I don't know anything about cars, so maybe you guys can answer this for me. Why is a manual faster than an automatic tranny? does it have to do with the time between shifts? If so, would a Garret tip chip help improve this? Thanks.

Automatic transmissions don't have a "direct connection" from the tires to the engine like a manual. They have to slip a bit to smooth out the shifting and prevent stuff like stalling when you are stopped. This slippage causes lost power transferred to the tires. Newer cars don't slip as much as cars 10 years ago, but it still happens.<p>The automatic transmission also has to "think" and adjust to the amount of power you're trying to use. You know that feeling when you're driving at 30 and slam on the gas? It takes a while for it to drop into 2nd. This also slows it down.<p>Other cars also have 4 gears for auto and 5 for manual (not true for the A4), which would also account for some lack of speed. Don't know what it is, but just seems to suck some power... especially if you have the A/C on.<p>I think autos shift faster than people, but it can't make up for the other factors. In any case, if you can't drive a stick very well, the automatic will be faster. All I know is I tried the TipTronic and I hated it. I'm getting manual next month :)