Porsche 997 2 Gen 2 Carrera 4S Manual vs PDK Driving Review

[@tpmbe]

Great review , I have had a manual C4S 2009 for nearly 10 years, still enjoy it every-time out. I have fitted the short shift and that was definitely worth it too. Cheers

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

A great Porsche you have, enjoy and thanks for the insights! Raj

[@leebushen]

Another great video! I drive a PDK and I still love it vs. a manual. I know what you mean about engagement though. I always feel more like a "component" of a car if it's manual as opposed to an "operator" of the car with an Auto/PDK. However, there are still plenty of other aspects of the drive to engage you in my 997.2 GTS! 🙂

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Lee, I really do love the PDK cars, so adaptable and stress free. The PDK GTS is a super model as well. Cheers, Raj

[@JaiGrieve]

Okay, where do I start? I’ve been in the USA for just over six years and hate, no, HATE automatic gearbox cars. However, you’ve just convinced me that the PDK is a viable alternative. Also, on a side note as a cyclist, I’m very impressed as how you respect us two wheel pedal pushers.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Jai, yes the PDK is a sensational box. I was a 100% purist manual fan too, but now converted to auto box! Raj

[@eduardwalhout1740]

Well that was beautifully explained. You sold me on the PDK and then you sold me on the manual. Like i thought i'll love either. I used to own a 78 sc with a 915 box so its a big step up either way 🙃

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

My pleasure! Both would be great in the same garage! Raj

[@rakeshparmar9456]

Great video as always Raj. I’ve had mine off you almost a year now!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Rakesh, hope the year has been enjoyable with the 911. Cheers, Raj

[@-Grifter]

I love that you wear a Carrera on your wrist also. Like I do!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks, they are great watches! Raj

[@DesertDemons]

I love my PDK!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Tony - The PDK is sensational! thanks, Raj

[@ahemgee9542]

Nice review but would've liked some aggressive driving up and the downs at red line and hard braking to demonstrate the differences between the boxes better. Also what are differences in gearing and final drive ratios ?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks for the feedback, appreciate it. Always a difficult balance when I am reviewing but also selling these beautiful Porsche to new owners to cherish. Cheers, Raj

[@dmeh9836]

I learn something every time I watch your videos. I didn't know there was a factory short shift option. Was that option also available on the 997.1?

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi D meh, yes it was available on both 997.1 and 997.2. There are also aftermarket kits available too for a bit cheaper. Cheers, Raj

[@kitkatmmk]

Thank you for such an insightful video! Perhaps I could ask for your opinion on a purchase.. I’m considering my first Porsche (only car) it’s a 2009 with perfect Porsche service history with 156k kms (I’m on the continent). I worry about future work / expenses especially the PDK failing. Would that hold you back? It may also be harder to get rid of after a few years at >165k kms etc. thanks in advance!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

I think the cars on the continent do typically do a lot more miles than here in the UK, as far as I know this doesn't cause issues, as long as the cars are maintained correctly. Cheers, Raj

[@German-Whip-V8]

Keep em coming

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Cheers Charles! Raj

[@rogeritt88]

Great video tho have to disagree with the lack of sports crono not being an issue in the manual. At the least it does tend to effect resale even if throttle response isn't important to the buyer.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Fair comment, which I do agree with. There is a aftermarket module you can buy, I have one in the premises from a previous car, that allows you to adjust throttle sensitivity in these cars without sport chrono and has greater tailoring options. Cheers, Raj

[@giovannibaresi7413]

Hi, I’m about to buy my first Porsche. I have a question for you. Maybe you can have a answer cause of your experience in trading Porsche. It’s a 997.2 manual with low mileage 2009. But it was completely repainted in 2012 due to the "needs" of the previous owner from cobalt blue to white. The painting is done scrupulously in every detail ( if the vendor doesn’t tell you that it’s repainted it’s really hard to tell ). Now, the question is : Do you recommend me purchasing? It costs less than other 997.2 manuals but perhaps in the future it will lose value. Or is it really not worth buying? Thank you for your time.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Do you know the bodyshop that repainted, are they reputable? If it has the itemised invoice, including them replacing all the VIN factory stickers in the door shuts and removing all the glass/rubbers as well as taking off the doors, hood, engine cover, spoiler and bumpers to spray them properly off the car, I can't see an issue with buying if you like it and want to keep it for the foreseeable! Raj

[@yoyotube8888]

Hey thanks for this video, do we know by chance how many 997.2 4s Targa were made in manual ? Thx.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Hi! In the UK I believe around 38 were registered with the manual gearbox. Thanks, Raj

[@yoyotube8888]

Wow… ok. Thanks for this info 38 on 240 delivers right ? Just pulled the trigger on a .2 4S Targa manual ! Haven’t yet received the car…

[@Lastboyscoutt]

I have a 997.2 turbo manual, one of a kind, i would never change it for a PDK! You want to connect with your car? Feel it more, feel a more engaging experience, go for a manual!!

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks for your insights, Raj

[@adrianhull2404]

On my 997.2 C4S (PDK) I changed the PASM controller to a DSC controller which makes a massive difference.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Adrian, great recommendation to have that installed, I have heard from others it is great too. Cheers, Raj

[@dmeh9836]

So it's worth $1500? For the dsc controller

[@Breakchecks]

What does this do as I’m considering this exact car? Thx

[@MadelnMachines]

The main problem with the manual (aside from the heavy clutch) is there's too little opportunity to use the gearbox fully. Anything past 2nd gear is kind of unnecessary if you rev it out and 3rd covers you for nearly any speed you would want to go. The only reason to need more than 3 gears is just in trying to eek out fuel economy. That said I generally hate autos as I don't feel like i'm controlling the car - I feel like the robots have taken over my driving and i'm not sure what's going on.

[@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE]

Thanks Made in Machines! It is a tricky balance for sure, the gearing in 911s is long for real road driving, you are right! I love both really, because there are positives of both for different situations and driving moods. Cheers, Raj

[@MadelnMachines]

@@MRSPORTSCARSPORSCHE There certainly are times when I wish I had auto with adaptive cruise control!

[@lro5159]

Looking for feedback.. currently own a 997.2S PDK, in the process of purchasing a 997.2 4S manual. I’ve heard mixed reviews on the 997.2 manual gear box (1-2 shift issues, long gearing, notchy feel . I truly enjoy the PDK gearing and getting through more gears twisty roads. Is the manual worth the 15K premium???

[@alangil5335]

What you said is true when driving flat out. But the beauty of a manual is that it provides that extra bit of engagement even when just driving at normal otherwise boring commuting speeds. When doing that you get to row through most all of the gears and downshift accordingly when needed. I actually have a 997.2 C4S manual and when on commuter roads I will probably shift first and second around 5k, enough to get into some power, but not so much that I am exceeding legal speed in 2nd gear. This allows me to shift into 3rd to take it up to speed and then into 4th when I am done accelerating. Then shift into 5th or 6th at my leisure for cruising. Again, this gives me as the driver a way to interact with the car even when I am not driving spiritedly. And when I do drive spiritedly, its still fun to shift and downshift manually. In other words, for driving fast both the PDK and the Manual are enjoyable perhaps in different ways, but when driving slow the Manual still offers enjoyment while the PDK especially in auto mode is doing all the work for you.