Bravo. Exactly.

I think those who embrace the tech, perhaps see it as the new, third, way going forward. It's doesn't mean they either cannot drive a three-pedal manual, or that they prefer "traditional" automatic transmissions. I, for one, still love manual transmissions, but also welcome the dual-clutch revolution. If anything, we should just be happy Porsche still offers both (for now).

Sad thing is, though, that every "sporty" car in the world today has flappy paddles now, usually mated to their non-dual-clutch automatic transmissions. To most non-enthusiasts, those are exactly the same thing as PDK. I think a good part of the stigma stems from the confusion that creates among the general car buying public.



As an aside, I've always wondered when we will start to see specialists that, well, specialize in PDK transmissions. I look forward to the day when we can upgrade or modify them to our liking, or to otherwise have more support for them. Right now, there is a disconnect between owners and the technology, because we have no way of working on them. The way Porsche handles any repairs seems very mysterious and, I have to say, off putting.

I really hope that the basic design of the PDK is one that will endure for a long time. I hope it becomes the standard for the industry, going forward. What I mean is, transmissions like BMW's old SMG, Ferrari's old F1 auto-manual, et al., have already gone away, and have been replaced by the much better dual-clutch tech. Cars with those transmissions, now seem like dinosaurs. I think in the back of our minds, we are all afraid, on some level, that this technology is yet another stepping stone, and not the new standard already. I hope the PDK from now will be as well regarded in forty years, as a late Sixties 911S's manual transmission is today. (Not that that car has an extraordinary manual; I just mean I hope PDK will still essentially be the same, for the long run.)

 

I've owned a number of BMWs including an E36 M3, E90 M3 and still own a 2002 M coupe as my track car, all with manual transmissions. My 911 GTS has PDK and I have absolutely no regrets! Although I have not tracked the GTS yet, I am looking forward to the fast shifts in Sport Plus mode when I do take it there. I don't miss shifting manually on the streets especially in traffic. But sometimes I do miss executing a perfect toe heel downshift coming into a turn. Guess that's what the M coupe is there for!

 

I think PDK is really good and all, but manual transmission to me will always hold a special place in my heart. I learnt to drive in a manual (Sentra), bought my 1st car (Integra) with it. The stick-shifter always gave me an excuse to hold a girls hand.

 

Has anyone written a poem about their transmission?

 

Pdk has been an awesome technology for Porsche. It has solidified Porsche as having the best engineers when it comes to the double clutch tranny. Has made Porsche truly competitive against it's many rivals who have gone double clutch only. I love seeing Porsche perform well. It's great for the brand and bragging rights. With that said and to answer the ops original question, this really is up to you and only you. You will only know for sure after you have spent some time in a pdk car. I have put several hundred miles in pdk cars over the years, but have never owned one, and yet after that short time with pdk I still prefer manual, That's just my personal preference. Who knows, my thinking may change in a few years. I find it interesting how some Tesla owners believe their cars are better then 911s because they do not have to shift at all. Would this then make tesla the perfect car for everyone? Every driver is going through different phases in life with different needs.To say one is better then the other is still a personal preference. Pdk is faster and does all the shifting for you, but is that what driving a sports car is all about? lap times? 0-60mph? If it was I am sure all the air cooled Porsche guys would be dumping their 6speeds like hot cakes for the latest technology. Everyone has a different driving history and to be honest, I just got a little bored with pdk driving through the canyons,, but then again, I am an old school gear head who likes to be in control of everything at all times. Manual is my personal preference and what brings me the most joy.

For fun I made up some reasons for either choice...

