Porsche 991 3.4 manual - first impressions
Discussion
There isn't a lot of info on this model, which made it very tricky deciding whether to take this, or stretch for an S. But today I took delivery of a very base car and here are my first impressions: Mine has only sports/heated seats/rear parking sensors, and it's on 19s. So it's as basic as you like, but in white it looks stunning. Because the car is a touch wider and 7mm lower than my gen 1 997 Carrera, it does look 'noticeably' lower. When mated together with the slightly higher tyre walls applicable to the 19 inch rims, the car looks well wheeled. Do I prefer it to the 20s? Not sure I actually have any preference - a touch of relief there. I also previously owned a gen 1 GT3, and one of the reasons I sold it, was that I drive quite a lot on B roads and the GT3 was often too firmly sprung for them - although sublime on A roads... I cannot speak for the 991S, but the 3.4 on 19s is definitely a B road car. It rides beautifully. Never harsh, but exceptionally well damped. It 'reminds' me a little of a Boxster on 18s, but less choppy front to back. The nose doesn't really bob anymore and the car feels heavier and better planted at the front. The steering rack is more positive than my previous Porsches which makes quarter to three driving easier and thus more rewarding. The car turns in soooooo positively now. Love that. Whilst you could say a touch of feel has gone out the steering, I like this, because the tram-lining affect appears almost absent. However as you press on, the steering feel is all there there - just as you would wish for. Yes, the steering is a little different, but it is definitely not inferior. The gearbox is lighter than my GT3, and the throws are nicely similar. Performance wise, I can't report on that yet as I'm going fairly easy at the moment. But because the engine is slightly quieter and revs further, it isn't an issue finding the torque a little higher in the rev range. Obviously it will not compete with an 991S in this regard, but as you stretch towards 5000 you feel the engine about to burst into life. I like the feeling of increasing power at the top end of the rev range rather than linear a response - and so I sense some excitement to come. My gut feeling? The 3.4 is a gem of a car waiting to be discovered.
notsomadmick said:
Yes, it was 72.6K all done. As I say a fairly basic car.
I definitely want to test drive the 3.4 Carrera. In the past I would never have considered the basic model but I've changed my mind on this. I think there is a lot to be said for the standard Carrera. I for one was really quite surprised how good the 997 Carrera was when I had it on loan whilst my C2S was being serviced.I've also read a review in the latest issue of Total 911 - ok it was the Cab not the Coupe - which said that the 3.4 engine was "actually better than the S, with its crisper throttle responses lower down the revs, it was more satisfying to push the car harder."
How are you finding the manual gearbox?
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