"Parasitic drag": http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&s...ission&spell=1

...is interchangeable with "parasitic loss" for the purpose of this discussion.

In simple terms, it's the amount of engine power that's robbed by the transmission before it reaches the drive wheels.

All automatics have more "parasitic drag" than manuals do. Some brands of autos do a better job of making up for the lost engine power via a combination of no loss of boost between shifts and more gears (7 or 8-speeds). However, I have yet to hear of any 996TT TIP producing faster acceleration times than a manual car with similar engine power and weight (and a proper driver).

Based on chassis dyno numbers, trap speeds and 60-130 times, it seems that the Porsche Tiptronic robs somewhere in the realm of 5-7.5% more engine power than the manual does.

 

Scott, I completely agree. In hilly Seattle, I still like my Tip!

 

I like Tips too, bro. If I had to consistently drive my car in a lot of traffic (or back home in "hilly" Seattle), I'd definitely consider getting one myself.

 

Thank you for the explanation. I am shopping for a 2nd 996 Turbo w tiptronic, to have in my garage. I am now having knee problems from heavy squatting and power lifting as a bodybuilder in my 20s and early 30s. I never thought this day would come. Very depressing. I hope I do not need surgery in the future. I would really miss my manual Turbo.

 

Bad knees suck. Ignore them as long as you can. Drive what you want.

 

Former competetive powerlifter here. Competed at 181 lbs raw for 3 years. Thankfully, no knee problems.

Nothing wrong with a Tip at all, Greg. It's certainly better than continually trashing your already problematic knees.

Be sure to post pics when you get the new car.

 

Scott when you were powerlifting what were your 3 lift totals? Also did you do any competitive powerlifting?

 

Thanks, I don't know if you have ever felt this, but when I use the clutch, sometimes I feel / hear a very slight 'clicking' noise in my left knee. Oh well, like a dummy, that's what I get for doing 10 rep, 315 lb deep squats with no belt or wraps when I was young. You play, you pay.

 

And unfortunately the older you get the old injuries come back to haunt you, if you do anything get a really good sports doctor/surgeon if you need surgery, one up in Jupiter and one in Delray/Boyton area. My injury is right leg so tip wouldn't help me anyway.

I have tip in Cayenne and 6sp in car and I can honestly say with all the traffic here the tip is so much easier. However after tracking the car once (now on hold for 9-12 months) 6 sp all the way. Guess it depends your driving conditions.

 

The real squat regime is 315 for 20 reps or as some pros do 405 for 20's.OUCH....All you need is 3 sets of 20 reps.

 

Paulie,

I did compete RAW (no knee wraps, bench shirts, or squat suits). Best lifts at under 181 lbs were:

-365 bench
-525 squat
-535 deadlift

I held the WA state record in the RAW deadlift for a little while and also tied the american record in the strict curl (NASA Powersports) at 175 lbs at a bodyweight of 170.8.

I used to do 20-rep squats of 315 all the time (and partials with 635). No belt or wraps. Never injured myself, but would throw-up routinely.

 

Yup. Takes a toll. But lifters hitting 405, etc, are usually using belts and knee wraps. You can handle much more weight that way. Which is the way it should be. Oh well, on the way to a local dealer to test a tip 2002.

 

Damn, you were strong, no offense, but,drug / steriod free also ?

 

Execellent #'s Scott.I do not know how I did those type of workouts when I was younger. The weight seems so much heavier as you age.

 

Quit snivelin ol' man. The heaviest thing you pick up now is Jitsu, and you use the "'Ol man mobile" for that!!!