect.
I own a manual GTI, only because, I wanted the DSG, but the one I was going to get got sold, and there was a manual one, and I have driven both, and honestly, to me it doesn't really matter, as long as you are having fun with the car. It's just a great car overall.
I don't understand how you don't have more subscribers. Every build you do you go into so much detail about why you love each car and how they are different. Love the vids bro! Just purchased a 2021 VW Jetta GLI. Can't wait to do the tuning you did as well.
I never comment on videos but yours with the GTI have been great so far. I just bought a 2021 SE GTI DSG and am afraid to mod it. Looking forward to your next vid!
Because ST boys and GTI boys compare so often without driving both. Seing as you have driven both make a Pro and cons video about teh two cars. Sure to get a lot of views on that
In all honesty, I never considered a VW GTI, until I drove my daughter in laws automatic transmission, Autobahn edition with stage 1 tune. I almost rolled the car going around a corner to merge on to the highway. Because it was small I felt I needed to get the car going a little early to merge with traffic. Next thing I know car is leaning hard to it’s left and coming up from the right, I had to get my foot off the gas pedal and pray that was enough to get car to lose momentum and drop back on all 4 tires. I could not believe how much fun that car was to drive with automatic dual clutch transmission. I would definitely get one with a DSG transmission and not regret it.
I bought a DSG MK7.5 and I totally agree about it adding to the PREMIUM feel of the car. In my price range, this was way more car than anything else. I'm a VW guy for life now!! Great videos btw, once my warranty is up it's gonna get pricey.
Love this series as I just got my mk7 a month ago and I have no regrets. This dsg is so fun and quick I had a mk6 6spd and you could feel the difference in the trans response easily. Great video
For sure, I can say one thing from someone who owned both DSG and manual GTI (current). The manual, after tuning, sounds more aggressive and wicked with shifts, and it pops loud every now and then with upshifts. Also, When I let off the throttle in higher RPMs and when the engine starts braking, the manual gurgles a lot, and you hear the exhaust letting out pops that aren't super loud nor super quiet the perfect tone. I don't run a crackle tune btw cause I tried it, and I hate it a lot.
Love my manual MK 7.5 Stage 1. Tires are super important for these cars, stage 1 just lights up the no-season tires they come with stock. Keep up the great content!
What performance or sport tires would you recommend? I have a manual ‘19 Rabbit and yeah, MT is the way to go. I don’t care how good the DSG auto transmission is.
@@hyndsmclaughlin9559 Started having some slippage after 20k miles on stage 1 low torque. Just dropped in a southbend stage 3 daily clutch and a downpipe for the Stage 2 high torque file. I absolutely love the car
My brothers MK7 6speed IS38 is stage 2+ (Cobb) and CTS parts eats Mustangs and Challengers fbo for lunch. But between 80-120 the mk7 loses its legs due to gearing. My 8p A3 DSG 2.0t FWD, surprises a lot of cars. So I think you picked a winner and will be pleasantly surprised how good the EA888 is.
It's all about the Mk7.5 manual transmission in SE trim. The leather seats, simple but quality interior, added bells and whistles, good handling and fun acceleration give off old school BMW vibes. It also rides nice and has little road noise. VERY underrated car.
I’m tossed up between the two transmissions. My 2017 GLI is a manual with an Southbend Daily Stage 2 clutch. For a glimpse of time I had a 2017 Golf R with a DSG next to my GLI. When I had to go down to one car my GLI won out and I kept that instead. My reasons for keeping the manual GLI are more mine personally. 1) I had automatic ho hum cars for years, my GLI was a dramatic departure from that. 2) When driving normal there was nothing to distinguish the DSG from the boring cars I used to drive. 3) I pay more attention to the road and my surroundings in a manual than I do when I drive automatics.
I got a dsg GTI because all my previous cars were manual. I don't regret it at all.. Although im not tuned yet, im excited for it because its only going to make it better!!!
I just got a 2017 MK7 with DSG. I’m debating getting a stage 1 tune at waterfest. These videos are great. I really like that there’s a chapter on the channel about the GTi foray. Man how did you get ultratronic to hook you up with the mod suite? I’m sure the channel didn’t hurt, but the GTi was a year ago. Btw- need to get some GTi /VW keychain nylon back in the store
I've had a DSG7 for a few years in a Leon and I mainly bought it for the farts, but man the DSG transmission shifts fast, any other regular automatic feels ages behind.
