The Pistonheads revalation- your stories
Discussion
Im fairly young, so my car history sadly lacks a smattering of Porsches, TVRs, Maseratis and the PH greats.
Before last week I had to imagine the feeling of really well balanced RWD car, to be in touch with the subtle conversation of man and car (and other cliches...), but now I can relate to them, for I have seen the light.
I bought a MK3 Toyota MR2. Top reviews from the mags, Mr Tiff Needell, its even EVO's 42nd best drivers car. So I was fairly confident it was going to be good.
But my, the extent of how good it was, is rather brilliant. The super sharp feelsome steering, go kart like chassis, mid engined balance and rather Porsche engine noise superceeded my expectations.
It was a rather special the first drive, I was scared to be honest, nervous as I slid into the low sporty seats, proper sporty seats with white stitching on black leather, half afraid I would do someting stupid like hit a kerb and also afraid it woudnt live up to expectations.
Yet once I turn the key, felt the clic' clac' of the gear shift and got the car to some more twisty roads, it was rather awsome. It was so easy to place, so sweet to rev and such a joy to thread between rural hairpins and tight curves. It felt proper, like a real sports car, it looked proper with the hard top on, and sounded right, a tight flat layout sound. I loved the fact I was just inches from the tarmac and that occasionally I would forget that the car was so accurate and turn in too much before a corner. Roll and under steer are non existant when you are on it, it exceeded my expectations by rather long way.
Yet wierdly whilst I expected the car to be built for a hoon, it was the little aspects that really took it above and beyond.
The gear shift feel - so sharp so purposeful and direct. Rifle bolt cliches were swimming in my head...
The cliter clatter of stones and other b road debris under the car, just the sound Ive heard in various reviews of supercars on youtube courtesy of Gopro.
The way it has no luggage space, the front is full of spare tyre and hard top cover, and the compartments behind the rear seats are fit for hoodies and the such but little else. Somehow it was nicer to feel that I was in a focused car, rather than a car that was adapted for the car nut after the design was finshed.
The bare gearbox, when the covers off and its exposed, 288 GTO style.
This is my first PH car, Ive agonised over it, wieghing up other options, yet could find no car that seemed to fit my wants for the price. In other words, when Chris Harris said how if he could tke the essence of a car with him to his grave it would be the Clio RS cup in video, I feel the same way.
It dawned on me that others like me would have had these moments, if not only in their first PH car when younger, but at any age, Ive seen enough F40 threads from 40 somethings on the Ferrari/Maserati forum to know that finding a whole new world of driving ecstasy is a never ending thing.
From 205 GTI's, GT3 RS',288 GTO and even the really lucky ones who have stolen enough Rembrants to drive 250 GTOs, 33 Stradales and other mythical machines it seems us car nust keep falling love over an over again.
And I'm glad of that.
So whats your story/ies of revelations behind the wheel?
P.S - I'm off for a drive.
EDIT Yes I spelt the title wrong - revelation.
Before last week I had to imagine the feeling of really well balanced RWD car, to be in touch with the subtle conversation of man and car (and other cliches...), but now I can relate to them, for I have seen the light.
I bought a MK3 Toyota MR2. Top reviews from the mags, Mr Tiff Needell, its even EVO's 42nd best drivers car. So I was fairly confident it was going to be good.
But my, the extent of how good it was, is rather brilliant. The super sharp feelsome steering, go kart like chassis, mid engined balance and rather Porsche engine noise superceeded my expectations.
It was a rather special the first drive, I was scared to be honest, nervous as I slid into the low sporty seats, proper sporty seats with white stitching on black leather, half afraid I would do someting stupid like hit a kerb and also afraid it woudnt live up to expectations.
Yet once I turn the key, felt the clic' clac' of the gear shift and got the car to some more twisty roads, it was rather awsome. It was so easy to place, so sweet to rev and such a joy to thread between rural hairpins and tight curves. It felt proper, like a real sports car, it looked proper with the hard top on, and sounded right, a tight flat layout sound. I loved the fact I was just inches from the tarmac and that occasionally I would forget that the car was so accurate and turn in too much before a corner. Roll and under steer are non existant when you are on it, it exceeded my expectations by rather long way.
