[drvrmod]

My miata of 20 years was very very finicky with the clutch point and prone to clutch judder or chatter in cold or damp weather. But it had a great short throw and positive snick-snick feel on the 6 speed shift knob.

Transitioning to the 718 the biggest difference is the weight of the car so I expected a heavier pedal. The shifter has a bigger ball and is higher, but since it's positioned better so you don't have to reach as far it seems like the longer throw is actually easier to row through the gears. The clutch has a higher engagement point in the travel of the pedal, compared to the Miata, but it engages faster and less sloppily.

I understand the pundits complaining that the gearing ratios are so tall, but are you seriously saying the spring is too heavy?

My dream spec is a cayman T with manual. So I really wanted to like it. But it could be that because my current cars clutch and the ND miata's clutch were so easy to use, I was a bit shocked by the engagement of the 718. I suspect if I bought one, after a few days/weeks(I hope) I could develop the muscle for it not to be a hassle. But the first impression was bad.

I agree the Porsche shifter position was great. The throw was a little long but not terrible. I still really want a 718 and I may try a different year to see if I like it better, or the PDK.
If I try the PDK and hate it I would rather go with the manual and try to mod the spring.

 

[OttawaSteve]

There is something very different with the OP’s and the other’s clutches. I have been driving in stop and go traffic on a twice daily basis lately and have had zero issues. I could easily drive the car all day. FYI, I am 67 and have certainly been in better shape.

 

[davchr_1850]

I've owned/Driven over 6 manual cars from FWD, Mid Engine and RWD and the 718 base manual was one of the worst to me.

The shifter was pretty good(a little tall) but good action and position. But the clutch was terrible!! It was unnecessarily stiff and had a crazy hard spring.

The same day I test drove a Miata and then back to my Veloster N. It was just way easier to drive those cars comfortably with a stick.
The release point on the clutch in the 718 was really high up and it would be a nightmare in traffic due to how stiff the clutch pedal was.

My car driving history (all manuals): mr2 Spyder, FRS/BRZ, Miata NA + NB + ND, Fiesta St, Veloster N. I also briefly drove a 981 cayman.
The 981 cayman was also kind of stiff but I don't remember it being that much.



Anybody else feel this way? Do you just get used to it? Is there a mod to make the clutch for livable as a daily?
Other than that I love the car's handling and I don't mind the engine at all.

Tested: 2018 718 Cayman base.

Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?

 

[Jayml]

Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?

Lol your kidding right?

 

[Traum]

It seems to me that the OP is comparing the 718's shifter and clutch exclusively to other non-German cars, and I'd say that is why you are drawing the conclusion that you have come to.

Having owned both Japanese and German vehicles, and driven plenty of vehicles of different makes and nationalities (if there is such a thing for cars), I'd say that the heavier / stiffer clutch effort is common to high powered high performance cars. Additionally, German vehicles tend to have a higher clutch engagement point -- multiple VWs and various BMWs that I've driven are all like that. I wish the engagement point was a bit lower, and I am going to look into whether the amount of slack can be adjusted on the clutch -- I could do that with my previous NC Miata. But really, there isn't anything majorly wrong with those German clutches. You just get used to it after a while.

As far as the shifter is concerned, I've found the bolt action rifle-like feel of the Porsche shifter to be a joy to shift. I know people have sung high praises for the Numeric shifter and cables, and I'd be interested in trying them myself some time down the line if repairs or upgrades are needed. The tall gearing ratio from the Porsche transmission is very much a disappointment though. I would have preferred some much shorter ratios from 1st to 4th, and it would have been more than sufficient to reserve the tall highway cruising for 5th and 6th alone.

 

[davchr_1850]

Lol your kidding right?

Dead serious. Why would anyone want a car with an archaic manual clutch? As noted by the OP they are a PITA in heavy traffic. If speed is your desire then there is no question - PDK. If your desire is a slow PITA to drive car, you should love a nice 356.

 

[LongRanger]

You should get behind the wheel of my ‘56 XK-140 Jaguar. Non-synchromesh gearbox and the clutch pedal is nearly vertical against the firewall.

 

[davchr_1850]

You should get behind the wheel of my ‘56 XK-140 Jaguar. Non-synchromesh gearbox and the clutch pedal is nearly vertical against the firewall.

Sorry but the ‘50s cars are too crude for me now. Having restored and driven a ‘56 Corvette and two ‘57 T birds, I will stick with nothing older than the ‘60s. Had a ‘69 E Type that was not bad to drive. Current project is a ‘65 E Type OTS ground up restoration. Glad to have an automatic on my DD.

