RE: Tell Me I'm Wrong: Porsche 911 Turbo
Discussion
the 911 turbo is one of my all time favourite cars and definately in my top 10 if I win the lottery. However I do fully agree with this article, blindingly quick but fairly dull and boring in the way it goes about it. I drove a 996 turbo and ferrari 360 back to back on track and I had a constant grin in the ferrari, the sound, the cornering, it just felt special. Whereas the 996 as good as it was just felt un eventful yet faster than the ferrari in a straight line. And i completely didnt expect that before I drove them, but now I fully understand why people hold this opinion.
With all respect, you don't have enough experience to write such an article on these car(s).
By your own admission, your only experience of the 996 turbo was on the ring in someone elses P&J; You're hardly likely to get any real experience of the car in those circumstances, and you even say yourself that you were "woolly tip toeing around corners.". If you'd spent more time in the car you would have relised there was no need to do that. These car have great balance and are 95% RWD until you start to slip. They will still powerslide in the dry if you want it to. These aren't pure track cars - they are fast road cars - and therefore it would be foolish to judge these cars purely on track experince. That said, they can do track work very well indeed but that is not their 'home'.
Turbo lag is minimal, to the point it's almost imperceptable, and there's plenty of shove before the turbos come in anyway.
I think that the car's epic performance tends to overshadow the fact that it is also a wonderfully handling sports car, and people (usually those with no/limited experince) struggle to believe it can be both.
As has been said, I think the article is (specifically) written to provoke debate.
By your own admission, your only experience of the 996 turbo was on the ring in someone elses P&J; You're hardly likely to get any real experience of the car in those circumstances, and you even say yourself that you were "woolly tip toeing around corners.". If you'd spent more time in the car you would have relised there was no need to do that. These car have great balance and are 95% RWD until you start to slip. They will still powerslide in the dry if you want it to. These aren't pure track cars - they are fast road cars - and therefore it would be foolish to judge these cars purely on track experince. That said, they can do track work very well indeed but that is not their 'home'.
Turbo lag is minimal, to the point it's almost imperceptable, and there's plenty of shove before the turbos come in anyway.
I think that the car's epic performance tends to overshadow the fact that it is also a wonderfully handling sports car, and people (usually those with no/limited experince) struggle to believe it can be both.
As has been said, I think the article is (specifically) written to provoke debate.
Edited by monthefish on Friday 16th November 14:33
I sold my 996 turbo X50. It was great but stupidly fast to the point that if you have overtaken in third and given a small quirt you are in ban territory. A brilliant car probably the best I have ever owned. I just didn't "love" it.
The lack of noise was a contributing factor. One day I will drive a GT3 or S variant Carrera and see if I might still want another 911.
The lack of noise was a contributing factor. One day I will drive a GT3 or S variant Carrera and see if I might still want another 911.
I wonder how many people arguing with the article have actually driven a 997 Turbo.
They are both too fast, and have way too much grip to be fun on the road, if you have the ability to drive a car.
If you're a point and squirt guy, then I can see the appeal, but if you actually like a car to move around, or get any where the limit of grip, a 996/997 turbo on decent tyres will have you risking far too much to get that enjoyment.
They are both too fast, and have way too much grip to be fun on the road, if you have the ability to drive a car.
If you're a point and squirt guy, then I can see the appeal, but if you actually like a car to move around, or get any where the limit of grip, a 996/997 turbo on decent tyres will have you risking far too much to get that enjoyment.
jon- said:
I wonder how many people arguing with the article have actually driven a 997 Turbo.
They are both too fast, and have way too much grip to be fun on the road, if you have the ability to drive a car.
If you're a point and squirt guy, then I can see the appeal, but if you actually like a car to move around, or get any where the limit of grip, a 996/997 turbo on decent tyres will have you risking far too much to get that enjoyment.
Doesn't that apply to pretty much every new car?They are both too fast, and have way too much grip to be fun on the road, if you have the ability to drive a car.
If you're a point and squirt guy, then I can see the appeal, but if you actually like a car to move around, or get any where the limit of grip, a 996/997 turbo on decent tyres will have you risking far too much to get that enjoyment.
monthefish said:
With all respect, you don't have enough experience to write such an article on these car(s).
OK, if you won't take it from me listen to a man in slip ons instead! You can't argue with someone who drives in footwear like that: fact! 
Dan
I've driven a few. Love the C2S, the GT3 and the GTS but the only one I didn't really gel with was the Turbo S as I felt it lost a little of the cornering finesse I so enjoy in the lesser 2WD versions.
As for the pace of the TS, it was a little rapid. Blimey. Too much for me and that's why the C2S remains my pick.