Yet wierdly whilst I expected the car to be built for a hoon, it was the little aspects that really took it above and beyond.
The gear shift feel - so sharp so purposeful and direct. Rifle bolt cliches were swimming in my head...
The cliter clatter of stones and other b road debris under the car, just the sound Ive heard in various reviews of supercars on youtube courtesy of Gopro.
The way it has no luggage space, the front is full of spare tyre and hard top cover, and the compartments behind the rear seats are fit for hoodies and the such but little else. Somehow it was nicer to feel that I was in a focused car, rather than a car that was adapted for the car nut after the design was finshed.
The bare gearbox, when the covers off and its exposed, 288 GTO style.
This is my first PH car, Ive agonised over it, wieghing up other options, yet could find no car that seemed to fit my wants for the price. In other words, when Chris Harris said how if he could tke the essence of a car with him to his grave it would be the Clio RS cup in video, I feel the same way.
It dawned on me that others like me would have had these moments, if not only in their first PH car when younger, but at any age, Ive seen enough F40 threads from 40 somethings on the Ferrari/Maserati forum to know that finding a whole new world of driving ecstasy is a never ending thing.
From 205 GTI's, GT3 RS',288 GTO and even the really lucky ones who have stolen enough Rembrants to drive 250 GTOs, 33 Stradales and other mythical machines it seems us car nust keep falling love over an over again.
And I'm glad of that.
So whats your story/ies of revelations behind the wheel?
P.S - I'm off for a drive.
EDIT Yes I spelt the title wrong - revelation.
Edited by Fantuzzi on Wednesday 5th September 21:02
After a succession of hot hatches, general sports cars and motorbikes, and ending up racing Superbikes - I was at a point when I thought I understood handling, chassis setups and what was good / what wasn't.
As life was going well back in around 2007 - I decided it was time for my first Porsche 911.
I recognise the difference between outright performance and finesse on the track, compared to real-world useability on roads of varying quality and surface. Throw into the mix our unpredictable weather, and I went for a 996 Carrera 4. Everyone bleats on that 4 wheel drive 911's aren't the purist's choice, but for year-round performance coupled with a bit of safety - I thought the 4 wheel drive option would suit.
First week or two of ownership = precious care of my new (bloody expensive) baby saw me pottering round, enjoying my lovely car, and being very careful with it.
After a while, that all disappears
and I started driving it like I stole it.
And I was - disappoint.
It felt like it didn't handle all that well, had a tendancy to understeer, was (obviously) tail heavy, and also not that fast. I started to think 'blimey, I've bought what's supposed to be a legendary car - and I don't think I like it that much - it's not very good?'
But.....that was before I did a bit of research on the net, spoke to a few owners, and realised (duhh) that I needed to drive it with a very different style and manner, to get the most from it.
It took me around 3 months in total to understand and 'get' every performance nuance and manner of the car. I was surprised at how long it took me to 'dial in' to the car, especially with my understanding of handling and dynamics. I think it may well be that some 'lay' owners might actually never dial into this at all?
Anyway - once I'd found the key to the Porsche's strengths and how to exploit them - Jesus, as a road-going weapon, especially in marginal conditions - it was what I might describe as 'devastating.'
When you know how to use one - especially a 4 wheel drive one - it's like a tenacious little 'road limpet' with seemingly endless levels of grip, traction and chassis useability. Once set up through a turn, providing you get it right - you can mash the throttle on exit and get devastating grip and acceleration out of the turn, with no fuss or drama.
One thing that REALLY impressed - I uprated the brakes a little with performance pads and discs - plus braided steel brake lines. I could charge up to a turn at ridiculous speeds, brake hard enough to get the back light (but still totally controllable) at the last minute, and chuck it into a bend with enough other-worldly performance that I'd often make passengers feel a little sick with fright and G-force!
So - that's MY revelation story - but it took a long time for me to learn the 'Revelation' as I guess such a genuine 'see the light' moment probably should!
