I'm not a big transmission guy, but can someone tell me the difference between PDK vs. Tiptronic?

PDK:



with both you can do the paddle shifting. So, you basically, have an automatic and a method to manually shift.So other than the double clutch, what is the primary difference and advantages.

 

The technical differences will require someone else to chime in but...

Tiptronic is a traditional automatic which uses a torque converter. The PDK does not have a torque converter and is essentially a computer controlled, manual transmission (i.e. the clutch pedal has been replaced by a computer).

The only upsides to the tiptronic are cost and drive away characteristics. It's cheaper to buy, build and perhaps over the long run maintain. Most of those advantages have a lot to do with the fact that an automatic transmission has been around for a very long time. In addition, the tiptronic is sometimes "smoother" when you pull away from a dead stop. However, I've driven the PDK in the 991 and it's pull away characteristics are significantly better than than the PDK in the 997 or the DSG offered by VW/Audi.

The PDK automatically pre-selects the next gear so it shifts significantly faster (both up and down) than the tiptronic while being more efficient in putting power to the ground. The disadvantages to the PDK are cost and from what I've read, it's not yet suited for offroad use and therefore not coming to this generation of Cayenne.

The 8 speed tiptronic in the current Cayenne is an excellent transmission and simply light years better than the last generation 6 speed but when driven aggressively it simply pales in comparison to the responsiveness of the current PDK gearbox.

Personally, I'd love a Cayenne S, GTS or Turbo with a PDK. I'm not going offroad and don't need the AWD (althought it's nice to have the five minutes a year it's raining here in S.CA).

 

Thanks Da Hapa for the info.

So when you drove the 991, would you have chosen the PDK over the standard manual tranny?

 

As much as I like the driver's involvement of a stick and clutch, after you drive a PDK, there is no going back. I actually traded in my stick 997 as a result. Not going to get a 991 just yet but when I do, it'll definitely be a PDK. Other than potential long term maintenance cost, I don't see any negatives at all. It shifts faster than stick, and my back really appreciates it during So Cal traffic jams, you know what I mean Frank.

These dual clutch computer transmissions are the future. Brands like Lamborghini and Ferrari have already gone away from manual transmission and offers automatic only.

 

Another big issue with the tiptronic in the cayenne is that with a turbo model you lose all the boost each time it shifts into a higher gear. Plus it takes longer to spool. PDK does not have these problems and is a big reason why the PTT does 60mph in 3.3seconds as opposed to a CTT which can only do it in 4.5 seconds.

 

"Tip uses torque converter, PDK uses clutches. In simplest terms, tip gives you manual control over an automatic transmission, PDK gives you auto control over a manual transmission." best explanation I have read-see full thread here:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...tiptronic.html

 

Ya. From what I've been reading, manual transmission days are numbered. I'm also considering a 991 to go along with my CS and was curious because I'm a traditional manual person. I visited Newport Porsche to see if I could take a look at one, but they had no 991s. Snobby salespeople also, but I knew that.

So Steph, when are you getting your CS?

 

You're welcome
That's not an easy question to answer for two reasons.
(1) I've not yet driven the new 7 speed manual in the 991. Traditionally, I've been one of those "you can take my stick shift from my cold, dead hands" guys but the early reviews of the new 7 speed have been mixed. If the 7 speed manual is as good as the 6 speed (with factory short shift kit) that I had in my 997s, I'd lean towards the three pedal manual.
(2) A 911 isn't/wouldn't be a primary car for me. As such, I have luxury of sticking to my preference for a clutch pedal. However, my wife can't drive stick. And she refuses to learn (she can get us home in an emergency but she's a NYC girl that doesn't like to drive anyway). My reality is that buying a new $120,000+ car gets easier when I can sell it as a car that both of us can drive. My argument for buying a stick was much more reasonable and defendable when Porsche only offered the tiptronic and even the GenI PDK. But the new PDK is damned good.

Probably doesn't help you but you asked...

 

That's another reason for me to go with PDK as well: wife can't drive stick.

Frank: Still ended up with a V6. There were no CS with the color and options I could find, and the same dealer I got the last one just happened to received 4 V6's, one with the exact option I wanted. So I played nice and settle with that, and traded my 997 in at the same time. Hopefully the wife will let me get a 991 when the time comes. Interestingly there were several hybrids on the lot and they seem flexible on the price. Not too many people trusting Porsche's hybrid technology I guess?

By the way go check out Pacific Porsche in Torrance. They have several 991's and are much more friendlier than those Newport Beach snobs.

 

Well congrats to you on the new v6. You sure worked fast after that accident. And ya, I see a bunch of hybrids on the lots. I don't think they are selling.