5 speed or 6 speed manual?

[OddBallBoy]

Hello all. Thinking about moving on from my old Passat and quite taken with idea of a 130PD 1.9tdi A6 C5 Avant with manual box.

When looking at some examples on Autotrader, it seems the 6sp has a lower quoted mpg figure than the 5sp (at least what I'm assuming to be 5sp from the pics and lack of mention of 6sp), though this seems odd to me as I would have expected the 6sp to be more economical?

Would I also be correct in thinking the 6sp is the stronger box, the same as I have seen said about the 130PD Passats?

Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks

[NickPicks]

You've probably got the same search saved as I have - that's exactly what I'm looking for - my advice request thread here.

From what I've found online, the top gear of the 6 speed is the same as the top gear of the 5 speed, just the other 5 ratios are closer. I think the lower fuel economy is because the box must be heavier, and it must have more internal friction to drive all 7 sets of ears around. I also read somewhere that to get 6 speeds, they removed synchromesh from reverse. I haven't seen much to say the 5 or 6 seed is stronger, although I did read somewhere that the 6 speed is weaker, but that may be wrong.

Since the 5 speed is about 6% better on fuel, it's made it onto my 'preferred' list, but I wouldn't rule a car out just because it's got a 6 speed.

Based on the last few I've looked at, I'm mainly ruling cars out because they've got rust bubbles on the roof gutters.

[pugville]

Previous I had a 5 speed passat awx engine. It never gave any trouble at all. Presently I have a 6 speed a6 avant I think the 5 speed was a little smoother changing gear.
I'm told the 6 speed has a slightly bigger clutch but not sure this is true or not. Both seem good to me better than the autos anyhow!!!