After all, it wouldn't be as significant if it came easily, would it?
As life was going well back in around 2007 - I decided it was time for my first Porsche 911.
I recognise the difference between outright performance and finesse on the track, compared to real-world useability on roads of varying quality and surface. Throw into the mix our unpredictable weather, and I went for a 996 Carrera 4. Everyone bleats on that 4 wheel drive 911's aren't the purist's choice, but for year-round performance coupled with a bit of safety - I thought the 4 wheel drive option would suit.
First week or two of ownership = precious care of my new (bloody expensive) baby saw me pottering round, enjoying my lovely car, and being very careful with it.
After a while, that all disappears
and I started driving it like I stole it.And I was - disappoint.
It felt like it didn't handle all that well, had a tendancy to understeer, was (obviously) tail heavy, and also not that fast. I started to think 'blimey, I've bought what's supposed to be a legendary car - and I don't think I like it that much - it's not very good?'
But.....that was before I did a bit of research on the net, spoke to a few owners, and realised (duhh) that I needed to drive it with a very different style and manner, to get the most from it.
It took me around 3 months in total to understand and 'get' every performance nuance and manner of the car. I was surprised at how long it took me to 'dial in' to the car, especially with my understanding of handling and dynamics. I think it may well be that some 'lay' owners might actually never dial into this at all?
Anyway - once I'd found the key to the Porsche's strengths and how to exploit them - Jesus, as a road-going weapon, especially in marginal conditions - it was what I might describe as 'devastating.'
When you know how to use one - especially a 4 wheel drive one - it's like a tenacious little 'road limpet' with seemingly endless levels of grip, traction and chassis useability. Once set up through a turn, providing you get it right - you can mash the throttle on exit and get devastating grip and acceleration out of the turn, with no fuss or drama.
One thing that REALLY impressed - I uprated the brakes a little with performance pads and discs - plus braided steel brake lines. I could charge up to a turn at ridiculous speeds, brake hard enough to get the back light (but still totally controllable) at the last minute, and chuck it into a bend with enough other-worldly performance that I'd often make passengers feel a little sick with fright and G-force!
So - that's MY revelation story - but it took a long time for me to learn the 'Revelation' as I guess such a genuine 'see the light' moment probably should!
After all, it wouldn't be as significant if it came easily, would it?
The oft discussed MX-5.
My 1st, an early Eunos import with some sort of JDM suspension and bracing. My 1st rear driver and at that time my commute to work was about 14 miles of quiet country roads. You can work out the rest but the satisfying ting ting noise that the exhaust made every morning when I parked up at work made me smile.
Mostly that but indulging in bangernomics for the past couple of years has rewarded and frustrated in equal measure.
As Ray mentioned, the 911 is a funny old beast, I've driven my fair share of 996 and they just need a certain mindset to get the best out of them. Even a 300BHP Carrera 2 is bonkers quick when you get it wound up properly.
My 1st, an early Eunos import with some sort of JDM suspension and bracing. My 1st rear driver and at that time my commute to work was about 14 miles of quiet country roads. You can work out the rest but the satisfying ting ting noise that the exhaust made every morning when I parked up at work made me smile.
Mostly that but indulging in bangernomics for the past couple of years has rewarded and frustrated in equal measure.
As Ray mentioned, the 911 is a funny old beast, I've driven my fair share of 996 and they just need a certain mindset to get the best out of them. Even a 300BHP Carrera 2 is bonkers quick when you get it wound up properly.
My 1.7 Puma
13 years old and cost me £1k
It has just enough power to have fun but with out getting into SERIOUS trouble.
I live in Ireland and there are some great country roads to be explored and whats amazing about this car is that driving 'normal' its boring, uncomfortable and noisy, BUT when you give it the beans and really drive it, it really comes alive and just keeps giving!
The gearbox and steering is sublime imo, it all comes together when its being thrashed. The wheels ability to communicate exactly whats going on at the front is wonderful. Considering its FWD, it oversteers quite often (when Provoked) and its sooo easily controlled and exaggerated.
