Why do some PDK cars have "Paddle" shifters and some have the "Thumb" shifters?
01-30-2013, 11:11 PM
#31
Rennlist Member
The previous owner of my car had the dealer modify the buttons so that the ones on the front don't do anything at all. The right hand button on the back of the wheel up-shifts and the back one on the left down-shifts. This is my first experience with a flappy paddle gearbox so I don't have anything to compare it to but it was very easy to get used to. I did two days at Sebring earlier this month and didn't have any inadvertent shifts. I didn't read the entire thread so I apologize if this has been discussed previously.
06-16-2018, 11:39 AM
#32
3rd Gear
Join Date: May 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
@OhioLeftu
I know this is an old post but THANK YOU for asking this and thank you all for the wonderful comments and feedback!
06-16-2018, 11:57 AM
#33
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
The previous owner of my car had the dealer modify the buttons so that the ones on the front don't do anything at all. The right hand button on the back of the wheel up-shifts and the back one on the left down-shifts. This is my first experience with a flappy paddle gearbox so I don't have anything to compare it to but it was very easy to get used to. I did two days at Sebring earlier this month and didn't have any inadvertent shifts. I didn't read the entire thread so I apologize if this has been discussed previously.
Karl.
Paddles have several other uses
06-16-2018, 02:01 PM
#36
However, a year into my C2S ownership I started to track the car. I discovered what others have mentioned about the fleshy part at the base of the thumb causing an inadvertent upshift. That only happens when the wheel is cranked over - i.e. in the middle of a turn - and of course that's the WORST time for a sudden upshift. I realized that my PSDS instructors held their thumb vertically on the steering wheel instead of hooking it around the rim of the wheel. When I tried it - voila! No more inadvertent upshifts.
DMoore
'11 GTS
'10 Panamera 4S
I was taught to drive by my elders (and that was 50 some years ago). I was told to never wrap my thumbs around the wheel because if you hit a rut the wheel will spin and break them.
I've seen the wheel spin in a blur while driving off road as well as driving farm and heavy equipment. So I know my elders were correct.
I'll admit it doesn't apply to modern cars so much, but I've gotten home with both thumbs multiple times because of what I was taught. So I drive this way.
I also, from years of motorcycles, drive with a light touch (I've got strong arms but long days riding in the dirt don't favor a tight grip).
When you combine those, the buttons work flawlessly.
I also find the buttons require less fuss to reach which is nice. There's a lot less disruption in my grip. FWIW, I was driving a friend's GTS a week or so ago and when I reached to upshift found myself washing the windshield. Never had this problem pulling back on the buttons.
So I prefer the buttons to the paddles on my wife's AMG (yes, I've experienced both). But that's me. No need for anyone to take this personally.
It was bold of Porsche to go a different path. It's nice to have choices.
06-17-2018, 01:39 AM
#37
Rennlist Member
My perspective from all options. I own 3 Pcars......one Tip with buttons, one 6 speed manual, and one PDK with paddle shifters. I am not fond of the buttons because of the thumb "up/down" shift. In spirited driving I've lost my hand position on the wheel and not been able to grab the gear I wanted. I love the manual and running through the gears with the exception of every day driving. My last straw was on my way to work with my favorite thermal mug full of hot coffee....between my legs (because the cup holders suck) and on a steep incline....traffic moves, clutch out and zoom forward....coffee all over my white dress shirt. In my crotch too so my day is ruined and I have to go back home and change. Now to the PDK with paddle shifters....for me the perfect compromise. Again, this is MY opinion and works for me, and I realize many others may feel differently. I love the fact that I can drive in "auto" in traffic and switch to auto/manual with the paddle shifters when I want to drive aggressively. The paddle shifters are dedicated to up on one side and down shifting on the other which is intuitive (for me) and adds to my driving enjoyment. I recently did an 800 mile road trip through 4 states in my 997.2 TT (PDK) and used the paddles on canyon drives and "overtaking" on the open roads. I'm a fan 
06-17-2018, 02:22 AM
#38
Rennlist Member
Just a different perspective ...
