Auto vs. manual
 

I've done a search didn't find any answer.i know it's an old debate ,but what are pro and cons to manual vs auto I early 928 81 and earlier

New auto's with paddle shifting and 8 speed trans can out perform any manual stick. People still like stick but it's going to be a thing of the past. All in what you like.

For the early cars (which is what you asked) I prefer the 5 speed manual vs the 3 speed auto. It gives you more control for performance driving. IMHO I like to use the engine to speed quickly and slow the car down going into curves. You can more easily stay in the power band of the rpm range.

It all depends on the driver and what type of driving he enjoys.

Me, I like my 84 auto, since drinking coffee and smoking cigars is accomplished much easier. Especially, if I'm "in traffic". If I want to drive it "similar" to a stick...I can downshift or hold it in gear by manually moving the shifter handle.

My 78 is a stick and it helps hide its under powered motor some...but it's still what it is.

The majority of my driving happens in the country, so having an auto is nice(r) when a deer jumps in your path. A stick...a lot has to happen...and if you have a cigar in one hand and a coffee in the other...it ain't usually good.

Brian.

The Euro S had 300 hp while the US version in early years had 220 hp. An automatic 3 spd combined with the lesser power is an OK trip car, maybe even an excellent one, but its not very entertaining.

The Porsche AT is NOTHING like a modern responsive automatic. Unless you floor it, its a dog off the line, and most of the shifting following that pattern of all or nothing.

OTOH very few drivers will put a 928 around a track faster with a manual than with an AT for a host of reasons including skill and slow shifting.

If I wanted an AT there are plenty of cheaper, faster, more reliable nice looking cars I would pick first.

You simply cannot beat a new automatic. The shifting is fa-nominal. I was recently in a 2015 Z06 Vette and it went like Hell. However, the 928 by comparison, is not fast, not as sophisticated, is 30 years old but just as much fun to drive and is a unique car. It gets attention! It was way ahead of it's time, fun to drive and is not $100,000. If you want a fast new Porsche, get the 918.

It's definitely a personal preference. I test drove an auto 1983 928 and it felt lethargic and non-sporty. The 5-speed has it's flaws, but I like the challenge.

Hugo

This is funny I had a seriously excellent 1985 310HP Euro 5 speed with an `88 trans and LSD,
boy what a pain in the ass it was to drive to work and home.
Not going over 40 mph and to have to stop after getting into 3rd
It was 1st and 3rd shifting saving the 2nd gear syncro.
The trans shifted great new clutch and all.

Holy Cow, Now I am driving a 1982 Weissach with a 3 speed AUTO trans,
and a bigger tubed exhaust, so yes its a bit loud.
It has stock brakes with fresh pads
Damn is this a fun car,
yep its slower ,
it has somewhat softer brakes,
the trans hammers into 3rd on the first shift from cold start,
so I keep in 2nd for the first 4 mins of warm up.
I added some R12 and it blows freakin cold air out the center vent,
its kinda like a junker, but fuuuuc its funnn.

And the topper is was given to me.
OK so i dumped about 3K into it to get it back to driving.
Its getting some black boges and new MMs and an OPG
It is leaking... But still I like it better than the Euro..

NOW when I took the Euro to the track a way different story it would go like stink,
and stop even better and it was happy to smoke the tires.

really two very different blades for two very different jobs...
You get to make your choice

I have owned and driven a number of stick shift cars. First one was a 56 Ford, 3 speed on the column. Had to get my drivers license using this one. Stick can be fun but not in city stop and go traffic, not in bumper to bumper traffic jams.