996 not *that* quick....

[bosshog]

Hello,

I've currently got a 350Z (I used to have a 993TT). I went for a test drive yesterday in a 3.4 '98 996. It was great to be back in a porsche driving experience. However I have to say that I was rather underwhelmed by the performance - I couldn't actually perceive any difference in the performance compared to the Z. Ok its not a big difference on paper 280v300bhp,1500kg v 1430kg)but I was suspecting a bit more . After all Porsche horses are normally a lot bigger than other manufacturers!.

So know its do a get a 993 TT again or save for a year or 2 and get a 996TT. Mmmmmmmmmmm.

[silver993tt]

Why did you sell the 993TT in the first place??

[bosshog]

Needed the money for my first house.

[Glenn McMenamin]

I don't think there should have been much difference at all. The Z is pretty rapid in the 1st place, and as you say, the figure work doesn't differ much either, i think you would notice more of a difference above 80-90 though ? (german autobahn permitting of course !)

I certainly think a bigger difference would be felt on the facelift 996.


G.

[silver993tt]

Maybe you should try a later 3.6 911. How did the handling compare with the 350Z?

[bosshog]

silver993tt said:

Maybe you should try a later 3.6 911. How did the handling compare with the 350Z?

yeah - budget can't really stretch to a 3.6 at the moment, and I think the depreciation will be much larger on those models.

Regarding the handling . The 996 is very 911 (obviously!) - ie light nose, thank heavy backend. The Z has a much more equal weight distribution feel. There are similar though - same amount of feedback, but the backend of the Z is a bit more lively (ie can get it sideways more easy) due to the smaller tyres. This is a good or bad thing depending what you like. ie the 996 has more grip IMO. Brakes feel is a bit different - you need to push harder on the 996, but once both are bitting they are about the same.(I prefer the 996 though). I'd also say the turn-in is quicker on the 996. Both have that lovely 'sling shot, power out of the corner' feel. On the whole quite similar - not enough difference really for my to justify selling the Z for a 996 after consifering the running costs etc.

[diver944]

Also remember that you are not comparing like with like. The 996 is six years old and is 'maybe' not putting out full power. What is its mileage, maintenance, wear and tear etc. I imagine the 350Z is virtually brand new. I would test a few more 996 before making up your mind.

As regards to cost, remember that your 350Z will probably be worth 50% in 3 years whereas that 996 will not drop much more in that time, having already taken it's biggest hit in depreciation

[peterpeter]

Have to say, I think there must have been something up with that 996.

Did a Nissan track day at Bedford a few weeks back, and my Integra type r was just about keeping up with the 350zs about 5 of them , driven by instructors.

I know bedford really well, and the speeds on the straights and corners were no way as high as I could get to in my old 3.4 996 c2

IMHO the 996 is significantly quicker than the 350, especially on a track.

plus the weight of the 3.4 should have been closer to 1350. if it was a c2.



>> Edited by peterpeter on Saturday 25th September 16:30

[gazzab]

diver944 said:

Also remember that you are not comparing like with like. The 996 is six years old and is 'maybe' not putting out full power. What is its mileage, maintenance, wear and tear etc. I imagine the 350Z is virtually brand new. I would test a few more 996 before making up your mind. As regards to cost, remember that your 350Z will probably be worth 50% in 3 years whereas that 996 will not drop much more in that time, having already taken it's biggest hit in depreciation

A 6yr old 996 would (if in fit state) would be a better perfomer than when new ie engine loosened up.

[bosshog]

diver944 said:

Also remember that you are not comparing like with like. The 996 is six years old and is 'maybe' not putting out full power. What is its mileage, maintenance, wear and tear etc. I imagine the 350Z is virtually brand new. I would test a few more 996 before making up your mind. As regards to cost, remember that your 350Z will probably be worth 50% in 3 years whereas that 996 will not drop much more in that time, having already taken it's biggest hit in depreciation

The car was a Porsche (Monaco) fully serviced '98 80K km (50K miles). The Z is 1 year all, and fully run in (its a LOT faster now than 6 months ago).

Yeah I was suprised by the car. However even if around the track its a faster car - it's not a big enough difference in driving experience to (for me) justify the extra cost is buying the car/running cost/depreciation etc.
Like I said before I'm much more interested in getting a 993turbo again. Though a 996turbo, would be quite nice indeed!....

[iguana]

Interesting one, ive driven 'em both & Ok the 3.4 996 is not that loved but its hardly a slouch & I would have placed the 996 as the quicker car by a noticable margin, even tho for me over all I'd probably say I prefered the 350- slightly firmer damping (probabally keep the standard springs tho) would make it better for me tho, would also be a nicer car at 200 or so less kg too, why is it so darn heavy I mean 1545kg for a 2 seater 'sports' car, whats it made of? pure Gold perhaps!

Thing is tho Ive drive a few 996 3.4s & only one 350Z & that was brand new & thus perhaps a tad tight as it felt nippy & brisk but not really 'whoah' quick, v similar to a 944 S2 I thought.

oh and I discagree with many- including the big mags on the brakes too, i didnt think they were that impressive really.

[granville]

Brakes? Where the lizard comes from, they don't use brakes.

[iguana]

Derestrictor said:

Brakes? Where the lizard comes from, they don't use brakes.

I only used them purely for research reasons


To quote the imortal David Vivian (at least I think it was him anyway) old motor jounros line-

"Any lack of mechanical sympathy I show is purely professional"

[chaparral]

Well, you really ought to save up and get a 996TT or a 996 GT3. You know you're not satisfied with either the Z or the 996 3.4, and this is supposed to be a car you've wanted and waited for for some time - so get it.