It has also given me the chance to learn about 'lines' as it is a very easy car to place accurately at speed. Which allows me to carry much more speed than much faster stuff.
I am selling it as I have bought a Saab 95 Aero, I was excited to have the Saab, with its 250bhp etc but that's wearing off quickly tbh as I just know that those days of twisties fun are over.
The most fun I have ever had in a car...
It makes me quite sad now but I will have to move on and look forward to when I can buy another PH type car that rewards the way the Puma does.
13 years old and cost me £1k
It has just enough power to have fun but with out getting into SERIOUS trouble.
I live in Ireland and there are some great country roads to be explored and whats amazing about this car is that driving 'normal' its boring, uncomfortable and noisy, BUT when you give it the beans and really drive it, it really comes alive and just keeps giving!
The gearbox and steering is sublime imo, it all comes together when its being thrashed. The wheels ability to communicate exactly whats going on at the front is wonderful. Considering its FWD, it oversteers quite often (when Provoked) and its sooo easily controlled and exaggerated.
It has also given me the chance to learn about 'lines' as it is a very easy car to place accurately at speed. Which allows me to carry much more speed than much faster stuff.
I am selling it as I have bought a Saab 95 Aero, I was excited to have the Saab, with its 250bhp etc but that's wearing off quickly tbh as I just know that those days of twisties fun are over.
The most fun I have ever had in a car...
It makes me quite sad now but I will have to move on and look forward to when I can buy another PH type car that rewards the way the Puma does.
At last some one that gets the Porsche 4wd love!
Mine was a lambo gallardo Spyder In burnt orange before direct injection. Never really understood lamborghinis and always thought they were virtually un-useable on a uk roads with far too much power.
I had the chance of driving this beast with a friend. What an absolute hoot. The looks. The drama. The noise ... especially driving through a sleepy Cotswold village in first at 8000 revs!! The crackle and pop on lift off or change down just made the car for me. Loved the Italian meets german engineering feel - everything seemed just so
For all the smoothness of Pdk and double clutches, nothing beats a slam in the back on a paddle shift gearbox. It was the first time in a real sports car where the power seemed just right and not OMG scary. The 4wd probably helped tame this monster and certainly the handling, turn in and ability to boot mid corner gave you the confidence to drive it like you stole it.
I have always loved 4wd performance cars because of their all weather ability in the uk and Europe, but this lambo was in a different class. I'd have no problem in putting winter tyres on, putting the top down and driving snow covered roads while listening to the roar of that glorious V10 - just to be totally bonkers.
Still dream of having one but I think the running costs would break my heart and it's probably to too wide the roads round me.
Mine was a lambo gallardo Spyder In burnt orange before direct injection. Never really understood lamborghinis and always thought they were virtually un-useable on a uk roads with far too much power.
I had the chance of driving this beast with a friend. What an absolute hoot. The looks. The drama. The noise ... especially driving through a sleepy Cotswold village in first at 8000 revs!! The crackle and pop on lift off or change down just made the car for me. Loved the Italian meets german engineering feel - everything seemed just so
For all the smoothness of Pdk and double clutches, nothing beats a slam in the back on a paddle shift gearbox. It was the first time in a real sports car where the power seemed just right and not OMG scary. The 4wd probably helped tame this monster and certainly the handling, turn in and ability to boot mid corner gave you the confidence to drive it like you stole it.
I have always loved 4wd performance cars because of their all weather ability in the uk and Europe, but this lambo was in a different class. I'd have no problem in putting winter tyres on, putting the top down and driving snow covered roads while listening to the roar of that glorious V10 - just to be totally bonkers.
Still dream of having one but I think the running costs would break my heart and it's probably to too wide the roads round me.
Fantuzzi said:
I bought a MK3 Toyota MR2.
But my, the extent of how good it was, is rather brilliant. The super sharp feelsome steering, go kart like chassis, mid engined balance and rather Porsche engine noise superceeded my expectations.
