Performance Difference between Auto & Manual Boxster, Your Thoughts??

[thstone]

The performance difference between a 986 model Tiptronic and 5 or 6 speed manual transmission is minimal with the manual being slightly faster.

With the newer PDK automatic in the 987 models, the performance numbers are reversed with the PDK being slightly faster than the manual.

Generally, both transmissions are well accepted and liked by their respective owners. Drive both and choose what you like best.

With that being said, even after driving the newest PDK's on the street and the track, I still have a strong dislike for automatics, manumatics, and generally any transmission that thinks it knows what gear I want better than I do.

[DenverSteve]

I've owned both. One a manual 2.5 and now an auto 3.2 S. Both are fun, responsive and plenty quick. In your case, that's not the prime question. The two vehicles - BMW and Porsche are completely different. I would decide which ONE you like best and then decide if you want that in auto or manual. Deciding on which make of car to buy from asking others is really a bad idea. Once you decide on whether you want a Z or Box, then you can drive both and see what you like best.

There are multiple choices with the Boxster. Early model base, later base or S... all will be different but all of them are fantastic - if you're prepared to buy a Boxster and not spending your nights worrying if you should have had a BMW.