996 Turbo - Boring?
Discussion
Tested 996 turbo to replace my Griffith 500. I have to make a change as I need a 2+2 for ferrying my kids. I thought the turbo would be the best choice as the 996 cabrio 4wd I tried was too slow.
Anyway it was fast, (too) quiet and rather dull. I'm not sure I wan't to spend my cash on something I didn't really love.
Problem is mostly the handling, the 4wd and stability programme interference mean the steering feel and driver control seems hugely compromised. I appreciate it is very safe.
My questions:
1) Have I failed to appreciate the 996 Turbo's handling (other than safety)?
2) Suggestions please for cars that have similar acceleration to Griff 500, minimum 2+2, driver involving and sub 50k.
Cheers
Anyway it was fast, (too) quiet and rather dull. I'm not sure I wan't to spend my cash on something I didn't really love.
Problem is mostly the handling, the 4wd and stability programme interference mean the steering feel and driver control seems hugely compromised. I appreciate it is very safe.
My questions:
1) Have I failed to appreciate the 996 Turbo's handling (other than safety)?
2) Suggestions please for cars that have similar acceleration to Griff 500, minimum 2+2, driver involving and sub 50k.
Cheers
Try a 993 turbo, it's much more entertaining to drive. Some say it's not as good a car, which is true if you judge a car by refinement, but it has much more character. Most people agree the 993 is a better looking car, but that's down to personal taste.
There is a risk that this comment will raise the 993v996 debate, I feel confident to comment as I have a 993 and just sold my 996 turbo S.
There is a risk that this comment will raise the 993v996 debate, I feel confident to comment as I have a 993 and just sold my 996 turbo S.
ken993 said:
Try a 993 turbo, it's much more entertaining to drive. Some say it's not as good a car, which is true if you judge a car by refinement, but it has much more character. Most people agree the 993 is a better looking car, but that's down to personal taste.
There is a risk that this comment will raise the 993v996 debate, I feel confident to comment as I have a 993 and just sold my 996 turbo S.
There is a risk that this comment will raise the 993v996 debate, I feel confident to comment as I have a 993 and just sold my 996 turbo S.
Equally without wanting to debate which is the best car (the 996 TT) I'd agree with this. IMO the 993 TT is a bit more fun - try and find an X50, tho'.
testarossa said:
If you've been trying to drive the 996 like your Griff, maybe making a few alterations, I think you've failed to appreciate it.
You have to adapt a lot for the turbo, it's boring to look at but not boring to drive.
How long did you have it for?
You have to adapt a lot for the turbo, it's boring to look at but not boring to drive.
How long did you have it for?
Please can you be more specific about "alterations"?
leadboot said:
Thunderfoot said:
If you can live with the image, Evo MR360, Imprezza (Spec C or Type 25)
Manual C2 (coupe) with sports pack, GT3 comfort spec?
Manual C2 (coupe) with sports pack, GT3 comfort spec?
Edited by Thunderfoot on Saturday 10th February 12:10
A 996 GT3 comfort has rear seats?
Oops, sorry no it hasn't. I should know I've driven one!
I have a manual 996 C2 coupe with sports pack, its a world away from a C4 cab that I tried. The C4 cab almost stopped me buying a 911.
Thunderfoot said:
leadboot said:
Thunderfoot said:
If you can live with the image, Evo MR360, Imprezza (Spec C or Type 25)
Manual C2 (coupe) with sports pack, GT3 comfort spec?
Manual C2 (coupe) with sports pack, GT3 comfort spec?
Edited by Thunderfoot on Saturday 10th February 12:10
A 996 GT3 comfort has rear seats?
Oops, sorry no it hasn't. I should know I've driven one!
I have a manual 996 C2 coupe with sports pack, its a world away from a C4 cab that I tried. The C4 cab almost stopped me buying a 911.
yeah, i agree - the 4WD 996's dont have the same drivers feel as the 2WD (IMO) - and I would imagine the same is true for the 993's too.
So i'd highly reccomend trying a 996 C2 first, and hey, if you want, try a 993 - it certain has its followers and might be what your looking for (not for me though).
ok, bear with me on this....
I don't how you are as a driver, I'm guessing you enjoy your TVR. You probably know it's limits and what you can and cannot get away with. You know the optimum entry speed, you know when to put the power down, you treat your car with respect....
With the Turbo, to get the same sensation(s) you will need to be travelling at higher speeds, drive it like a hooligan and you'll enjoy it more.
The car is very accomplished (not saying the griff isn't) but the way the car is constructed, people coming from front engine/rwd cars think they've hit the limit when the steering goes wibble wobble, that's not the limit, just a characteristic, drive through it.
Trust the Turbo more.
And go for another drive......
