Need advice...7speed or PDK?
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I've driven both the MT and PDK 991 extensively and ended up going with the PDK (for now 
) here's my take;
To get the best out of the PDK it can't be used in "a vacuum" you really HAVE TO get Sport Chrono and of course the sport steering wheel with the paddles!! (not necessary with the MT).
So it'll cost ya a $4K PDK + $2.5K SC + $600,-...
Now realistically you also need to get the PSE because this is what makes the PDK a visceral experience rather than just a technical one, so add another $3.5K... add taxes and you're getting close to $15K
I think we all know why we love the MT so I'll just post why I ended up going for the PDK instead...
1. the MT really "feels" out of place in the 991... the car/engine is so balanced with electronics which response time is milliseconds that just the action of moving your leg up and down to get to the next gear is no longer an act of being part of the cars performance but rather to it's detriment... like an (early!) analog part trying to merge seamlessly with a highly developed digital controlled machine...
2. PDK has an immense amount of control in manual mode, for instance you can shift with the same characteristics as a MT by lifting of the throttle and hitting the paddle shifter then back on to the throttle or just go for lighting shift and keeping your foot planted (you can even do "some" free revving while in gear at a full stop).
3. when in Sport+ it's a MONSTER... it's soooo much fun that using those paddles actually exceeded the fun level I got with the MT.
4. those damn throttle bleeps are amazing (with PSE!) and addictive, makes ya want to play with the gears continuously, it's intoxicating...I just love it!
I find the PDK very involving (in manual mode) if you want it to be.
I also believe it's the key to the Jeckell & Hyde characteristics of the new 991 which is what sets it apart from previous generations.
Wowww that ended up being more of a self-affirming exercise than anything else!
Yup I'm sure now, I'm going for the PDK.
Thanks for asking the question!
Cheers!
) here's my take;To get the best out of the PDK it can't be used in "a vacuum" you really HAVE TO get Sport Chrono and of course the sport steering wheel with the paddles!! (not necessary with the MT).
So it'll cost ya a $4K PDK + $2.5K SC + $600,-...
Now realistically you also need to get the PSE because this is what makes the PDK a visceral experience rather than just a technical one, so add another $3.5K... add taxes and you're getting close to $15K
I think we all know why we love the MT so I'll just post why I ended up going for the PDK instead...
1. the MT really "feels" out of place in the 991... the car/engine is so balanced with electronics which response time is milliseconds that just the action of moving your leg up and down to get to the next gear is no longer an act of being part of the cars performance but rather to it's detriment... like an (early!) analog part trying to merge seamlessly with a highly developed digital controlled machine...
2. PDK has an immense amount of control in manual mode, for instance you can shift with the same characteristics as a MT by lifting of the throttle and hitting the paddle shifter then back on to the throttle or just go for lighting shift and keeping your foot planted (you can even do "some" free revving while in gear at a full stop).
3. when in Sport+ it's a MONSTER... it's soooo much fun that using those paddles actually exceeded the fun level I got with the MT.
4. those damn throttle bleeps are amazing (with PSE!) and addictive, makes ya want to play with the gears continuously, it's intoxicating...I just love it!
I find the PDK very involving (in manual mode) if you want it to be.
I also believe it's the key to the Jeckell & Hyde characteristics of the new 991 which is what sets it apart from previous generations.
Wowww that ended up being more of a self-affirming exercise than anything else!
Yup I'm sure now, I'm going for the PDK.
Thanks for asking the question!
Cheers!
ChuckJ
And the self Psychoanalysis was free (except for the couch)
Last edited by ChuckJ; Sep 22, 2012 at 08:30 AM.
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Pdk
Remember that PDK is an automated manual transmission and not a true automatic (slush box), so you still retain the drivetrain connectivity with PDK! I have it and absolutely love it.
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I drove both numerous times before making a decision. I ended up with a MT, and I am a technology geek (I guess I'm an old school tech. Geek). For all you PDK fans, please don't be offended. . . . Just my opinion, but I got bored very quickly. I feel the Manual, although fractionally slower, was so much more FUN to drive, which is why I wanted this car. I love being fully engaged with both hands and both feet. For those that want to use their car in bumper to bumper traffic a lot, I understand the comfort side of the PDK. I also get it for the avid and competitive track driver, but this is not me. Bottom Line, for me. . . The Manual is so much more FUN and ENGAGING. Best of luck with your decision.
