Whats Harder/Costlier FWD To AWD or Auto to Manual Swap?

[ZombieSix]

Just posing a quick question i have debated with my buddy about in the unlikely case that either of us happen to find our dream dsm's
Magenta Grey Pearl No Sunroof 98+ Manual GSX
and
Biscayne Green Talon TSI AWD Manual

now since finding a dsm such as this in good condition is like trying to take a shit while doing a handstand or nailing jello to the wall we have found ourselves asking the question will it be easier to swap a Auto GSX to a manual which will involve new tranny/transfer case cutting and welding clutch assembly, installing shiffter cables etc or swapping a FWD GST to AWD which will involve tranny/transfer case and whole rear subframe...If i happen to find either of these cars it will be meticulously ripped apart and assembled from the ground up

So what do you guys think?

 

[finesse49ers]

If you don't have a lift the AWD swap is harder.

Glad to hear my car is one of the dream cars, minus the sunroof.

 

[ZombieSix]

Ha, Yeah i just love that grey. My 97 tsi awd was my first dsm and it is kinda beat to shit i bought it cheap and broken not knowing shit about dsm's at the time, played with it learend alot for a few years and then searched and searched for a clean MGP gsx, couldnt find one i let 2 good looking 98 talons get away over the course of 6 months before i picked up my red GSX.

As far as tools go I have a garage with all basic mechanics tools, no fancy car lift but everything else i have, and my brother in law can weld/has a nice welder.

 

[hectr34]

I would rather do a tranny swap.

 

[bradselph]

If you have all the parts necessary then the auto to manual will be the easiest.

 

[T is for TURBO]

One thing you're overlooking. Auto AWD to manual AWD also requires a manual rear differential.

The all wheel drive swap is really not that hard if you have patience, time, and mechanical aptitude. I did the whole swap by myself, with out a lift in one winter, while working only a few weekends per month. The biggest time consumer was while I was working, finding out I needed another part, but that because I didn't have a donor car.

I have never don't a auto to manual sway, so I cannot tell you how difficult that is. But I'd imagine it's a bit easier.

EDIT:

A/T Rear Diff 3.307
M/T Rear Diff 3.545

 

[erics93talon]

I have a grey gst that I've wanted to AWD swap.
Too much work for me to do without havin a big
Garage to do so. I'd love to swap it to awd though!