996 Turbo disappointment after M3. Should I go back?
Discussion
Hi all,
Couldn't decide to put this in the M Power or 911 forum so it's going in both!
I've recently bought a 996 turbo having previously owned two E46 M3's and still owning an E36 M3 3.0 (which was going to go up for sale soon). I've really enjoyed the three M3's but always fancied a 911 and when a turbo came up at a good price I took the plunge and bought it. I didn't originally want a turbo as I thought I'd be quite happy with a Carrera 2 996. However, the turbo was at a good price and avoided the potential engine troubles that put me off a Carrera. On first impressions with the 996 tt I was in love with the supercar looks and more exotic experience over the M3's but now I'm having second thoughts. I found the M3's great to drive as I loved the way they'd move about under you in the corners and allow you to feel like you could drive close to the limit. By comparison, the 996 tt is much more planted in the corners and somehow doesn't feel as fun. I've no doubt it's quicker than the M3's but I kind of miss the FR layout and 'hooligan' driving experience. Also, the 996tt is a bit quiet compared to screaming straight six of the Beemer.
Should I just give the 996tt more time and fit a performance exhaust or have I just bought the wrong car?if so, I'll get myself back into an E46 M3 soon. I read about 911 owners saying the driving experience takes longer to learn but ultimately being more satisfying but I'm not sure I 'get it' yet.
Couldn't decide to put this in the M Power or 911 forum so it's going in both!
I've recently bought a 996 turbo having previously owned two E46 M3's and still owning an E36 M3 3.0 (which was going to go up for sale soon). I've really enjoyed the three M3's but always fancied a 911 and when a turbo came up at a good price I took the plunge and bought it. I didn't originally want a turbo as I thought I'd be quite happy with a Carrera 2 996. However, the turbo was at a good price and avoided the potential engine troubles that put me off a Carrera. On first impressions with the 996 tt I was in love with the supercar looks and more exotic experience over the M3's but now I'm having second thoughts. I found the M3's great to drive as I loved the way they'd move about under you in the corners and allow you to feel like you could drive close to the limit. By comparison, the 996 tt is much more planted in the corners and somehow doesn't feel as fun. I've no doubt it's quicker than the M3's but I kind of miss the FR layout and 'hooligan' driving experience. Also, the 996tt is a bit quiet compared to screaming straight six of the Beemer.
Should I just give the 996tt more time and fit a performance exhaust or have I just bought the wrong car?if so, I'll get myself back into an E46 M3 soon. I read about 911 owners saying the driving experience takes longer to learn but ultimately being more satisfying but I'm not sure I 'get it' yet.
The 996tt is an incredibly talented car but it is all down to personal preference. They don't feel as much fun with the four wheel drive system but when you get used to it and trust it you can make serious progress, and the punch is addictive. Give it some time, you wont lose any money on a good 996tt, mine would be worth what I sold it for almost 5 years ago.
They are very different cars, your M3 was a playful rear drive front engined back street racer, the 996 Turbo is a no nonsense very fast get it done without drama supercar. In a similar vein, I have a 993 Turbo and a CSL and it will come as no surprise as to which is the biggest hooligan and which will let you get away with more.
You soon learn that you have to drive them differently to get your rewards and the no nonsense super car experience may not be what you are after if you want playful sideways stuff.
Have you tried a GT3?....
You soon learn that you have to drive them differently to get your rewards and the no nonsense super car experience may not be what you are after if you want playful sideways stuff.
Have you tried a GT3?....
king love it...The 996T is just too quick and too planted for our roads. You have to be going at really illegal and dangerous speeds to get it near the limit. Also the ethos of the car is different to an E46 M3.
Noise is a pretty common complaint but then it is a turbo. 9e do a switchable exhaust system
(but pricey).
Noise is a pretty common complaint but then it is a turbo. 9e do a switchable exhaust system
(but pricey).This is a bit of a coincidence.
I bought a manual 996 Turbo in March this year. Been looking for a while and it was a car I aspired to own.
But you know the saying that "you shouldn't meet your heros", well I just couldn't get on with the car at all, so much so that I traded it in for an E92 M3 Coupe with DCT which I absolutely love.
