Manual vs PDK - Page 1 - Porsche General - PistonHeads UK

So I popped over to have a gander at the latest stock over at Porsche East London. They had lots of cars including customer cars and a sea of Vanilla Cayenne’s, Taycans, Macan & the 5 seater hatchback executive car thing (the name escapes me) The best looking cars there were the 992 Targa’s and the 2 GT3 Tourings that they had in stock. But what stood out to me was the ratio of PDK to Manual transmissions on the Boxster, Cayman & 911. There were only 2 out of 30/40 cars there including one of the GT3 Tourings and a 992 GTS - every other car was a PDK. The question therefore has to be, why would one spec a manual given that the OPC’s don’t appear to be interested in them? It almost seems as if the current Porsche customer is only interested in a PDK yet the press are telling us that manual is the way to go. I’m not sure about that.

People are lazy and for most the self driving cars can’t come soon enough.

For an every day car you actually use e.g, a commuter, a pdk would have to be my pick. Weekends and holidays only, definitely a manual.

maz8062 said: So I popped over to have a gander at the latest stock over at Porsche East London. They had lots of cars including customer cars and a sea of Vanilla Cayenne’s, Taycans, Macan & the 5 seater hatchback executive car thing (the name escapes me) The best looking cars there were the 992 Targa’s and the 2 GT3 Tourings that they had in stock. But what stood out to me was the ratio of PDK to Manual transmissions on the Boxster, Cayman & 911. There were only 2 out of 30/40 cars there including one of the GT3 Tourings and a 992 GTS - every other car was a PDK. The question therefore has to be, why would one spec a manual given that the OPC’s don’t appear to be interested in them? It almost seems as if the current Porsche customer is only interested in a PDK yet the press are telling us that manual is the way to go. I’m not sure about that. The PDK box is an awesome piece of kit - as others have said as a daily driver/in traffic it’s unbeatable really. Manual for high days and holidays

I treat them differently to that. PDK for track use, especially in something very fast and manual for poodling around the uk and euro hoons. My GT3RS is pdk and I couldnt imagine it in manual, it would chaotic imo and not something i would enjoy. My old 911 is manual and for euro trips such as le mans etc its perfectly suitable. For commuting and shopping/work etc, Im not in a Porsche but would agree, pdk would be ideal.

Another way to look at this: people that have specced manual haven't cancelled their orders.

maz8062 said: . The question therefore has to be, why would one spec a manual Because you like the feel of a manual and long term they are more desirable, hold their value better and are easier to fix?

maz8062 said: There were only 2 out of 30/40 cars there including one of the GT3 Tourings and a 992 GTS - every other car was a PDK. The question therefore has to be, why would one spec a manual given that the OPC’s don’t appear to be interested in them? It almost seems as if the current Porsche customer is only interested in a PDK yet the press are telling us that manual is the way to go. I’m not sure about that. That’s such an odd take - who said the OPCs aren’t interested in them?

SV_WDC said: Another way to look at this: people that have specced manual haven't cancelled their orders. A great example of survivorship bias!

PDK is the best aspect of modern Porsches , a revelation . Manual in historic racing is still fun though

I enjoyed the PDK in my Cayman S, but I had COBB PDK tune on it which turned it into a sequential (forward for down gears, backwards for up gears).

the-norseman said: I enjoyed the PDK in my Cayman S, but I had COBB PDK tune on it which turned it into a sequential (forward for down gears, backwards for up gears). I think the 718 already does that, unlike the 981. Fixed at last!

Once you go over 400 bhp i dont see the point of a manual. They are great on hot hatches but high power sports cars and supercars need DCT's IMHO. Manual gear change is so much slower and when driving at speed I want both hands on the wheels thanks. The nostalgic fad of manuals will die with its generation as the new kids on the block don't even know what a manual car is and certainly wont want one

Nuttbelle said: Once you go over 400 bhp i dont see the point of a manual. They are great on hot hatches but high power sports cars and supercars need DCT's IMHO. Manual gear change is so much slower and when driving at speed I want both hands on the wheels thanks. Presumably you are referring to track driving (I hope).

Ohio7274 said: I think the 718 already does that, unlike the 981. Fixed at last! Wish all manufacturers would do it. Does my head in when its the opposite way round.

Haribo Lecter said: maz8062 said: There were only 2 out of 30/40 cars there including one of the GT3 Tourings and a 992 GTS - every other car was a PDK. The question therefore has to be, why would one spec a manual given that the OPC’s don’t appear to be interested in them? It almost seems as if the current Porsche customer is only interested in a PDK yet the press are telling us that manual is the way to go. I’m not sure about that. That’s such an odd take - who said the OPCs aren’t interested in them? My first thought on reading those words too. I’m always getting calls from my OPC asking if I’m thinking of selling any time soon, because they have a customer looking for one.

Koln-RS said: Nuttbelle said: Once you go over 400 bhp i dont see the point of a manual. They are great on hot hatches but high power sports cars and supercars need DCT's IMHO. Manual gear change is so much slower and when driving at speed I want both hands on the wheels thanks. Presumably you are referring to track driving (I hope). I also found Gran Turismo 4 easier to drive on auto mode on the PlayStation. This IS true though. The current generation of new drivers really hate making any choices for themselves. Nuttbelle said: manuals will die with this generation as the new kids on the block don't even know what a manual car is and certainly wont want one Edited by Hol on Saturday 15th July 12:30

PDK (or an auto) is the easiest way of extracting significant performance from a powerful car. Gear changes are fast (lightning fast if you want), and always smooth too. Porsche is rare among manufacturers in offering manual transmissions on their sports cars - others don't for technical (mainly torque) reasons or to meet emissions targets. Plus demand for manual is decreasing anyway. Using the 7-speeder on my 991T is generally a delight, but sometimes I don't get a change ultra-smooth and sometimes I wish I were driving a PDK. I'd get rid of it maybe, but only with some reluctance, I think. I've had PDK in the past but missed manual. I was at traffic lights on the edge of MK recently, beside a Smart Four-Two. When the lights went green, that took off, foot to the floor I imagine. Not being in a tearing hurry or interested in 'racing', but very interested in seamless gear changes, I let the Smart get easily ahead. Subsequently it didn't hold me up, so I cared not at all, but I was impressed by what auto can do for modestly powered cars: strong performance every time for every driver. For most Porsche drivers especially, what's not to like? Edited by Maxym on Saturday 15th July 14:34 Edited by Maxym on Saturday 15th July 15:59

Maxym said: PDK I was at traffic lights on the edge of MK recently, beside a Smart Four-Two. When the lights went green, that took off, f Edited by Maxym on Saturday 15th July 14:34 Edited by Maxym on Saturday 15th July 15:59 Haha wasn't me in my little Smart CDI, I've gone from a Stage 2 981 Cayman S to a SAAB 9- V6 Dog wagon to a Smart CDI, how life has changed.