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I drove both numerous times before making a decision. I ended up with a MT, and I am a technology geek (I guess I'm an old school tech. Geek). For all you PDK fans, please don't be offended. . . . Just my opinion, but I got bored very quickly. I feel the Manual, although fractionally slower, was so much more FUN to drive, which is why I wanted this car. I love being fully engaged with both hands and both feet. For those that want to use their car in bumper to bumper traffic a lot, I understand the comfort side of the PDK. I also get it for the avid and competitive track driver, but this is not me. Bottom Line, for me. . . The Manual is so much more FUN and ENGAGING. Best of luck with your decision.
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Generally my preference has been for a MT on my previous 911's. That said, I did opt for a PDK on a 997.2 C4S that I had a few years back. I ended up hating it so much so that within a couple of months I traded it in for a GT3! So the point is that previous versions of PDK were IMO yuk! I then come to order a 991S and skeptically test drove one with PDK... I was super impressed with the new and much improved PDK. As has been stated by others on this thread, the PDK just seems better matched to the current 991 package. The additional options stated by Psycho Sid are really worth considering if you're going with PDK.
So what did I go with?..... PDK.
I'm waiting for my car so can't tell you how PDK will be like to live with. For me it seemed the better way to go as I'm also recovering from an injury. I know you won't go wrong with either option and I'm glad the choice is there.
So what did I go with?..... PDK.
I'm waiting for my car so can't tell you how PDK will be like to live with. For me it seemed the better way to go as I'm also recovering from an injury. I know you won't go wrong with either option and I'm glad the choice is there.
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Great summary, Psycho Sid, and I agree with all the other sentiments regarding the PDK. It is a "manual" transmission as I'mAllIn points out. If you put it into "manual" mode, it merely automates the foot-down-move-stick-foot-up action. Think of the "automatic" mode as a free feature. Even better, you don't have to choose, just get the paddle wheel and flip the paddles when you feel like it. I do it all the time when I feel my revs could be different.
The point I'd like to add to the great replies above is this: look at the PDK as a change in habit, not emotion. If you are attached to using your foot and arm, realize that it's a habit, don't make it an emotional issue. Once you realize it's a habit, you'll see that there is a cost attached to sticking with it: you'll miss out on the fantastic PDK experience!
The point I'd like to add to the great replies above is this: look at the PDK as a change in habit, not emotion. If you are attached to using your foot and arm, realize that it's a habit, don't make it an emotional issue. Once you realize it's a habit, you'll see that there is a cost attached to sticking with it: you'll miss out on the fantastic PDK experience!
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..."The point I'd like to add to the great replies above is this: look at the PDK as a change in habit, not emotion. If you are attached to using your foot and arm, realize that it's a habit, don't make it an emotional issue. Once you realize it's a habit, you'll see that there is a cost attached to sticking with it: you'll miss out on the fantastic PDK experience!"
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bought a pdk. sold it two months later..now driving manual. love the pdk - not for me just yet. while my leg still works, I'll row some gears. plenty of time to rest that leg later on..the pdk isn't going anywhere.
I was on the other side of this after I bought the pdk saying it's just as good as a manual but effortless shifting etc etc. Pretty much either is great, Porsche has not left us out in the cold whichever way..yet.
I was on the other side of this after I bought the pdk saying it's just as good as a manual but effortless shifting etc etc. Pretty much either is great, Porsche has not left us out in the cold whichever way..yet.
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I really like how the 7 speed manual guides the shifter through the box. Coming down from 7 I can allow the mechanical "feeling" to guide me into the correct next lower gear, all the way down to first. Somehow it "knows" where to go. I haven't felt that in a manual transmission before.
Going up through the gears it is the same. It is not intrusive and we can easily bypass the mechanical guidance with a little pressure to a different shift gate but it's there if you want it.
I practice 6th and 7th shifts into 2nd and 3rd, as I remember the pdk doing that so well..and the manual will absolutely comply and support whatever shift I feel like, up or down the spectrum. It's pretty slick.
Going up through the gears it is the same. It is not intrusive and we can easily bypass the mechanical guidance with a little pressure to a different shift gate but it's there if you want it.
I practice 6th and 7th shifts into 2nd and 3rd, as I remember the pdk doing that so well..and the manual will absolutely comply and support whatever shift I feel like, up or down the spectrum. It's pretty slick.
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One point that hasn't been brought up is resale. The PDK would likely be better here for sure. I am going with the stick because I plan on keeping this one for awhile. But, if I was thinking of trading any time soon the PDK would be better.
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Okay, the jury is in: 1 for you and 1 for your wife. 1 PDK and 1 manual. Variety is the spice of life. But be sure and make one a coupe and one a cab so you can have some variety there also.
ChuckJ
ChuckJ