question on 6-sp manual
11-23-2003, 11:21 PM
#1
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Posts: n/a
question on 6-sp manual
I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
has a weird configuration:
R 1 3 5
2 4 6
that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
with this?
which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
has a weird configuration:
R 1 3 5
2 4 6
that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
with this?
11-24-2003, 12:24 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
On 23 Nov 2003 21:21:11 -0800, digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
>I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
>which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
>has a weird configuration:
>
>R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
>that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
>shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
>with this?
There is a strong detent on the reverse gate, and there's a good throw
required to get through that gate, so in practice there's virtually no chance
of hitting reverse on either a 1-2 or 2-1 shift. Or any other up or down
shift, for that matter...
/daytripper
'00 s4 6spd
>I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
>which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
>has a weird configuration:
>
>R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
>that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
>shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
>with this?
There is a strong detent on the reverse gate, and there's a good throw
required to get through that gate, so in practice there's virtually no chance
of hitting reverse on either a 1-2 or 2-1 shift. Or any other up or down
shift, for that matter...
/daytripper
'00 s4 6spd
11-24-2003, 06:00 AM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
On 23 Nov 2003 21:21:11 -0800, Digital Puer <digital_puer@hotmail.com>
wrote:
> I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> has a weird configuration:
>
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no?
No. Where would you place reverse, and what cars have you driven that
you find this pattern "weird?"
--
Mark
wrote:
> I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> has a weird configuration:
>
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no?
No. Where would you place reverse, and what cars have you driven that
you find this pattern "weird?"
--
Mark
11-24-2003, 06:57 AM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
"Digital Puer" <digital_puer@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.c om...
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> with this?
The R and 1 are in the same position. Usually, you have to hold a 'button'
under the shift **** while pushing the shifter in order to engage R.
Otherwise, if you do not hold that button, 1 is engaged. It's pretty much
fool-proof.
Cheers,
Pete
11-24-2003, 07:14 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
"Digital Puer" <digital_puer@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.c om...
> I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> has a weird configuration:
>
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> with this?
Yes. The pattern is incorrect - the forward gears actually form a
conventional W (but with an extra leg, so to speak), with reverse at the
side.
Always found the old British way[1] more convenient, myself, but that's long
gone..
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
[1] Reverse on the opposite side; on a 4-speed box, reverse can be found
"tucked in" to the seat, allowing you to quickly and easily swap between
first and reverse by going "diagonally" across the gate. Useful for
manoeuvring.
news:80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.c om...
> I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> has a weird configuration:
>
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> with this?
Yes. The pattern is incorrect - the forward gears actually form a
conventional W (but with an extra leg, so to speak), with reverse at the
side.
Always found the old British way[1] more convenient, myself, but that's long
gone..
--
Hairy One Kenobi
Disclaimer: the opinions expressed in this opinion do not necessarily
reflect the opinions of the highly-opinionated person expressing the opinion
in the first place. So there!
[1] Reverse on the opposite side; on a 4-speed box, reverse can be found
"tucked in" to the seat, allowing you to quickly and easily swap between
first and reverse by going "diagonally" across the gate. Useful for
manoeuvring.
11-24-2003, 07:36 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
In message <80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.com >
digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
> I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> has a weird configuration:
>
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> with this?
Err, so where would you put the reverse gear? It has to go at one end
or the other, no? If it were possible to get reverse by mistake (and
it shouldn't be, because there is a strong spring to be overcome to
reach the reverse plane), I would rather it was when I was expecting
first, rather than when I was expecting sixth!
--
Peter Bell (Note Spamtrap - To reply, replace 'invalid' with 'bellfamily')
digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
> I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> has a weird configuration:
>
> R 1 3 5
> 2 4 6
>
> that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> with this?
Err, so where would you put the reverse gear? It has to go at one end
or the other, no? If it were possible to get reverse by mistake (and
it shouldn't be, because there is a strong spring to be overcome to
reach the reverse plane), I would rather it was when I was expecting
first, rather than when I was expecting sixth!
--
Peter Bell (Note Spamtrap - To reply, replace 'invalid' with 'bellfamily')
11-24-2003, 09:20 AM
#7
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Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
"daytripper" <day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote...
> On 23 Nov 2003 21:21:11 -0800, digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer)
wrote:
>
> >I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> >which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> >has a weird configuration:
> >
> >R 1 3 5
> > 2 4 6
> >
> >that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> >shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> >with this?
>
> There is a strong detent on the reverse gate, and there's a good throw
> required to get through that gate, so in practice there's virtually no
chance
> of hitting reverse on either a 1-2 or 2-1 shift. Or any other up or down
> shift, for that matter...
The same configuration is on BMWs, isn't it? The stick's resting
position in neutral is between 3 and 4. So, to get to the 1st
from neutral one would need to push the stick to the left. It only
takes just a bit more force to push it further. I knew people
managing to get in reverse from neutral instead of 1st while parked.
