Porsche test drive
Porsche test drive
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j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Thursday 22nd February 2007
quotequote all
Have a 997 C4S for the day today - what an awesome car!

Really want one - however, I have to say that the magazines and TV programmes are very misleading.

Yes it is more practical than just about any other supercar but it's not actually practical, which is what the magazines suggest.

It's ride / handling compromise is awesome and you can use it for quick jaunt to the shops (which I guess is where the comments around everyday useability come from) but if you had serious mileage to do everyday at normal speeds, it would get on your nerves and you'd be worn out when you got home.

However, it is without doubt the most amazing piece of kit I've ever driven on the road, the brakes are awesome as std, (who needs the carbon ceramic thingamys). It's plenty fast enough, sounds unbelievable (with sports exhaust) - it has so much character. How could you not like it?

The problem for me now is that I want one and my son's baby seat won't allow him to sit in the back comfortably - if there's a decent (small) alternative to the huge Britax thing we have for him, then I think I can convince the Mrs, if not then it'll have to wait around 3 years - bummer!


Edited by j-p on Friday 23 February 12:02

jjr1

3,042 posts

290 months

Thursday 22nd February 2007
quotequote all
I test drove one the other day and could not see the point of the C4S over my C2S. No difference at all to me apart from it costing loads more and I hated the PASM. It really is either too floaty or too hard. Try a C2S.

No idea why you think a 997 could not be used every day? I have driven 1500 miles in one weekend in it and it was not even slightly hard work.

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Thursday 22nd February 2007
quotequote all
Really? You're obviously made of harder stuff than me. Unless I was driving pretty to very hard the ride just got on my nerves - I felt it moved too much going over bumps if you're pottering around.

chumley-warner

310 posts

287 months

Thursday 22nd February 2007
quotequote all
My C2S has PASM - is it an option then? I didn't spec the car myself.....

I find it only useful if I am all out down a b-road or on a dead flat motorway - otherwise I tend to agree it is intrusive and unpleasant.

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Thursday 22nd February 2007
quotequote all
No you have to have PASM on any "S" as as far as I'm aware. I'm with you on how you use the sport mode though - Billiard smooth surface or hard blat other than that leave it well alone.

sjm18

282 posts

249 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
PASM is standard on the 'S' models, BUT if the car is specc'd with the Sports Chassis when built new then PASM is automatically deleted - you get an lsd instead. In reality very few people spec the Sports Chassis so pretty much all the 'S' models you see will have PASM. Hope that helps.

Thunderfoot

402 posts

260 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
j-p said:
Have a 997 C4S for the day today - what an awesome car!

Really want one - however, I have to say that the magazines and TV programmes are very misleading.

Yes it is more practical than just about any other supercar but it's not actually practical, which is what the magazines suggest.

It's ride / handling compromise is awesome and you can use it for quick jaunt to the shops (which I guess is where the comments around everyday useability come from) but if you had serious mileage to do everyday at normal speeds, it would get on your nerves and you'd be worn out when you got home.

However, it is without doubt the most amazing piece of kit I've ever driven on the road, the brakes are awesome as std, (who needs the carbon ceramic thingamys). It's plenty fast enough, sounds unbelievable (with sports exhaust) - it has so much character. How could you not like it?

The problem for me now is that I want one and my son's baby seat won't allow him to sit in the back comfortably - if there's a decent (small) alternative to the huge Britax thing we have for him, then I think I can convince the Mrs, is not then it'll have to wait around 3 years - bummer!


Mamas & Papas Pro tech fits perfect in the back of a 911, I have one in mine.

fidgits

17,202 posts

259 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
I disagree with the OP comments - I have a 996 and recently did a buisness trip in the UK in it, a 300 mile round trip, with 2 hours stuck in stop-start traffic.

Apart from the heavy clutch the car was fine for this...

968csreading

3,088 posts

248 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
Hard work compared to what?

I drove my 968 to Derby and back in one day and I have to say I was knackered in the evening. The drone of the DeCat and extra concentration was draining. However, I am used to a MG ZT-T which is quieter etc.