I just got an octavia vRS estate with same engine and gearbox as your GTI coming from a focus ST. I prefer the DSG box personally from driving manuals for 12 years
DSG vs manual. Coming from a guy who has been driving VW's his entire life, Mk2 16v GTI, Mk3 Vr6, Mk4 R32, and a Mk5 all manuals, I'd never thought I'd be saying this. I purchased a Mk7r about 2 months ago and do not regret my decision to go with the DSG. I agree with all of the points made. Don't get me wrong as I still love a manual, however having the option to feel like I have a manual, but with quicker shifts is where its at. I can literally chill, yet gap simply by applying more pressure with my right foot and a flick of a finger. Now that I'm older, I can appreciate the technology while not falling out of love with a manual. Awesome build!
I had a DSG mk5 r32 loved the DSG and awd together. I recently picked up a mk6 gti in manual would deff rather have the DSG. Don’t get me wrong though I am loving the manual
kinda wondering if its jsut my car but do oyu get a whine coming from the dsg only when going like 30ish in 2 or 3rd gear. sounds like the whine like when a honda trans is going out
Clutch setups are pushing 2 grand for just parts now due to recent inflation. It wasn't a cheap upgrade for me. My next car will be dsg/dct/whatever. I'll still have my 6mt though.
I have a Ford Focus SE 2017 It's my 1st car in it does have dual clutch transmission it was made after 2015 so I believe it doesn't have the problems the 2012 through 2015 has but it is nice and also I heard if I get a 40 escape steering wheel that has a dual clutch shifters that I could just plug and play on my focus so I am kinda interested in that
Personally I felt the non-dsg automatic (2016ish) felt better to drive in D, but once you put the DSG in M the car comes to life. I'm on my 2nd DSG now. First 2017 sportwagen, now 2020 gti
I bought a MK6 GTI two years ago because I wanted to own a dual clutch car and I will never regret it! I drive it in manual mode most the time. I enjoy driving twisty mountain roads, keeping both hands on the wheel and being able to shift with the paddles. I'll never own a manual again.
Say I'm interested in this car or a mark 6, and I have very little to no prior knowledge on how to drive a manual but, is willing to learn and whatnot. What would you recommend. (Or yt comment section?)
“If you’re in a car like this you shouldn’t be the the guy talking about how fast your car is.” WRX owners: *Sheepishly back away into cloud of vape smoke.*
@@flyingtree2483 yes it's a lot of fun! I've added some suspension upgrades to help the handling. Lot of twisty mountain roads to explore where I'm at.
Great perspective on the MK 7 DSG. Just bought a 2021 with the automatic. I couldn't be happier and validated by your video. Keep up your great content. BTW, just ordered the paddle shifter upgrade.
I tried the DSG. Yes, it's fast. Yes, it downshifts perfectly. Yes, you can change the gears yourself, but I went with the manual. I am not thinking RPMs, gear changes, press the clutch, etc. I am more intune with the car, it's natural for me, the car does what I command it to do. A good manual transmission in windy mountain road with climbs and descents, rev matching gears done by me and not a computer, for me has no replacement.
I have a stage 1+ unitronic mk7 gti manual and I love it. I only got the manual version because I’ve never owned a manual transmission car and wanted to give it a shot. No regrets!
Same here, never owned a manual and am 9 months into being the owner of an mk7.5 GTI SE. No tune yet but as I am still undecided on which one to go with.
I drive a 2000 focus lx. Suuuuuper old and one of the first ones. It’s a 5 speed. But when it comes to which car is better, it really just depends on the person. For me personally I prefer manual cars because I feel more in control and I feel like I can focus more on driving. But auto cars r nice too because your can still be focused and go fast if u want to. Just because it has a shift knob doesn’t make it fast at all. I tell my buddies that who have a stock 99 civic ex and stock 2016 Kia Rio. Stick doesn’t make it a race car
Hey bro love the channel! I had a Mk7 till it got totaled by 3 deers. But you need to check out mk7 Virtex Xl that’s 500-600 wheel. Seen that type of build walk if not keep up with new supras and beat C7 z06
I was strictly a manual guy. Had driven older versions of "automated" manuals, such as F1, E-gear, and SMG, and "manumatic" automatics such as Tiptronic, E-shift, G-tronic, etc. They all, without exception, sucked. So diehard manual guy I remained. But then I drove a 2019 GT3RS with Porche's PDK dual clutch. It was the first time I ever thought, "Now THIS behaves like it SHOULD." It was fast and smooth shifting. The programming was great, somehow always knowing the right gear to be in. So I bought it. Then a few weeks ago I bought a 2019 GTI Rabbit DSG as a college car for my son. I fell in love with it, and so a week later I bought another one for myself! (Wave to all my Cornflower Blue brothers out there.) Now my GTI's DSG isn't programmed quite as well as my PDK, but it's reasonably similar, and I just ordered an EQT DSG tune, hoping it will be a little closer experience to what my PDK delivers. It doesn't have to match it exactly for me to be happy, just get reasonably close and I'll love it. As a secondary thing: I'm older now, and over the years the traffic in my area has multiplied. Even though manuals are more engaging/fun sometimes, they suck ass in stop and go traffic jams.