Agreed. Somehow they just didn't manage to catch the imagination of the market but it's a truly wonderful car to drive! But my, the extent of how good it was, is rather brilliant. The super sharp feelsome steering, go kart like chassis, mid engined balance and rather Porsche engine noise superceeded my expectations.
Esprit Turbo for me...
22 years old and I have saved up a few quid for a toy. I decided I should try a Porker even though I have never been much of a fan and was left feeling a bit cold. I looked at an Xjs Conv as well and not knowing a huge amount about cars back then I was a bit lost. Didn't want a hot hacth and had finally settled on a 3000gt until a random conversation with one Jeremy C steered me in the direction of an Esprit.
I still recall my first drive, the A3 near Guildford. The balance, the power, the feedback - wibble! Thankfully I had done most of the negotiation on the phone as I was ready to write out a cheque for asking about ten mins into the drive.
22 years old and I have saved up a few quid for a toy. I decided I should try a Porker even though I have never been much of a fan and was left feeling a bit cold. I looked at an Xjs Conv as well and not knowing a huge amount about cars back then I was a bit lost. Didn't want a hot hacth and had finally settled on a 3000gt until a random conversation with one Jeremy C steered me in the direction of an Esprit.
I still recall my first drive, the A3 near Guildford. The balance, the power, the feedback - wibble! Thankfully I had done most of the negotiation on the phone as I was ready to write out a cheque for asking about ten mins into the drive.
wolfy1988 said:
My 1.7 Puma
13 years old and cost me £1k
It has just enough power to have fun but with out getting into SERIOUS trouble.
I live in Ireland and there are some great country roads to be explored and whats amazing about this car is that driving 'normal' its boring, uncomfortable and noisy, BUT when you give it the beans and really drive it, it really comes alive and just keeps giving!
The gearbox and steering is sublime imo, it all comes together when its being thrashed. The wheels ability to communicate exactly whats going on at the front is wonderful. Considering its FWD, it oversteers quite often (when Provoked) and its sooo easily controlled and exaggerated.
It has also given me the chance to learn about 'lines' as it is a very easy car to place accurately at speed. Which allows me to carry much more speed than much faster stuff.
I am selling it as I have bought a Saab 95 Aero, I was excited to have the Saab, with its 250bhp etc but that's wearing off quickly tbh as I just know that those days of twisties fun are over.
The most fun I have ever had in a car...
It makes me quite sad now but I will have to move on and look forward to when I can buy another PH type car that rewards the way the Puma does.
I'll go ever lower (and disgust more people). 13 years old and cost me £1k
It has just enough power to have fun but with out getting into SERIOUS trouble.
I live in Ireland and there are some great country roads to be explored and whats amazing about this car is that driving 'normal' its boring, uncomfortable and noisy, BUT when you give it the beans and really drive it, it really comes alive and just keeps giving!
The gearbox and steering is sublime imo, it all comes together when its being thrashed. The wheels ability to communicate exactly whats going on at the front is wonderful. Considering its FWD, it oversteers quite often (when Provoked) and its sooo easily controlled and exaggerated.
It has also given me the chance to learn about 'lines' as it is a very easy car to place accurately at speed. Which allows me to carry much more speed than much faster stuff.
I am selling it as I have bought a Saab 95 Aero, I was excited to have the Saab, with its 250bhp etc but that's wearing off quickly tbh as I just know that those days of twisties fun are over.
The most fun I have ever had in a car...
It makes me quite sad now but I will have to move on and look forward to when I can buy another PH type car that rewards the way the Puma does.
I'd driven plenty of hire cars (BMW, Audi, Vw, Ford) a MINI, an M3 (e46), z4m, puma, but I was shocked by the mk1 focus estate borrowed from the parents when I first drove it - for a family car, the steering and gearbox are brilliant. Far better than the Mk2 and beyond, and leagues better than any BMW or Audi.
The Puma was great fun but the ride was rubbish. The focus was a bog standard estate with 100k+ on the clock.
0a said:
I'll go ever lower (and disgust more people).
