I'm in the market for a 996 turbo, preferably with X50, and I had previously considered only a manual, but a good deal on a 2003 tiptronic with X50 just came my way.

The problem is I'm having a difficult time getting hard numbers on the performance of the tiptronic. I've seen 0-60 numbers anywhere from as fast as 4.2s to as slow as 4.9s. Now I don't want to buy a 996 turbo and find that it is the same speed to sixty as a 335i, that just seems silly. So can anyone confirm with certainty what the 0-60 and/or quarter mile are for the tiptronic?

I'm thinking if it really is 4.2s vs 3.9-4.1 for the manual, then I may be willing to go with the tiptronic, but much worse and I don't see the point anymore.

Please also include whether your car is X50 or not when giving the information, as I'm not sure how much difference that makes practically.

 

don't buy a tiptronic unless you want it...if you settle for a tiptronic you will regret it. Tiptronics eat up about 10% more in the drivetrain so they will always dyno less than a manual. However, tiptronics don't lose boost between shifts, which helps a lot (unless you are racing a pro driver that can shift superquick)

0-60 is very subjective...i would guess that most tiptronics are actually faster than a manual (since its kinda hard to launch a manual turbo).

I wanted a tiptronic and haven't looked back.

If you plan to keep your car completely stock, buy the 335...if you plan to mod your car a bit, 996TT all the way.

 

It is not fair to compare 0-60 of a 2003 car to a relatively newer 335i.

 

Don't look at 0-60 means nothing,look at 1/4 mile that give you really information.

0-60 in a manual 996tt you get it in first gear at WOT and you even realize that because is so quick.

If you want to mode your car get a manual otherwise get a tip.

Good luck

 

I have a modded tiptronic and will share these thoughts. Bone stock the tip will give up hp at the wheels to the manual. Since the car is tough to launch as they did not have launch control back then the manual is a bit quicker to 60 and in stock form maybe in the quarter also. However once you modify the car the extra power suits the tip gear ratios well and since there is no boost lost between shifts it hauls pretty well. I would caution you that if you want to mod over 600 to 650 at the crank then the tip could shorten its clutch life a bit. My car probably makes under 600 crank hp but has tons of torque and it goes pretty darn well. Changing gears is fun and with a modded clutch the manual will hold more power without breaking. Modifying the tip gearbox for better clutches is not cheap but with 700 plus hp and a modded gearbox the tip is no joke and you will probably find it an easier car to drive fast on the track at DE events. I enjoy mine since I don't need any more power I am very happy with the performance. I have not run the quarter in the current tune state but the car ran 11.9 with nearly 75 less hp so I would guess 11.65-11.75 is not out of the question and that is pretty damn fast for a normal street car.

 

I agree with this. You should go with what you enjoy driving more. Performance numbers are subjective and very much driver dependent. I'm sure I don't do 0-60 in a 6-speed manual as fast as I could in a tip -- but I enjoy driving a manual more and feel more connected to the car. It's personal preference. On the other hand, if I spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic, or I just didn't enjoy driving a manual, I might prefer a tip or the newer pdk.

 

Oh -- just noticed the OP is in San Francisco. Do you have the hills of the city to deal with on a regular day? If so, you might enjoy the tip better .

 

ive got a modded Tip car also. It isnt as fast off the line as what a 6 speed would be, a higher stall torque converter will take care of that though....

 

I do think it is personal preference - I had a manual 350Z roadster convertible for 7 years and I couldnt wait to get out of shifting gears. I went with the tip and never looked back. Even if the manual is .5 seconds faster I dont think I could shift that fast or accurately.

 

Eugene, that wouldn't stop me getting a 6speed if I want. I used to DD a 76 911S with a cable clutch up and down those hills without a problem.

 

Clearly, my skill level is not up to yours . I was just thinking with that hydraulic clutch in the 996TT manuals, those SF hills could be just a little more of a pain with less pedal feel. But you're right, the real factor should be what you prefer to drive regardless.

 

Exactly!

 

Thanks for the help guys. I'm in SF, but hardly ever drive through it, just commute down to the peninsula, so hills aren't a problem. I think I need to just test drive a tiptronic and see how it feels subjectively.