I’m looking at 2 cars for daily drive, one is a 2013 4S with manual transmission and the other is a 2015 GTS4 with PDK.
I love the idea of the manual trans, if the GTS was manual it would no question it seems so much more sorted on the road over the 4S.
The 4S doesn’t have Sport Chrono the GTS does, both have Sport exhaust, GTS has Centre Locks, 4S has 5 lug.
which would hold value best?
thank you for any insight.

 

PDK is a great transmission but I couldnt image owning a 911 without a clutch pedal. Theres no wrong answer but if you are a manual guy you will likely get bored with the pdf. Just my $.02

 

A lot of variables that need to be decided upon and prioritized to get to a decision. A 4S can be optioned to a GTS of course, so depending upon which options are important to you will sway the decision.

Fundamentally, do you want manual or PDK. Choosing the alternative because it's available will probably not bring long term happiness and wishing you had waited.

Another important variable is cost with the GTS being more expensive versus a 2013 4S of similar mileage. The GTS will most likely have a higher MSRP and lower depriciation due to age and desirability. If cost is not an issue, defer to my prior statements.

I went with a 2016 4GTS as it fit all my needs but probably would have been okay with a 4S if one was available with the options I wanted. In retrospect though, I'm glad I went with the GTS despite the higher up front cost.

 

Probably best not to think of these cars as investments, so get the car that calls to you.

However, since you asked... on a percentage basis the depreciation curve on the GTS will be better with everything else being equal. However, the buy-in will likely be a lot higher, so you might lose more dollars over time even thought it’s less as a percentage of purchase price. E.g. A 911 may depreciate less than a $20k Camry on a percentage basis, but you will never lose more than $20k on the Toyota. Basically, don’t let depreciation math sway your decision.

These cars are to be driven and enjoyed. Pick one and then get driving.

 

4GTS

 

C4S with manual, but I'm biased, own a manual C4S.

Wouldn't own a 911 w/o a manual, but that's just me.

Go with what you want, what we want is just noise.

 

I’d have two questions, in addition to the great points above.

1. Have you tried a 4S with sport chrono? The extra settings may make a difference in performance.
2. What about the GTS felt more sorted? I think if you explore that question, you may have your answer.

For reference, I have a 14 C4S with manual and sport chrono and love it. Didn’t drive a 991.1 4GTS, but did drive a 997.2 4GTS with PDK, but missed the manual. I also liked the auto rev match of the 991.1 manual w/SC. It comes in handy.

 

I think you answered your own question right here. Let me know if I am wrong.
Sport chrono gives you nothing on the manual that you can't do yourself....except the active engine mounts, they eventually need replacement at a HUGE cost compared to the normal mounts. Search the threads.
Don't get hung up on lack of SC with a manual, you might find it a blessing.

 

I'd vote for GTS every day!
You never said why you want an AWD(?) Are you going to drive it in wintry weather?
I owned a C2S 7 speed manual and hated it. I've owned most of Porsches 3 pedal cars, and can say that 7 speed is the worst manual Porsche has ever built. It's balky, clumsy, and slow to shift. It stinks. Ask me how I know.
The modern 911 PDK is the best manual transmission Porsche has ever offered.
Can't burn the PDK's dual concentric liquid-cooled clutches, even if you try. Try backing a 3 pedal 7 speed "manual" up a driveway incline into a tight garage. You will smell clutch every time. Ask me how I know.
PDK (dual clutch manual) shifts in as little a 50 ms, with your finger tips. No left leg fatigue or cramps when stuck in heavy traffic.
PDK is a dream come true.
As is the GTS.

 

I would had normally agreed, I would have never expected to drive a sports car without the 3rd pedal...long story short, tried the pdk...bought the car with PDK and I am wondering if I will ever want to go back.

I love the snappy shifts, I love the pedal shifters. I would vote GTS with PDK
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I live in BC, it's wet a lot of the time so the extra traction of an AWD car sounds good to me, I also drive to the local ski hills so there's always a few days of snow driving.
I love driving a manual car but, I also don't mind a flappy paddle now and then.
thanks for the input.

 

Get the manual, or you will always wish you did since you're in that school of thought...

 

If this another PDK vs manual thread, then there is no wrong choice. If you have one you'll wish maybe you had the other. LOL

 

Go with the GTS if you really like the aero treatment, must have a power kit, and don’t mind spending more. Powerkit cars usually sound better but really don’t make a difference on the street. Bragging rights but not much in performance.

Holding value is one thing but the 13 will be the better value upfront and on the depreciation curve. S models are always a better value buying used. One knock on the 13 manual was Porsche improved on its weaknesses in later years. I’d look for a later year manual and aero kit car. I wouldn’t forgo a manual if that’s what you like.

 

Thanks,
I was a little worried about the 2013 being first of the 4S model.
Ive also been told the GTS has a slightly more aggressive suspension setup, but I can't seem to find any literature on that.