jw1977,

You didn't state if you were getting a pre or post GTS series (I'll get into that). Like you, all my previous cars (10) were manual, the last being a Cayman that I owned for 9 years. It is a very complex decision very much linked to the individual’s personality. After testing the 991S (pre-GTS transmission) I decided on the PDK. I kept wondering if I was going into 7th instead of the out of place 5th.

Now having said the above I miss the manual because:
1. PDK defaults to auto comfort mode where I have to select M each time I start the car, because I like to use all the paddles all the time. If I don’t the car feels sluggish as you must really step on the throttle to get the car to come alive. Manual transmission naturally gets you go deeper into the sweet RPM range where the power is awaiting your command. I really wish the 991 could be set to default to manual each time you start.
2. PDK does a lot of smart things, no doubt but I’m always distracted by what and why it’s doing it. It is a distinct sense of loss of control even in manual mode. With the manual there is no second guessing who is in charge. It’s all you baby.

I agree with all the good attributes mentioned above; faster around the track, passing (that kick down throttle button is AMAZING!) in traffic, convenient around town, less stress on my lower back. But, I don’t subscribe to the PDK vs Manual repair path being more costly as they are essentially the same transmission. I’m certain that I would get a manual if I had to do it over again but then again... perhaps not in a 991.

_Steve

 

The 7 speed takes getting used to. I still mis-shift once a week. But in general it is good manual box. Too bad it is not a Getrag box like you had in your Cayman - as did I.

 

You're not happy because after you start a car you have to slide the shift lever over, just like you would it you had to put the manual into gear?

What do you mean by distracted 'by what it is doing'? In manual mode, the car behaves identically to a manual car, except that you don't have to work a clutch pedal. It is only doing exactly what you tell it to do, exactly like a manual transmission How do you feel a loss of control with that?

 

My 2 cents, for what it's worth. If you're a manual guy and aren't fully sold on switching to PDK then stick with a manual. I am a manual guy and made the switch to PDK (to a 991 Turbo) and despite the technical superiority, found it to be rather boring and not as involving as a true manual with a clutch pedal. Which is why I'm back in a 991 GTS. Go with your gut.

 

PDK, Sport Chrono...so friggin' intuitive. Either way...you can't go wrong. Be happy with your decision and don't second guess it.

 

I would suggest you lease for 2 yrs with sport chrono/PDK tranny so you can try it and see for yourself. If you don't like it you can always go back in a couple yrs.
I did the same and will be going back to MT but thats just me. However, I continue to marvel at the PDK and find it very intuitive even in my Macan S.

 

Exactly! Pretty soon we'll be marveling at the technology that makes autonomous driving possible and probably much faster and safer than us. I'd rather buy a sports car I can drive and enjoy than buy tech for tech's sake

 

Good thing they don't give you a choice with 991 Turbos. I'd have a tough time deciding. The advice above is all good. Manual more involving, PDK faster, etc. But if you truly can't decide, get the manual. Pretty soon you won't have a choice. Fortunately I have another car that has a stick. I'm not getting rid of that one.

 

If you enjoy driving a manual, you will find PDK to be an uninvolving substitute. The fact that is is 0.1-0.2 seconds faster 0-60 and shifts in 120 milliseconds or whatever is technological astounding and utterly boring. You will miss the 3rd pedal and the precise shifter.

 

Nonsense. I love a manual and I love the PDK. Awesome gearbox. By your measure I guess a Formula 1 car is uninvolving and boring...

 

Nonsense, a race cars sole purpose is to achieve the fastest lap. For that the PDK is better. The 991 is not a race car. So driver involvement is very relevant. Considering 99+% of 991's miles are driven on the road and not race tracks and even the track laps are almost all just for fun, then yes, a manual is far more satisfying.

By your measure, I guess apples and oranges are the same thing.

 

Except what you define as satisfying and what constitutes as involvement is entirely subjective. The PDK performs better everywhere, from daily driving to the track, and makes railing in the mountains more fun for a lot of us because we can focus on the road and our driving. I prefer the manual for the fun factor due to 35 years of muscle memory, but I recognize it's antiquated technology and choose not to bury my head in the sand. And the more I push the PDK, the more I realize how awesome it is.

 

OP - I sympathize with your decision and I hate to tell you this, but it's one that only you can make.

For what it's worth, I'm really happy with the MT in my GTS and enjoy the act of shifting with a clutch. Also, after initially hating it, I like driving the DCT in our GTI. The trick for me was to always drive it in manual mode. The nice part about that car is it's a manual without a clutch pedal for me and an automatic for my wife.

 

If you've really "read through every PDK thread on the 991 board but still can't make a decision", I'm not sure any answer in this thread is going to help you at all honestly. Every answer given here has been given over and over again in those other threads you mentioned. I just registered but I have been a lurker for years and it seems like you ask a lot of questions that really can't be answered by anyone but yourself. Maybe you should go on some test drives and make decisions that are best suited to you instead of asking people on a random forum to guide your life choices.

 

Woops! It looks like we lost the CP. This is the most number of posts recognizing that both gearboxes should be in the same car... Now think about it, Porsche engineered the manual box from the PDK, right?

Then why don't they add a manual clutch and gear shift to the PDK? Or vice-a-versa in a manual, add paddles and wire one of those black keys in the console to activate the PDK that's already engineered in the box? Presto your manual box is being shifted by paddles! They can probably get double the $4080. they charge for PDK.

Just sayin_Steve