Tiptronic vs manuarl (going to buy)

Hi Guys, I was always after a manual c2, howver a perfect C4 tiptronic S has come on the market. Whats the verdict on this system? I love the SMG of the m3, and the car would get tracked a couple of times. does it give you control, throttle blips and instant response? Throttle response? Any problems with the system? Thanks chris

Not instant but very close. Instant would be PDK due to the 2 clutches preselecting the next gear for you. But it definately does a better job than I could on a manual :lol: Show us the the beauty in question???

opcorn:

Tiptronic is unbelievably responsive, and imagine the luxury of not having to use the clutch etc in those summer traffic jams.

Tiptronic much better than a manual IMO. No heavy clutch in traffic and very smooth as others have put.

Tiptronic is supposed to be faster. From what I've read, the Porsche system is supposed to be very good. I went for manual in the end as I much preferred the feel of control I get from driving a manual, plus I really didn't like the Porsche button system on the wheel. It looks more suited to changing the volume on the CD player rather than changing gear.

had same choice a year ago and went for a tiptronic, the manual is good but if you live in a city then you wil soon find the clutch heavy going in traffic, i had to sit in traffic on the test drive and after a few mins my knee was aching, i find the auto is very responsive and almost never overide it, but i do have an early version without the buttons 8 second "takeover" mode so only auto or full manual with buttons (pre 2000 i think) cheers

Personally, I can't see why you'd want a sports car with an auto box, it's got to be less involving than a manual and I think it's slower as well. Just my opinion, obviously not everyone thinks like that cos they sold loads of automatic 911s.

I've got a tip but I wish I got a manual, don't get me wrong, the tip is brilliant, but I think a manual would be more involving to drive.

I think it depends what driving you are going to do. I drive mine everyday and leave it in manual for the most part, It changes gear faster than I would and the buttons are so much easier than paddle shifts. [I have tracked it and had masses of fun} In traffic it is a godsend to be able to put it in auto and let it take the strain off the left leg. If it was a weekend/trackday car I would have gone for a manual without doubt. Try them both and see TB

In 'Auto' or 'D' mode the car is unbelievably responsive. Shifts are alot smoother and possibly a bit faster than the SMG tranny. I think the system also uses a g-meter and gets you in the perfect gear to exit the corner in when you have been giving it a good run. I love my manuals and have never owned an auto car before mine, but having driven some other auto cars, nothing compares to the Porsche system, and whether the car was tiptronic or not certainly wouldn't affect my buying decision. I've currently got my tiptronic 996 C4 up for sale ( here ) if you're interested.

I like tiptronic it's a really good system easy to live with and gives all the control and fun you would really want for normal roads, ultimately manual is regarded as better if you go tracking. As has been said on previous threads its down to personal choice. Take a test drive. I don't think there are any significant resale factors with either. Also if you break your left leg you can still drive!! :thumb:

The SMG II is far superior on the track (had one for two years), where as the trip is a much better in regular traffic. The plus and minus function on the weel sucks, for lack of a better word. That being said, I love my triptronic, and would not swap it for a manual. NB the trip was modified from 2002 and onwards, and is fare superior to the first generation triptronic models.. my fice cents..

C4S sounds nice. Go and try it. I have a C4 manual but enjoyed the tiptronic when I tried a couple. Down to personal preference. I have a friend who has the same car as mine but tip. He is faster on track in his tip than my manual but I am the opposite. If its nice go for it. For the 4S model I don't think it would affect resale value. No problems tracking it. I had an M3 and tried the SMG version which was slightly snappier in change but not nice in auto mode whereas Porsche system good in both. Slightly slower 0-62 times by ~ 0.5 sec but you get far more replicable times in auto and more gentle on drivetrain than manual. Porche auto normally starts in second gear and defaults to auto mode after 8 seconds. Saying that I haven't found the clutch of my manual very difficult at all and love the mechanical feeling of the gear change and heel toeing. I don't drive mainly in the city but I can see the attraction of the tip Good luck

Tiptronic is awesome - I have it on my C4S. When it comes to making comparisons, its horses for courses - I chose the Tip because I didn't want to be bothered with the clutch (and I'm not an old duffer by any stretch.) Others will argue that manual is the only way to go - and if it suits their driving syle then they'd be right. Best thing to do is have a drive and see what you think!!