Got "The Call" (GT3 Touring)... Now Which Transmission?
Discussion
Hi,
I got a call that I had been hoping for, for a long time, this week... I've been give a slot for a GT3 Touring, delivery by end of year.
Over the last 18 months, I've specced and saved 8 different configurations (mainly differences in exterior colour and calliper colours)... however I've now decided to go for a very plain and classic understated look (i.e - black callipers on a traditional Porsche colour).
One thing that I am completely torn by is which transmission to go for... Manual or PDK? I've included some reasons for each option below, and while I have more reasons for the Manual, I am probably still 51% PDK vs 49% Manual :-)
Would love to hear other people's opinions and points on this, as I'm sure I'm missing a few points to consider.
Why Manual
- Tradition / Heritage: it's a touring, and it just feels right to have it in a manual, along with it likely being the last naturally aspirated 911
- Future Value: while I don't buy cars as investments, I think the manual will be a more sought after variant in the future
- Future Thrill: if i'm still lucky enough to be driving the car in 20 years time, I think the manual would be such a thrill to drive (as most other cars by then will be auto or self driving)
- I Don't Track Cars: I'm not worried about the manual being a slightly slower car, as i'm not a track guy
- Other Collection: I've a few other cars that are Paddle Shift, and faster, so manual could be a nice change / experience every time I take it out (which I tend to be a lot)
Why PDF
- Sound: I've had PDK cars before and absolutely LOVE the sound (bang) of the gear change at high revs (the auto manual blip, just isn't the same, and if manual, I rather not use the auto blip)
- Other 911: I already have a classic 911 which is manual (however a completely different car)
Keen to hear other people's thoughts and views, or anything else I should take into consideration. Thanks in advance for your input.
I got a call that I had been hoping for, for a long time, this week... I've been give a slot for a GT3 Touring, delivery by end of year.
Over the last 18 months, I've specced and saved 8 different configurations (mainly differences in exterior colour and calliper colours)... however I've now decided to go for a very plain and classic understated look (i.e - black callipers on a traditional Porsche colour).
One thing that I am completely torn by is which transmission to go for... Manual or PDK? I've included some reasons for each option below, and while I have more reasons for the Manual, I am probably still 51% PDK vs 49% Manual :-)
Would love to hear other people's opinions and points on this, as I'm sure I'm missing a few points to consider.
Why Manual
- Tradition / Heritage: it's a touring, and it just feels right to have it in a manual, along with it likely being the last naturally aspirated 911
- Future Value: while I don't buy cars as investments, I think the manual will be a more sought after variant in the future
- Future Thrill: if i'm still lucky enough to be driving the car in 20 years time, I think the manual would be such a thrill to drive (as most other cars by then will be auto or self driving)
- I Don't Track Cars: I'm not worried about the manual being a slightly slower car, as i'm not a track guy
- Other Collection: I've a few other cars that are Paddle Shift, and faster, so manual could be a nice change / experience every time I take it out (which I tend to be a lot)
Why PDF
- Sound: I've had PDK cars before and absolutely LOVE the sound (bang) of the gear change at high revs (the auto manual blip, just isn't the same, and if manual, I rather not use the auto blip)
- Other 911: I already have a classic 911 which is manual (however a completely different car)
Keen to hear other people's thoughts and views, or anything else I should take into consideration. Thanks in advance for your input.
It’s a personal preference.
Whilst many things have improved efficiency in this digital age, there are some things where the ‘analogue’ engagement is still more rewarding - iPhone camera v 35mm rangefinder, fitness tracker v manual timepiece, Spotify v vinyl, automated biz jet v helicopter………
A good Manual is no concession to convenience, but it delivers a more traditional 911 feel. IMO.
Whilst many things have improved efficiency in this digital age, there are some things where the ‘analogue’ engagement is still more rewarding - iPhone camera v 35mm rangefinder, fitness tracker v manual timepiece, Spotify v vinyl, automated biz jet v helicopter………
A good Manual is no concession to convenience, but it delivers a more traditional 911 feel. IMO.
If the very first point in favour of manual is not driving enjoyment, go for PDK.
The points you listed for the manual do not include this. Instead you already contemplate future values (
).
One can read more heart in the point you made about sound of a PDK car, while all the points in favour of the manual are eather rational. Which is strange as most often it is the other way round.
If I would put up a list, it would have 5+ reasonable points in favour of PDK, while the single point for the manual is pure driving enjoyment. Head would say PDK, heart wants a manual. You seem to be the other way around.
As has been said, it‘s a personal preference. And while I wouldn‘t hesitate a single second and opt for a manual, I think you will be more happy with a PDK.