I was taught to drive by my elders (and that was 50 some years ago). I was told to never wrap my thumbs around the wheel because if you hit a rut the wheel will spin and break them.
I've seen the wheel spin in a blur while driving off road as well as driving farm and heavy equipment. So I know my elders were correct.
I'll admit it doesn't apply to modern cars so much, but I've gotten home with both thumbs multiple times because of what I was taught. So I drive this way.
I also, from years of motorcycles, drive with a light touch (I've got strong arms but long days riding in the dirt don't favor a tight grip).
When you combine those, the buttons work flawlessly.
I also find the buttons require less fuss to reach which is nice. There's a lot less disruption in my grip. FWIW, I was driving a friend's GTS a week or so ago and when I reached to upshift found myself washing the windshield. Never had this problem pulling back on the buttons.
So I prefer the buttons to the paddles on my wife's AMG (yes, I've experienced both). But that's me. No need for anyone to take this personally.
It was bold of Porsche to go a different path. It's nice to have choices.
I was taught to drive by my elders (and that was 50 some years ago). I was told to never wrap my thumbs around the wheel because if you hit a rut the wheel will spin and break them.
I've seen the wheel spin in a blur while driving off road as well as driving farm and heavy equipment. So I know my elders were correct.
I'll admit it doesn't apply to modern cars so much, but I've gotten home with both thumbs multiple times because of what I was taught. So I drive this way.
I also, from years of motorcycles, drive with a light touch (I've got strong arms but long days riding in the dirt don't favor a tight grip).
When you combine those, the buttons work flawlessly.
I also find the buttons require less fuss to reach which is nice. There's a lot less disruption in my grip. FWIW, I was driving a friend's GTS a week or so ago and when I reached to upshift found myself washing the windshield. Never had this problem pulling back on the buttons.
So I prefer the buttons to the paddles on my wife's AMG (yes, I've experienced both). But that's me. No need for anyone to take this personally.
It was bold of Porsche to go a different path. It's nice to have choices.
06-17-2018, 04:14 AM
#39
Nordschleife Master
Personal preferences. I don't like the buttons and don't really care for the paddles either but take them over the buttons. My gripe with the paddles is that the throw is too long. Didn't realize this until I had a Benz rental with paddles a while back. Much shorter and crisper. Porsche can really take a lesson from Benz on this imo. So I use the gear lever all the time instead of the paddles on the GTS. Brings it back closer to the manual feel, especially in sport plus mode which is where I spend almost all of of my time. Right hand where it always used to be, insanely quick shifts and loving it. For those who absolutely have to press that 3rd pedal and move the gear lever in the H pattern to be happy then it still won't do. I understand.
06-17-2018, 11:45 AM
#40
Rocky Mountain High
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Porsche has shortened the throw on the paddles starting with the 991.2 cars.
I prefer paddles over buttons, but it’s probably because I’m used to that configuration. I rented a 991.2 in Germany with buttons and I occasionally downshifted when I was trying to upshift.
I prefer paddles over buttons, but it’s probably because I’m used to that configuration. I rented a 991.2 in Germany with buttons and I occasionally downshifted when I was trying to upshift.
06-17-2018, 01:06 PM
#41
Track Day
Join Date: Jul 2016
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I purchased a '10 C4S PDK with buttons. Tried to get used to them for about a month, no go. Bought a paddle wheel from Sunset Porsche, best 1k I ever spent. Still have the button wheel as a spare.
J
J
06-17-2018, 02:24 PM
#42
Burning Brakes
I use the shift lever. It feels more natural. I just wish it was reversed. But, mostly I let the PDK do the shifting because it gets much better gas mileage and the roads are all congested.