As for the pace of the TS, it was a little rapid. Blimey. Too much for me and that's why the C2S remains my pick.
Slightly fearful that this article is the result of someone at PH towers alleviating Friday afternoon boredom with a bit of trolling, but I'll respond anyway.
I've been lucky enough to drive quite a few 911's. This year I spent 4 days lapping the IOM TT circuit in a manual 993 Turbo, admittedly not a direct comparison to teh 997 Turbo in the article.
However, not once did I think 'This would be more fun if I had less grip, less power, and bit more twitchiness at the limit' it was brilliant fun, ludicrously quick and very well suited to the job.
I understand that on a smooth race circuit any number of GT badged cars are a better prospect, thats what they're built for. But as a fast road car, the Turbo is awesome.
So you're wrong.
I've been lucky enough to drive quite a few 911's. This year I spent 4 days lapping the IOM TT circuit in a manual 993 Turbo, admittedly not a direct comparison to teh 997 Turbo in the article.
However, not once did I think 'This would be more fun if I had less grip, less power, and bit more twitchiness at the limit' it was brilliant fun, ludicrously quick and very well suited to the job.
I understand that on a smooth race circuit any number of GT badged cars are a better prospect, thats what they're built for. But as a fast road car, the Turbo is awesome.
So you're wrong.
I've driven some cars and owned a 996 Turbo S. I can confirm the Turbo is not very good around the Nurburgring (including the GP circuit) and I've had more fun on that track in a much slower BMW 116i. However, 99.9% of my car ownership experience is not about driving on tracks, and as an all-year any-weather road car the Turbo is fantastic. The overtaking possibilities are awesome and the grip in snow and rain superb. It really is a supercar that can be used daily for almost any occasion except carrying large amounts of luggage, or more than two adults. Two adults and two kids is fine, although mine kept shout "Daddy - Turbo boost!".
I'll definitely buy another.
I'll definitely buy another.
jon- said:
I wonder how many people arguing with the article have actually driven a 997 Turbo.
They are both too fast, and have way too much grip to be fun on the road, if you have the ability to drive a car.
If you're a point and squirt guy, then I can see the appeal, but if you actually like a car to move around, or get any where the limit of grip, a 996/997 turbo on decent tyres will have you risking far too much to get that enjoyment.
Well in that case, next week we'll have a 'Tell me I'm wrong: Nissan GTR' because the same applies IMO. They are both too fast, and have way too much grip to be fun on the road, if you have the ability to drive a car.
If you're a point and squirt guy, then I can see the appeal, but if you actually like a car to move around, or get any where the limit of grip, a 996/997 turbo on decent tyres will have you risking far too much to get that enjoyment.
Motormatt said:
This year I spent 4 days lapping the IOM TT circuit in a manual 993 Turbo
No trolling conspiracy, I assure you! Just good, honest debate. And one I'd love to engage in further having shared the above experience! I think I'd be happy if that proved me wrong... Cheers,
Dan
This has always been a common complaint - at least since the Turbo went 4WD with the 993 turbo 4 (a dream car if ever there was one).
I've only ever owned the basic Carrera and to that end, the 993. So I have my bias.
Mind you, the 996 turbo is now crazy money when compared with other stuff available for ~£25k and so I'd certainly try one; but would likely end up in a basic model just to hear it, and perhaps save some pennies on the services. Perhaps.
I've always considered the Turbo to give the performance of the GT cars without sacrificing hearing and my back on a daily basis. If that is the reason it exists, then surely it's doing it's job?
I can likely afford a 996... a 997 isn't in my price range. If it were, I'd be trying one. Can't argue unless I know myself.
I've only ever owned the basic Carrera and to that end, the 993. So I have my bias.
Mind you, the 996 turbo is now crazy money when compared with other stuff available for ~£25k and so I'd certainly try one; but would likely end up in a basic model just to hear it, and perhaps save some pennies on the services. Perhaps.
I've always considered the Turbo to give the performance of the GT cars without sacrificing hearing and my back on a daily basis. If that is the reason it exists, then surely it's doing it's job?
I can likely afford a 996... a 997 isn't in my price range. If it were, I'd be trying one. Can't argue unless I know myself.
I found the 997 turbo the least enjoyable Porsche I owned,insanely fast and incredibly useable and quite frugal for its performance but I didn't think it handled well ,and the noise was very poor , I actually found the 996 turbo to be am much sweeter device to drive ,and the 997 c2s was more fun .Not sure if I classify it a supercar,you can't argue against its speed ,but it doesn't make you buzz like a lambo or ferrari.
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