Serious question about Manual Transmissions

[MRM]

I always thought the reason car enthusiasts preferred manuals was that they offered better performance. Now that technology has advanced beyond torque converters to dual clutches and whatnot, automatics have better performance. Years ago when I first read Bruce Anderson's book he talked about how automatics in Porsches should be avoided, but that the Ruf transmission should not be considered in the same light as a true automatic. He said something like it was a manual that could shift automatically or something like that.

I think the same of today's dual clutch technology. It's faster and more accurate than I could hope to be. So for me, the answer is obvious. In the old days an automatic was slower and used more gas. Now PDKs are faster and more efficient. What's not to like?

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by MRM

What's not to like?

Technically not much, it's really good... (maybe replacement cost if it breaks but it's pretty robust overall..)

But a 911 utlimately being a "pleasure toy", "involvement" is what's not to like. The topic's been covered.... and reupholstered, many times ;-)

There's not much argument either. PDK is wonderful. You love it, great, I love it too and I'd buy it on my commuter for sure. For my *fun* car I buy a stick and I enjoy the heel and toe gymnastics and it helps me be more "one with the car". It's slower. for sure... but it's fun ! More and more it's also a great anti-theft device ;-)

[MRM]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

Technically not much, it's really good... (maybe replacement cost if it breaks but it's pretty robust overall..)

But a 911 utlimately being a "pleasure toy", "involvement" is what's not to like. The topic's been covered.... and reupholstered, many times ;-)

There's not much argument either. PDK is wonderful. You love it, great, I love it too and I'd buy it on my commuter for sure. For my *fun* car I buy a stick and I enjoy the heel and toe gymnastics and it helps me be more "one with the car". It's slower. for sure... but it's fun ! More and more it's also a great anti-theft device ;-)

Well said. Your post perfectly summarizes the issue. From now on when the subject comes up we should link back to this post.