preciseeye

Hi all, I'm in the market for 2015 s5 and was looking to get a manual transmission. I was wondering if anyone knows how the clutch pedal feels as far as stiffness is concerned. I prefer it to be on the softer side. There is not one local to me to test drive, unfortunately. Any comparisons? Thanks in advance

eric strauss

... Our previous 2013 S5 was a six-speed manual. The clutch throw is long, but take-up is progressive. I have had Datsun/Nissan Z-cars (shorter travel, good take-up), a Gen 1 Audi TT 225hp (shorter travel - smooth take-up), Saab Aero's (easy travel, but very snatchy) and test driven many cars - such as a Dodge Viper ACR (clutch like a brick, exhausting), Mustang Boss 302 (heavy clutch but good take up) and Cadillac CTS-V (stiff and lifeless).

My sense is that you will love it :-)

Eric

ChipB

I agree - the clutch pedal is not terribly stiff, but the throw is long. I find you don't have to actually bury the clutch pedal into the floor though - you can cheat on it a bit. My only complaint about the Audi manual tranny is that it's more difficult to perform heel-and-toe downshifting than on any other manual I've owned, including 3 BMWs and a Porsche. The height of the brake pedal relative to throttle is not how I like it. I have found a solution, however, involving angling my right foot so that the heel is up against the transmission tunnel which really helps. It's a bit awkward and takes some getting used to though.

lyleswk

x3. I would personally like a shorter throw, but you get used to it.

preciseeye

Thanks for the feedbacks. I will be using this for a daily and although as much as i l like driving stick, Ill probably go with an auto this time.

EricAl

I have had a 15 S5 with MT for about 3 months. I bought the car just because of the transmission - it was hard to find - I think the clutch is very comfortable. The S5, is not my daily driver, however, so I don''t drive it in traffic.

A bit of a problem with the linkage. I have large feet (size 13) and the toe of my shoe would hit the clutch lever when I depress the pedal. Not a serious problem but annoying. I just put a wider pedal pad on the car to move my foot to the left of the arm and, so far, it is better.

I have a Viper RT-10 and a Nissan truck and find both of those clutches to be ok.

I love the sounds when revving the engine and the rpm-matching on down shift is wonderful. I have no regrets about the car.

Eric

[S5, S6, RT-10, Chry CQ, Tesla 85 (Hers), XK-120 (Hers, too), FLH, FLHRC (Hers) FLHR]

eric strauss

… I have to be careful to find shoes where the welt doesn't extend past the leather of the shoe. Merrell makes some that work well for driving, etc. that give great pedal feel.

Any other shoes, such as running or hiking must be put on when I am done driving… this has kept me out of some great cars that I loves - most notably the Honda S2000, which I could only drive barefoot.

Eric

mikejaeggi

I have a manual in my 2014 S5 and find the clutch very easy and smooth. much softer than my jeep or shelby. quite comfortable to drive daily in traffic.