The points you listed for the manual do not include this. Instead you already contemplate future values (
).One can read more heart in the point you made about sound of a PDK car, while all the points in favour of the manual are eather rational. Which is strange as most often it is the other way round.
If I would put up a list, it would have 5+ reasonable points in favour of PDK, while the single point for the manual is pure driving enjoyment. Head would say PDK, heart wants a manual. You seem to be the other way around.
As has been said, it‘s a personal preference. And while I wouldn‘t hesitate a single second and opt for a manual, I think you will be more happy with a PDK.
I would have thought that, unless an ‘only’ car, most people buying a GT3 would also have more comfortable/practical/everyday/luxury car(s) with some form of 2-pedal auto.
So, best to select the gearbox that would provide the most pleasure for the use it will actually get.
For UK road use, at sensible speeds, the manual might be more fun. But that also presses the case for a ‘classic air-cooled’ 911.
So, best to select the gearbox that would provide the most pleasure for the use it will actually get.
For UK road use, at sensible speeds, the manual might be more fun. But that also presses the case for a ‘classic air-cooled’ 911.
I think what is just is important if not more so is the seat choice.
Having covered in excess of 7K in 992 GT3 winged and touring with buckets(pdk) and now having access to touring with sport seats and manual, i can say that the charateristics of the ride quality and handling of the car is completely transformed with sport seats.
In particular if the car is not going to be tracked and used on a regular basis, sport seats are the ONLY choice to go for imo.
Only covered circa 400 miles so far, but will report back once i have covered a few more miles.
Having covered in excess of 7K in 992 GT3 winged and touring with buckets(pdk) and now having access to touring with sport seats and manual, i can say that the charateristics of the ride quality and handling of the car is completely transformed with sport seats.
In particular if the car is not going to be tracked and used on a regular basis, sport seats are the ONLY choice to go for imo.
Only covered circa 400 miles so far, but will report back once i have covered a few more miles.
guyvert1 said:
First, well done on the allocation, exciting times 
Unless you're planning on banging it around a track, I'd take the manual purely for the extra interaction with such an amazing machine.
I agree with this. Heavy track work, PDK. Otherwise manual all day long. Unless you're planning on banging it around a track, I'd take the manual purely for the extra interaction with such an amazing machine.
Congratulations too. Special car
rkwm1 said:
I think what is just is important if not more so is the seat choice.
Having covered in excess of 7K in 992 GT3 winged and touring with buckets(pdk) and now having access to touring with sport seats and manual, i can say that the charateristics of the ride quality and handling of the car is completely transformed with sport seats.
In particular if the car is not going to be tracked and used on a regular basis, sport seats are the ONLY choice to go for imo.
.
100% agree.Having covered in excess of 7K in 992 GT3 winged and touring with buckets(pdk) and now having access to touring with sport seats and manual, i can say that the charateristics of the ride quality and handling of the car is completely transformed with sport seats.
In particular if the car is not going to be tracked and used on a regular basis, sport seats are the ONLY choice to go for imo.
.
Whilst some factions will say “it’s not a GT car without buckets” or “you’ll never sell it without them”, an ever increasing number of posters are actually avoiding them.
They look nice, feel good at first acquaintance, and much better on track.
But, for everyday ‘touring’, the basic sports seats will offer a wider range of adjustments and comfort for easier use - including the passenger.
Of course, personal preference, but had a variety of seats on 7 GT and RS models and the right seat choice is a crucial decision that is felt with every journey.
I had this debate with myself last year over a GT4 as I was lucky enough to obtain an allocation. It's supposed not be delivered any day now 🙂
I decided on the manual as my intention is to keep it forever and most importantly I wanted my kids to experience a 'proper' car when they are old enough to drive. Naturally aspirated and manual are a combination that won't be around for much longer and in GT format there is nothing better in my view.
I am sure there will be times when the PDK would be better due it's speed but we can't drive that quickly on our roads in the UK nowadays and so the trade off for me is the engagement of a a manual.
Good luck and either way it will be an amazing car and enjoy the experience of specifying it.
I decided on the manual as my intention is to keep it forever and most importantly I wanted my kids to experience a 'proper' car when they are old enough to drive. Naturally aspirated and manual are a combination that won't be around for much longer and in GT format there is nothing better in my view.
I am sure there will be times when the PDK would be better due it's speed but we can't drive that quickly on our roads in the UK nowadays and so the trade off for me is the engagement of a a manual.
Good luck and either way it will be an amazing car and enjoy the experience of specifying it.
Geneve said:
100% agree.