 

[AZ718GTS]

Lol, stiff clutch. I guess everyone has their own prespective. I guess some should get a PDK, which for me lacks engagement and is just way too boring for a proper sports car. Hands down the PDK is the best automatic I have driven, but the manual in the Cayman IMO is sweet. Considering the power level the clutch is light and a pleasure to use even in traffic were the torque and long gears keeps shifting to a minumum.

 

[worf]

Anybody else feel this way?

I agree that the bite point on the 718's MT is high. It takes some practice.

Porsche clutches are stiff. Period. That's the way it is. Volkswagen too. Audis and BMWs are a bit softer. Mercedes? Who knows? So rare they might as well not exist.

You think the 718 clutch is stiff? Try a 928.

After years of driving my 928 and DD Volkswagans last century, I happened to need to drive an MT Acura/Honda/Mazda/Nissan (I forget which it was) and when I put down my left leg, for just a moment, I thought I'd broken the clutch pedal clean off the car.

The 991s, 981s, 718s are a bit easier.

Do you just get used to it?

Yes.

My 5'4" wife drives her MT German cars as DDs in Boston traffic. She doesn't complain one bit.

On the other hand, constant clutching/de-clutching in stop-and-go traffic is for the birds. If that's how you're using it, then PDK is the way to go.

 

[Ultimateone]

Is this whole thread trollbait?

 

[orton]

Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?

Might as well buy a Buick if you want an automatic.

I am 82 and have not noticed any issue with the clutch.

I do have issues with the gearbox ratios and the spring load forcing a down shift from 6th to 3rd. Have to apply pressure to the right to the stick to get 5th instead of 3rd.

1st gear is not a high enough ratio to allow easy engagement. Easy to stall. 4th, 5th ad 6th ratios are too close to each other. I regularly just skip 5th. Go from 4th to 6th.

My 63 Alfa had a much better gearbox.

Almost every car I have owned for 65 years has been a manual so I do have some experience with manuals.

 

[GTS18BGTS]

Now I'm seeing the troll under the bridge. Have fun in your Miata.

 

[Graustark]

Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?

Why drive a car when your wife can drive it for you? Both of these questions are bad.

 

[EAA]

So people bemoan the fact the manual gear box is becoming a thing of the past but when they get one that is regarded as one of the best in the business they say it sucks and one should get the PDK. I think we begin to see the problem. You want stiff go drive a mechanical (non hydraulic) clutch from the 30s, 40s, 50s or 60s. Better yet, drive my Model T in low gear for more than 20 seconds. Your leg won't stop shaking for a week.

 

[chester7]

@drvrmod. Maybe Porsche is not for you. I have a Miata NC and a 718. The Miata NC shifts well but has half the power, so is not even in the same league for performance. If you want smooth engaging driving feel at low speed, then stick with the Miata. If you want to drive fast easily the 718 is king.

 

[davchr_1850]

Both of these questions are bad.

Strange, but I have not seen a single direct answer to my original question, "Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?", only excuses for not embracing modern technology. If you like the nostalgia of old technology that's fine. I personally like the old Hamilton mechanical wind up watches and tube type radios. I even have a '65 E Type, MT and all. I would never argue that any of these are better than the modern day equivalents.

 

[Futurballa]

I came from a Miata and a BRZ to my 718 MT and did find the clutch stiffer and it took a bit of getting used to. The main thing for me was dialing in the seat position. I feel I sit a bit closer than I was used to, but the closer seating position gives me better leverage. Another reason I’m glad I got the 14 ways.

 

[gatorfast]

Strange, but I have not seen a single direct answer to my original question, "Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?", only excuses for not embracing modern technology. If you like the nostalgia of old technology that's fine. I personally like the old Hamilton mechanical wind up watches and tube type radios. I even have a '65 E Type, MT and all. I would never argue that any of these are better than the modern day equivalents.

lol are you serious? You really cant understand why many people love the fun of driving a car with a manual transmission? Its as simple as that - its fun. Operating a clutch, rowing the gears, rev matching, heel/toe downshifting, etc. Its just fun.

You seem to be fixated on equating the latest technology to mean that something is "better". Better is a relative term. Faster? Sure. But better? Depends on who you ask.

 

[Graustark]

Strange, but I have not seen a single direct answer to my original question, "Why would you want a manual when you can have a PDK?", only excuses for not embracing modern technology. If you like the nostalgia of old technology that's fine. I personally like the old Hamilton mechanical wind up watches and tube type radios. I even have a '65 E Type, MT and all. I would never argue that any of these are better than the modern day equivalents.

Why drive a PDK when you can drive an EV?

As other guy said, manuals are fun. QED.

If money is no object, why ever cook food for yourself? An executive chef or high end restaurant can do it better.

Why play golf? It takes a little bit of skill and effort, which is fun.