The problem with good DSG's (and other flappy paddle manual's) is that they are great for the first while, and then you leave it in 'auto' as you soon learn it can do a better job without you interfering. The VW/Audi ones are also very smooth, so you don't really get the kick in the back when you downshift, which helps with 'feel'.
When I get to drive a flappy paddle manual, I drive it like a F458 on the playsation for a while, until I get bored, then leave it in auto.
I'm not saying it's a bad 'box, far from it, for me it's just too good. I prefer the good old slow manual, it keeps my interest all the time, rather than just the honeymoon period.
Yea, I understand that point of view and nothing wrong with it......I'm quite fond of rowing the gears in my 911. That, plus the sweet sweet sound= life is good!
The other half of my brain says "you're leaving performance on the table" when you buy a car with a manual that isn't as good as the DSG/PDK, etc. And when you're buying a car, particularly a performance one, that kinda gnaws in the back of my mind.
YMMV
It's not always about being 'as good' though is it...
... if you drive like it is a Time Attack Section every time, then every 10th counts. I simply just enjoy driving a stick shift, losing 0.3 seconds from 0-100km is no biggie with relation to pure satisfaction gain from going thru the gears manually.
Same for me - a stick can make
most modestly powered cars fun to drive. When lapping, even if it meant losing a second a lap, I would want a stick just for the enjoyment.