I used to use the CS everyday (and for business) and do a 500 mile round trip without a problem so you would soon get used to a 997.

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
Thunderfoot said:
j-p said:
Have a 997 C4S for the day today - what an awesome car!

Really want one - however, I have to say that the magazines and TV programmes are very misleading.

Yes it is more practical than just about any other supercar but it's not actually practical, which is what the magazines suggest.

It's ride / handling compromise is awesome and you can use it for quick jaunt to the shops (which I guess is where the comments around everyday useability come from) but if you had serious mileage to do everyday at normal speeds, it would get on your nerves and you'd be worn out when you got home.

However, it is without doubt the most amazing piece of kit I've ever driven on the road, the brakes are awesome as std, (who needs the carbon ceramic thingamys). It's plenty fast enough, sounds unbelievable (with sports exhaust) - it has so much character. How could you not like it?

The problem for me now is that I want one and my son's baby seat won't allow him to sit in the back comfortably - if there's a decent (small) alternative to the huge Britax thing we have for him, then I think I can convince the Mrs, is not then it'll have to wait around 3 years - bummer!


Mamas & Papas Pro tech fits perfect in the back of a 911, I have one in mine.


You are a star! I'll take a look at the weekend - Thank you

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
Drove the car back today which was sad - however, i think you're all right I'd get used to it even for long trips - not sure I'd be allowed one as a company car anyway, so I'd have to go with a private purchase.

sidicks

25,218 posts

251 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
jjr1 said:
I test drove one the other day and could not see the point of the C4S over my C2S. No difference at all to me apart from it costing loads more and I hated the PASM. It really is either too floaty or too hard. Try a C2S.


I think you are confusing the C4S v C2S with the PASM v LSD debate. I have a PASM equipped C4S and am perfectly happy with it - in normal mode I don't consider it 'floaty' - maybe in this respect the heavier 4WD front end works in its favour? The sport mode is too harsh for bumpy roads, but for twisty smooth tarmac, of which there is plenty around here, it works very well. Have yet to try it on a track, yet.

jjr1 said:
No idea why you think a 997 could not be used every day? I have driven 1500 miles in one weekend in it and it was not even slightly hard work.


Agree strongly - mine is used everyday

sidicks


Pat cash

312 posts

260 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all

Ok - here's practical for you..... I've done 1000 miles in 3 days in a 997 Targa 4S completely comfortably and regularly commute 150 miles a day...

However, slightly more impressive - a couple of weeks ago, i needed to move some stuff.... I thought to myself, 'Borrow a van from work...? Nahh... it'll be alright - after all I've got a 911 hatchback, what more could I need?'

So I moved, (in one go I hasten to add)

* a black and decker work bench
* a karcher jet washing thingy
* a plethora of power tools
* a small tool chest/topbox type thing
* a couple of saws
* a electric car polisher

And last but not least

* a MOUNTAIN BIKE...!!!!

Oh and a box of 20 bottles of Becks.... There was still space for plenty more stuff too.
And all without using the passenger seat/footwell.

Damn it was impressive.....

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
Pat cash said:

Ok - here's practical for you..... I've done 1000 miles in 3 days in a 997 Targa 4S completely comfortably and regularly commute 150 miles a day...

However, slightly more impressive - a couple of weeks ago, i needed to move some stuff.... I thought to myself, 'Borrow a van from work...? Nahh... it'll be alright - after all I've got a 911 hatchback, what more could I need?'

So I moved, (in one go I hasten to add)

* a black and decker work bench
* a karcher jet washing thingy
* a plethora of power tools
* a small tool chest/topbox type thing
* a couple of saws
* a electric car polisher

And last but not least

* a MOUNTAIN BIKE...!!!!

Oh and a box of 20 bottles of Becks.... There was still space for plenty more stuff too.
And all without using the passenger seat/footwell.

Damn it was impressive.....


You're a genius - i struggled with 3 other people! Anyway, bottom line is I want one and now have to convince the Mrs that it's perfectly suited to family life - so these threads will definitely help - thank you

Pat cash

312 posts

260 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
j-p said:
Pat cash said:

Ok - here's practical for you..... I've done 1000 miles in 3 days in a 997 Targa 4S completely comfortably and regularly commute 150 miles a day...

