I know this has already been debated to death; however, I am getting set to go in to my dealer and order an '13 991S. I'll be trading in my '05 997S which is a 6speed, and all of my previous Porsches have been manuals. In the past I have usually chosen manual cars for 2 main reasons: driver engagement and better performance. The better performance with manuals has almost always held true until the last few years. With the improvements to PDK, SMG, DSG, etc., these forms of transmissions are proving to be superior to traditional manual clutches with regards to overall performance. And it looks like this kind of technology is eventually going to take over and possibly end the manual transmission. My question is: do they still provide driver involvement and excitement? I know the answers to these questions have varied considerably and has been very subjective. However, I am one to embrace this technology 100%. My only real question is for those who have been driving the new PDK for some time: are you still happy with it or do you have any regrets?
Thanks for any advice.

 

Originally bought it because my wife does not know how to drive a stick. This was a small concession as she enthusiastically supported the purchase of my $100K+ toy.

Have 5600 miles on my 991 and the PDK is awesome. It shifts flawlessly, rapidly and effortlessly. It allows you to just drive. Push the accelerator to the floor and it just takes off. The shifts are positive, smooth and rapid.

I have had many stick shift cars including an MGB and I wouldn't trade the PDK for a stick shift.

 

I was set to buy a 13 991S Cab with a PDK. The switch to the auto was one of the big reasons for wanting a new 991S (had an 06). Then I drove the PDK and I didn't really care for it. It is exactly what you alluded to "driver engagement". It was fast but I just didn't feel connected - just stomp on the gas and sit there. I am ordering a stick, but, I am sure the PDK is faster.

 

I've had 15 Porsches and only the last two were automatic (PDK). I tried every automatic Porsche built and didn't like any of them until the PDK. I like the PDK better than manual for both performance and ease of use. I got pretty good at matching RPMs on downshift after 45 years of driving them, but I don't even come close to the PDK's capability. That said, I find myself manually shifting the car with my fingers most of the time rather than pure automatic. I wouldn't go back to a manual.

ChuckJ

 

Honestly I have been driving manuals for the last 15 years with the 1st automatic being the Cayenne we own. I know PDK may be faster and easier in heavy traffic; I will go on record as saying that the new 7MT is the best I have ever tested! Its a perfect mix of engagement and ease of use! This may be the last generation of MT cars so I am getting them while I can.

 

I drove the Panamera GTS, Boxter S, 911 and 911s at the track this week. We beat the snot out of the car on the track. All were PDK. I am sold. PDK for the next 911 for me. It was that good.

 

I owned nothing but manuals until my 991S with PDK, PDK is way quicker than me! My last performance car was a Cayman MT with a Porsche short throw shifter and it was an excellent car with smooth, positive engagement.

Then I attended a Road Show and drove a 981, 991 and 991S with PDK and I was hooked and had to have a 991S/PDK.

When I want to shift for myself I hop in my Bugeye, the entire experience is a total 180!

 

It depends on the 911 model. For the 991, or TT models I would always prefer PDK. The GT3, 3RS, 2, 2RS ; I would always prefer manual. The GT variant 911's are just raw precise crazy sports cars that the manual fits perfectly with and I would not DD them as they are not very comfortable for that. But the 991 and turbo's are very comfortable and fit perfectly with the PDK. I had PDK in my previous C2S and it was great, never regretted or wanted the manual. And I have driven many manuals of my same exact car at the porsche driving school and preferred my cars PDK. Now that I have a GT2 and love it, if I ever add a non GT variant to my stable it will have PDK.
There is no right answer.

 

Love both transmissions. PDK is freaking awesome. I chose a 7mt. You can't go wrong..get whatever you want

 

I am long time manual transmission nuts, but after my 991 PDK, I wont go back. In auto mode its fantastic, but I love the paddle shifting in Sport Plus even more, very fast and agressive mode, and involving too, its the closest thing to a Ferrari F1 autobox. I dont regret the change a bit

 

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!

 

I've always had and enjoyed manual trans cars. I like the idea of a PDK and at this point have driven many, but just can't get fully into it and by the end of the drive the novelty has worn off. Technologically they are very impressive, but I just don't have as much fun with it and that is more important to me in a street car. Based on how things are going it doesn't look like manuals will be around for much longer anyway, so while I still can I'll stick with it.

 

I'm leaning towards PDK, but still not 100% sure.

 

I think that's about as close you'll get.
Many of us still hold a special place in our hart for the MT but much like fly-by-wire systems for planes like the Euro-fighter (which allow pilots to do amazing things with it) so has the time come for the 911...

That said I don't think you'll ever be 100% sure about going with PDK (or MT for that matter )...

 

Bear in mind that if you select pdk, you'll be making your tiny little contribution towards ending manual transmission. You manual guys need to hang in there if you wish this transmission to survive.

Having said that, I have pdk, and love it. Have never owned a manual car and never will. The next generation is pretty much going in this direction.