Getting Coffee In A PDK GT4: Is It Better Than A Manual?

I get behind the wheel of Porsche's automatic 718 GT4, the first time the GT4 has been offered with a PDK gearbox. Question is, is it better than the amazing manual gearbox?

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From Porsche:
True to their Motorsport roots, the 718 Cayman GT4 and 718 Spyder share a track-bred Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) setup with adaptive dampers, helper springs on the rear axle and a ride height that is 1.18 inches (30 mm) lower than a standard 718 Boxster or Cayman. It also allows for manual adjustments of camber, toe, ride height and anti-roll bar settings. The front axle is taken from the 2018 911 GT3, while the rear axle is a specific design for the GT4 and Spyder. The brakes on both models are adopted from the 911 GT3. The standard grey cast iron rotors measure 380 mm front and

rear. The optional Porsche Ceramic Composite Brake (PCCB) system features ceramic composite rotors measuring 410 mm in the front and 390 mm at the rear, providing a weight savings of approximately 50 percent from the cast iron equivalents.

At the rear, a standard mechanical limited-slip differential with Porsche Torque Vectoring (PTV) help maintain optimum traction. The GT4 and Spyder are fitted with specifically designed 20-inch wheels shod in UHP tires measuring 245/35 ZR 20 at the front and 295/30 ZR 20 at the rear. The wheels as standard on the 718 Spyder feature a silver finish, while the GT4 is equipped with wheels painted in Satin Platinum. Other wheels finishes are optionally available. ABS as well as electronic stability (ESC) and traction (TC) controls have been specifically calibrated for the cars and, as is typical for a GT model, ESC and TC can be switched off in two stages. The 718 Cayman GT4 is capable of lapping the “Nordschleife” more than ten seconds faster than its predecessor.

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[OllyBaldwin]

Keep the porshe content coming mate. 😊👍

[YachtReport]

I just collected my 718 Spyder (PDK) about 10 days ago. Picked PDK because of the horrible gearing in the manual (plus I already own a manual 911). Love the car, still running it in, biggest complaint is the sound of the exhaust and the fact it goes quiet even when the sports exhaust is on. Will be sorting that very soon.

[madhusudhand]

PDK must be one of the Best Transmission in the industry right now..!!

[carloscanizares]

As a manual purist, I would only take PDK or DSG if I had to. But like what Henry said in the Save the Manuals video, speed isn't always everything.

[Carsaddiction]

PDK if you want to go fast, and use it reguarly. Manual if it's one of many cars and looking for something to cruise/collect.

[SornGeorge]

Porsche and manual gearbox enthusiast here: I agree with Sam. Given the very long gear ratios on the manual version, the PDK seems to be the better choice (unless they sort out the gearing). Great review Sam

[HiFlyerr]

I'll never understand people who hate on modern automatics, especially the PDK. If I had to guess I imagine the majority of people who say that have never gotten the chance to try it out...the experience is extremely rewarding and enjoyable, and I have just as much fun with a PDK as I do a manual.

[thedudeabides]

PDK is the best choice if you want to track the car or if you drive in a lot of traffic. If neither of these apply, manual is the best choice by far for being connected to the car and driver engagement.

[aircooled]

Whilst lots of waffle, the review of the GT4 was great. Thx. Been pondering a manual, never once owned an auto (PDK) in 53yrs. But maybe I should! Every review complains about the manual gear2, which puts me off buying one. Thanks again.

[ifonly]

I'm old. I'm tired of shifting. Give me PDK any day !!

[miamigt]

I have a 2020 GT4 manual and also have a 2021 Honda Civic Type R (manual), I track both cars and have been racing since 1985. The long gearing issue has been WAY, WAY, WAY, WAY, WAY, WAY, WAY overblown. Just wanted to set the record straight, carry on.

[capuchinseven]

Went from a manual 981 to a 718 PDK and honestly I love it.

[sesto]

tony is definetly going to say "I told you so!"

[rodthompson]

Thanks Sam! Great timing, said the guy picking up his manual GT4 tomorrow….. 🤣

[M_Max]

Ordered some coffee, looking forward to trying it

[richardflint]

As much as I love manuals, as I’ve got older. Just a bit older than yourself Sam, I’ve leaned more towards automatic just because of traffic. I can’t be arsed with the clutch anymore, my next car is going to be an automatic for sure.

[BubuBarong]

So... exactly the contrary to what you and Tony have been saying on the BTG podcast... Let's face it: PDK are just better. Cheers from Italy!

[mjasman]

100% agree and exactly why I opted for a GT4 PDK as well! It definitely has a sense of urgency and immediacy. It's also quite a bit louder inside than I expected, although I'm still contemplating an exhaust upgrade.

[ghowells]

I’m a Porsche enthusiast and you are bang on, perfect gearbox in my 991.2 gt3 for fast road and track.

[arijeettarafdar]

Sam ! Great video. You are one of the very few who can make promotional stuff watchable and interesting! Kudos