Tip v Manual

I am underway with trying to find a 996 Cab, circa MY 2000. I have not had an opportunity yet to drive a Tip version and would welcome any comments from anyone who has had experience with both. I appreciate that it may come down to a personal preference. Thanks

Be aware that although the TIP box is of very high quality, it is still an automatic gearbox, not a 'double-clutch' or 'clutch-less' gearbox that you find in Audi and BMW's. This means you do loose a bit of power through the rubber-band-like torque converter, along with the sharpness of throttle response. I enjoy driving an automatic (the Forester is an auto), but chose a manual for the 996 because I want to use it as a sports car, rather than just a 'mode of transport' Entirly personal preference.

Paul is absolutely right that it is personal preference, but I would also add that it depends on use. I use mine every day, and my office run is right through the town. The tiptronic is brilliant for that, and although I drive it on the switches almost all the time, it is much more relaxing - yet it can still be good fun when you get the opportunity for a blast. If it was a weekend car, I would probably go for a manual, as it would be a little more involving every time I took it out. I don't have any definitive figures, but I'm sure I have read somewhere that as many tiptronic 996's were sold as manuals, so I'm not alone. The only way to be sure is to give both a good test drive, and decide which one best suits you application. There isn't any difference in second hand values either.

Depends on how you drive and where you drive. If you're stuck in traffic for most of your journey, the tip is so relaxing compared to the workout your left leg gets with a manual. I had a manual Boxster before the Tip 996 and there are significant differences. The tip is a much more sedate experience when you want it to be but kick down and the thing will buck like a mule. The car seems to learn how you are driving and changes gear according to how hard or soft you're treating it. Personally, the benefits (ie traffic driving and when needed an insane kick down) outweigh the drawbacks (feels less like a drivers car in terms of involvement and more of a "press and go"). There's no definitive answer I'm afraid...

agree with all thats been said i had a 996 c4 tip and thought it great for town everyday driving and still fun on a 3k blast to italy and back.purists no doubt would disagree but its my money and for me its the tip for everyday every time[ ][ ]

Tip is excellent and changes gear beautifully for you. I never use the steering wheel buttons.

I got my tip about 2 weeks ago having never had an auto before and having come from a manual 944. I also use the car every day and regularly in heavy traffic. I was worried whether I would like it, but so far I have loved it and am getting more and more used to how to get the best out of it. I use a combination of auto and manual changes and am finding each is great in different situations. Definitely give one a go and see what you think. I'm really glad I went for the tip in the end.

Seems to be thumbs up for the tip then! [ ] (watch now as the manual "purists" ruin the party) [ ]

Tip all the way for me. Its convinient its fun pressing the button when you want to drop 2 cogs down and its hilarious in start stop traffic to see 'manual labourers' fighting with their gboxes. In London, or any other city where congestion is a problem ('It is Ken, it is, you dimwith') is essential. Also worth nothing is that you can't 'redline' tiptronic. And unless you have bought car new, would you have any idea how many times the previous owner 'forgot to change gears up on time'. Now for unbiassed view, on a nice visibility b road, at 7am on Sunday morning, dry road, sun just came up over the hill, I'm sure I'd find manual more involving. And yes, you do lose some power with tip due to converter (someone smarter then me will explain this better). At the end of the day, try both, but thinking about Sunday-morning-empty-road, don't forget by the time you want to head home you'd probably gonna get stuck in traffic Regards Voya

I personally love manuals- I enjoy the feeling of getting a gearchange right, or pulling away with just the right amount of revs, or doing a quick launch without fluffing a change. Another dimension to the everyday driving experience, which may or may not be a good thing, depending on your point of view. I prefer the sound of manuals- not that fond of the 'slur' that torque converters cause, and you geta less direct feel when the TC is not locked-up. You've one less gear with a tip. That said, for urban driving, auto all the way, and I love driving autos for a change. Also, on a twisty fast road, a tip means you can keep both hands on the wheel, and your mind on the next corner rather than worrying about the gears, which in a way makes them more involving than you might think.

Hi Bal, Have you had a look at this thread http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/tm.asp?m=182876&mpage=1&key=&#183635 I have had both Manual & Tiptronic 911's and they are both different and excellent in their own ways. Try both and see how you feel. I think Tip's are less prone to RMS issues than manuals and the engine tends not to get over-revved and you cant change down too many cogs by mistake. Good luck, Rob

Have driven both, but - for me - in the wilds or rural suffolk, it had to be a manual when I bought. But, each to their own, try both and see what you like / which suits your driving aspirations best.

sorry to butt in slightly OT, but could anyone offer a quick explanation of this 'RMS problem' that I keep seeing on the forum. A link to a relevant thread would suffice. thanks [ ]

RMS = Rear Main (oil) Seal, or the crankshaft seal, flywheel end. This is taken from our buyer's checklist: It is no secret that this is a common problem with the M96 engine. It first shows itself by a dampening of the area at the bottom of the engine at the joint between the crankcase and transmission. In virtually ALL cases the worst that will happen will be the odd drip of oil on the garage floor. Most owners will wait until the clutch needs changing and replace the seal at that time. Multiple failures have been recorded, but they are rare. Tiptronics appear to be less prone, but not immune, to the problem. Cost when doing a clutch change is an extra £20 or so, otherwise it is a £300-400 job. There are several threads here, and on all Porsche forums, about the problem However, you won't find too many recent ones, as most people take the attitude as stated above. Basically, I think we all stopped panicing and are fed up with the subject [ ] [ ] Edit: You can download the checklist via here: http://www.porscheclubgbforum.com/fb.asp?m=269468

ok thanks for that. I seem to have a chronic oil leak in my '86 944 Turbo - but that's for another thread. Cheers

Many thanks for all of your comments / feedback, I hope to get out and try both very soon. Have seen one or two cars that appeal and hope to take a look and maybe buy!