So, forgive me if I don't accept that "virtually no chance"
statement.
Such gear configuration requires a bit of getting used to.
Victor
> On 23 Nov 2003 21:21:11 -0800, digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer)
wrote:
>
> >I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> >which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> >has a weird configuration:
> >
> >R 1 3 5
> > 2 4 6
> >
> >that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> >shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> >with this?
>
> There is a strong detent on the reverse gate, and there's a good throw
> required to get through that gate, so in practice there's virtually no
chance
> of hitting reverse on either a 1-2 or 2-1 shift. Or any other up or down
> shift, for that matter...
The same configuration is on BMWs, isn't it? The stick's resting
position in neutral is between 3 and 4. So, to get to the 1st
from neutral one would need to push the stick to the left. It only
takes just a bit more force to push it further. I knew people
managing to get in reverse from neutral instead of 1st while parked.
So, forgive me if I don't accept that "virtually no chance"
statement.
Such gear configuration requires a bit of getting used to.
Victor
11-24-2003, 09:27 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
"Peter Bell" <peter@invalid.org.uk> wrote...
> In message <80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.com >
> digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
>
> > I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> > which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> > has a weird configuration:
> >
> > R 1 3 5
> > 2 4 6
> >
> > that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> > shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> > with this?
>
> Err, so where would you put the reverse gear? It has to go at one end
> or the other, no? If it were possible to get reverse by mistake (and
> it shouldn't be, because there is a strong spring to be overcome to
> reach the reverse plane), I would rather it was when I was expecting
> first, rather than when I was expecting sixth!
On 5-speed trannies, have you ever shifted to R from 5th when
downshifting? Please...
There is [using other poster's expression] virtually no chance to get
in R while moving [fast] and not just because of a spring. There is,
however, a very bad consequence for shifting in R when needing the 1st.
So, I'd put it right next to 5 (if it were possible):
1 3 5 R
2 4 6
Somehow I think that accidental shifting to 5th instead of R (from
park) and stalling the engine is not as bad as shifting into 1st
and moving in the wrong direction (even a few of cm). And following
the "strong spring" theory and a need to push the stick _in_ to shift
into R, I'd say it could actually be a better position.
But that's just MHO.
Victor
> In message <80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.com >
> digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
>
> > I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> > which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> > has a weird configuration:
> >
> > R 1 3 5
> > 2 4 6
> >
> > that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> > shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> > with this?
>
> Err, so where would you put the reverse gear? It has to go at one end
> or the other, no? If it were possible to get reverse by mistake (and
> it shouldn't be, because there is a strong spring to be overcome to
> reach the reverse plane), I would rather it was when I was expecting
> first, rather than when I was expecting sixth!
On 5-speed trannies, have you ever shifted to R from 5th when
downshifting? Please...
There is [using other poster's expression] virtually no chance to get
in R while moving [fast] and not just because of a spring. There is,
however, a very bad consequence for shifting in R when needing the 1st.
So, I'd put it right next to 5 (if it were possible):
1 3 5 R
2 4 6
Somehow I think that accidental shifting to 5th instead of R (from
park) and stalling the engine is not as bad as shifting into 1st
and moving in the wrong direction (even a few of cm). And following
the "strong spring" theory and a need to push the stick _in_ to shift
into R, I'd say it could actually be a better position.
But that's just MHO.
Victor
11-24-2003, 10:32 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
Mark Allread <mallread@flatsurface.com> wrote in message news:<opry44yff2bsorsk@news.chartermi.com>...
> On 23 Nov 2003 21:21:11 -0800, Digital Puer <digital_puer@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> > which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> > has a weird configuration:
> >
> > R 1 3 5
> > 2 4 6
> >
> > that's kind of odd, no?
>
> No. Where would you place reverse, and what cars have you driven that
> you find this pattern "weird?"
Other 6-sp cars of which I know place the R to the right of 5. If
you're in 4th gear and want to shift to 5, there is some sort of
automatic system that prevents you from accidentally shifting into R.
In Audi's case, if you're in neutral, I would think that it would be
just as easy to accidentally shift into R as into 1st unless you're
used to it.
> On 23 Nov 2003 21:21:11 -0800, Digital Puer <digital_puer@hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
> > I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> > which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> > has a weird configuration:
> >
> > R 1 3 5
> > 2 4 6
> >
> > that's kind of odd, no?
>
> No. Where would you place reverse, and what cars have you driven that
> you find this pattern "weird?"
Other 6-sp cars of which I know place the R to the right of 5. If
you're in 4th gear and want to shift to 5, there is some sort of
automatic system that prevents you from accidentally shifting into R.
In Audi's case, if you're in neutral, I would think that it would be
just as easy to accidentally shift into R as into 1st unless you're
used to it.
11-24-2003, 12:06 PM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: question on 6-sp manual
In message <Prpwb.294453$Fm2.310545@attbi_s04>
"Victor Bazarov" <v.Abazarov@comAcast.net> wrote:
> "Peter Bell" <peter@invalid.org.uk> wrote...
