... with a manual.

And not the right engine either haha. So then its just a lookalike... which IMO has too many poser points. Can't do it.

 

I own a 2023 718 Spyder MT and ask myself the same question every now and then. I completely understand where you’re coming from.

I’ve decided to stick with my Spyder. Its capabilities go well beyond what I feel safe exploring on public roads, making it impossible to push the limits without putting others at risk. For me, the Spyder is more than just about maximum performance and making noise. It’s a well-rounded overall package that I truly enjoy. Even the long gearing doesn’t bother me as much as it does with my 987.2 Boxster S MT (which, in some ways, I actually find even more appealing for backroads). The best part of all: My Spyder is exactly how I wanted it, and it’s fully mine—not the bank’s.

Note: Even if it rubs some people the wrong way, I found the intake sound to be a bit of a one-trick pony, much like the acceleration of an electric car. While the regular Spyder feels and sounds a bit too restrained, the RS quickly got on my nerves and ears.

I wish you the best of luck with your decision. Don’t underestimate what you already have— for 99% of people, it would already be a dream come true.

 

Well, I officially got the call yesterday: "The allocation is yours!" And, officially, I turned it down. I think I know who is "next" on the list after me... will be interesting if/when he goes through with it, how I feel when he takes delivery. But as of now, I feel good about my decision.

 

I love my SRS, but I also know it's not the car for everyone. I think it's great that you're letting someone else get the allocation rather than having the dealer spec one to sell.

 

I got to really stretch the legs of my srs for the first time today, thanks to Mojonito leading a great drive through Texas Hill Country. I admit I had been pretty passive in the car to that point, but once the rabbit was loose…

OMG this car is epic. The sound and the absolute launch above ~6k is incredible. The rapid fire downshifts diving into corners is pure race car.

I loved my manual spyder, absolutely loved it, but if you want to experience a legit race car experience on the street…SRS. Full stop. And the rock star pdk in this car is a large part of that experience.

Yes, it is that good.

 

Have a 4RS and I also turned down an allocation of the SRS for exactly same reason- I wanted a street use convertible to be more engaging by having to row my own boat, and also, I kinda figured let someone else have the slot. I don't know if it is paying it forward, but maybe there is such a thing as good karma even at the high price point for a toy car. Love the 4RS and its used on a track. Have an older manual 911 that is fun enough for the roads. And I don't want a whole collection of P cars as that would be dorky! haha

 

What’s next, you guys want to turn screws on your carburetor too??

 

Yes, you are. The PDK is a technical marvel and the best was to enjoy the RS. But if you prefer manual, don't buy it. Simple.

 

Yes. I do regularly on 2 classic Porsches, a long hood 911 and a 356 roadster. It’s the total classic Porsche sports car driving experience that not many can do or appreciate. I even blip my own pedal 😀

 

having owned manual GT cars, manual older porsches and pdk and manual current porsches... the manuals on post 997 porsches arent great. adds nothing to the experience, imo. if anything, its a handicap to the performance potential. on cars in which the manual was the superior mechanism of the period, definitely go manual. but on cars where a manual is nostalgia and a performance handicap, just go for the superior performance. i still don't get the save the manuals crew on modern cars. you're not saving anything by buying a car with objectively worse performance and automated rev matching. i'd buy the SRS if the opportunity presents itself.

 

I've got a question for all y'all Spyder owners who are on the fence about SRS because of the things you have to give up:

Why not go to Rick DeMan's shop and get yourself a 4.5L? You get to keep the manual, and have a faster, better sounding unit for less money.

 

I don't get why people who love the PDK refuse to understand that not everybody feels the same and feel duty bound to convince those that prefer to row their own that they are wrong?

You love your PDK, cool, have at it, doesn't matter to me, that is your choice but in the same vein, some prefer to have a manual, so live and let live.

I wonder how many would have opted for a manual transmission over the PDK if it were an option in the SRS, or what the uptake would have been if it was only offered with a MT?

 

Isn’t it the same as the row your own making comments on the PDK cars/owners?

 

...until you actually race a real race car . As great as these cars are... they make terrible race cars when compared to actual race cars. And I would not want to drive my race car on the street... that would be a positively awful experience.

But like I said in my OP - the 4RS (essentially same car here for purposes of this discussion) is amazing when you're really pounding on it. Incredibly intuitive. Video-game like almost with how quick it shifts. Wind up the revs, up/down the gearbox... it's amazing. If I only ever ripped it on mountain roads, or still did DE's, I'd probably be more inclined. Good roads are right outside my front door here too.

But if I'm not pounding on it? Just taking a leisurely drive? It's another automatic to me.

To some - the positives of the experience when you're pounding on it, makes up for the other times. Totally get that. Just not me.

 

I also like mechanical watches and refuse to own an Apple Watch.

Yep. Learned to heel-toe over 20 years ago. Using "auto blip" feels like blasphemy.