Whilst some factions will say “it’s not a GT car without buckets” or “you’ll never sell it without them”, an ever increasing number of posters are actually avoiding them.....
That's a great point. I was tracking a few OPC GT3s over the last 2 weeks and 2 out of the 3 winged cars with 18w seats have sold (excluding the IOM anomaly). Chris Harris also made the point that he thought the bucket seat padding on the 992 was one of the reasons for the perceived harsher low speed ride quality vs his 991.2. "I'd change the padding under your ar*e" Whilst some factions will say “it’s not a GT car without buckets” or “you’ll never sell it without them”, an ever increasing number of posters are actually avoiding them.....
https://youtu.be/hP7LDAnofBM?t=61
Geneve said:
100% agree.
Whilst some factions will say “it’s not a GT car without buckets” or “you’ll never sell it without them”, an ever increasing number of posters are actually avoiding them.
They look nice, feel good at first acquaintance, and much better on track.
But, for everyday ‘touring’, the basic sports seats will offer a wider range of adjustments and comfort for easier use - including the passenger.
Of course, personal preference, but had a variety of seats on 7 GT and RS models and the right seat choice is a crucial decision that is felt with every journey.
Agreed 100% about it bring personal preference. Whilst some factions will say “it’s not a GT car without buckets” or “you’ll never sell it without them”, an ever increasing number of posters are actually avoiding them.
They look nice, feel good at first acquaintance, and much better on track.
But, for everyday ‘touring’, the basic sports seats will offer a wider range of adjustments and comfort for easier use - including the passenger.
Of course, personal preference, but had a variety of seats on 7 GT and RS models and the right seat choice is a crucial decision that is felt with every journey.
I think naturally of a winged car bring used more on track and therefore spec’s with PDK and bucket seats. Conversely a touring might be more for road use, so manual and Sports seats make sense.
I’ve not driven the 992, but if/when I get a car (whichever type of GT3) it will be bucket seats and manual (Touring) or PDK (wing).
The manual feels like a very much a modern computer controlled manual,not slotting round the box which is really nice just the right amount of notchiness but very slick but for example changing from 1st to 2nd at full bore 9000rpm is really easy and feels like the computer is really assisting in everything modulating the throttle exactly right in working with the clutch so that it is a seamless change with instant second gear acceleration. try this in a 7GT and it feels pretty agricultural and quite painful for the tranny, clutch and general drivetrain.
The downside for me with this throttle control is it won't let you blip properly when changing gear it simply doesn't respond accurately to stabs of the throttle as the clutch is depressed I find this extremely annoying as I really enjoy rev matching but the 2GT3 barely lets you participate.
My 2GT3 had buckets and I swapped to 18 ways as part of my 4 seat conversion and 100% 18 ways are so much nicer with no downside unless I guess you are a big track user. The 18 ways are not even that heavy now days either.
The downside for me with this throttle control is it won't let you blip properly when changing gear it simply doesn't respond accurately to stabs of the throttle as the clutch is depressed I find this extremely annoying as I really enjoy rev matching but the 2GT3 barely lets you participate.
My 2GT3 had buckets and I swapped to 18 ways as part of my 4 seat conversion and 100% 18 ways are so much nicer with no downside unless I guess you are a big track user. The 18 ways are not even that heavy now days either.
Thanks all.
Another vote for the PDK would be the length of the manual gear ratio, potentially.
I had a 718 Manual GT4 when they first came out, so PDK was not an option. I didn’t really love the car as much as I thought I would, mainly because the gear ratio was so long… i.e - you are doing 70mph in 2nd gear so you don’t really get a chance to drive through the gears… but apparently the PDK has shorter, due to 7 gears, etc.
Can anyone confirm if the manual GT3 suffers from the same?
Another vote for the PDK would be the length of the manual gear ratio, potentially.
I had a 718 Manual GT4 when they first came out, so PDK was not an option. I didn’t really love the car as much as I thought I would, mainly because the gear ratio was so long… i.e - you are doing 70mph in 2nd gear so you don’t really get a chance to drive through the gears… but apparently the PDK has shorter, due to 7 gears, etc.
Can anyone confirm if the manual GT3 suffers from the same?
simoncars said:
Can anyone confirm if the manual GT3 suffers from the same?
"suffers" is one opinion, remember the GT3 is not a race car it is a road car which can be used on the track the manual ratios are for the autobahn, these are German cars, just like all previous manual GT cars, I recently enjoyed changing from 5th to 6th in my 7GT2 at 7000rpm at an indicated 177mph on the bahn as I surged to over 200..... we tend to forget this in the UK where as you say 2nd gear is at probably 80mph so yeah the ratios do make us suffer a bit in the UK 
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