Other cars to think about,
993 Turbo!!!!! No contest, class, cool, beautiful, depreciation proof, the second coming (ok, perhaps I'm going too far now)
Maserati 4200 (550 looks but with 4 seats)
The C2s is a cleaner look, but not sure if you'll be happy with the power.
A Cerbera (you probably know more about it then I do, but it's my post, so a 4.5 lightweight in black or cascade violet!)
M3 CSL, I'm sure these are 4 seaters(If I didn't have my car, I'd buy one of these and a Sagaris/Exige for the weekend)
I don't how you are as a driver, I'm guessing you enjoy your TVR. You probably know it's limits and what you can and cannot get away with. You know the optimum entry speed, you know when to put the power down, you treat your car with respect....
With the Turbo, to get the same sensation(s) you will need to be travelling at higher speeds, drive it like a hooligan and you'll enjoy it more.
The car is very accomplished (not saying the griff isn't) but the way the car is constructed, people coming from front engine/rwd cars think they've hit the limit when the steering goes wibble wobble, that's not the limit, just a characteristic, drive through it.
Trust the Turbo more.
And go for another drive......
Other cars to think about,
993 Turbo!!!!! No contest, class, cool, beautiful, depreciation proof, the second coming (ok, perhaps I'm going too far now)
Maserati 4200 (550 looks but with 4 seats)
The C2s is a cleaner look, but not sure if you'll be happy with the power.
A Cerbera (you probably know more about it then I do, but it's my post, so a 4.5 lightweight in black or cascade violet!)
M3 CSL, I'm sure these are 4 seaters(If I didn't have my car, I'd buy one of these and a Sagaris/Exige for the weekend)
Had the same experience a couple of years ago, on a test drive of a 996TT it didn't seem to match my expectation, but was convinced by a couple of other owners I was missing something.
2 years and 10k miles later I have to say it is true, it grows on you the longer you own one. It isn't the tail happy action you will be familiar with, but the sheer ability and pace of the thing on the road just makes for a different sort of drive. It probably took me a good 4 weeks of ownership to really appreciate it.
I have the same issue with alternatives though. I like to change my cars regularly but with a 3 year old and needing a 2+2 with some luggage space, there isn't much out there and I have not found anything better. A Cerbera has the boot space, but not the interior space, so it would be into M3's M5's etc which isn't really the same. I keep looking for the sake of a change but have never found anything that does it all so well.
2 years and 10k miles later I have to say it is true, it grows on you the longer you own one. It isn't the tail happy action you will be familiar with, but the sheer ability and pace of the thing on the road just makes for a different sort of drive. It probably took me a good 4 weeks of ownership to really appreciate it.
I have the same issue with alternatives though. I like to change my cars regularly but with a 3 year old and needing a 2+2 with some luggage space, there isn't much out there and I have not found anything better. A Cerbera has the boot space, but not the interior space, so it would be into M3's M5's etc which isn't really the same. I keep looking for the sake of a change but have never found anything that does it all so well.
mogv8 said:
Had the same experience a couple of years ago, on a test drive of a 996TT it didn't seem to match my expectation, but was convinced by a couple of other owners I was missing something.
2 years and 10k miles later I have to say it is true, it grows on you the longer you own one. It isn't the tail happy action you will be familiar with, but the sheer ability and pace of the thing on the road just makes for a different sort of drive. It probably took me a good 4 weeks of ownership to really appreciate it.
I have the same issue with alternatives though. I like to change my cars regularly but with a 3 year old and needing a 2+2 with some luggage space, there isn't much out there and I have not found anything better. A Cerbera has the boot space, but not the interior space, so it would be into M3's M5's etc which isn't really the same. I keep looking for the sake of a change but have never found anything that does it all so well.
2 years and 10k miles later I have to say it is true, it grows on you the longer you own one. It isn't the tail happy action you will be familiar with, but the sheer ability and pace of the thing on the road just makes for a different sort of drive. It probably took me a good 4 weeks of ownership to really appreciate it.
I have the same issue with alternatives though. I like to change my cars regularly but with a 3 year old and needing a 2+2 with some luggage space, there isn't much out there and I have not found anything better. A Cerbera has the boot space, but not the interior space, so it would be into M3's M5's etc which isn't really the same. I keep looking for the sake of a change but have never found anything that does it all so well.
Perfectly said,i change my cars every six months but have kept my TT for 2 years because nothing comes close to it for the money as an allround package
leadboot said:
Thunderfoot said:
If you can live with the image, Evo MR360, Imprezza (Spec C or Type 25)
Manual C2 (coupe) with sports pack, GT3 comfort spec?
Manual C2 (coupe) with sports pack, GT3 comfort spec?
Edited by Thunderfoot on Saturday 10th February 12:10
A 996 GT3 comfort has rear seats?
NO, but you can have them fitted. Many 3 owners have done this.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff