Your preference and why? S-Tronic vs Multitronic

Chevron

Chevron

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Your preference and why? S-Tronic vs Multitronic?
 
The principle behind CVTs is brilliant, but I'm not convinced of their longevity, especially not the types used in lower-powered applications. Dual-clutch boxes also give that little bit more involvement, which I prefer over the complete mechanical disconnect of a CVT.
 
I'm just trying to get my head around the difference in actual driving.

When it comes to actual driving, what difference do you feel if they are both in manual mode?

When it comes to actual driving, what difference do you feel if they are both in automatic mode?
 
S-tronic. New multitronic gearbox costs bombs to replace/repair/maintain. I was once quoted R118k for a new box for a 2004 A4 2.4. Had it repaired for R28k.

The way a multitronic box revs is quite different from s-tronic! Again, I prefer the s-tronic as it sounds and responds like a more conventional automatic box where multitronic behaves very differently... It doesn't climb through the rev range like a s-tronic does... can't explain... :o google it.. :p
 
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Chevron said:
I'm just trying to get my head around the difference in actual driving.
Click to expand...
'k

Chevron said:
When it comes to actual driving, what difference do you feel if they are both in manual mode?
Click to expand...
The CVT, when in 'manual', feels a bit like a normal automatic transmission with manual override. Gear changes are incredibly smooth, but not quick by any stretch. They would be, of course, taking into account how a CVT works and the fact that the 'gears' are just artificial steps on an otherwise stepless system. I have a suspicion that current CVTs only even have 'manual' modes in order to seem less foreign when compared to traditional gearboxes.

A dual-clutch 'box in manual is something wholly different. Again shifts are incredibly smooth, but this time also insanely fast. It's difficult to convey just how quick these boxes shift to someone who hasn't experienced it; if you use paddle shifters the next gear is hooked pretty much before your fingers have fully registered pulling on the paddle... it's mental. Oh, and downshifting with a dual-clutch, getting a perfect blip with every fresh gear... it's sublime.

Chevron said:
When it comes to actual driving, what difference do you feel if they are both in automatic mode?
Click to expand...
CVTs are... weird, and their weirdness shines the first time you bury your foot in the carpet on a highway onramp. Revs shoot up to somewhere 'round the given car's power peak, usually on the other side of 5,000 rpm, and just stay there as your speed climbs. It's initially decidedly disconcerting to drive something that goes from 40km/h to 140km/h without the engine's revs changing. The changing engine note & rise and fall of a rev counter with each new gear is so ingrained in any half-aware driver that it's very strange when those sensations disappear.

A dual-clutch in auto, conversely, pretty much feels like a faster shifting normal auto.

*edit*

As far as CVTs go... ever ridden a scooter?
 
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