> > In message <80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.com >
> > digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
> >
> > > I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> > > which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> > > has a weird configuration:
> > >
> > > R 1 3 5
> > > 2 4 6
> > >
> > > that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> > > shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> > > with this?
> >
> > Err, so where would you put the reverse gear? It has to go at one end
> > or the other, no? If it were possible to get reverse by mistake (and
> > it shouldn't be, because there is a strong spring to be overcome to
> > reach the reverse plane), I would rather it was when I was expecting
> > first, rather than when I was expecting sixth!
>
> On 5-speed trannies, have you ever shifted to R from 5th when
> downshifting? Please...
No, never. You're the one who seems to be worried about doing this.
But then I've been driving with manual gearboxes since 1971, when four
speed gearboxes were most common.
I'm trying to remember all the gear selector configurations I've used
over the years:
R 1 3 R 1 3 5 1 3 R 1 3 5 R 1 3 5 1 3
2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 R 2 4 6 R 2 4
The problems come when you regularly drive two, or more cars, with
different configurations! Thankfully, the two manual cars I drive at
present both use the second layout above.
>
> There is [using other poster's expression] virtually no chance to get
> in R while moving [fast] and not just because of a spring.
The gearbox might not appreciate the attempt, though! Try too often and
it might show its displeasure.
> There is,
> however, a very bad consequence for shifting in R when needing the 1st.
But it is harder to overcome the spring pressure when pushing the gear
lever away from you (as in next to first gear) than when pulling it
towards you (as in next to fifth or sixth gear). If you happen to be
in one of those countries where the gear lever is on your right hand
side, then I can only feel sorry for you!
>
> So, I'd put it right next to 5 (if it were possible):
>
> 1 3 5 R
> 2 4 6
>
> Somehow I think that accidental shifting to 5th instead of R (from
> park) and stalling the engine is not as bad as shifting into 1st
> and moving in the wrong direction (even a few of cm). And following
> the "strong spring" theory and a need to push the stick _in_ to shift
> into R, I'd say it could actually be a better position.
>
> But that's just MHO.
>
> Victor
>
>
--
Peter Bell (Note Spamtrap - To reply, replace 'invalid' with 'bellfamily')
"Victor Bazarov" <v.Abazarov@comAcast.net> wrote:
> "Peter Bell" <peter@invalid.org.uk> wrote...
> > In message <80678590.0311232121.2ec6bdae@posting.google.com >
> > digital_puer@hotmail.com (Digital Puer) wrote:
> >
> > > I was looking at the Audi A4 Quattro. It has a 6-speed manual,
> > > which I've never driven before (I've only driven 5-sp). The gearstick
> > > has a weird configuration:
> > >
> > > R 1 3 5
> > > 2 4 6
> > >
> > > that's kind of odd, no? I would think that if I drove this, I might
> > > shift it into R instead of 1 by mistake. Does anyone have any experience
> > > with this?
> >
> > Err, so where would you put the reverse gear? It has to go at one end
> > or the other, no? If it were possible to get reverse by mistake (and
> > it shouldn't be, because there is a strong spring to be overcome to
> > reach the reverse plane), I would rather it was when I was expecting
> > first, rather than when I was expecting sixth!
>
> On 5-speed trannies, have you ever shifted to R from 5th when
> downshifting? Please...
No, never. You're the one who seems to be worried about doing this.
But then I've been driving with manual gearboxes since 1971, when four
speed gearboxes were most common.
I'm trying to remember all the gear selector configurations I've used
over the years:
R 1 3 R 1 3 5 1 3 R 1 3 5 R 1 3 5 1 3
2 4 2 4 2 4 2 4 R 2 4 6 R 2 4
The problems come when you regularly drive two, or more cars, with
different configurations! Thankfully, the two manual cars I drive at
present both use the second layout above.
>
> There is [using other poster's expression] virtually no chance to get
> in R while moving [fast] and not just because of a spring.
The gearbox might not appreciate the attempt, though! Try too often and
it might show its displeasure.
> There is,
> however, a very bad consequence for shifting in R when needing the 1st.
But it is harder to overcome the spring pressure when pushing the gear
lever away from you (as in next to first gear) than when pulling it
towards you (as in next to fifth or sixth gear). If you happen to be
in one of those countries where the gear lever is on your right hand
side, then I can only feel sorry for you!
>
> So, I'd put it right next to 5 (if it were possible):
>
> 1 3 5 R
> 2 4 6
>
> Somehow I think that accidental shifting to 5th instead of R (from
> park) and stalling the engine is not as bad as shifting into 1st
> and moving in the wrong direction (even a few of cm). And following
> the "strong spring" theory and a need to push the stick _in_ to shift
> into R, I'd say it could actually be a better position.
>
> But that's just MHO.
>
> Victor
>
>
--
Peter Bell (Note Spamtrap - To reply, replace 'invalid' with 'bellfamily')