I'd driven plenty of hire cars (BMW, Audi, Vw, Ford) a MINI, an M3 (e46), z4m, puma, but I was shocked by the mk1 focus estate borrowed from the parents when I first drove it - for a family car, the steering and gearbox are brilliant. Far better than the Mk2 and beyond, and leagues better than any BMW or Audi.
The Puma was great fun but the ride was rubbish. The focus was a bog standard estate with 100k+ on the clock.
I'll see you and lower you. Mk I Ford Ka, where I first discovered steering feel. You turned the wheel and it went straight away, no slop, no pause. It was a revelation to sad old me. The Ka was the (now happily Ex) wife's and I constantly pinched it just for the joy of going through roundabouts and corners faster than I thought possible. I'd driven plenty of hire cars (BMW, Audi, Vw, Ford) a MINI, an M3 (e46), z4m, puma, but I was shocked by the mk1 focus estate borrowed from the parents when I first drove it - for a family car, the steering and gearbox are brilliant. Far better than the Mk2 and beyond, and leagues better than any BMW or Audi.
The Puma was great fun but the ride was rubbish. The focus was a bog standard estate with 100k+ on the clock.
I know it's not exactly up there, but it stuck with me. And, unlike the Ex, I miss that Ka.
I learned to drive (as in how to *really* drive, rather than just pressing pedals and twirling the steering wheel) in a tired MGB GT. It didn't handle that well, so it taught me a lot about being smooth to keep the car from getting unsettled and uncomfortable, while still making decent progress (slightly too decent in the eyes of one particular police officer I encountered...).
The steering was lovely and precise, and the gearbox was substantially better than my old Mk2 Fiesta ! The engine was a bit s
t, but had enough oomph to be interesting without actually being fast. It made me think about my driving.I used to go out for drives 'just because' and would come back with a grin on my face.
Oddly the Westfield I had subsequently was less of a revelation since it was more expected, but that didn't stop a few "fuuuuuuuucccckkkkk me !!!
" moments whenever I let rip (particularly with the second engine which was a lot more powerful). Even got my mum to swear when I took her round Rockingham 
1 litre 2008 model Yaris hire car + 1 week in the Cretan mountains + largely empty roads + fabulous weather.
I have a degree of mechanical sympathy with most cars but the harder I pushed the little yaris the better it got. Genuinely surprised that a Jap econo-box could be that good in the modern era. I felt 17 again and my 250bhp saloon in the UK felt like as engaging as a house brick in comparison.
I have a degree of mechanical sympathy with most cars but the harder I pushed the little yaris the better it got. Genuinely surprised that a Jap econo-box could be that good in the modern era. I felt 17 again and my 250bhp saloon in the UK felt like as engaging as a house brick in comparison.
My revalation is kind of going the opposite way to everyone else's. Apart from my first car and to a certain extent my second all my cars have been drivers cars. My focus was modified to the point where I could make rather quick progress on any road and was a joy to chuck about. The MX-5 and MGTF speak for them selves both being RWD and pointy (despite the TF's constant issues it did drive well) and the puma was a go-kart that always begged for more revs.
Now life is changing, I have a baby on the way and a sensible car was needed. Needing something bigger meant I could also look at having a diesel again as I do a lot of miles. So I bought a mondeo, mk3 2.0tdci 115bhp. Its a barge, no doubt about it but I absolutely love it. Its big, its comfy, its relaxing to drive and fuel lasts me more than 5 days.
The revalation came when driving around some of the country lanes around here for the first time. I'm shocked to say that for something so big and soft its a joy to hustle along. Theres not as much feel as either the puma or focus but I dont feel detached from driving, more distanced if anything.
It feels slightly wrong to throw it down a B road enthusiastically but it happy to do it. Love my new barge!
Now life is changing, I have a baby on the way and a sensible car was needed. Needing something bigger meant I could also look at having a diesel again as I do a lot of miles. So I bought a mondeo, mk3 2.0tdci 115bhp. Its a barge, no doubt about it but I absolutely love it. Its big, its comfy, its relaxing to drive and fuel lasts me more than 5 days.
