Sport Mode vs. Manual Mode
 

On an A3 2.0T with DSG, is there a difference between putting the car in sport mode and switching over to manual to use the paddle shifters?

I know that sport mode "feels" quicker than regular drive (i.e. quicker throttle response, holds the gears longer...etc), but is sport "faster" than switching gears in manual?

Thanks.

Sport mode shifts gears at higher RPMs than regular Drive, thus you get more
 

performance. Obviously in Manual mode, you decide at what RPM to shift(except when you hit red line) so you get what you get....

Sport Mode will give passers-by the impression you don't know how to shift gears.
 

It won't upshift until redline and downsifts at about 4,000RPM. You certainly don't want to be in Sport mode during rush hour traffic :)

I always shift with the paddles. More fun than auto mode including Sport.

Same here.

I just don't use sport mode...

and here.
 

although i've been using D mode a lot lately. And I'm getting insane gas mileage.

Another thing about Sport Mode is poorly matched revs on coasting downshift always causing
 

acceleration when not wanted.

Manual mode is always available, and so much nicer - problem is that I conditioned myself not to bother with the old Tip toggles on my S6 (even after I recoded to always active status) since it was practically worthless, whereas DSG is so immediate and useful but demanding that this old dog learn a new trick of actually remembering to hit that paddle!