n2cars

I've been offered a Boxster Spyder with PDK or manual. I can't find any evaluations on the Spyder PDK. I've never driven any Porsche with the PDK. Is there a preference here with the Porsche experts? My last Porsche was a 997.1 GT3. Nice gear box but could be a little stubborn at times. Any input would be appreciated.

Blue TTop

My '08 Boxster S is a 6-speed manual. My dealer gave me a Panamera 4S with PDK for a couple days to drive around town. IMO the PDK was a numb and soul-less experience. It might be better than the old automatic, but I would only take it if I was physically unable to shift gears.

n2cars

Thank you. I was leaning toward the manual.

Only1Buck

agreed

Alan Smithee

I feel the same way, but especially in a 'back to basics' car like the Spyder.

Macster

Drive both examples. I've never driven a PDK equipped car.

One thing to consider. You pay "extra" for the Spyder's lighter weight then pay extra again to add weight if you opt for the PDK transmission. The PDK transmssion is heavier than the manual and it is an extra cost option.

If I were interested in a Spyder, and I'm not, but if I were, I'd get one with the 6-speed and PCCB brakes.

Sincerely,

Macster.

Dino944

I drove a Boxster with PDK, and as others said its way better than an old fashioned automatic. But to me its still an automatic, a really well engineered automatic.

Personally, I found PDK detracted from the overall experience. PDK can shift faster than I can, no doubt about it, but for me it was a bland experience, and the manual car was far more fun to drive. I felt more involved, and really appreciated what the car could do with a manual.

Unless I was buying a car to use as a daily driver in a location notorious for bad traffic jams, the manual would be my choice.

Best regards,
Dino

pdxjim

Having a launch 09 S with PDK and having owned two previous Box S's with 6 speed, I like the PDK. I am happy with the buttons and would not order the paddle shifters. If one wants to drive around in manual with the PDK, just put it in manual and it will not shift until one hits a button. PDK it very predictive in Auto, mashing on the brakes from higher speed, it is downshifting commensurate with the speed, putting you in the RPM sweet spot when you mash the go pedal.

RollingArt

Spyder is back to basics in every way possible, including the transmission.

6 speed is the only choice, IMHO.



Phil

john weires

Just bought a 09 C2S with PDK. I agree it's not as involving as a good manual 6 speed although operating it in the manual mode mitigates some of this. Compared to the manual, it does get better mileage particularly at cruising speeds and the car will sprint from point A to point B faster if you are in to that. I'm also thinking about a Boxster Spyder and the manual would definitely be my choice in a specialty car like this. Don't get me wrong, I like the PDK, it's the best auto tranny I've ever driven but the manual is more fun.

00r101

Advantages of the PDK:
Slightly faster 0-60 - do you do timed 0-60 runs often?
Slightly better fuel economy - If you care about it that much buy a Honda Insight or Prius
Easier in city traffic - If your driving involves a lot of city traffic then maybe buy another type of car

Disadvantages of PDK
$$$ - if you have the extra money think about saving it and giving $1000 to charity instead
Soulless, disconnects you from the driving experience - Why buy a sports car if not for the involvement?

hakaida702

I say buy what you want.

savyboy

Haha... PDK FTW for me. See you at the track sucka's...and please be prompt with your point-by's so you don't hold me up any longer than necessary

PDK with Sport Chrono on a track will beat a six speed's a** and hand it to it afterwards.

If you are looking for toodling about the grand countryside on Sunday afternoons then a 6-speed woud be mighty fine.

"Fun" also involves perfecting your lines, braking and turn-in points without the distraction of shifting. You cannot out shift a PDK.

Way better fuel mileage too.

Alan Smithee

Perhaps on paper. Real world is a different story.

Blue TTop

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