DSG Questions

[trevorf93]

2010 DSG Questions

I am about to order my 2010 Golf Wagon, and it appears that if I want to get the car I want any quicker than 6 months, I have to get the DSG. This leads to a couple questions:


- Any idea how the DSG is for power handling? I plan on *lightly* modding the car (chip, etc) for a small power gain, 25-35 hp. Is this fine on the DSG, or will it cause issues that the manual would not have?

- Can someone please explain the rated fuel economy numbers to me.....I cannot possibly understand how the DSG, which has higher gear ratios in every gear but first, and has signifigantly higher final drive ratios can possibly get better mileage on the highway!!! Am I missing something??

(http://www.vw.ca/ca/en_ca/models/TDI/golf_wagon/technical_specifications.html)


Thanks

 

[oilhammer]

I'd wait 6 months to get the 3-pedal version.

I waited 6 months to get my Jetta. And I waited 6 years to get my Passat!

 

[trevorf93]

I might end up waiting the six months, I am just thinking it might be better to get the DSG and have the car sooner, but I really can't understand the fuel economy numbers. I don;t get how a DSG that is heavier and has higher final drive ratios can be better or even the same on fuel on the highway????!!!!

 

[parki]

I might end up waiting the six months, I am just thinking it might be better to get the DSG and have the car sooner, but I really can't understand the fuel economy numbers. I don;t get how a DSG that is heavier and has higher final drive ratios can be better or even the same on fuel on the highway????!!!!

From what I've read, the DSG doesn't weigh much more than a manual due to the fact that computer controlled shifting allows them to use lighter (less rugged) parts.

I couldn't find actual weights, but here's the article I read:

http://blogcritics.org/scitech/article/dsg-the-future-of-the-gearbox/page-3/

 

[parki]

Just checked out the link you posted... the numbers seem to add up. The DSG curb weight is 1511 vs 1484 for manual, which only adds up to an extra 1.8% in weight. The 4.7 vs. 4.6 liters/100km is only about a 2% difference in economy.

 

[ruking]

I am about to order my 2010 Golf Wagon, and it appears that if I want to get the car I want any quicker than 6 months, I have to get the DSG. This leads to a couple questions:


- Any idea how the DSG is for power handling? I plan on *lightly* modding the car (chip, etc) for a small power gain, 25-35 hp. Is this fine on the DSG, or will it cause issues that the manual would not have?

- Can someone please explain the rated fuel economy numbers to me.....I cannot possibly understand how the DSG, which has higher gear ratios in every gear but first, and has signifigantly higher final drive ratios can possibly get better mileage on the highway!!! Am I missing something??

(http://www.vw.ca/ca/en_ca/models/TDI/golf_wagon/technical_specifications.html)


Thanks

If you really want the 6 spd manual, it is best to wait. Just that alone will mean MINUS- 1,100 retail.

There are some other spin off's,

1. as the year progresses, you can normally negotiate the price... down ward.

2. the range of mpg will be more with the 6 spd manual

3. maintenance costs on the DSG is higher

The mpg "CAN" be higher (under some to average circumstances) due to the fact the DSG computer calls the shots. The operations are CLEARLY optimized for best mpg under "normal, average" circumstances. For example, put the transmission in D (drive) and drive letting the DSG do what it will under the circumstances.

You can search this web site for topics discussing how a lot of folks like to "override" the DSG computer. The good/bad things are the DSG gives you three big options and you can literally change them on the fly

1. D (drive)
2. S (super)
3. so called sequential shift gate 1,2,3,4,5,6, "tiptronic"
4. so called sequential (SKIP) shift (i.e., 6 to 4, 4 to 2, 3 to 6, etc.,etc.

In the optional "overriding" a DSG computer directive will NOT stop a mpg loss. In fact, it can accelerate it.

I have both a 5 spd manual and DSG 6 speed. See my signature for details if you are interested. So for example the RANGE on the 5 speed manual has been 44 to 62 mpg, DSG has been between 39-47 mpg. Do the math for the percentage variation. I got the DSG only because 3/4 drivers preferred an "automatic". While I do like the DSG, if not for the 3/4 drivers preferences, I would have gotten a 6 speed manual. In addition to the -1,100 and cheaper maintenance, per 100,000 miles (with a better mpg of 1-3 mpg project) that would save 174 gals (* 3. per gals=), an extra $522.

 

[740GLE]

As for the MPG rating the EPA calculates, it's all in how you drive it, if you drive it to EPA tests DSG will get you that one MPG difference. If you roll on the highway for 6 hours doing 65, there is no way the DSG can touch the 6M, the gearing is off by 400 rpms.

 

[soldierguy]

As for the MPG rating the EPA calculates, it's all in how you drive it, if you drive it to EPA tests DSG will get you that one MPG difference. If you roll on the highway for 6 hours doing 65, there is no way the DSG can touch the 6M, the gearing is off by 400 rpms.

You raise an interesting point about gearing. Did the gearing change in 2010 from what was available in 2009? I'm asking because the EPA ratings for 2009 were 29 city, 40 highway, for 2010 they're 30 city 42 highway (both figures for the DSG). The 6MT ratings have remained the same at 30/41.

 

[StaceyR]

TDI performance mods are coming...

- Any idea how the DSG is for power handling? I plan on *lightly* modding the car (chip, etc) for a small power gain, 25-35 hp. Is this fine on the DSG, or will it cause issues that the manual would not have?

http://www.adamcarolla.com/CarCastBlog/2009/09/18/banks-sidewinder-s10-and-jetta-diesel/

Try this link. Gale Banks seems to think the TDI/DSG combo is one worth modifying. His company specializes in turbo diesels and their new project car (and his personal ride) is an '09 JSW TDI DSG and he raves about the transmission. They are working on mild performance mods that shouldn't tax the DSG too much. I'd wait for the warranty to expire first but by then I'm sure there will be computer chips and other mods for the TDIs available.