Why get a short shifter?

[Silver Spectre]

Please forgive the obvious question. I've done a search and everyone talks about which short shifter they prefer, but no one mentions why it's worth the $200. What are the advantages and disadvantages of installing a short shifter? Is it worth it if it increases the notchy-ness of the transmission? What does the shorter throw get you?

[ex-quattro PETE]

[Joe N.]

Pros: It tactically feels a little bit better, like you're driving a sporty car. The 'snick' a SS makes into gear is pretty sweet when you're doing a lot of city driving.

Shorter throw - Probably increases your qtr. mile time a bit, and the 'row' is just shorter, period.

Looks - this is subjective, but most SS are shorter in appearance and some like it that way.

Possible cons:
It takes more effort to shift for most SS kits. I had a Neuspeed in my 98.5. When you're, say, driving fast in the canyons, you might not care for the snick, but just want the easiness and ergonomics of the regular shifter for quick and reliable shifting; because you can't afford to miss a shift in such situations.
-Ergonomics: most SS kits lower the height making it less comfortable in some situations. If you like the stock height, then go with one that keeps stock shifter height. I think UUC is pretty good in that respect.

All I can think of right now.... hope this helps. -J

[Silver Spectre]

If getting a SS increases the risk of missing a shift then doesn't that counteract the performance gain? I think I've read a post where people's problems going from 1st to 2nd or 3rd to 4th have been exacerbated by the SS. Do the advantages of SS outweigh this major disadvantage.

[Joe N.]

In my 2002 1.8T, I'm going to keep my stock shifter unless UUC or equivalent comes out with one that's smooth.

In my 98.5 that had a push-down stock shifter, I couldn't stand how the shifter 'sank' when going across the neutral-plane area. It was just too mushy and didn't feel right for my driving preference, so the Neuspeed SS was worth it.
My 2002 shifter feels a little soft (so does the clutch, IMO), but I prefer it over the Neuspeed shifter because the stock ergonomics are perfect with my armrest, etc.
i sometimes felt that the Neuspeed SS in my 98 was not too helpful in canyon driving - you almost have to be too precise in your shift. I think the UUC would've fit me better, even though the throw reduction is less on the UUC.

[Joe N.]