Why a Tiptronic is Better than a Manual Transmission

In this week's very non-controversial video, I talk about the reason why the hated Tiptronic transmission is in reality the best transmission that Porsche has ever made. Better than a manual or PDK in legal real world driving.

Buying advice for a Porsche 911 (964. 993. 996 or 997.1). Boxster (986 or 987.1) or Cayman (987.1) usually includes avoiding the Tiptronic automatic, but is that correct? Should you pay the additional 15% for the privilege of buying a manual?

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Filmed with a GoPro Hero 4 Black
Edited using Adobe Premier Pro

Images courtesy of Wiki Commons.

[OurRideLife]

Thanks for watching. If you like videos like this then subscribe and check out my latest videos as the are released.

[colinw]

The Porsche Tiptronic transmission is actually a Mercedes Benz 722.6 5 speed auto trans that was used a lot in their high HP high torque models like the E55 AMG and the McLaren SLR. This unit was known for being light weight and capable of handling 1000 HP/TQ. It was used in a lot of Chrysler products where it was known as the NAG1.

[cl]

Stop telling people about it, right now the tip's are a deal and if you keep telling people they are actually good It is going to cost me money as I am saving for a turbo with Tip ;)

[matthewthroup]

The Tiptronic Turbos can be bought for a steal right now and I don’t think prices for either a manual or tiptronic turbo will ever be this cheap again. A truly brilliant car whichever gearbox you choose and the bargain of a lifetime

[WorldOfSinMusic]

It was my dream to own a manual but after driving a tip I quickly changed my mind. It feels great being able to keep both hands on the wheel while changing gears, even in the craziest situations. I simply feel more in control with the tip on manual and more control means more fun.

[john]

Excellent video. Having owned 3 996 manuals and a TT Tip, I would say assuming you can rev match on down shifts then a manual is the far more rewarding drive. The connection with the car you get from a manual and the driver involvement is key. Turbo Tip is a lot of fun and the kickdown puts you in the perfect turbo range.

[juandelagarza]

I own a 911 with a 6 speed and another one with a Tiptronic and enjoy both. Previously I owned a 911 with a PDK and that transmission is an amazing machine. One can’t go wrong with a 911 regardless of the transmission you choose, all will bring a smile every time you get behind the wheel. Porsche sells a lot of automatic 911’s for a reason, customers want them. The important thing is to relax, drive your 911 and enjoy the day.

[---vjkc]

I have a 99' 996 that I've owned for 11 years now with 102k AND a tiptronic, and I am so much happier that I got the tip than a manual, because I too drive in traffic and it's a pleasure to have then, but also I like having the option of shifting it with the buttons or just leaving it in auto and then blowing the doors off most other porsches I run into from a standing start, and the look on their faces ?? Well, I don't get to see it because I am too far ahead of them by that time : ) Also, my girlfriend doesn't know or wants to learn how to drive a manual, so that was another reason to get the tip, especially if she needs to drive it in an emergency, which is the only time I will let her drive it anyway ! haha

[darrensurrey]

80% of my driving is in stop-start traffic under 20mph so a Tip makes more sense for me. And I get to enjoy the car in the other 20% of the time. Ended up with a 996 Turbo Tip. :)

It's a steal still in the UK, so thanks to everyone for getting the Mezger engine confused with the standard engine.

[frederickschulze]

It all depends on the driving experience you want. The tiptronic is definitely very convenient and allows you do things like accelerate to pass cars and creep in traffic with ease. I like manual just because I feel more connected with the car and I like having full control. I can launch exactly how I want to and servicing the trans myself, it should easily outlast the rest of the car.