I know what people mean in that they are different cars in terms of the driving experience, but I love the way the DCT just suits the car. I had an E46 M3 a few years ago which was a great car, but the E92 just takes it to another level for me.
I bought a manual 996 Turbo in March this year. Been looking for a while and it was a car I aspired to own.
But you know the saying that "you shouldn't meet your heros", well I just couldn't get on with the car at all, so much so that I traded it in for an E92 M3 Coupe with DCT which I absolutely love.
I know what people mean in that they are different cars in terms of the driving experience, but I love the way the DCT just suits the car. I had an E46 M3 a few years ago which was a great car, but the E92 just takes it to another level for me.
Looks like it's not just me then! Just put this in the other thread.
"Just to clarify, it's not that I was expecting the same driving experience between the two cars. The 996 tt has many strengths, such as, occasion, pure shove, looks, steering feel, brake feel and power, grip etc etc. it's just that I didn't expect it to be SO competent when handling. It's not that I drifted the M3 everywhere, far from it. I suppose I miss being able to steer on the throttle. I'm sure as I learn the car there will learn other characteristics of the handling that I will enjoy. I'll have to work on my 'slow in, fast out'. After all, I still have the old E36 M3 for hooliganism!"
Think I'll give it more time. If we're still not getting on I'll investigate an E92 M3. Hopefully the new M3/4 will help them depreciate a little more.
"Just to clarify, it's not that I was expecting the same driving experience between the two cars. The 996 tt has many strengths, such as, occasion, pure shove, looks, steering feel, brake feel and power, grip etc etc. it's just that I didn't expect it to be SO competent when handling. It's not that I drifted the M3 everywhere, far from it. I suppose I miss being able to steer on the throttle. I'm sure as I learn the car there will learn other characteristics of the handling that I will enjoy. I'll have to work on my 'slow in, fast out'. After all, I still have the old E36 M3 for hooliganism!"
Think I'll give it more time. If we're still not getting on I'll investigate an E92 M3. Hopefully the new M3/4 will help them depreciate a little more.
Onetrackmind said:
Looks like it's not just me then! Just put this in the other thread.
"Just to clarify, it's not that I was expecting the same driving experience between the two cars. The 996 tt has many strengths, such as, occasion, pure shove, looks, steering feel, brake feel and power, grip etc etc. it's just that I didn't expect it to be SO competent when handling. It's not that I drifted the M3 everywhere, far from it. I suppose I miss being able to steer on the throttle. I'm sure as I learn the car there will learn other characteristics of the handling that I will enjoy. I'll have to work on my 'slow in, fast out'. After all, I still have the old E36 M3 for hooliganism!"
Think I'll give it more time. If we're still not getting on I'll investigate an E92 M3. Hopefully the new M3/4 will help them depreciate a little more.
By the sounds of it, you don't like the AWD driving experience, which is different to FR and there's no getting away from that. "Just to clarify, it's not that I was expecting the same driving experience between the two cars. The 996 tt has many strengths, such as, occasion, pure shove, looks, steering feel, brake feel and power, grip etc etc. it's just that I didn't expect it to be SO competent when handling. It's not that I drifted the M3 everywhere, far from it. I suppose I miss being able to steer on the throttle. I'm sure as I learn the car there will learn other characteristics of the handling that I will enjoy. I'll have to work on my 'slow in, fast out'. After all, I still have the old E36 M3 for hooliganism!"
Think I'll give it more time. If we're still not getting on I'll investigate an E92 M3. Hopefully the new M3/4 will help them depreciate a little more.
Ultimately, I think you will need to adapt your driving style or sell it. As an earlier poster said, have you driven a GT3?
The Stiglet said:
By the sounds of it, you don't like the AWD driving experience, which is different to FR and there's no getting away from that.
Ultimately, I think you will need to adapt your driving style or sell it. As an earlier poster said, have you driven a GT3?
No, not driven one and it's not really an option as the GT3 is mega money. My 996tt was quite a bit cheaper in this market (Dubai) compared to the UK. However, there aren't many corners here, other than roundabouts, so my rationale behind buying the TT was its straight line performance. So it is quite suitable really. Just not as entertaining when I get out onto the mountain roads.Ultimately, I think you will need to adapt your driving style or sell it. As an earlier poster said, have you driven a GT3?