I agree with this! If he is38 swaps this car, gets some sticky tires, and upgrades the suspension the GTI could beat or compete with those other cars. 350-375hp and 330tq in a 3200lb egg. The awd sti vs DSG MK7 GTI is always a fun race.
1. Newer DSGs have a recommended service interval of 80k miles. 2. Tuned cars should have the DSG maintenance twice as often. 3. DSG maintenance costs about $500-600 if all is perfect. Every 40k miles. Which is why I prefer manual. If I want to spend a lot on maintenance, just get a Malibu. Not chevy, Piper. And go OVER 200mph all the time.
Hey I've got a MK5 GTI DSG, recently when I'm pulling away using about 80% throttle I loose most of the boost between gear changes. Which gives Me a rough jolt when it goes thru the gears. It's not had any map and has had a boost smoke test and no leaks. Any suggestions ?
I’ll say as a first car definitely was the right move. Money wise probably not. But I love my dsg golf r. But being told I chose the wrong car just because it’s an automatic was something for a bit. Still no regrets.
I have a ‘14 Passat 1.8t apr stage 2 tune, 100% worth it. Been tuned since 45k miles and now I’m at 81k still no issues. I’m contemplating trading it in to get a MK7 GLI DSG though because I’m used to it after 3 years of owning it. Also you can’t really go much further than stage 2 on the 1.8t non MQB platform without doing custom work.
Dude I love your videos! But I don't know what's going on with the video quality. Maybe its the sun coming in on the side but everything looks brownish. Your Focus ST series really motivated me to do more mods to my own ST. Keep it up, love the videos.
I have a manual stock for years and dsg is way to go but in sport mode and tuned but Manuel in regular mode is faster and it changes in sport but not like dsg hard core fans we love manual
Yeah I get all that and DSGs are state of the art, but you buy a GTI to drive it, and MT wins on driver engagement hands down (I own a 2 door MT 7.5, so maybe I'm a little biased)
if i wanted to row my own gears, i’d get a whole different car. the GTI’s DSG transmission is a part of its personality. you can’t beat the buttery smooth shifts
Exactly why I bought a DSG. I wanted a daily I can commute in traffic with comfortably and tear up mountain twisties with also. In the mountains it's all paddle shifting but the car lives in sport mode everywhere. I honestly am not sure I want a tune as I won't push the car to it's limits with the cliff exposure I drive on.
@@cosmicheretic8129 you don't have to push it to its limits with a tune! a tune, even just stage 1, really wakes up the car and it's so much more fun to drive! i'd say at least consider it :D
@@nckgti7 Well I did just receive my JB4 that will sit in it's box until after the dealership oil change next week. Honestly I'm thinking bilstein coil overs as my next upgrade while I try to keep my warranty intact.
I have a Mk7 DSG, and although a manual is fun to drive as well, the DSG is a unique experience on its own. For city driving, which is most of my driving, the DSG is the best option.
If u were in California I'd let you drive my golf R stg2 ecu an tcu intagrated engineering 400hp 420tq . It's a rocket 0 to 60 3.6 seconds wth launch control
@@flyingtree2483 it is fun to drive , but I just wanted something new tbh . I've always had an eye for the mk7 platform . My car is still stock but I can tell with a few mods it will come alive
@@flyingtree2483, the VW MQB platform, is a lot more superior than the ST. A stage 2 ST struggles to break 300whp while a GTI does it easily with a stage 2. Also, MQB engines can handle over 500whp and 440-450WTQ without any issues.
I'm sure there is a means of getting a dual clutch in the aftermarket parts for a manual transmission. I know nothing and claim nothing to the gti. But to buy a car because of that doesn't justify it for me.
For me its just the tech. Manuals have been mastered by all cars manufactures at this point. No on has really made an amazing dual clutch except VW. Never driven one but from what I have heard the CVT trans is terrible. DCT is getting a lot better, but theres nothing like VW's DSG. If you want to feel how VW intended the MK7 GTI and Golf R to feel then you get it in a DSG. Another thing is reliability. The one thing you always have to worry about is buying a used manual performance car. You never know if the previous owners were absolute apes on the clutch. A DSG will shift perfectly every single time.
In the GTI it really isn't a tough choice. The DSG is quicker to 60, quicker in the 1/4 and gets better MPG's It's a no brainer. I've driven manuals for 30 yrs your not missing anything. You buy what the best trans is for the car you bought for Example my past Lancer Evo's were best in Manuals, but the GTI is just best in DSG. Don't fool yourself😎
