993 handling advice please!
Discussion
Hello,
After selling my Boxster sometime ago, I've just put a deposit down on a mint 20,000 mile one owner '96 993 Carrera 2 - only drawback is that there is no A/C, but since its not my daily driver this is no big deal. The Boxster is a fine handling car and I have to say I was very tempted to get another. The 993 however seems to exude character in a way the Boxster does not (just my opinion) and I guess I'm also a fan of the amazing build quality of the car.
Having read some of the posts on this and other forums however I'd be grateful to receive some advice on the handling of this car. Of course, I know the engine is behing the rear axle and this will not bode well when driving at 9/10's in the wet. Whilst I'm an experienced driver and enjoy driving a car briskly, a handful of karting events is about the limit of my knowledge of track driving! I've heard the 993 is a big improvement over previous generations for 'safe handling'. Does this mean a relative 911 newcomer can drive it safely whilst driving quite briskly? Both in the wet and dry? Or is this a car for dry summer days only, and which needs to be driven either by the experienced or with the utmost care in the wet?
Also, can anyone recommend a 911 orientated driving course in the Suffolk/East Anglia area?
Many thanks
After selling my Boxster sometime ago, I've just put a deposit down on a mint 20,000 mile one owner '96 993 Carrera 2 - only drawback is that there is no A/C, but since its not my daily driver this is no big deal. The Boxster is a fine handling car and I have to say I was very tempted to get another. The 993 however seems to exude character in a way the Boxster does not (just my opinion) and I guess I'm also a fan of the amazing build quality of the car.
Having read some of the posts on this and other forums however I'd be grateful to receive some advice on the handling of this car. Of course, I know the engine is behing the rear axle and this will not bode well when driving at 9/10's in the wet. Whilst I'm an experienced driver and enjoy driving a car briskly, a handful of karting events is about the limit of my knowledge of track driving! I've heard the 993 is a big improvement over previous generations for 'safe handling'. Does this mean a relative 911 newcomer can drive it safely whilst driving quite briskly? Both in the wet and dry? Or is this a car for dry summer days only, and which needs to be driven either by the experienced or with the utmost care in the wet?
Also, can anyone recommend a 911 orientated driving course in the Suffolk/East Anglia area?
Many thanks
No probs driving the car in all weathers,,,the old school don't lift off on a bend theories of early generations doesn't apply here so much.993 has a much improved very safe rear suspensione setup,you will frighten yourself before it lets go.
One thing to consider is tyres,if yours is a 1996 car with such low mileage they may still be the original tyres.I would consider putting some new rubber on for good order while you are learning the characteristice of the car.
I am sure you will enjoy your new car,,the 993 is a truly great Porsche.
One thing to consider is tyres,if yours is a 1996 car with such low mileage they may still be the original tyres.I would consider putting some new rubber on for good order while you are learning the characteristice of the car.
I am sure you will enjoy your new car,,the 993 is a truly great Porsche.
suffolk911 said:
I've heard the 993 is a big improvement over previous generations for 'safe handling'. Does this mean a relative 911 newcomer can drive it safely whilst driving quite briskly? Both in the wet and dry?
In a word- yes, however rear wheel alignmnt is critical on 993's. If its way out out or you have somat bent they can be pretty nasty to drive.
1. Get a full four wheel alignment done;
2. Fit some decent tyres;
3. Run tyre pressures at 36 psi all four;
4. Contact Andy at www.1st-lotus.com for a truly enlightening day at North Weald airfield.
Melv
2. Fit some decent tyres;
3. Run tyre pressures at 36 psi all four;
4. Contact Andy at www.1st-lotus.com for a truly enlightening day at North Weald airfield.
Melv
Suffolk, if I can offer a (relative) newbie's perspective, I bought a 993 last May, having driven a TVR Chimaera beforehand for four years and taken it on numerous track days. I mention this to show that I'm used to driving powerful RWD cars, though of course, I don't claim to be any sort of expert!
I was a tad scared of the 993 when I bought it for exactly the reasons you cite, and tippy-toed round everywhere -- until I took it on a handling day (email me if you want to know where to find out more). I was amazed at just how much you can throw the car around without the back end coming round to meet you. And even when the laws of physics do finally take over, you're sent telegrams beforehand.
Take it on a track day, and find out just how easy the car is to drive. I still won't take liberties in the wet, mind, but it's a very forgiving car in the dry.
I was a tad scared of the 993 when I bought it for exactly the reasons you cite, and tippy-toed round everywhere -- until I took it on a handling day (email me if you want to know where to find out more). I was amazed at just how much you can throw the car around without the back end coming round to meet you. And even when the laws of physics do finally take over, you're sent telegrams beforehand.
Take it on a track day, and find out just how easy the car is to drive. I still won't take liberties in the wet, mind, but it's a very forgiving car in the dry.
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