Reasons for PDK:
-if ya commute with your porsche and sit in traffic a lot... pdk hands down.
-if you want the quickest 0-60 mph and 1/4 mile times... pdk with launch control.
-if you want to drive without thinking too much...
-if you want your grandma to be able to drive just as fast as you can..
-if you want your grandma to drive your car period..
-if you have just reached that time in your life where you have given up on being the ultimate driver with multiple skills and no longer enjoys the feel of an amazing heel and toe rev matching down shift before a tight corner...
-if your too tired and can't be bothered any more with that dumb old clutch and stick shift in one of the greatest sports cars in the world called Porsche..
-If you like to eat triple decker cheeseburgers or giant chilli dogs while driving...
-if you like drinking your 3 pump, sugar free vanilla latte with foam milk only while driving through the canyons...
-if you only like to use 50% of your body while driving..
-if being in total control scares you... pdk


Reasons for Manual Stick Shift:
- If your old school James Dean manly, full of testosterone and like to be in total control of everything all the time....
-you like the sound and feel of blipping the throttle any time you want to. any way you want to....
-enjoy honing all of your diving skills and using all four limbs while rapping off quick shifts and awesome heal toe down shifts...
-get excited about using your whole body to immerse yourself into the driving experience while feeling one with your Porsche..
-get a thrill out of man handling your stick shifter... haha
-love wearing race shoes...on both feet!
-25 years of practicing heal and toe down shifts never gets old.
-take pride in shifting so fast on your own... "pdk's got nothing on me" ;^)
-OR if you just get bored driving cars that shift for themselves.

Manual gear box for me please ;^)

 

PDK rock it....

 

Ok here goes:

Ode to MT

When I’m driving on a mission
I need a six gear transmission
With three pedals on the floor
And a stick between the doors

If you really need to know
Yes I love to heel and toe
When you shift a gear just right
With corner exits just in sight
There is really nothing better
Than to be the pacesetter

 

Lotta great posts LOL.

My car's usage will not be commuting... weekend trips, mountain road drives, and the occasional track day.

I had a realization - the PDK would make left-foot braking easier.

Has anyone learned to do left-foot braking, to help balance the car through corners, with the PDK?

 

Between the manual and the PDK
There seems an awful lot to say
Whether to shift by hand
Or Steering wheel buttons
Each side, it appears
Has their gluttons

I'm faster on the track!
You're slower on the street
My heel and toe is oh so neat

The debate you see has no ends
And will plough on forever
Between P-car friends

 

A little story...

I owned all manual cars up until college. I used a career starter loan to buy a Nissan 370Z with 6mt. Loved driving it.

Sold it and purchased a Bmw m3 e92 with dct.

Loved the Bmw, but started to miss the fun of the 370z.

Decided; how do I get the fun of the 370z and the style/elegance/refinement of a nice German car ?

Had to buy a Porsche 911 S with 6mt.

I will own it until I die. No other car meets that niche so well. Shift with ssk and factory otherwise is like a bolt action rifle.

After a decent amount of track time, the car is like an extension of my body.

6mt for some people is the only way.

That said on the way to work I daily the most beige car if I am driving during peak traffic; a 06 Lexus is350. I just cruise in automatic and fall asleep. I guess if I have the money one day I'll have my 991 with pdk for daily commute. So I can at least sleep in style?

 

My Dad has a manual 911 and never wants to drive it because of traffic. I have a PDK and I drive it every single day.

 

Manual, rock it... ;^) gotta represent

... yeah, I waved a vette by, but he was on slicks and dropped in from a higher race group. After him I was the next fastest in this advanced group

 

Excellent TJ!

 

I did it and only miss it occasionally. 99% of the time I am glad I am in a dual clutch.

 

Been on the sidelines here wanting to stay out of the fray since I've fought these same demons, but... The Pdk is an amazing machine. Shifts like lightning. I say, if you like it, go for it. That leaves more manuals for me. Had one for two years, convincing myself to "embrace" the tech but after a few weeks I knew I had made one of the worst financial blunders (for me) ever.

For the guy who said something about adults not owning their mistakes; Found myself making "kid's sounds" of revving the engine and making the shift. Noticed I would put her in neutral at stop lights so the ignorant person behind wouldn't know it was an automatic PORSCHE! (I'm such a dweeb). After not feeling engaged enough to bother getting out of the garage, I took a huge loss and wrote a bigger check for one more "f___ing" pedal. And yes, I'm sure I overpaid to get that pedal.

Do I care if it's a tenth slower from 0-60? Am I spending my weekend blasts through the country worrying if I'd be a second slower on a circuit (never been on one)? Hell no! My enjoyment up and down those 6 clicks makes me pray that I have healthy knees for ever! And I promise I do think the Pdk is amazing...for others.

Best Wishes!