Hello. I'm a new member and have been lurking around the forums for a couple of weeks now. I'm close to pulling the trigger on a new Cayman S, my first Porsche. I'm struggling with the manual vs. tiptronic decision. I have very limited experience with manuals. I drove a friend's manual sports car a couple of times over 10 years ago. While the easiest choice would be to go for the tiptronic, there's something about buying a Porsche with an automatic transmission that doesn't feel exactly right (no offense to those who opted for the tiptronic). As strange as it sounds, when I picture myself driving the car I'm shifting gears (probably the wrong gear given my limited experience). So the issue is, do I take the path of least resistance and get the tiptronic? Or, do I learn to drive a manual (it's not as though I KNOW I don't like to drive manuals)? I guess I've come across people in the past who feel that true sports cars don't have automatic transmissions and, right or wrong, they've planted the thought in my head. I'd appreciate any advice from both sides. Anyone else out there learn to drive a manual under similar circumstances? Thanks.

Hi, welcome to the club.

There have been some threads on this topic previously, and of course there is no definitive answer to a question like this, but I'll give you my 2 cents as a Tiptronic driver who has owned a lot of manual shift cars in the past: don't let your lack of experience with a manual shift dissuade you from buying one, if that's what you really want.

I learned to drive a manual shift many years ago (on a very tempermental Jeep with a very stiff clutch) in 1 afternoon with a friend coaching me. It just isn't that big a deal to learn how. Now, having gotten a bit lazier in my old age, I am spoiled by the Tiptronic (which is certainly one of the best auto transmissions out there), but there are times when I miss having a clutch pedal.

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2006 CS Tip (Daily Driver & Part-time Track Toy)
2005 Ford Expedition (to haul the CS)
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Gone, but not forgotten: 2002 WRX, 2004 MINI

EBITDA (man, what a username) -

seems to me by the tone of your post that you are leaning toward a manual transmission but are concerned about honing your shifting skills on your new car...

as KS-CS said, there is no definitive answer to this, except your own.
that being said, go for the manual!
*grin*

if you picture yourself driving stick in your Cayman, ...if that is part of the vision then why not go for a test drive? once you drive both, you will likely know - it is similar to seeing "the color" of your dreams, or the interior, etc.

do you have a friend with a manual transmission car you can practice on, now? if so, then go for a drive before visiting the dealer. it is one of those "riding a bike" experiences, the bikes may be different, but shifting, once learned, is ingrained.

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Learning to drive a standard transmission is easier than learning to drive a bicycle, which I assume that you can do reasonably well.

IMO, the benefit of having a Porsche with a manual transmission, is that you get the full driving experience. There is nothing wrong with a tip, mind you, but some of the driving experience is removed.

When someone says, "I washed my car". I don't think of them driving through a car wash, but they could have done so.

So, when someone says, I drive a Porsche, I assume that they are getting the full driving experience, without restriction, as I do. But maybe not.

It's all about how you want to feel. As for the Cayman, specifically, the clutch and transmission interaction are very smooth and effortless, when compared to many Porsche's of the past. In fact, the VW, may be the only other car that is a fair comparison for ease of use, for learning and driving.

Bear in mind, that it is possible that after you learn, you may prefer driving an automatic.

I would recommend finding a car with a stick that you can learn on a little, and then go drive a couple of Porsches - with tip and standard.

My GF has driven a stick most all of her life, but just recently got a car with an automatic. And she is delighted to not have to shift anymore. But, she drives to get from point A to point B. I drive to drive. The destination is generally not what matters to me; its the trip. YMMV

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Cayman S - a portable amusement park

- 2006 Cayman S
- 2003 Dakota SXT
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Earnings, Before, Interest, Taxes, Depreciating Assets.

If you want driver involvement, get the manual.
If you want to get from point A to B with the least amount of effort, get the Tip.

Personally, I don't think they should even be sold with Tips! Next year (possibly) you may have the best of both worlds with the DSG. But until then I would get the manual.

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The first car I bought had a manual transmission, I had never driven a manual before. After I gave the guy the check I drove it around his neighborhood for about an hour then headed home. Piece of cake.

Since you have already driven a stick it won't be a problem. As others have said if that's the only thing holding you back just get the manual. It sounds like you'll be happy you did.

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EBITDA---Recently a long time Porsche salesman told me "We could use more Tips but I guess the guys at Zuffenhausen don't like building them. They just don't get why anyone would want one"--I think many in this club would agree.---That said modern automatics, especially the Tip, can be a kick to drive and area and conditions might warrant one--get what you want--

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization
*wink*

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Are you interested in doing more or doing less to drive the car? If you want more to do, then get the manual. If you want less to do, get the auto. Less to do will give you time to fiddle with the knobs on your stereo and adjust your coffee cup in your drink holder.

I just switched from a 6-speed manual Boxster S to the Cayman Tip, because I hit an age (63) that I could not always remember which freaking gear I was in. This can cause real indecision as to which gear to go into next. Unless you are like me, suffering from brain cramps, I would recommend going with the manual, before Porsche stops producing them. Odds are you won't have this car for ten years. IMHO.

I have an '08 Cayman with Tiptronic, and I think it is great fun (even just doing errands around the suburbs, which is about 80% of my driving). It upshifts and downshifts constantly, so I always feel I'm in the right gear to do what is needed.
BTW, Tiptronic has some sort of "manual" mode; so I guess you can shift gears if you want to (with a lot less effort than using a clutch).

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