While reading discussions like this, I wonder what we would now be saying if in the early 1900's technology was such that shifting was unnecessary.
Would be we now arguing that a clutch, shifter, and the associated skills needed to make them work properly should be added to make the experience more engaging?
Rather than having additional brain and muscle power to focus on the task of driving?
There is a huge amount of discussion about gearboxes.
What about electric starters? Wouldn't it be great to get to fool around with the mixture, timing, and a crank, to be better connected to a car before getting into the seat?
How about power assisted steering and brakes? Both of those just reduce the exertion of driving, perhaps making it less manly?
Synchronizers?? Nothing beats a well-done downshift ( or upshift, for that matter) with a non-synchro gearbox.
I have a 915 gearbox, which requires a bit of extra attention to operate smoothly, but I never hear of anyone seeking out a 915 gearbox car instead of a G50.

The great thing is that today we can choose, and, perhaps instead of criticizing/defending those choices we should be reveling in the richness of those choices.

as Rod said.... just saying'

 

Don't disagree but as my original post stated there was no choice at the dealership only PDK equipped cars with no intent of the dealership to order any MT's.

 

There is a time when technology just goes too far. Even the new manual gearbox has a nanny that blips the throttle for you when you down shift and replaces having to heel and toe. Synchronizers are awesome but the auto blip nanny isn't.

Thing is we got used to the full body and mind experience and the replacement lacks this aspect. Also it may free you up to focus on the task of driving but I'd argue, most will free it up to play with their phone, text and drink beverages. It will likely cause less focus on driving.

 

Wow! This thread has suffered a few derailments from the original intent, I believe.
Given the popularity of these less-engaging PDK (except under race duress, of course), I wonder if the few and rare 991 manuals remaining will command a premium over PDK for future interested purchasers?!
I'm sad to say: It might, if the ratio of PDK to Manual is about 20 or 40:1 as I believe it is.
We could call this: The Manual-to-PDK price paradox!

NB to Jumper: My initial sentence is not directed at you since we both published at the same time.

 

I too fought the good fight for MT. My 2010 C2S was my 6th and last kick at the can for a Porsche MT. I have now succumbed to the superiority of the PDK. My decision was made after driving Porsche MT for 30 years.

I would now ask how many of you have owned a PDK and traded for a MT.

 

I did not know that!

 

Now you do. I bought my car just to be seen in.

 

I've enjoyed heel and toeing for 45 years and can't imagine owning anything but a manual, unless I was fender to fender racing or in an SUV. I'd take a manual Vette or Viper over a PDK any day......and probably will.

 

Anyone who is crapping on PDK, needs to book a test drive and try launch control. Its mind blowing!
That being said, after an extended test drive, getting back to my 997.2 from the 991, I preferred the 997.2 experience and interaction. There is just more to do in that car while driving, the . I drive a car exclusively for pleasure, I take transit to work. So my relationship is different.

Having talked to the designers at Porsche, their aim is really to make the car more livable as each generation progresses, more capable in every environment. Not all newer 911 cars were better than the previous models... over the years there were many lemons and inferior products
73 vs 74 911
89 Carrera vs 964 Carrera
993 Carrera vs 996 Carrera

Also when it comes to North American roads, these are getting more and more boring to drive, because their limits are so high. I have to triple the speed limit on my car to feel it move around and that simply can't be done safely on our roads.

The gearing in the new cars is so long topping out 2nd gear in a 991 GT3 or Turbo is illegal on any Canadian road. So to have fun in such a car you need to take it to the track, pointless on the road.

That's why when it comes to smiles per dollar, a first gen Honda Fit with a manual is one of the most fun cars you drive on the street, you're at 10/10th within the speed limit.

And why I am looking back, and hopefully will add an air cooled 911 to the stable, cause they are so much more visceral. So if anyone knows any good SCs or 3.2 for sale let me know!

However if I had to daily commute and had a bad back, maybe a PDK transmission would be in my future, but I wonder those that have PDK how often are you in Sport+ manual shifting on your daily commute, cause I found that I just wanted to stick PDK in drive and forget it.

