It's possible that the next gen Gt3 will offer PDK . The current dry sump could not have it (overheat) . In fact .. even the 997S will get a third radiator in 2011 cars so Porsche has its eye set keeping the car cool .

There is not a shred of doubt that PDK is faster . Not only is the computer shifting faster and more efficient but it can rev match downshifts with the same precision . In fact -even an error over rev command is ignored making a money shift IMPOSSIBLE. That alone not only saves the engine but also makes the PDK worthwhile .

The only reason I can see buying a manual is the joy found in driving a traditional gearbox but on every performance front as well as engine presrvation --PDK doesn't just win .. it blows the manual transmission away.

 

Some people prefer White cars and some prefer Black cars.

This is no different. No right or wrong.

It's all about choice....nice to have choices don't you think ?

 

Ok then.....got it...its faster in the shift but not perfect. Can be a little annoying and frustrating at times heh.


There it is ^^. You said it.

Point here yrralis is there does appear to be a trade off with either boxes so at the end of the day it gets down to user choice. And, aint choice just grand!! Nothing is going to be perfect all the time and, for all users requirements.


What was that bit in the clip he was saying about a left leg missing?
He's being a bit one sided though even though he does make a very good point.

 

Amen to that, PDK is lightyears ahead of 'M DCT'. DSG is VW's tans, and is relatively similar in design to BMW's DCT trans.

 

I love my manual transmissions, and will probably always have one as long as I have a left foot to use a clutch (knock on wood).

That being said, I test drove a 2010 boxster with PDK, and loved it. I remember going through a downhill decreasing radius turn (awesome road to drive through Great Falls), and went to downshift coming out, only to realize that the car had already downshifted for me, and all I had to do was mash the pedal. It was definitely great to drive, and if it were the only option, I wouldn't say no to it.

But I do think that driving automatic/automanual, be it PDK, tiptronic, steptronic, SMG, DCG, etc etc etc, takes a bit away from the sportscar experience.

I will agree, though, that turbo cars are much more efficient at keeping themselves in optimal boost than most turbo car drivers are. That, however, is a skill to master, just like any other.

 

This is why I have said all along -it's not either/or --but both and that lends itself to having two of these cars .

 

Last I checked, my T was in the 2k range LOL....

Anyway, here is the basic summary.

Manual only has 2 benefits.
1: It is more fun. Soul, skill, whatever you call it. That is what a manual transmission (3rd pedal) gives you.
2: Easier to mod. Easier as in cheaper and proven.
3 (hidden beenfit lol): The "cool" factor. You can say "only real men drive stick." You can laugh at others in an auto. You are the "elite." To some, this is a reason all in itself to buy stick.

PDK has every other advantage. Faster, smoother, better for DD, wife can drive it (can be a negative though), launch control, no extra drivetrain loss, not noisy or clunky like SMG/E-gear, adjustable, and always evolving with every example of dual clutch that comes out. It's just a REALLY good transmission. Coupled with the TT motor, it's a match made in heaven. Drive one and you will understand why it has such a large following.

I personally would never spend the extra money on a 2010 with 6 speed. I'd go with the GT1 block and manual over the new DFI 997TT with manual. If you're getting a 2010-2011, you need to get 2011. IMO of course.

In a perfect world, I would get a 997.2TT PDK because it just drives so damn good, but I would also get a lightweight car with 3 pedals for fun. Something like a Viper ACR, or a GT3. All in my humble opinion.

 

my wife can drive stick
in fact, I made her learn to drive stick before we took a long road trip together. Knowing that she can take over makes the drive a lot easier

 

Good work man! I think everyone should learn it as a basic skill just in case for whatever reason you would have to drive a stick car.

 

Hmmmm Do you own the car or does the car own you?...the differences are like riding.. commanding a wild horse in gallop along the plains versus a half trick hand held pony ride.

 

I just love to heel-toe... I dunno... makes the drive more fun. I'm not out for comfort.

However, my 997 isn't my daily driver either... but when I do get stuck in traffic it still doesn't bother me. If I got stuck in traffic daily... well, maybe.

My daily driver (S4) is also a 6spd. I can see myself someday getting some sort of "auto" for my daily, but my weekend car will always be 6spd as long as they offer it.

 

One thing to add here...

If you plan on modding the car to serious power levels, MT is the way to go.
PDK is slipping clutches at higher power levels. Some tuners are working on upgrading the PDK trannies but it is as yet unclear just how much power they will hold.

9ff released their PDK upgrade kit. After the upgrade, their kit will allow the PDK to hold down a max of 850 lb/ft of torque.

Also, as ItalianStallion mentioned above, MT are *much* cheaper to upgrade than PDKs.

If you don't plan on serious mods, then this point is moot.

 

Well had my test drive on a 2011 Carrera S (no turbos on the lot).

Pros:
1. Shifts faster than I ever could. Very fast.
2. Very responsive
3. More subjective torque than my own manual Carrera 4S
4. Put it in drive and no issues with the valet

Cons:
1. Not the excitement of a manual for sure. Felt like an automatic at times.
2. In 'Drive' mode, it hangs around in 5th gear and has little throttle when you punch it


Hard decision. The idea of being as fast as possible at any moment is seductive. It takes off like a rocket. I'm a weekend driver and will likely never perfect a manual. I just like having fun with it. The manual is fun at times but lacks the precision and speed of the PDK.

Tough call. Still undecided. The idea of never over-revving or replacing a clutch is a nice bonus as well. Moreover, eery review I have read said of all Porsche models, the PDK mates best with the turbo and minimizes the turbo lag...

 

And is $130K for a '10 PDK fair? 500 miles, sports chrono. 147K list.

 

What are the options?

Is it from a dealer?