Whats better Triptonic or Manual Boxster?

[EPIQTodd]

I've owned both a tiptronic Boxster S and a 6-speed Boxster S. I switched because I hated the transmission lag on the track with the tiptronic. I'm chasing down a friend in his '01 S (same year and everything) and staying right behind him on the corners, even gaining a bit, then on the straight, I might as well be standing still, as I would mash the pedal just like he did but I was quickly 6 cars back, then 10, then 15, etc. The torque converter does lose power, and when you are trying to get maximum performance out of the car, you will not get it the way you will with manual transmission. I was tracking a lot and still am, so I had to go with manual this time, and I'm having a great time with it - far more challenging. All you have to do with tiptronic is worry about brake points and carrying momentum through the corners. Adding shift points, using gearing to slow you down, etc. all adds a new dimension to the track.

Now, that said, no matter how awesome you are with a clutch and manual transmission you will NEVER be faster at shifting than a tiptronic, which changes gears in something like 0.2 seconds. In a drag race (provided you overrode the 2nd gear start mode that the tiptronic has) you'd have the shifting much faster in the tiptronic. I don't think it would be faster, though, because it is a low torque car and some power is lost with the torque converter of the auto tranny. Cars like the 500hp turbo have no problem and are faster with the tiptronic, and frankly I'd rather have a tiptronic with all that power so I don't break my clutch!

If it will be your commuter car, get a tiptronic if you have any traffic around your place, as even with a nice smooth manual transmission, it's still annoying as can be in traffic on the freeway.

[2kwiq]

i don't think anyone can really answer this question for you. either you want to shift or you don't. for me, it's a easier question than what car i would want. offer me a tip porsche or manual civic and i may opt for the civic.

all the pros and cons of manual vs. auto don't hold much water to me either.

- for example, clutch replacement...that happens like every 100k if you a good driver...some autos will need an complete overhaul around that time.

- or sitting in traffic...i would rather let the car roll in second (1st in the porsche) giving it gas every now and then than have the auto push me along at 10mph and then have to slam on the brakes to slow down and then stand on it until traffic moves again.

A stick shift is what I recommend because it is basicaly the awesomest, but if comfort is your number 1 priority, get the tip. I couldnt live without a standard transmision, everytime I have to drive my moms car for something I try to put the key in the wrong side and step on the clutch.

[Dante]

Here's my 2 cents - drive both and see which one you like.

Having had manual with my 911s and Tip with my Boxster - I have to say that I like them both. While I miss the times of racing around with the manual transmission, the tip is nice for it's convenience and in town driving.

About my only gripe with Tip is that the shifting is linear vs the random in a manual. Meaning if I am coming into a turn and want to go from 4th to 2nd - I have to downshift through 3rd on my tip - where as on a manual you just go from 4th to 2nd. Not really that big of a deal, you just learn to start downshifting a bit earlier.

But as someone else had mentioned - the transmission will likely depend on the car that you find. With my box, I didn't anticipate on getting a Tip. But due to the great deal + condition of the car - I couldn't pass it up.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

[Perfectlap]

the first time I drove my six speed after years of driving the short shifting Miata 5 speed was interesting.
The Miata has to be one of the easiest cars to learn how to drive "a stick" on.
In a matter of five minutes I was rowing gears and after a few weeks I was fully on it and boy is that car fun to shift in.
THen I got into the Boxster. The first thing you notice is how heavy the clutch pedal is, just like on a high horsepower/torque sports car (which obviously the Miata is not). The clutch doesn't bite nearly as quickly as the Miata would.
I felt like I was about to stall the car, meanwhile that incredible sound from the Boxer engine starts to raise the hair on the back of your neck!
My eyes got bigger and bigger and then I let er rip in 2nd gear and could immeidately feel the torque that was lacking in my little Miata buddy.
Both revved in a very sporty manner, except in the Boxster everything is so much more magnified. Third gear and I'm nearly up to 90 mph in flash.The rookie salesman was about my age so he was having fun too. My friend said he could feel in his gut the first time we did a 0-100 run. He has a v8 Merc so I guess even on less power my BoxsterS had something special about it.


This whole experience whould have been very different in a tip.
But there are times sitting in NYC traffic that I would have given my left arm for a tip tronic. But then the traffic only lasts 30 minutes and snick snick snick away we go. The Boxster gear box is not one of the better ones I've driven since first learning on the Miata. This really baffles me with Porsche so proud of being a top engineering outfit. Take a spin in the S2000 and you see EXACTLY how a shifter should be. Like a precise bolt action rifle.

Rowing gears is not for everyone, chicks hate it, old guys are sick of it and some people will simply never master it. I still make mistakes all the time depending on my cafeine levels. Learning how to do it well enough to get from point a to point b is not rocket science. But doing it in seamless fashion is a very fun skill to learn.
Just remember to push your foot all the way in. People develop lazy habits that became part of their driving style to the detriment of the very expensive car.

[tqtran]

If you don't drive in constant heavy traffic, then I say get the manual.
If you are in constant traffic jams everyday then your left leg might like a tip better.

[motoadve]

Personally I would prefer manual, but not by much.
Here are my 2 options of cars offered to me here in Costa Rica.

2005 new version, with 6,000 miles
Xenox
Triptronic with shifters in the steering wheel.
Silver in great condition with 1 year warranty left

For $56,000 here in Costa Rica (We pay 50% import duty)
A car has to be $37,000 at least in USA to have it for that price here.

Another option is a 2003 with 13,000 miles for $42,000
Manual gearbox
Blue Color
Warranty expired.

Im planning to keep the car many years , so I dont mind the $14,000 extra for the 2005 over the 2003.

What car would you guys choose?

It will be an everyday car , commute car with slow traffic, most of the time.
Maybe once a week a mountain ride and once a month a track day.

[Ronzi]

Dante,
try this.
Leave your Tip in auto mode. Approach a corner at a good rate of speed. As you brake, jab the accelerator to the floor and release, like you would if you were double-clutching on a manual box downshift. The Tipper will actually JUMP from say 4th gear to second, skipping third.
This technique, or more properly an undocumented capability, was discussed in Panorama, the PCA monthly magazine, a year or two ago.
I have tried it and it does work.
I would also say it is of marginal utility, except maybe on the race track.

[Dante]

Originally Posted by Ronzi

Dante,
try this.
Leave your Tip in auto mode. Approach a corner at a good rate of speed. As you brake, jab the accelerator to the floor and release, like you would if you were double-clutching on a manual box downshift. The Tipper will actually JUMP from say 4th gear to second, skipping third.
This technique, or more properly an undocumented capability, was discussed in Panorama, the PCA monthly magazine, a year or two ago.
I have tried it and it does work.
I would also say it is of marginal utility, except maybe on the race track.

Wow, that's a good tip. I am gonna be trying that tomorrow on the way to work. Thanks for the info!