Despite automatic transmissions going from good to just plain awesome in recent times, some driving enthusiasts still consider the manual to be a must-have, regardless of acceleration times.
In order to demonstrate the difference between a manual and an auto, Carwow employed a VW Golf R and an Audi S3, pitting them against each other in a straight line, from a standstill as well as a roll.
Both cars are powered by the VW Group’s 2.0-liter TFSI unit, sending an impressive 310 PS (305 HP) to all four wheels with the help of an all-wheel drive system. On paper, both will get from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.6 seconds – but that’s only doable if they’re using automatic transmissions.
Swap the Golf R’s 7-speed DSG gearbox for the six-speed manual and the aforementioned sprint will take 5.1 seconds, according to VW. But what if you get a really good jump off the line in the Golf? Is the Audi S3’s S tronic gearbox good enough to help the car make up ground despite having the same amount of horsepower?
We won’t spoil it for you, except to say that both races (standstill and roll) were extremely telling, especially if you’re actively considering purchasing a VW Golf R and straight line acceleration is one of your main concerns.