The GREAT Debate: Are Dual-Clutch Gearboxes OVERRATED? Would YOU Prefer A Standard Transmission Or A Dual-Clutch?

The GREAT Debate: Are Dual-Clutch Gearboxes OVERRATED? Would YOU Prefer A Standard Transmission Or A Dual-Clutch?
By this point, this topic may seem to be beaten to death. But, to me, it still remains relevant.

Are dual-clutch transmissions OVERRATED?

Over the years it's become quite evident that vehicles attempting to eek out the most performance have opted for the high-tech, wiz-bang transmissions. However, it's clear that even normal vehicles have decided to move towards dual-clutch boxes. There's just one problem: they're not all created equally.

While that matter is a story in itself, I still have been wondering if, overall, dual-clutches are all they are cranked up to be.

As I make myself from press car to press car, I have to say that every time I see a a new high-tech dual-clutch car, a part of me dies inside. That's because I know, in the instance of a car like the Porsche Boxster GTS, the experience would have been SO much more fun with a proper transmission.

I know I can't shift nearly as fast as a computer, but if I am not on the track, it really doesn't matter. Hell, I don't think it'd even matter if I was on the track! I am not Lewis Hamilton racing for a check.

That said, I wanted to check in the Spies. Am I a troglodyte OR am I onto something? Are dual-clutch transmissions all they're cranked up to be?


The latest generation of GT3, the 991, is here and the manual gearbox has been banished. PDK all the way but has that killed the appeal of this monster?



TheSteveTheSteve - 5/30/2015 12:48:56 AM
+1 Boost
Are 4-core/8-thread CPUs overrated? It all depends who you're talking to.

In both cases, most people wouldn't notice the presence or absence, but for those who do notice, and want that difference, then no, dual-clutch transmissions are not overated.


pcar4evrpcar4evr - 5/30/2015 2:20:07 AM
+1 Boost
Grudgingly accepted the the PDK in my 991 Turbo S and s-tronic in my R8 V10 Plus as mechanical genius. They gave me no thrill. The 6 speed manual trans. in my Cayman GTS is an absolute masterpiece that thrills me every time I drive the car. What will I do when manual transmissions in great sports cars disappear?

BTW, Agent 00R, did your Boxster GTS have the PASM or the x73 suspension. The suspension engineers at Porsche worked magic in the fixed rate spring X73. 20 mm lower suspension, zero body roll, incredible handling and firm with no harshness on crappy NJ roads. How'd they do that?


Terry989Terry989 - 5/30/2015 3:44:08 AM
+1 Boost
That's how I ordered my Boxster S. Manual transmission, sport seats, limited slip, X73 and nothing else - - - weighs in a just under 3,000 lbs with all fluids and a full tank of gas. I have always driven manuals, and this is the first manual I've had with no desire to modify. While it could be a little shorter throw, it is perfectly weighted and located at the perfect height. Compare this our current BMW where I had to put in an adjustable clutch stop, add a short shifter, install a modified clutch valve and upgrade the gearbox oil in order to get the proper feel.


Agent00RAgent00R - 5/30/2015 7:49:19 AM
-2 Boost
x73. I drove it in CA, so, cannot confirm how bad it was over bumps.


TomMTomM - 5/30/2015 7:33:21 AM
+1 Boost
At lesst in the USA - there are fewer and fewer people who can actually drive with a standard transmission. Since the market for most of these upscale cars is "wealthy" = rather than racing enthusiasts - they are simply making the cars available to a larger market. There will be those who will always prefer to shift it yourself - and there will be those who will not.

However - just like cars - the Dual Clutch Transmissions are not made equal as well - and some are leagues better than others


jeffgalljeffgall - 5/30/2015 8:13:57 AM
+2 Boost
Standard Transmision every day of the week. Since I am not racing on a track, faster shift time is not as important as the driving experience of a manual. It's a shame there are less and less options in the U.S.


jeffgalljeffgall - 5/30/2015 8:14:24 AM
+1 Boost
Even fewer options if you want to pair a manual and AWD


jeffgalljeffgall - 5/31/2015 3:01:42 PM
+1 Boost
Unfortunately, they do not on the 328i xDrive. This will keep be away, among the low quality interior.


pcar4evrpcar4evr - 5/30/2015 8:53:59 AM
+2 Boost
And with so many manufacturers heading towards turbocharging, the automated trans. will become more compelling since they are particularly well suited to turbo engines. I feel a tear forming.


MDarringerMDarringer - 5/30/2015 9:22:11 AM
+1 Boost
I'd rather have a full manual or a conventional automatic. Dual clutches can do some pretty jerky shifts so they are not the Holy Grail. They are almost as vile as a CVT for bad manners.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 5/30/2015 11:14:50 AM
+2 Boost
I want the option for a manual in every vehicle. I had a Jeep Cherokee with a manual and really liked it. All the sports cars I have owned had a manual transmission and some of the family sedans as well. Sure offer automated manuals but also offer a standard transmission as well. One thing that may make it difficult is engine tuning. In a DSG type tranny you can stack 8,9,10 gears in it so the optimal operating range of an engine can be very narrow. With a standard manual tranny 6 maybe 7 gears is really all you can do. In future cars if they want to offer both it may require an engine with two different states of tuning. I also wonder how the hybrid solutions can work favorable with a manual as I think we will see more and more performance hybrids that work on primarily electric power in town with the petrol motor kicking in once you leave the city.


CarCrazedinCaliCarCrazedinCali - 5/30/2015 1:17:17 PM
+1 Boost
Manual takes the win for me unless it's an SUV we are talking about. DSGs are not all that. The 8spd sport automatic in a BMW I leased had exceptionally quick shifts and left nothing to be further desired.


TomMTomM - 5/30/2015 3:36:29 PM
+1 Boost
Car Manufacturers are not in business to please a small group of driving enthusiasts - some of whom come here to post - they are in business to sell volumes of cars. It appears that many of the people who claim to want to buy the manual - also cannot actually afford the cars to begin with. At least in the Premium cars.

I would like to see more station wagons - a type of car that sells well in other parts of the world - but I am in the great minority in the USA - where they simply could not give them away - so they stopped selling them here. A station wagon drove more like a car - than an SUV and much better than a Mini-van. But people in the USA now buy the Crossovers instead of station wagons.

Alas - if the market is not there - and there is simply no economics in supplying otherwise - they will stop selling the Manual - just as they stopped selling station wagons. AND while there will always be a few odd foreign wagons - and manuals - don't expect a manual option in every vehicle to ever happen again.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 5/30/2015 3:41:06 PM
+1 Boost
Sad but true


jeffgalljeffgall - 5/30/2015 4:59:02 PM
0 Boost
I say make them special order only for cars that are sold in high volumes with manual else where in the world. This way, they do not sit on lots, but they can be available to those who demand them.


Agent00RAgent00R - 5/31/2015 6:32:26 PM
-1 Boost
Of course any corporation needs a business case to sell a product, but according to your logic, how do you explain the recent comeback in wagons?

To your point about a business case though I believe the last study showed a take rate of manuals in the region of 6-7 percent across the entire new vehicle universe.


LexSucksLexSucks - 6/2/2015 3:04:39 PM
+1 Boost
On the road leaving a stop light. Passenger asks; "Is that person driving next to us having a seizure?"... Answer; "No they're just driving a manual transmission car".


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