My last Pork was a 991s with PDK and after 12 months I sold it because the only 'fun' I could really have was in a straight line, cornering speeds on main roads were just mental and I eventually realised that I am not brave enough or skilled enough. I've owned plenty of very quick cars and the latest breed are incredible, but ultimately not fun. We run a Mini One for the kids to learn in and as a runabout and I have to say that I have rediscovered the joy, I am tempted to get into a Cooper S and say to hell with it, so I totally get where the OP is coming from.
I went from a 996 Turbo to an E46 M3 and didn't regret it for a moment. In fact, I was so taken with the "M" experience I bought a new E92 M3 with DCT just before production ended.
Both versions are much more engaging than the 996T in my opinion. I really tried to like the Porsche. It was my third 911 and easily the least exciting to drive, once you got past the initial rush of the turbo boost.
I will have a GT3 at some point which I think is much closer in spirit to an M3 than the 996T. That was my mistake of course, not the Porsche's which was designed to be an everyday all weather super car, not really a weekend toy.
Both versions are much more engaging than the 996T in my opinion. I really tried to like the Porsche. It was my third 911 and easily the least exciting to drive, once you got past the initial rush of the turbo boost.
I will have a GT3 at some point which I think is much closer in spirit to an M3 than the 996T. That was my mistake of course, not the Porsche's which was designed to be an everyday all weather super car, not really a weekend toy.
Hmmm, the 996 Turbo is the least involving 996 variant. Effortlessly fast and capable, but without that lovely NA throttle response, adjust-ability and is pretty much impossible to work hard on public roads.
A standard Carrera 2 3.6, on stock suspension with standard wheels is still a great drive. A step above an M Saloon. They need to be driven properly too, which is a fun learning experience for those new to 911s.
The stock Carrera 2s have always been the best 911 road cars. Still great fun completely stock (inc brakes), on the track too.
A standard Carrera 2 3.6, on stock suspension with standard wheels is still a great drive. A step above an M Saloon. They need to be driven properly too, which is a fun learning experience for those new to 911s.
The stock Carrera 2s have always been the best 911 road cars. Still great fun completely stock (inc brakes), on the track too.
I agree with the sentiments on here.
I thought of going down the 911 route when moving on from my E60 M5.
I was shocked at how awful the 997 turbo was, although to be fair, it was a tiptronic.....so awful, I stopped the test drive.
I then went on to trying a 4S, great car, but the 2S was by far the best.....fabulous handling, wonderful feeling through the steering wheel....loved it.
Almost got one, then drove home in the E60 and decided to remain an M man till I get old and retire when I will go down the 911 route.
F10 M5 all the way for now....does everything brilliantly, I honestly can't think of anything that would beat it as an everyday monster!
I thought of going down the 911 route when moving on from my E60 M5.
I was shocked at how awful the 997 turbo was, although to be fair, it was a tiptronic.....so awful, I stopped the test drive.
I then went on to trying a 4S, great car, but the 2S was by far the best.....fabulous handling, wonderful feeling through the steering wheel....loved it.
Almost got one, then drove home in the E60 and decided to remain an M man till I get old and retire when I will go down the 911 route.
F10 M5 all the way for now....does everything brilliantly, I honestly can't think of anything that would beat it as an everyday monster!
Edited by Jazzer on Saturday 22 November 11:33
Edited by Jazzer on Saturday 22 November 11:38
Andrew Coates said:
This is a bit of a coincidence.
I bought a manual 996 Turbo in March this year. Been looking for a while and it was a car I aspired to own.
But you know the saying that "you shouldn't meet your heros", well I just couldn't get on with the car at all, so much so that I traded it in for an E92 M3 Coupe with DCT which I absolutely love.
I know what people mean in that they are different cars in terms of the driving experience, but I love the way the DCT just suits the car. I had an E46 M3 a few years ago which was a great car, but the E92 just takes it to another level for me.