The revalation came when driving around some of the country lanes around here for the first time. I'm shocked to say that for something so big and soft its a joy to hustle along. Theres not as much feel as either the puma or focus but I dont feel detached from driving, more distanced if anything.
It feels slightly wrong to throw it down a B road enthusiastically but it happy to do it. Love my new barge!
Nice to read a thread written by a genuinely enthusiastic driver. It doesn’t matter what end of the driving spectrum you’re on, fun can be had at all price and power sectors with the right car.
I can think of two cars off the top of my head. The first was my ex father in law’s 1.7 Puma. I had owned many faster cars and didn’t really get the Puma when it came out. I thought it looked girly, wasn’t impressed with the Fiesta interior and thought they were really milking the driver focused angle using the iconic Bullitt advert. Then I had to borrow it for a weekend in the Lake District as my car was off the road.
It was absolutely fantastic. I was used to big 6 pot saloons by then and it took me back to my old hot hatch roots only the car handled better. I had some fantastic drives in it. It lacked power but on the Lakes roads, I was carrying more speed than I would dare in my own car. The steering, change of direction, seating position and gear change put a smile on my face. I even got up early one day to “go for the papers” as I put it. It was just an excuse for a 20 minute spin around some of my favourite roads. I had some good fun with a Volvo T4. He was leaving me on the straights but I kept reeling him in when the road got twistier. He let me past after a while and I gave him the nod and hand wave and got the thumbs up back which was nice and doesn’t often happen.
The other car was the 996 911 C2. I’m not a man who is used to expensive exotica or top end sports cars like a lot of people on here so to the experience was a lot more special than it might have been to someone who is used to such cars. I even liked the looks and wasn’t too concerned that they had moved to water cooling so my preconceptions were positive anyway.
Wow, what a car. The acceleration, grip and handling were a million miles away from what I was used to. I’d have one now if I had more disposable income to run it. I think the fastest machine I’d driven up to that point was a Sapphire Cosworth which was so lairy it wasn’t that much fun. I kept wondering at which point it would leave me upside down in a ditch whereas the Porsche just left me feeling I’m not brave enough to push it anywhere near its limits as those limits were so high. I did drive a 996 C4S not long after but that left me cold. Maybe too much grip and the tiptronic gearbox killed the experience?
I can think of two cars off the top of my head. The first was my ex father in law’s 1.7 Puma. I had owned many faster cars and didn’t really get the Puma when it came out. I thought it looked girly, wasn’t impressed with the Fiesta interior and thought they were really milking the driver focused angle using the iconic Bullitt advert. Then I had to borrow it for a weekend in the Lake District as my car was off the road.
It was absolutely fantastic. I was used to big 6 pot saloons by then and it took me back to my old hot hatch roots only the car handled better. I had some fantastic drives in it. It lacked power but on the Lakes roads, I was carrying more speed than I would dare in my own car. The steering, change of direction, seating position and gear change put a smile on my face. I even got up early one day to “go for the papers” as I put it. It was just an excuse for a 20 minute spin around some of my favourite roads. I had some good fun with a Volvo T4. He was leaving me on the straights but I kept reeling him in when the road got twistier. He let me past after a while and I gave him the nod and hand wave and got the thumbs up back which was nice and doesn’t often happen.
The other car was the 996 911 C2. I’m not a man who is used to expensive exotica or top end sports cars like a lot of people on here so to the experience was a lot more special than it might have been to someone who is used to such cars. I even liked the looks and wasn’t too concerned that they had moved to water cooling so my preconceptions were positive anyway.
Wow, what a car. The acceleration, grip and handling were a million miles away from what I was used to. I’d have one now if I had more disposable income to run it. I think the fastest machine I’d driven up to that point was a Sapphire Cosworth which was so lairy it wasn’t that much fun. I kept wondering at which point it would leave me upside down in a ditch whereas the Porsche just left me feeling I’m not brave enough to push it anywhere near its limits as those limits were so high. I did drive a 996 C4S not long after but that left me cold. Maybe too much grip and the tiptronic gearbox killed the experience?
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