[rondocap]

I've read enough of these that the answer is easy, to summarize.

PDK: Technically better, great transmission and can also be fun, generally when driving spiritedly.

Manual: Changing gears is visceral and physically rewarding/fun. No way to replace this fun completely with just paddles, that's why people cling to manuals. It just feels good. PDK does the same thing, but you lose that fun physical feeling of things falling into place.

Can they both be equally fun? Sure, in the right situation. But at the end of the day, you have to balance the performance of the PDK with the feeling of shifting yourself. It's more of a skill to be learned vs paddles, no doubt.


Story:

I've had paddle shifting cars that I immediately drove without issue and moderate skill. a DSG VW GTI, my current BMW 335i, etc.

The Porsche is my first manual car, and i have sweated and labored 3 months to even get remotely close to the 1st day I used paddles. And it's still far from it.

So, seems archaic and counterproductive, no? But here's where it gets interesting: Overcoming this challenge and learning this skill has been immensely rewarding.

First, you learn to shift, then downshift, then heel toe, as you progress. Each is like reaching a new level. It's almost like a game.