Ok I know my opinion does not count persay as I don't have a sports car BUT i really don't care how fast any automatic tranny shifts, I would take a manual over an auto even if the manual was slower. Driver input is everything and when you take that away you might as well play a video game or own a Buick.

 

The "point" was simply to provide some insights to those who may be shopping for a car and would like to read feedback from those who have actually driven them. My opinion is my own and others may have a different opinion. Personally, I appreciate all opinions and points of view so that I can come to my own conclusions.

 

Your point is fine; IMO it's just not necessary to deliver it in the manner you did.

You basically implied your an idiot if you buy a tip. Opinions about the cars are great but do you need to bash the drivers and buyers.

 

Qui es muy macho?

 

I am always a little baffled at posts that somehow relate "driver involvement" to a manual gearbox. I can understand from a performance point of view, comparing a clutch transmission to one with a torque converter, but "involvement?" If you want "involvement" why have power steering, or hydraulics to assist your braking, clutch, or even shifting on your "manual" transmission - while you're at it, take out the power windows and locks, maybe even the motors on the windshield wipers too, then you'd REALLY be involved in driving.

I would in fact argue that drivers with sequential / auto boxes are more involved in the drive, as they spend less time fumbling with heel-toe, shifting, clutch, etc, and more time worrying about their line and the actual driving at hand.

 

The auto vs manual debate will never end.

Personally I see it as preference. Tracking is something I would like to be able to do in the future, but will only make up a small percentage of the time I am in my car. And since most of my commute is smooth highway with some local city roads, I fail to see how I need to be "engaged" and "connected" at all time. I will enjoy the fact that my car comes from a long heritage of autosport, and that it is a better drivers car than most, but there's also the side of me that bought the car because it has leather, SATNAV, premium sound etc.

It's purely a personal choice depending on their needs. If I can afford to DD a Zonda to work who are you to judge that I drive it in auto lol.

 

I think it is a complete non-sense to but a 911 car with anything else than manual transmission. If I want to ride auto I have my wife`s accord, lexus, or any other car.

It is true that PDK offers much smoother operation and pro racers would prefer it by far but it is a mindset, perhaps. I want to drive manual as it is my sport car and I want to be the only force who unintelligently and unprofessionally chooses how to run it so it pleases me, and not any artificial brain inside of my car. Plus I just like to have an ability to shift from 5th into 3rd gear without those sequential paddling actions.

Ideal situation would be to have an ability to keep clutch pedal and manual shiftstick but add a button which could turn car into full auto mode when it is preferred. May be in 10 something years we will get in on 911, as I understand BMW 6 series do have it already.

 

Although PDK has received rave reviews by some ( I have never driven one so I can't say) it is interesting to note that the GT3 is only offered as a manual tranny.

 

Well said. Yes we all know the manual transmission is superior over the tip. I hope you realize you are making tiptronic owners to think they are driving a piece of crap.

 

+1

I've had both - 25 years of MT - a lot less with years in automated sequential manuals. Even the modern ATs are pretty decent, e.g., the sport auto in the newer BMWs; quite nice for an AT and better IMO that the previous SMG offered in their "consumer grade" cars.

Anytime you see someone going off on some fanatic zealous defense of their choice, it says much more about the person than whatever it is they are hung up on. Insecurity, immaturity, lack of experience, close mindedness, or just quirky human nature - I'm sure psychologists have some explanation.

I couldn't honestly proclaim any of these technologies as a clear winner - they all have their pros and cons.

 

That's funny, I drive a Lexus now but I want something more engaging But what draws me to Porsche is their heritage, handling, looks, and the fact that I can drive a race derived car without sacrificing any of my luxury or convenience.

That's why I said its an endless debate because auto will lose some of the "perks" that comes with being a manual, but some times those are perks to you, but simply means nothing to someone else. It's almost comparable to the people who buy cabs vs hardtops.

 

I believe Walter Rohrl or however you say his name stated that this is due to the fact that the PDK transmission is heavier. I don't know if this is really the reason since the GT3 is supposed to be the purists' car.

Anyway... I can't imagine having an automatic or paddle-shifted sports car unless I was actually racing. As a side note, F1 cars used to have fully automatics on upshifts only.

 

Doesn't Mr Pagani conduct DD on all of his prospective buyers? I'm quite certain that he'll blacklist you for even mentioning wanting an A/T Zonda.

 

Then unfortunately I gotta save up more for a Veyron That only comes in auto I believe haha

 

Yes...and your post with all of the insightful real world experience will, I am sure, prevent anyone else from making the mistake of buying a tip
There are dozens of "decent" threads about the differences and merits of both tip and manual trannys...yours isn't one of them.