Lack of low-end torque shouldn't really be evident on the drag strip, particularly when PDK is used with launch mode, since the revs are always kept high.

 

Interesting debate here...but I think there have been enough posts talking about the improved PDK of the 991 to suggest something is better in the 991. Whethere it's worth an upgrade is another story.

I chuckle when I hear using the PDK in manual mode. Isn't it an auto-manual mode since you can't screw up since the computer will not allow a missed shift.

For street driving either PDK system is probable more than most people need but why not have the best if you have the cash.

Im curious why you went with the PDCC since you have never tracked a car and I doubt there is much you will gain from it on public roads. An even plusher ride? Not sure that it will change the ride that significantly.

Good luck it's a fine set up.

 

The reason I always drove my 997.2 PDK in manual was not for fear of a missed shift. Instead it was to allow me to control the timing of the shift. When approaching a potential stop-and-go situation such as a stoplight, roundabout, or other intersection, my PDK would very often shift at weird times.

This is what often caused the 2-1 rough downshift in Sport Auto mode. It was not because of Grandma-driving style as some have suggested. I am a software developer by trade, so I have a test-driven mindset. I went so far as to test the PDK system over and over in the same scenarios with multiple driving approaches. The automated selection of shifting times was very erratic in these situations in my car, which could be totally avoided in manual -- so that's where I landed.

Conversely, I test drove the new 991 PDK in these same scenarios and found it to be greatly improved. I was able to leave the unit in Sport Auto mode and the shift decisions where almost exactly what I would select manually. Again, being a software developer, my conclusion is that the PDK programming in the 991 has been improved. Whether that was just an issue with my car (maybe just some units as others have repeated the same complaints) or not, for me the 991 PDK was what I hoped the 997.2 PDK should have been in the first place.

 

Mstams,


So what your saying is that with your PDK you were able to auto-manual shift better than the computer.

That doesn't seem to be what it should be. And Porsche could never address it?

 

Personally, when I used PDK/DCT/SMG manually, it was not because I could shift better than a mini-supercomputer, but seeking an additional interaction between driver and machine to enhance the experience.

Similar to how we can custom order the car down to items as small as colored stitchings, speedy shifts and maximum performance may not always be the ultimate measure of enjoyment.

 

MF,

I would think that most people would be using manual for the reason you suggest.

Anyway,

Sorry to take the thread off topic.

 

I thanked him because of what he has experienced and stated, I now know that I need to get my PDK checked. I was thinking it was feeling lees than smooth.

 

Larry: No inconsistency here. I entered the thread because you stated a major reason for your trade was how much smoother the new PDK shifts are. I just pointed out that my car and many other 997.2 I drove were smooth as opposed to your 997.2 experience. The new PDK is different, as I stated, for many production reasons. Smoother, better? It is in the eye of the beholder. The 991 is a great car, different but great, and legions will love it. Enjoy your new car. When you get it and after driving it for a while, not as commuter, but as a spirited driver on twisty roads, I look forward to your feedback as you compare it to your older 997.2.

 

Congratulations, Larry! Enjoy it!

 

+1

The interaction and fact that you are the one who commands when shift take place is what adds to the fact that you're driving rather than being driven and lets not forget the awesome throttle bleeps when shifting!

I went for the manual in my build for the 991 but the PDK (when in manual mode) is VERY involving and a ton of fun which is heightened even more with the PSE.

Cheers!

 

I'm not saying I could shift any better as PDK was always doing the shifting for me. ;-) but my "decision logic" was definitely better at intersections, etc. In spirited driving on the twisties, etc, Sport Auto reigns supreme. As someone else mentioned, manual shifting did give also give me more interaction with the car which I welcomed as well.

 

Congrats Larry! Looking forward to hearing your impressions of the new car!

 

that can't really be that surprising to you; most of these systems get confused under various slow speed scenerios such as what Mstams points out.

 

Actually its quite surprising to me. In every pdk vs manual thread I have seen a factor which is always brought up is that no human can shift faster than the computer. Didn't realize there were exceptions.

I dont drive auto's so I have no experience except for test drives.

 

But I'm not commenting on shift speed. In fact I would assume shift speed would be the same given the same other parameters. I am just suggesting that the decision logic on when to issue the shift command was timed incorrectly under these circumstances. I feel this logic has been improved in the 991 PDK.