Oak

I guess "like" is relative, no argument from me. although IMO not the same.

1AS

So,
When the DSG comes out will all the arguements be the same? The best engineers in the world prefer this type of box for performance driving. Will we be saying, "No, I'd rather get it wrong on some turns for the thrill of occasionally getting it right". If the best drivers in the universe use this type of box for their living, why will amateurs feel it's better to do it the old-fashioned way?

Right now, some of the paddle shifters are poor in traffic, so I understand the preference of a manual over the paddle shifter. However, ultimately, these issues will be ironed out.
Right now, we are at the transition point where auto-box transmissions are surpassing the performance of the gated manual. I think in 10 years, this will no longer be a discussion for top performing cars. The market will speak. Which box is now delivered in most Ferrari's? AS

Oak

sometimes "newer" may not always be better. simple, aint easy.

B-Line

Mastiff,

You should have no problem with your clutch. Within ten minutes of driving the 997TT, I am sure you will feel at home. You obviously know how to operate a manual transmission (ala your bikes) and if you have never driven a car before with a manual, it's just like a bike, you just need to get used to finding that friction point where the clutch engages/disengages..
-- In all seriousness though.. If you feel you might need some help, I could come out there and give you a lesson. I am a high performance driving instructor.

Only one catch, you have to let me test drive the car --

If you don't know how to Heel N Toe downshift, it is a lesson I can teach you. Heel N Toe downshifting means using the brake while at the same time, BLIPPING the throttle (with the same foot you are braking with) so you can match rev's on a downshift while slowing for a turn. It's a little complicated but can usually be picked up in a 1/2 hr. or so.

Btw, I'm a Harley rider too. Have a 2003 (100th anniversary) Softtail Deuce (Screamin Eagle)..

B

mastiffdog

Cool, the Deuce was my first bike, and I loved it until I rode a touring bike. The Deuce is the best looking HD in my opinion, but for long rides it was tough. I also have a Road King and use that when going solo when I ride the HD. It's funny, I read about the Z06 -Ferrari - Porsche wars on this and many other Porsche forums. The bike guys are little different. We tend not to bash other bikes as much - everything on two wheels is cool by me.

Notice when you ride, 90% of the riders wave no matter what you're riding? Try that when a P car and Ferrari pass each other!

I may take you up on that lesson. The trucker just called, it will be here Thursday, one day earlier, oh joy!

B-Line

boolala, you just don't get it, do you? Have you ever driven a car on a track? Do you know what Heel n Toe downshifting is? It's a sports car, not a soccer mom mobile.. Tips are for POSERS ...... And for old men with a bad left leg. If you want to drive a couch, buy a Mercedes.. If you want to drive a machine, buy a manual Porsche.

mastiffdog

Oh jeez, I am left handed (although the left leg ain't too bad), but I am old and I have a Mercedes. But I am also getting the six speed manual ...life is good?

B-Line

Yes, when the DSG comes out, the argument will be the SAME.. Regardless of performance differences.. If all I wanted was the best numbers at the lowest price, I'd buy a Corvette.
And the average Ferrari buyer is a different demographic than the average Porsche buyer. Even for club racing... Don't believe me, go down to your local track on a ferrari day and then go on a porsche day and see who is the better class of drivers.

B

B-Line

Mastif,

Your going to love your manual... My Pcar is not my everyday car either. I have a suv for the work week, a bmw...
Your manual will be like a fountain of youth.. Your going to feel 18 again.

Deven

I think that what some of us are saying is that IF someone like Rohl spins the turbo tip (or DSG in the future) around the ring in a faster time than the manual, would it not be fair to state that the manual becomes superfulous? This is not an arguement of wether or not one should buy a Ferrari or a Corvette, but from a performance point of view, from daily street driving to track driving and everything in between, if in the future the tip/DSG surpassess all advantages of the manual transmission, apart from the 'fun' factor or 'challange' of driving a stick I think the original posters question is valid. And again I state that even in that situation, I personally would still buy a stick, similar to the reasons why people for the last couple of decades have been buying auto Porsches this time in reverse.

boolala

I already have a Mercedes.

Any other brilliant advice?

Well since it's my money I guess I get to make the final decision. You buy what you want and I'll buy what I want.

Yes. And I have another suggestion as to where you can put your foot.

Ken89911T

From a performance standpoint, I think AS is right. Professional world class racers are using clutchless transmissions. On the other hand, most Crown Vics come with autos, too. A 997TT is neither of these, but has a driver population somewhere in between and a lot more heterogeneous. Clearly the Tip can hold its own, and even exceed the manual (but thats partially due to take-off boost issues). Again, it boils down to driver preference. When PDK becomes the proven better choice, manuals will likely fade to the minority simply because most drivers will want the best performance. I don't think its valid to assume that all Tip drivers are automatically (no pun) assigned to the poser or soccer-mon category.

Speaking of bikes, one of the reasons I maintain an interest in fast cars is because I find it too dangerous around here to ride a bike. I had to give up my Sportster after college and I really miss that thing.

Gary (Fl)

Where is Sharky on this one...

I guess he is just a poser that drives a tip.....

Putt-Putt

Interesting point, but aren't you making an assumption that the tip is faster around a track without some actual lap times?

I'm not sure the 997TT tip is faster around a track than the 6 speed. On Edmunds, they state that it's faster to 60mph from a dead stop because it spools the turbo earlier than the 6 speed. That does not necessarily equate to track lap times. Isn't the tip heavier?

B-Line

Sorry, my foot if busy dancing with my clutch/brake/accelerator..

And Boolala, just so we are clear, I have some questions to ask you for your audience.
1) How many cars (or sports cars) have you owned that have a manual transmission?
2) How many 911's have you owned in a manual transmission?
3) Have you ever driven a 911 with a manual? Have you ever driven a 911?
4) Do you even know how to drive a manual transmission...

.. These types of arguments have come up on the board before and without fail, it always seems to be the guys who have never owned, driven a manual trans on a sports car that that tells us manual guys we are archaic.
.. And just to answer your question: YES, as a high speed driving instructor, I have driven many TIP's on sports cars and SMG transmissions, GUESS WHAT? They are BORING, BORING, BORING.. And meant to be bought so the "wifey" can drive the car too.