ISUK:
I was having a gentle dig at your thriftiness Nick
The 997.2 turbo isn't for me though I'm afraid. I just don't find the blown Porsche an attractive prospect regardless of it's speed. I'd agree that in daily driving the Porsche will potentially be the faster car but in all honesty you can't really scratch the surface of what it can do most of the time and at slower speeds I found it just lacked any sort of involvement. I actually preferred driving our Boxster as it could be hustled along and provide more adjustable fun at much lower speeds. I've got a GT3 order in the pipeline as I thought that model may provide a rawer, more involving driving experience. I've been given a September build slot but haven't spec'ed the car as yet and doubt I'll bother to take it as I can't see me taking it out in preference to the 458 for a fun drive or the Cali on a top down weather day.
I've driven PDK in the 997.2 C2S, Panamera turbo and in my better half's 987.2 Boxster S. It's a good box but in no way is it superior to the DCT fitted to the California. I even had my dealer retrofit the paddle shift wheel a few weeks back on her car to make it more fun for me when I drive it. It's a definite improvement but the shifts are still not that involving IMHO. Ferrari have engineered in an additional torque boost on upshifts to their DCT in sport mode and you can really feel this if you don't lift on changes. There is also an almighty bang from the exhaust on fast upshifts which is most satisfying. You can always rely on the Italians to add in a bit of theatre and drama in the sound department
As yet I've only had a brief drive in a 458 but can safely say that the DCT in that is even better than the Cali especially in Race mode Go and have a play in one. I'll be very interested in your feedback on the car. I'll be gobsmacked if you don't rekindle your passion for Maranello's magic.
Interesting on the mileage issue differences. Here a Porsche is considered high mileage if you do more than 5k to 10k miles a year in it by dealers.
Iain,
You know that I like 458 a lot but, I will disagree with some things that you wrote...
PDK in 997.2 Turbo and Turbo S is IMHO at least as good as DCT in 458. In fact in MY opinion for 99% of driving it is better. Why?
That "kick" on upshifts on DCT in 458 is simply programmed thing that I hate. Why do I need to "feel" small jerkiness on upshift? Because you can feel it on old F1 gearbox on Scud for example? It feels more sporty? Hmmm... Not in my book...
Do not forget one thing DCT from Getrag is oldest DCT currently used in sportscars. Both PDK(ZF) and McLarens DCT(Graziano) are acutally third generations DCTs. Getrag unit is size and weight like second gen DCT.
I drove 458 and I liked it. Unfortunately, I expected so much more from it. 458 in MY opinion is not as much better then 997.2 Turbo PDK as I expected. In fact I find it marginally better in drive dynamics-that is my subjective feeling.
For example engine mechanical smoothness(german name Laufkultur) is in best case average on 458(same goes for California).
Back OT. My advice for original poster-try to test drive California, even if you have to travel. Also, test drive 997.2 Turbo PDK. Drive it in Sport+ programm for a while-you could be supriesed...