Manual 981?

[Nody31]

Any one ordered a manual 981 - all OPC's seem to be pushing PDK
if you've ordered a manual over the new PDK what was the defining
factor for you?

[SFO]

ordered a manual 981S manual in early Feb .. delivery provisionally scheduled for Sat 9 June 12

manual for involvement. PDK is marvellous, but the experience becomes too digital for me.

[stefan1]

My manual S has just arrived at Guildford - will post pics once collected this weekend.

My previous Boxster was also manual - I love the shift quality and the driver engagement, although as per my reply on the GT3 PDK thread, I do understand the appeal of PDK and the different driving experience it offers.

Cheers

[dazzer43]

Manual also , I cant have a porker and not be involved

[J-P]

Nody31 said:

... all OPC's seem to be pushing PDK...

Well of course, it's bit like McDonalds saying "would you like some fries and a coke with that sir?" it increases the value of the order, so everybody makes more money (except the buyer of course)!

[Mutt]

Manual here, too.

Tried PDK, didn't like it. I'm sure it's great in a Panamera or Cayenne, but not in a sports car. Not in my sports car, anyway

[Helicopter123]

Are they suggesting PDK for resale?

[dazzer43]

Helicopter123 said:

Are they suggesting PDK for resale?

More manuals have been sold in this country to near 60 /40 so i have been told .

[btcc123]

OPC will always say you need PDK for resale as you will be spend 2k more plus another 1k for sports chrono and more again for the steering wheel with paddles.

PDK would probably cost Porsche approx £300 more than a manual yet charge 2k for it.Great business model.

[Nody31]

Have ordered a manual 981 blind as there aren’t any to demo –
all that’s available are S PDK’s – could only try a 911 manual
and that took a lot of doing…

It appears to me that Porsche are pushing PDK and as a new
customer to the brand I feel that this has disadvantaged me
in being able to make an informed choice.

I have had several goes in a 981 with v3 PDK – but just couldn’t
put my finger on why I couldn’t go for one even though it is
overwhelmingly impressive –

I kept coming back to a feeling of sameness in the driving
experience??

I questioned if this was because I hadn’t had enough
experience in using the box – and have worried ever since my
order became frozen as a manual that I might be mistaken and be
missing out on this technology.

I went for a manual in the end because I didn’t want to end up
having spent 50k + on a car that I might risk ending up being bored
with ??.

My query is what are others experience in making this comparison
and what defined their decision to go for – or stick with manual.

I note the Drive video by Chris Harris on Youtube and his enthusiasm
for the manual 981 in March – whilst also noting that he had reviewed
the 991 in November which has I believe the v3 PDK fitted - he
appears highly impressed with the 991 PDK – but pleased as punch with
the Manual 981?

Is this a diference that others experience in the diference between
cars with the two diferent boxes?

[SFO]

btcc123 said:

OPC will always say you need PDK for resale as you will be spend 2k more plus another 1k for sports chrono and more again for the steering wheel with paddles.

and dealer makes 13.5% on the extra £3000.

[Gouldian]

Dealers not getting manuals for some time yet it seems. Given the motoring journalists clear preference for manuals and having driven the PDK with sport plus, not that impressed. Having said that, the rest of the car was superb, even compared with my 986. Nearly 3 tons of Discovery as an everyday driver auto is pretty essential, but have kept to the manual for ordered 981 "S" and won't be disappointed!

[Nody31]

dazzer43 said:

Helicopter123 said:

Are they suggesting PDK for resale?

More manuals have been sold in this country to near 60 /40 so i have been told .

The OPC's that i have spoken to have all said that they havnt as yet sold any manuals but had some interest - where did the you get the 60/40

[Wivelrod]

Well I ordered a manual back in Feb, and should be picking it up in a little over a weeks time. Must say the dealer was surprised I didn't want PDK.

The Silverstone Porsche Experiance centre only have PDKs until July sometime.

[dazzer43]

Nody31 said:

dazzer43 said:

Helicopter123 said:

Are they suggesting PDK for resale?

More manuals have been sold in this country to near 60 /40 so i have been told .

The OPC's that i have spoken to have all said that they havnt as yet sold any manuals but had some interest - where did the you get the 60/40

Just from what the Dealer had said . I`ve ordered a manual S , a few more have on here have manual over the PDK . Maybe wrong , but thats never happened before !

[SonnyM]

Porsche make the best manual gearbox in the world.

[Some Gump]

SonnyM said:

Porsche make the best manual gearbox in the world.

What, Porsche make the Caterham 6 speed? Wow, I never knew that =)

[Nody31]

I have heard conflicting information on the box – some say (i.e. the press) it’s the older manual box – with an adapted gear change mechanism to allow for its new positioning – and some – including an OPC have stated that its an upgraded box – anyone know the truth??

It appears Porsche have a lot to say about the updating of v3 PDK - but little or nothing on the Manual box??

Which seems pretty poor for those placing an order...

[SFO]

anonymous said:

[redacted]

extract from 981 brochure re:manual gearbox:

"The new Boxster models are equipped as standard with a lightweight six-speed manual gearbox. Gearshifts are smooth and optimally adapted to the respective engine map. Shift throws are short and sporty and the gear lever is easy to oper- ate, enabling a rapid gearshift action and providing a truly engaging driving experi- ence. The upshift indicator located in the central circular instrument helps you to maximise fuel efficiency.

The elevated centre console gives you an authentic sports car feel. It positions the gear lever close to the steering wheel, which enables you to change gear as fast and as ergonomically as possible."

I agree it's the 987s gearbox.

I had a 991 3.4 manual for a weekend, and completely agree with cmooose .. the 991's gearbox, while mostly accurate, feels inert.

[nickfrog]

I think a lot of the motivation for people going for PDK is the need to have "the latest technology", at any cost. The same way people upgrade their Iphone because the camera has better resolution even if all of their pics are out of focus and noisy snaps in the first place.