A4 tdi automatic slower than manual?

[black a4]

My 1998 1.9 110 bhp A4 auto has had a new MAF and full Audi service recently.

On the level it seems perky enough now, but on steepish hills you wait till the car reaches each kick down point before it shifts up...taking a bit of time...changing down doesnt really seem to help.

Are autos normally slower than the equivelent manual shift?

Unlike our M reg Audi 80 TDi avant with only 90bhp the car has no sports mode ....

[AutoTDI]

I'm not sure I understand your problem. I have a 97MY A4 1.9TDI (110) with auto transmission and I can't fault it. When it decides to change gear, either uphill or downhill, it does so swiftly and smoothly. If I want to speed things up, I just use kick-down. Also, don't forget that the transmission characteristics are "adaptive" to your style of driving, so the "sports" mode is inherent in the design. If you are inclined to drive "sportily", the transmission will recognise this and allow the revs to build up before changing cogs. Conversely, relaxed driving with have the opposite effect. The response to variations in driving style is quite fast. Its possible that your transmission may be faulty; have you done a VAG-COM on it?

[A4Chris]

I'm of the belief that autos are generally slightly slower to accelerate than equivalent manuals as a result of longer gear ratios. However this is fairly subjective and many people argue that autos are quicker in some circumstances such as when using kickdown to overtake.

Has the transmission been well serviced? Could it be worth getting the transmission fluid renewed?

[AutoTDI]

I've not found any problems of sluggishness with my auto box. Gear changes are very fast and smooth. A friend of mine (Beemer driver) told me that the only way he could tell there had been a change of gear was by looking at the rev counter. Also, when taking off from stationary, eg at traffic lights, I do have to watch the welly to avoid wheelspin. The auto box is very good at transmitting low-speed torque; what I need is a Quattro!

[paul20v]

auto does tend to be slightly slower as they have a lot of bits for the engine to work and as previously mentioned a lot or the time less ratios but in saying that a powerfull auto will accelerate as quick because there is no power loss between gear changes but like for like a auto is slightly slower but not a lot in it

[black a4]

thanks guys and I will deffo get the VAG test done and praps shld get gearbox oil changed tho cars only done 76k

[black a4]

just had a proper [had a poor substitute on it before said it was the turbo]

Audi independent loose on car and found a knackered cat :D