Boxster S - tiptronic or manual?

[Jaxonalden]

Originally Posted by henwood

Hi all,

I'm new to this site - hello!

Looking for some advice as I'm buying a Boxster S in the next few weeks. People have warned me off getting a tiptronic but aren't ever very specific as to why.

I far prefer manual, so that is my preference, but maybe I need to be less worried about it.

If you have a tiptronic - what is it like to drive in comparison to the manual? I assume it to be less fun in a car like this, but I'm open to persuasion.

Also, are they more likely to go (expensively) wrong?

Any advice gratefully received.

Cheers,

Will

Since you asked the question of a Tiptronic owner , I guess I'll answer you with my opinion; Don't knock it till you try it.

Porsche did a great job by installing a performance based transmission in the Boxster. This isn't your grandmother’s automatic in her Ford Granada. A Tip has 5 shifting maps to accommodate different driving environments. You can also set the trans entering a corner to a gear that will net 5400 rpm's by burping the throttle. On hard acceleration the trans shifts at 6400 rpms, the peak hp rpm.

For relaxed driving the trans rolls out in 2nd gear and will be in 5th by 38 mph. Want to get aggressive? Stab the throttle at the light and it'll downshift to 1st and launch you. Don't like the auto mode? Do it all yourself with the shift levers. I've yet to do any better than the auto mode can.

Braking is the same; get aggressive with coming off the throttle and the trans will downshift allowing for engine braking while keeping the rpms up.

I'll run anyone’s manual against my Tip any day, in any situation. I can concentrate on driving the car while leaving the optimum shift points to the Tip. I love it.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by Jaxonalden

Porsche did a great job by installing a performance based transmission in the Boxster. This isn't your grandmother’s automatic in her Ford Granada.

I hate top break this to you, but the Tip trannie is a completely generic, off-the-shelf torque converter box, not a "performance based transmission".

The manual is also essentially bought in and there's nothing special about it, either, but let's get our facts straight from the get go.

My view, and not all agree, is that the Tip spoils the driving experience comprehensively. This is a sports car and it needs a manual transmission. It's that simple.

And yes, I've driven several Tips.

If you're happy with a Tip, buy a different car. These cars are fragile and expensive to run, which is fine if you enjoy the finely honey dynamics. The Tip compromises that thoroughly, so you may as well buy an SLK or Z4 and have a nice auto roadster without the engine worries.

[Jaxonalden]

Originally Posted by pothole

I hate top break this to you, but the Tip trannie is a completely generic, off-the-shelf torque converter box, not a "performance based transmission".

The manual is also essentially bought in and there's nothing special about it, either, but let's get our facts straight from the get go.

My view, and not all agree, is that the Tip spoils the driving experience comprehensively. This is a sports car and it needs a manual transmission. It's that simple.

And yes, I've driven several Tips.

If you're happy with a Tip, buy a different car. These cars are fragile and expensive to run, which is fine if you enjoy the finely honey dynamics. The Tip compromises that thoroughly, so you may as well buy an SLK or Z4 and have a nice auto roadster without the engine worries.

Pie hole,

Do you have any idea just what the hell your talking about?

[recycledsixtie]

Each person makes their own choice. I don't criticize anybody's elses choice of car or transmission. If somebody finds driving in a city with a manual trans. tedious, then tip. is the answer. If you want to drive a tip then it is not my business. Thousands of tip owners can't be wrong.

[pothole]

Originally Posted by Jaxonalden

Pie hole,

Do you have any idea just what the hell your talking about?

Yes, but thanks for asking!

[BMP37]

Manual for sure, the driving experience is extremely amplified with a stick in your right hand and a clutch pedal under your left foot