992 manual vs. PDK
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Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2019
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Thank you all for chiming in! No bad choices here. The S manual is maybe more of a purist choice. I have always enjoyed manuals and have done my time in Skip Barber FF's. Also saves a chunk of change. The 4S PDK is a little faster and the AWD certainly might save me in an unexpected snow storm (my trade-in is an AMG wagon with AWD that definitely helped me get over some passes in OR in late spring storms). Either will be awesome! P
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Joined: Aug 2017
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From: Dallas, TX
The Cayenne does not come with PDK, just FYI.
It uses Tiptronic
It uses Tiptronic
I've never owned a 911 without a manual transmission, but I've driven PDK equipped 911s, Caymans, Macans and Cayennes and Panameras. I can't say that a manual is better than a PDK or vice versa. They're both great transmissions, and I'm glad we have the choice. The manual vs PDK debate will never be settled. Different drivers have different needs, and they should choose what's best for them.
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Joined: Nov 2018
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The problem I have with the manual is it is the clunky shifting 7 speed wide ratio transmission with 2 overdrive gears. Stupid, IMO.
I loved every 6 speed manual Porsche I've owned, but absolutely hated the 7 speed on my 991.1 C2S, my 9th Porsche since 1970.
Iam now driving my first PDK Porsche sports car, my 10tg Porsche, in manual in either Sport or Sport+ mode. I have learned to let my fingers do the shifting. It's way faster, and not clunky! Love it!
If the manual were the close ratio 6 speed of the GT3, I'd be all over that!
But clunky 7 speed manual? No way!
I loved every 6 speed manual Porsche I've owned, but absolutely hated the 7 speed on my 991.1 C2S, my 9th Porsche since 1970.
Iam now driving my first PDK Porsche sports car, my 10tg Porsche, in manual in either Sport or Sport+ mode. I have learned to let my fingers do the shifting. It's way faster, and not clunky! Love it!
If the manual were the close ratio 6 speed of the GT3, I'd be all over that!
But clunky 7 speed manual? No way!
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From: Marineland FL
I do not buy it. It is true that more PDKs cars exist but since there are not as many manuals those that want one often find it hard to find what they want, which helps keep prices up. Salesmen will tell you whatever you want to hear when it is in their interest.
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From: South Florida
MT for me...all the way.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2018
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From: Palm Beach, FL
Not sure what his motive would have been to lie to me "in his best interest", it made no difference to him if I chose MT or PDK nor does it substantially affect price / commission. Unless you sell Porsches for a living and see pre owned vehicles on a daily basis, I will stick by his advice.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: Playa Del Rey, CA
Porsche is also very well known for its manual transmission as well. They have had 55 years to perfect it in the 911. Both are brilliant transmissions. I have PDK in my GTS and a six speed MT in my GT3T. Can't say I prefer one over the other. Both great for very different reasons.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Canada
My advice? Go drive the car with a PDK now and with a manual when one arrives and decide which you like better. I think that is the best advice you can receive here.
I bought a 2017 911 C4 with a sport exhaust because everyone on this forum and the dealer told me it was the way to go and I would get killed on resale without it. I didn't like the drone and got rid of the car. I got killed on resale, even with it.
Who really knows better what you will like more than you? As for resale, based on my experience, buy what makes you happy, not what will maximize resale.
I bought a 2017 911 C4 with a sport exhaust because everyone on this forum and the dealer told me it was the way to go and I would get killed on resale without it. I didn't like the drone and got rid of the car. I got killed on resale, even with it.
Who really knows better what you will like more than you? As for resale, based on my experience, buy what makes you happy, not what will maximize resale.
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Well said. These cars are expensive and will depreciate fast no matter how they are optioned. It doesnt make sense to order a car for the next owner, you have to buy it for yourself, get what YOU want, and enjoy every minute behind the wheel.
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From: ^ Laguna Seca
Porsche is also very well known for its manual transmission as well. They have had 55 years to perfect it in the 911. Both are brilliant transmissions. I have PDK in my GTS and a six speed MT in my GT3T. Can't say I prefer one over the other. Both great for very different reasons.
I just cant deny the PDK dual clutch transmission being synonymous with Porsche.