[invictusporsche]

Totally agree with your perspective here. We personally love the Tiptronic transmission

[johnguentner]

Thanks for this video. I'm currently test-driving cars right now as I'm in the market for my first Porsche (likely a 996 due to budget) and I've test-driven 1 manual and 2 tips so far. Having driven manuals (Acura, BMW's, Hondas) as daily drivers for the last 22 years, I have to say I was expecting to prefer the manual immensely, but thus far I was more impressed with the tip car. It was higher mileage, but just purely was faster than the manual I drove and seemed to pull harder. So will test drive another manual or 2 for comparison, but was surprising. May be better for LA traffic too!

[wdfaws]

I have a Boxster with the Tiptronic. You missed the best part about it. When I either nail the gas or dive into a corner the transmission goes into sport mode. It holds it in gear longer or downshifts sooner. Let off and after about 5 seconds it goes back into economy mode. Pretty cool feature.
Just wish the upshifts were a tick quicker.

[wpbarchitect]

I just test drove a very nice '02 4 Cabriolet with Tiptronic (something I wouldn't have even considered until recently) and here's the thing: I loved the damn thing. I was pretty much set on a 987 Cayman S 6 speed, but I think the 996 is going to beat it out. Not only is it ten grand cheaper (the Cayman is a really nice 35K mile example) but for day-to-day driving I absolutely loved the 911. First of all, the seats are WAY more comfortable. Secondly, it just feels like a more solid, well-built car (even being a Cab.) And there is just something about driving any gen 911 that just just feels so PORSCHE, like no other. Then there's the Tip. I found it silky smooth with perfect shift points in auto, and in manual the shifts are fast enough. Maybe I'm just a little older and live in a city with horrible traffic and drivers, and I just might not be all that keen on rowing myself anymore through the grind. And the Tip just feels perfectly mated to this car, this motor, and this driving experience. Almost positive I'm joining the 996 Tip family this weekend. And I can't wait.

[cblackgreen]

I’ve had 2 manuals and 2 tiptronic, I prefer the tip which I have now, the manual is fine but it is a one trick pony whereas you can go full auto or manual change on the buttons with the tip, a lot of people rubbish the tip but I have found a lot of them have never had one or they don’t know how to use it properly.

[Shaun]

I've got a 986 boxster s with tiptronic, it's perfect for daily driving and it certainly kicks ass pretty quickly when you floor the accelerator pedal

[benterry]

I have a 996 C4S Cab after my 986. I almost got the tiptronic but after a comparison I feel I woundn't enjoy the car half as much without the bolt action feel of the proper Porsche manual. Heavy traffic is a little frustrating but the second it clears up feeling the car and selecting you gears as needed just makes you feel so much more connected than the tip that feel like you are just driving to commute. Also I constantly see on forums posts of how peoples tips are not going into gears or playing up now, don't think I've seen anyone post about their manual box going bad.

[casaxeroruudvanrooijen]

I wanted a manual for my 2002 C4S and ended up with a tip. Found out it works smooth and does not need change of clutch plates also! So, a important other plus. And... Guess what, I found a way, while downshifting, to give a bit of throttle which makes a verrry nice sound, like with a manual. Try it and watch out to not ref it too much doing it. You will find out why

[DanielCHaenni]

Thanks for the info, but I m still not convinced. I really prefer the manual gear box. I have a 996 manual, but also a 986 tip and a 991 GT3 PDK, guess which one I like most. Right, the manual ;-)

[AmritP]

this is a good video. encouraged me to test drive a 997 c2 .. if all goes well on PPI tomorrow, it'll be my first Porsche and a true poster/dream car!

i've driven manuals for the past 18 years and was really worried but after actually test driving, found there is nothing to worry about. the upshfits are butter smooth, faster than i can shift my manual. the downshifts do have a noticable lag from the moment you push the button but left to its own vices, this auto gearbox seems to perform really well during both traffic driving and spirited driving. i would still have loved a manual or even a pdk, but the manual here in new zealand is approx an extra $30k NZD (17.5k usd)..or about 150% of the cost of same car with an MT. compromise has been made due to being a bit poor, but for now seems like an acceptable one