06-17-2018, 02:57 PM
#43
Three Wheelin'
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am toying with the idea of buying a used 2010 997.2 3.8L C2S that is equipped with the PDK transmission. But the car has the steering wheel with the buttons and during the test drive I absolutely hated it. I even told the salesman at the dealership there was no way in hell I would ever buy the car with that steering wheel. I told him if he knew of another 997.2 3.8L C2S but with the 6-speed manual that I would absolutely be interested if it was a good car competitively priced. Problem is, is that appears that most 6-speed manual 997.2 3.8L C2S owners are holding on to their cars. I don't think there is a single one for sale in Canada. None at all. Now there are a few in the US, their numbers are pretty low as well and they are priced higher than the PDK cars. Plus I am not really in the "let's go through the trouble of importing a car" mode at this time. But the dealer wants this sale, so he has agreed to throw in the paddle shifters if I buy his car. It will take a couple of months for them to arrive since he said they are on back order. But I can wait. The race track I want to drive the 2010 997.2 3.8L C2S car on is not scheduled to open until next summer.
My dream car is still some sort of GT3, but I can't afford a GT3 right now. I am still dreaming. But a 997.2 3.8L C2S is the next best thing and I am just waiting to see if the planets align pending a scheduled inspection on my 993 before I can pull the trigger on this 997. I am going to miss my 993C2. She has been an absolutely awesome engaging car to drive. But when I did have access to a local race track back in 2009 through 2011, I did lust for more power and the 997.2 3.8L car will be a nice performance improvement plus driving a paddle shifter car on a race track will be dope. Will it happen? Only time will tell. I am still waiting for all my ducks to lined up.
My dream car is still some sort of GT3, but I can't afford a GT3 right now. I am still dreaming. But a 997.2 3.8L C2S is the next best thing and I am just waiting to see if the planets align pending a scheduled inspection on my 993 before I can pull the trigger on this 997. I am going to miss my 993C2. She has been an absolutely awesome engaging car to drive. But when I did have access to a local race track back in 2009 through 2011, I did lust for more power and the 997.2 3.8L car will be a nice performance improvement plus driving a paddle shifter car on a race track will be dope. Will it happen? Only time will tell. I am still waiting for all my ducks to lined up.
06-17-2018, 11:47 PM
#44
Rennlist Member
06-18-2018, 01:42 AM
#45
Nordschleife Master
I am toying with the idea of buying a used 2010 997.2 3.8L C2S that is equipped with the PDK transmission. But the car has the steering wheel with the buttons and during the test drive I absolutely hated it. I even told the salesman at the dealership there was no way in hell I would ever buy the car with that steering wheel. I told him if he knew of another 997.2 3.8L C2S but with the 6-speed manual that I would absolutely be interested if it was a good car competitively priced. Problem is, is that appears that most 6-speed manual 997.2 3.8L C2S owners are holding on to their cars. I don't think there is a single one for sale in Canada. None at all. Now there are a few in the US, their numbers are pretty low as well and they are priced higher than the PDK cars. Plus I am not really in the "let's go through the trouble of importing a car" mode at this time. But the dealer wants this sale, so he has agreed to throw in the paddle shifters if I buy his car. It will take a couple of months for them to arrive since he said they are on back order. But I can wait. The race track I want to drive the 2010 997.2 3.8L C2S car on is not scheduled to open until next summer.
My dream car is still some sort of GT3, but I can't afford a GT3 right now. I am still dreaming. But a 997.2 3.8L C2S is the next best thing and I am just waiting to see if the planets align pending a scheduled inspection on my 993 before I can pull the trigger on this 997. I am going to miss my 993C2. She has been an absolutely awesome engaging car to drive. But when I did have access to a local race track back in 2009 through 2011, I did lust for more power and the 997.2 3.8L car will be a nice performance improvement plus driving a paddle shifter car on a race track will be dope. Will it happen? Only time will tell. I am still waiting for all my ducks to lined up.
My dream car is still some sort of GT3, but I can't afford a GT3 right now. I am still dreaming. But a 997.2 3.8L C2S is the next best thing and I am just waiting to see if the planets align pending a scheduled inspection on my 993 before I can pull the trigger on this 997. I am going to miss my 993C2. She has been an absolutely awesome engaging car to drive. But when I did have access to a local race track back in 2009 through 2011, I did lust for more power and the 997.2 3.8L car will be a nice performance improvement plus driving a paddle shifter car on a race track will be dope. Will it happen? Only time will tell. I am still waiting for all my ducks to lined up.
http://www.dctms.com/product_ST_PCH_997_2.html
http://www.dallassteeringwheel.com/sw1.htm