However, slightly more impressive - a couple of weeks ago, i needed to move some stuff.... I thought to myself, 'Borrow a van from work...? Nahh... it'll be alright - after all I've got a 911 hatchback, what more could I need?'

So I moved, (in one go I hasten to add)

* a black and decker work bench
* a karcher jet washing thingy
* a plethora of power tools
* a small tool chest/topbox type thing
* a couple of saws
* a electric car polisher

And last but not least

* a MOUNTAIN BIKE...!!!!

Oh and a box of 20 bottles of Becks.... There was still space for plenty more stuff too.
And all without using the passenger seat/footwell.

Damn it was impressive.....


You're a genius - i struggled with 3 other people! Anyway, bottom line is I want one and now have to convince the Mrs that it's perfectly suited to family life - so these threads will definitely help - thank you


It was all down to the opening rear glass - makes life SO much easier...

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
Pat cash said:
j-p said:
Pat cash said:

Ok - here's practical for you..... I've done 1000 miles in 3 days in a 997 Targa 4S completely comfortably and regularly commute 150 miles a day...

However, slightly more impressive - a couple of weeks ago, i needed to move some stuff.... I thought to myself, 'Borrow a van from work...? Nahh... it'll be alright - after all I've got a 911 hatchback, what more could I need?'

So I moved, (in one go I hasten to add)

* a black and decker work bench
* a karcher jet washing thingy
* a plethora of power tools
* a small tool chest/topbox type thing
* a couple of saws
* a electric car polisher

And last but not least

* a MOUNTAIN BIKE...!!!!

Oh and a box of 20 bottles of Becks.... There was still space for plenty more stuff too.
And all without using the passenger seat/footwell.

Damn it was impressive.....


You're a genius - i struggled with 3 other people! Anyway, bottom line is I want one and now have to convince the Mrs that it's perfectly suited to family life - so these threads will definitely help - thank you


It was all down to the opening rear glass - makes life SO much easier...


They had a targa 4 in the showroom - black with the right options for about 75k - how are you finding yours?

Pat cash

312 posts

260 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
j-p said:
Pat cash said:
j-p said:
Pat cash said:

Ok - here's practical for you..... I've done 1000 miles in 3 days in a 997 Targa 4S completely comfortably and regularly commute 150 miles a day...

However, slightly more impressive - a couple of weeks ago, i needed to move some stuff.... I thought to myself, 'Borrow a van from work...? Nahh... it'll be alright - after all I've got a 911 hatchback, what more could I need?'

So I moved, (in one go I hasten to add)

* a black and decker work bench
* a karcher jet washing thingy
* a plethora of power tools
* a small tool chest/topbox type thing
* a couple of saws
* a electric car polisher

And last but not least

* a MOUNTAIN BIKE...!!!!

Oh and a box of 20 bottles of Becks.... There was still space for plenty more stuff too.
And all without using the passenger seat/footwell.

Damn it was impressive.....


You're a genius - i struggled with 3 other people! Anyway, bottom line is I want one and now have to convince the Mrs that it's perfectly suited to family life - so these threads will definitely help - thank you


It was all down to the opening rear glass - makes life SO much easier...


They had a targa 4 in the showroom - black with the right options for about 75k - how are you finding yours?


Been fortunate enough to have driven a number of 996/997 variants and I know that Targa isn't particularly big in the UK, however I really like the lightness in the cabin - its a really nice place to be compared to a coupe. It really surprised me when I first drove a 996 targa - as wasn't expecting to like it. The 997 design with the chrome strips is different too (particularly on a black car)- gets lots of looks compared to a coupe. Drives really well - as one would expect.

And as I said, I love the opening rear glass - makes the rear luggage space much more useable.
Definitely don't discount it for being a targa - have a go - it might just surprise you!

j-p

Original Poster:

4,422 posts

236 months

Friday 23rd February 2007
quotequote all
Think I will do - thanks, Pat