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We are talking about gearing. Second gear in the 991 goes to 84mph. Makes canyon driving less engaging as you will need to downshift to first when exiting certain corners to stay in the powerband. I’m used to downshifting to second for the same scenarios in most other cars. This is a large component of a car being fun.
As far as shifters go, a simple numeric shifter install in the 997 will deliver a far better than 991 shift feel.
Where you live can play a factor. My first Porsche was a 997.1 manual. I loved it, put a smile on my face every time I drove it, but I live in the heart of the DFW area. There is a stop light every 8th to quarter mile when you’re not on one of the bumper to bumper freeways.
The manual was just a PIA to drive in this area. Commuting to work was no fun. When I had time to get out of the city and drive, it was incredible. However, most of the time in the car were quick joy rides and or errands. The switch to the 991.1 PDK has made the Porsche experience better for me, personally.
I think the tall gearing in the 991 is a deal killer for me. Honestly I love the 991 looks and creature comforts but it’s simply beyond aggravating to have to downshift into 1st gear if you’re turning under 40mph to feel any sort of power/fun.
I’m likely headed to the 997 forum, boys. May be worth trying a 991.1 manual, but from the gear ratio charts I’ve seen, I think the aspect I disliked most about my 991 will remain, albeit maybe a bit more fun when paired with a manual gearbox.
I have a base 991.1 with MT. I hate to admit it’s about the worst MT car I’ve ever driven. Heavy, long travel clutch, sloppy shifter. I imagine Porsche stopped caring/refining MT years ago…automatic’s are the future.
The car is pretty gutless under 4500 rpm or so. It’s very noticeable as you accelerate on an on-ramp or something. Rpm’s slowly rise to about 5000 and then it feels like it lights the afterburners You just need to rev the hell out of if to wake it up. Usually you’re well over highway speeds by the time 4th gear is wound out. You end up just rowing through 5th or 6th just to put it in 7th to cruise. 5,6 and 7th gears don’t feel like they have much space between them.
I have a base 991.1 with MT. I hate to admit it’s about the worst MT car I’ve ever driven. Heavy, long travel clutch, sloppy shifter. I imagine Porsche stopped caring/refining MT years ago…automatic’s are the future.
The car is pretty gutless under 4500 rpm or so. It’s very noticeable as you accelerate on an on-ramp or something. Rpm’s slowly rise to about 5000 and then it feels like it lights the afterburners You just need to rev the hell out of if to wake it up. Usually you’re well over highway speeds by the time 4th gear is wound out. You end up just rowing through 5th or 6th just to put it in 7th to cruise. 5,6 and 7th gears don’t feel like they have much space between them.
Not saying the 7MT is the best I've driven, but I've had a lot of MT cars and the 7MT is not even close to the worst (has anyone here ever driven a US spec Exige..... yikes).
But as others have mentioned, the numeric shifter / cables will get your pretty close to a "fantastic" experience. Id say my 7MT + Numeric setup is about 85% of my past S2K's, which was the best MT I've owned.
I have a base 991.1 with MT. I hate to admit it’s about the worst MT car I’ve ever driven. Heavy, long travel clutch, sloppy shifter. I imagine Porsche stopped caring/refining MT years ago…automatic’s are the future.
The car is pretty gutless under 4500 rpm or so. It’s very noticeable as you accelerate on an on-ramp or something. Rpm’s slowly rise to about 5000 and then it feels like it lights the afterburners You just need to rev the hell out of if to wake it up. Usually you’re well over highway speeds by the time 4th gear is wound out. You end up just rowing through 5th or 6th just to put it in 7th to cruise. 5,6 and 7th gears don’t feel like they have much space between them.
to counter this.
i like the 7MT with my 991.1S and i've never owned anything but manuals. i like to keep the revs up and i never use 7th and only rarely use 6th even on the freeway.
i like the 7MT with my 991.1S and i've never owned anything but manuals. i like to keep the revs up and i never use 7th and only rarely use 6th even on the freeway.
I really only use 1st and 2nd around town and only 3rd and 4th on the freeway, probably why I average 12 MPG LOL
08-01-2022, 07:42 AM
