718 GT4?
Track Day
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: Montreal
Just a quick observation regarding the PDK release of the car… Since there is rumors that the PDK car is quicker (as expected)… I don't think it's a coincidence that they release the PDK version only AFTER the 992 911 hits the dealers… To keep the hierarchy with the 911 and the 718.
Does that make sense?
I just can't make my mind for the transmission choice… I'm a huge manual fan, but all the bad press/reviews of the long 1-2-3 gears kinda kills it for me… 130 km/h in 2nd gear is kinda weird!! I'm planning to get the PDK to fully use the car's capabilities, but still a harsh decision!!
Does that make sense?
I just can't make my mind for the transmission choice… I'm a huge manual fan, but all the bad press/reviews of the long 1-2-3 gears kinda kills it for me… 130 km/h in 2nd gear is kinda weird!! I'm planning to get the PDK to fully use the car's capabilities, but still a harsh decision!!
Instructor
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 222
Likes: 8
From: Devon U.K.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 856
From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Just a quick observation regarding the PDK release of the car… Since there is rumors that the PDK car is quicker (as expected)… I don't think it's a coincidence that they release the PDK version only AFTER the 992 911 hits the dealers… To keep the hierarchy with the 911 and the 718.
Does that make sense?
I just can't make my mind for the transmission choice… I'm a huge manual fan, but all the bad press/reviews of the long 1-2-3 gears kinda kills it for me… 130 km/h in 2nd gear is kinda weird!! I'm planning to get the PDK to fully use the car's capabilities, but still a harsh decision!!
Does that make sense?
I just can't make my mind for the transmission choice… I'm a huge manual fan, but all the bad press/reviews of the long 1-2-3 gears kinda kills it for me… 130 km/h in 2nd gear is kinda weird!! I'm planning to get the PDK to fully use the car's capabilities, but still a harsh decision!!
1st: 80 km/h
2nd: 136 km/h
3rd: 187 km/h
Assuming the PDK version has the same ratios as the regular 718 Cayman/Boxster,
PDK top speeds would be:
1st: 73 km/h
2nd: 124 km/h
3rd: 172 km/h
I’ve never driven a manual transmission 981 or 718 of any kind. The tall second is concerning in several ways: it limits acceleration, drops the RPMs below the torque band even when shifting from redline in first, and it makes it illegal to hit redline on the street in any gear but first anywhere in North America.
On the other hand, 2nd gear sounds perfect for highway overtaking, and one could treat it as a “set it and forget it” gear on twisty back roads.
Track Day
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: Montreal
When I did the math for the 718 GT4/Spyder based on gear ratios, final drive ratios, redline, and the rear tire diameter, I got the following top speeds for each gear:
1st: 80 km/h
2nd: 136 km/h
3rd: 187 km/h
Assuming the PDK version has the same ratios as the regular 718 Cayman/Boxster,
PDK top speeds would be:
1st: 73 km/h
2nd: 124 km/h
3rd: 172 km/h
I’ve never driven a manual transmission 981 or 718 of any kind. The tall second is concerning in several ways: it limits acceleration, drops the RPMs below the torque band even when shifting from redline in first, and it makes it illegal to hit redline on the street in any gear but first anywhere in North America.
On the other hand, 2nd gear sounds perfect for highway overtaking, and one could treat it as a “set it and forget it” gear on twisty back roads.
1st: 80 km/h
2nd: 136 km/h
3rd: 187 km/h
Assuming the PDK version has the same ratios as the regular 718 Cayman/Boxster,
PDK top speeds would be:
1st: 73 km/h
2nd: 124 km/h
3rd: 172 km/h
I’ve never driven a manual transmission 981 or 718 of any kind. The tall second is concerning in several ways: it limits acceleration, drops the RPMs below the torque band even when shifting from redline in first, and it makes it illegal to hit redline on the street in any gear but first anywhere in North America.
On the other hand, 2nd gear sounds perfect for highway overtaking, and one could treat it as a “set it and forget it” gear on twisty back roads.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 222
Likes: 6
From: RI/SC
I’m actually considering a PDK Spyder as well and can’t believe I’m even thinking about it. I love manual transmissions! My Miata, 911 Cab, and GT3 all have manuals as did obviously my last Spyder. However, I recently picked up a Targa off of the showroom floor with a PDK, which I never would have speced if I ordered the car, and am finding it more fun than expected. The only thing I didn’t like about my Spyder was the long gearing, hence PDK may be something to consider.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,762
Likes: 1,501
This is Deja Vu all over again with the gearing, but this time we all expected Porsche to deliver and they didn't. 
If the manual had better ratios I would choose it over the PDK, even that I do use my GT4 a lot on the track and I'm always trying to better my lap times.
But it will probably be a very big difference between the 718 GT4 manual and PDK that I will wait for a PDK.
If the manual had better ratios I would choose it over the PDK, even that I do use my GT4 a lot on the track and I'm always trying to better my lap times.
But it will probably be a very big difference between the 718 GT4 manual and PDK that I will wait for a PDK.
Track Day
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 22
Likes: 2
From: Montreal
This is Deja Vu all over again with the gearing, but this time we all expected Porsche to deliver and they didn't.
If the manual had better ratios I would choose it over the PDK, even that I do use my GT4 a lot on the track and I'm always trying to better my lap times.
But it will probably be a very big difference between the 718 GT4 manual and PDK that I will wait for a PDK.
If the manual had better ratios I would choose it over the PDK, even that I do use my GT4 a lot on the track and I'm always trying to better my lap times.
But it will probably be a very big difference between the 718 GT4 manual and PDK that I will wait for a PDK.
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Three Wheelin'
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,629
Likes: 335
From: NYC <> Boston
Pro
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 583
Likes: 73
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 39
Likes: 10
Gear ratio are a lot better in my new 7mt carrera t. Not to mention a lot more torque at low rpm.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 856
From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
That’s what I used to do in my 6mt 981 boxster. Used to drop down to the 2nd gear on a highway to pass. The worst thing about the long 2nd gear is coming out of a sharp turn in the 2nd gear at about 30mph. No torque coming out of a turn.
Gear ratio are a lot better in my new 7mt carrera t. Not to mention a lot more torque at low rpm.
Gear ratio are a lot better in my new 7mt carrera t. Not to mention a lot more torque at low rpm.
I suppose one could quickly shift into first in this scenario, and it should be easy with auto-blip, but given the time it takes to shift into and out of first, I’m not sure it would be worth it at 48 km/h. Under 40 km/h, I’d a say a shift into first would be worthwhile, and one could also then enjoy taking it to redline.
I did some math based on 991.2 Carrera T gear ratios, torque, and weight. I concluded the Carrera T will accelerate 20% harder than a 718 GT4/Spyder from 48 km/h in second gear.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 576
Likes: 202
From: NC
How can we say a PDK, which hits only 12KM/H less in second than the manual is really any better in terms of ratios other than shift speed? You really need something like mid 60s MPH to feel it. Or more power.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 856
From: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
I don't think it's just the gear ratios when comparing a turbo to N/A car.
How can we say a PDK, which hits only 12KM/H less in second than the manual is really any better in terms of ratios other than shift speed? You really need something like mid 60s MPH to feel it. Or more power.
How can we say a PDK, which hits only 12KM/H less in second than the manual is really any better in terms of ratios other than shift speed? You really need something like mid 60s MPH to feel it. Or more power.
The bigger benefit of the PDK is the ability for it to quickly shift down to first for really slow corners, and then return to second, with no effort required from the driver. This is particularly so for people who disable auto blip, then fumble to heel and toe coming into a difficult corner, and then just decide to stay in second.