 

So for the people who are anti-PDK, consider this:

I love manual transmissions, if I would choose with my heart, I would choose a manual transmission without hesitation. The decision is clear, I prefer the manual.

My current daily driver is an automatic C-Class Benz. I have tasteful (IMHO) modifications that make it really fun to drive. It's a large departure from the factory settings, and the last time I had it on track, I was passing M3s, Caymans, and modern 911 variants. It's more than most people can handle on the track. (The fact that even basic cars these days are extremely capable and surpass 99% of peoples driving capability on track is a whole other thread).

I drive ALOT... I can't use public transportation because I travel all over Ontario on a weekly basis. I really find the convenience of integrated hands free calling, an integrated GPS, an integrated satellite radio very useful. It's technology that makes my life easier when handling my career choice. Using all this technology respectfully, while also managing gear changes, may not be the best choice in staying safe. (Yes, I know this paragraph will cause a large group of technophobes and luddites to bitch about putting the technology down and driving, but think about this before the knee jerk reaction, I want this stuff integrated so it's not any more distracting than turning up the volume on the radio.)

I also find myself caught in many traffic jams, combined with driving in dress shoes and a suit. In winter I would have an overcoat, suit jacket, dress shirt, and a tie. Add to this in winter, I drive with galoshes or boots. Having to sometimes rush, and not always in a nice indoor garage means that I don't have the luxury to properly disrobe and place the coats, jackets, boots, and so on in the proper place to prepare myself for a traffic clogged drive in bad weather where I may juggle with GPS directions and an important phone call.

I really like my Benz, but I admit that I lust after modern 911s as a possible replacement. The ONLY reason why I would consider a 911 now is BECAUSE of the PDK. If they only sold a manual, and an automatic, I would stick with the Benz as my daily driver without question. However, the PDK provides a perfect balance between engaged driving and mindless commuting nonsense that owning a PDK equipped 911 as a daily driver suddenly because a reality. The fact that the back seats, and the overall car is a little bigger is an added bonus to guys like me who have a family with 3 kids. Suddenly a larger 911 with a PDK becomes a reality for me as a daily driver. There is NO possible way a 993, 964, or even a automatic 996 would ever fit my needs.

So, I think Porsche has done their homework well. The fact remains that there are more people like me in todays society than people who can afford an engaged weekend car AND a nice daily driver. For those that can afford such a car, or has the luxury of choice of many care on a daily basis, Porsche makes the GT3 and other cars.

I do think that Porsche should make a lower cost, more engaging model than what they are offering now. Something that has the spirit and simplicity of the 993/964, but also includes some modern additions. But right now, a PDK 911 is on my radar for purchase in the next 6-10 months... without the PDK, I would buy something else. Smart move Porsche...

 

^in that situation would Porsche Tiptronic be exactly the same as the Mercedes. Tiptronic is also a great auto tranny if programed correctly. PDK just responds quicker but GM's automatic tranny in the C7 is just as quick as PDK.

 

I would never get a PDK, I've driven it long enough that I know I don't want it for myself and I also wouldn't want a 7 speed manual gearbox. I'd buy a PDK for the wife though and if I had to share the car with her as a daily driver.

 

I think you are caught in a time warp. Time has passed you by. Most sport cars are now 7 speed MT or PDK.

Evolution is was it is. Your choice is to keep rebuilding the older models to suit your purpose. That being said, manufacturers are no longer catering to you and are moving on to faster, lighter, more efficient sport cars. Time waits for no one.

 

I can imagine a time when nobody will be able to drive manual just like I can't drive the Stanley Steamer or some other Bronze Era car.

When that happens manuals will be worth less...not more. IMHO.

For now, however, the .2 GT3 might be the best asset I own...

 

Ever seen the clip of Hamilton test driving that "old" manual transmission Renault 1200hp F1 car and the look on his face when he climbs out of it? Smiling from ear to ear!

Manual transmissions are not not about newer technology or quicker shifts or faster lap times, it's the "feeling" of being in control and connected to the car. If I have to explain it to you then you'll never understand. Either you have it or you don't.