Manual to PDK still happy?
#16
Instructor
Since getting my license way back in 1983 I've only ever owned manuals. Back in those days -- and for much of the ensuing years -- cars with automatics were notably slower than manuals and the transmissions were often only 3- or 4-speeds (the Powerglide in the family 1966 Chevelle had but two forward speeds...), were mushier, were power and efficiency saps, slower to kick down and generally dim-witted. The pejorative "slushbox" was truly deserved. Of course the enthusiast was going to choose the more engaging manual, especially for a smaller, sporty car. I never really entertained the idea of driving a "slushbox" car unless I was grudgingly ferrying my father-in-law's Buick Regal for him.
A lot has changed since then; most torque-converter autos now have more forward speeds than what manuals are still available, are able to snick off rapid, mush-free shifts and are faster in most measures of acceleration. Lots of gears means close-ratios and so the engine spends more time near its power peak when demanded.
The advent of viable dual-clutch transmissions was a game changer, sort of the best of both worlds and then some.
I still enjoy shifting for myself for the driver engagement but the 911's PDK is just so much better at so many aspects than I could muster slinging a lever; for example, nearly instantaneous responsiveness to the paddles and completing a shift about as fast as I can get via the quick-shifter on my Tuono 1100... The combination of the 3.8L TT engine the PDK is nigh on perfect.
A lot has changed since then; most torque-converter autos now have more forward speeds than what manuals are still available, are able to snick off rapid, mush-free shifts and are faster in most measures of acceleration. Lots of gears means close-ratios and so the engine spends more time near its power peak when demanded.
The advent of viable dual-clutch transmissions was a game changer, sort of the best of both worlds and then some.
I still enjoy shifting for myself for the driver engagement but the 911's PDK is just so much better at so many aspects than I could muster slinging a lever; for example, nearly instantaneous responsiveness to the paddles and completing a shift about as fast as I can get via the quick-shifter on my Tuono 1100... The combination of the 3.8L TT engine the PDK is nigh on perfect.
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Larson E. Rapp (06-13-2024),
RadarP3C (06-17-2024)
#17
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#18
Burning Brakes
I'd say the Turbo S is the first car I'd rather have a PDK in. I've had many large displacement NA-engine V8s where I still preferred the manual, but the big turbos spool the engine to redline so damned fast that on a WOT launch in manual mode, it's all you can do to pull the paddle quick enough to avoid hitting the rev-limiter. If it were a manual, I'd have to be up-shifting much sooner.
#19
Rocky Mountain High
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I'd say the Turbo S is the first car I'd rather have a PDK in. I've had many large displacement NA-engine V8s where I still preferred the manual, but the big turbos spool the engine to redline so damned fast that on a WOT launch in manual mode, it's all you can do to pull the paddle quick enough to avoid hitting the rev-limiter. If it were a manual, I'd have to be up-shifting much sooner.
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Foosh (06-14-2024)
#22
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With only 5 forward speeds ~500 hp and 400+ ft-lbs doesn’t make a manual completely uselss.
With a super-short 1st gear, then yup.
#23
Racer
I'd say the Turbo S is the first car I'd rather have a PDK in. I've had many large displacement NA-engine V8s where I still preferred the manual, but the big turbos spool the engine to redline so damned fast that on a WOT launch in manual mode, it's all you can do to pull the paddle quick enough to avoid hitting the rev-limiter. If it were a manual, I'd have to be up-shifting much sooner.
Also noticed when watching on some of those Auto Glory videos when there's a turbo vs a tesla, there is just zero visible speed drop off when the porsche is shifting. It's just continuously on boost and pulling, pretty wild after growing up with torque converter autos and <200hp manuals.
Later in life I've learned that variety is also great, get both.
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Foosh (06-16-2024)
#25
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For winter use, a 2004 STI with 460/400 with a 3.9 final drive makes for short gearing, and an excellent city car with three LSD diffs, lighter clutch, also would have a hard time not having it.
The pdk is far and away the best auto box I've ever driven, but, it takes away a lot of driver involvement as it always nails the shift, with the exception of downhill bends, where I am able to confuse it.
Nailing the up/downshift on a manual is one of the most satisfying things that I have ever experienced.
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Big Swole (06-22-2024)
#27
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#28
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my ex S2k during my crazy younger days InlinePro motor with BW 400 hairdryer 925 whp (2800 lbs) not sure of anything visceral than this in my lifetime, now just contended with my 2010 Cayman S 4.0
#29
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Oh, neat!
I get my ridiculous power from diesels....
I get my ridiculous power from diesels....
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Big Swole (06-22-2024)
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