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.
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.
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?
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