I bought a manual 996 Turbo in March this year. Been looking for a while and it was a car I aspired to own.
But you know the saying that "you shouldn't meet your heros", well I just couldn't get on with the car at all, so much so that I traded it in for an E92 M3 Coupe with DCT which I absolutely love.
I know what people mean in that they are different cars in terms of the driving experience, but I love the way the DCT just suits the car. I had an E46 M3 a few years ago which was a great car, but the E92 just takes it to another level for me.
Good point. Maybe the op would be better off with an e92 based on the post.
Andrew Coates said:
This is a bit of a coincidence.
I bought a manual 996 Turbo in March this year. Been looking for a while and it was a car I aspired to own.
But you know the saying that "you shouldn't meet your heros", well I just couldn't get on with the car at all, so much so that I traded it in for an E92 M3 Coupe with DCT which I absolutely love.
I know what people mean in that they are different cars in terms of the driving experience, but I love the way the DCT just suits the car. I had an E46 M3 a few years ago which was a great car, but the E92 just takes it to another level for me.
I bought a manual 996 Turbo in March this year. Been looking for a while and it was a car I aspired to own.
But you know the saying that "you shouldn't meet your heros", well I just couldn't get on with the car at all, so much so that I traded it in for an E92 M3 Coupe with DCT which I absolutely love.
I know what people mean in that they are different cars in terms of the driving experience, but I love the way the DCT just suits the car. I had an E46 M3 a few years ago which was a great car, but the E92 just takes it to another level for me.
Good point. Maybe the op would be better off with an e92 based on the post.
Went from an S54 M Roadster and although I miss the noise I have absolutely no regrets, the performance is just a different league. Two years into ownership with the 996T now and not looking back, there is no doubt it has less drama at slower speeds but trust me on this, take the Porsche out on a wet country road and be amazed. I can honestly say I've had more fun in it in the wet than the dry, the car is just way more talented than I ever will be.
I will say though the X50 performance pack made a huge difference to the characteristics of the car, the standard car is far more linear whereas the larger turbos on the x50 give you an almighty punch which imo adds to the driving experience and livens things up a bit. It seems to give the car a bit more personality which the M Roadster had bags of
I will say though the X50 performance pack made a huge difference to the characteristics of the car, the standard car is far more linear whereas the larger turbos on the x50 give you an almighty punch which imo adds to the driving experience and livens things up a bit. It seems to give the car a bit more personality which the M Roadster had bags of
Edited by shantybeater on Saturday 29th November 19:59
I've owned a couple of 993s which were quite fun to drive but ultimately a bit dated now although still lovely to look at. I had a 997 Turbo for a while and like many have said, simply too fast and too planted to be much fun. I could get it to oversteer but it was full commitment which can be a bit much in today's age on the public roads.
I had an E92 v8 M3 DCT after that and it was simply awesome. Fast, and most importantly fun. It needed respect but gave huge rewards and driver satisfaction I deeply miss that car and regret selling it to this day! I replaced it with a new RS4 last year which ended up a similar story to the 997 Turbo just not as fast. Loads of grip, great looks but a bit, well dull to drive in my opinion.
I've recently acquired a mint low miles 2004 E46 M3 and the prospect of driving to work every morning is always a bright one in the M3. I feel I've become an M Man through and through, I can't think of a single alternative that gives the same bang per buck and has the practicality that an M3 has to offer.
When I've finished a house build off Ill be looking at hopefully getting a new M3, and I can't wait.
I had an E92 v8 M3 DCT after that and it was simply awesome. Fast, and most importantly fun. It needed respect but gave huge rewards and driver satisfaction I deeply miss that car and regret selling it to this day! I replaced it with a new RS4 last year which ended up a similar story to the 997 Turbo just not as fast. Loads of grip, great looks but a bit, well dull to drive in my opinion.
I've recently acquired a mint low miles 2004 E46 M3 and the prospect of driving to work every morning is always a bright one in the M3. I feel I've become an M Man through and through, I can't think of a single alternative that gives the same bang per buck and has the practicality that an M3 has to offer.
When I've finished a house build off Ill be looking at hopefully getting a new M3, and I can't wait.
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