First Drive in a 911
Discussion
Finally had a drive in a 911 today, first ever.
It was a 1988 3.2 Carrera Coupe with 135k on the clock.
I could not believe the clutch, it felt like nothing I have ever used before (the up and over action), and the brakes !
It probably had something to do with not adjusting the seat correctly but I am left wondering what to do next.
Yes I still want a 911 (I think), but if they are all like that I am not so sure. Need to go to the gym to build up my legs.
Would a 964 be any better I wonder, also could not believe how basic it was inside, also I was hoping to be blown away by the power, it was probably that I was not pushing it but my Impreza felt quicker.
Might start hunting a good 944 / 968 to see what the difference is.
Bill
It was a 1988 3.2 Carrera Coupe with 135k on the clock.
I could not believe the clutch, it felt like nothing I have ever used before (the up and over action), and the brakes !
It probably had something to do with not adjusting the seat correctly but I am left wondering what to do next.
Yes I still want a 911 (I think), but if they are all like that I am not so sure. Need to go to the gym to build up my legs.
Would a 964 be any better I wonder, also could not believe how basic it was inside, also I was hoping to be blown away by the power, it was probably that I was not pushing it but my Impreza felt quicker.
Might start hunting a good 944 / 968 to see what the difference is.
Bill
No not all 911s are like that, not even those of the vintage you drove, similar maybe!
A standard 964 C2 would probably have about the same poke as an Impreza in a straight line, though cornering would offer a different perspective
G50 gearboxes and the pedals attached to them are more friendly but the pedals of these cars do trouble some folk.
Interior wise, obviously the more modern cars are distinctly, er, modern but a C2 shouldn't be too 'sudden' for you.
Fans of NA cars will protest but if you want to sample the highest levels of 911 performance, a turbo or derivative is the way to go. The 965 is a strong performer as standard and is over-engineered, it also has a decent interior if you don't mind the added weight of sound deadening / carpets / leather / aircon. Later cars of any flavour are sweeter inside but of course more expensive. Have you tried a FI 911?
A PH thread isn't the best place to review all nuances of 911s and there are plenty of references to look up in print and on the net, but there's no substitute for driving a few more examples of each type. The 911 is an organic automobile and you really can't get the feel of the legend from pages or screens.
A standard 964 C2 would probably have about the same poke as an Impreza in a straight line, though cornering would offer a different perspective
G50 gearboxes and the pedals attached to them are more friendly but the pedals of these cars do trouble some folk. Interior wise, obviously the more modern cars are distinctly, er, modern but a C2 shouldn't be too 'sudden' for you.
Fans of NA cars will protest but if you want to sample the highest levels of 911 performance, a turbo or derivative is the way to go. The 965 is a strong performer as standard and is over-engineered, it also has a decent interior if you don't mind the added weight of sound deadening / carpets / leather / aircon. Later cars of any flavour are sweeter inside but of course more expensive. Have you tried a FI 911?
A PH thread isn't the best place to review all nuances of 911s and there are plenty of references to look up in print and on the net, but there's no substitute for driving a few more examples of each type. The 911 is an organic automobile and you really can't get the feel of the legend from pages or screens.
Biscuit761 said:
Finally had a drive in a 911 today, first ever.
It was a 1988 3.2 Carrera Coupe with 135k on the clock.
I could not believe the clutch, it felt like nothing I have ever used before (the up and over action), and the brakes !
It probably had something to do with not adjusting the seat correctly but I am left wondering what to do next.
Yes I still want a 911 (I think), but if they are all like that I am not so sure. Need to go to the gym to build up my legs.
Would a 964 be any better I wonder, also could not believe how basic it was inside, also I was hoping to be blown away by the power, it was probably that I was not pushing it but my Impreza felt quicker.
Might start hunting a good 944 / 968 to see what the difference is.
Bill
Biscuit, you dont even notice the difference after having driven one for a little while. Yes the Non power assisted steering is still there to remind you what your arm muscles are for - but the clutch, brake and accelerator become your additional senses to keep you in touch with whats going on...I mush prefer the weight and feel of them now to the modern stuff which feels very floaty and vague in comparison!
Drive it again and I reckon you'll be surprised how easily accustomed you become!!!
Im now starting to worry that my limited mileage insurance is TOO limited for the amount I want to drive mine
When I bought mine, I was only going to keep it for a year or so, and sell it on.
I've used quite a few hire cars in my time, and prior to getting the 911 I had a 2.0 Cav CDi. I guess for this reason, I was more impressed than you seem with the power, even though I was less than keen with the footpedals.
About a year after getting the 911, I came to the conclusion and realisation that I wouldn't be able to get a car in future that was reasonably practical to use and quite as direct in terms of feel.
I pretty much decided then, that I'd try and keep it for as long as I could. For me this now means a rebuild. It's probably going to cost me the price of a 993 in total. I just don't care. I know it's not all that fast, these days but as a package it's fine for me.
I've used quite a few hire cars in my time, and prior to getting the 911 I had a 2.0 Cav CDi. I guess for this reason, I was more impressed than you seem with the power, even though I was less than keen with the footpedals.
About a year after getting the 911, I came to the conclusion and realisation that I wouldn't be able to get a car in future that was reasonably practical to use and quite as direct in terms of feel.
I pretty much decided then, that I'd try and keep it for as long as I could. For me this now means a rebuild. It's probably going to cost me the price of a 993 in total. I just don't care. I know it's not all that fast, these days but as a package it's fine for me.
It may be worth noting that 911 brakes have always been the benchmark used by Audi when developing their new cars. If the car you drove wasn't stopping properly then I suggest that either the brakes need looking at or your driving position may not have been adjusted properly, making the pedals seem like hard work. I've had two 3.2's, both about the same vintage as the one you drove, and honestly never noticed the pedals being "funny" - but that could be down to my size 12 feet ! 911's are not for everyone, you need to really drive one to appreciate it, unlike a Scooby where you can be more passive (sort of an active passenger) and still make rapid progress. The upside is there really is nothing like a good blast in a 911 when you know you are driving well.
Comparing a 911 to a Subaru isn't exactly fair to be honest - it's almost like chalk and cheese.
Sure the impact bumper 911 is no quick machine but it is about the whole aura/driving package.
The age of 911 you are looking at is amongst some of the best 911s out there, 85-89 3.2s with the G50 box - these cars have so much soul!
Sure the Subaru is a quick car but that's about it, with the 911 you get real heritage, a very rewarding driving package, execellent reliability and futureproof residuals that won't sink like a stone - unlike the Subaru.
Interior - hmm, yes they are basic-ish and the pedals take a smidge of getting used to but all that the gearshift etc adds to it for me, it makes it distictive, you ARE in a 911 once inside whereas in the Subaru you could be in any far eastern family-box and not know the difference.
I suppose it's like Marmite - you either like it or you don't but do give it a chance, most that do get smitten.
It's very rare you hear any previous owners slate one of these cars.
Sure the impact bumper 911 is no quick machine but it is about the whole aura/driving package.
The age of 911 you are looking at is amongst some of the best 911s out there, 85-89 3.2s with the G50 box - these cars have so much soul!
Sure the Subaru is a quick car but that's about it, with the 911 you get real heritage, a very rewarding driving package, execellent reliability and futureproof residuals that won't sink like a stone - unlike the Subaru.
Interior - hmm, yes they are basic-ish and the pedals take a smidge of getting used to but all that the gearshift etc adds to it for me, it makes it distictive, you ARE in a 911 once inside whereas in the Subaru you could be in any far eastern family-box and not know the difference.
I suppose it's like Marmite - you either like it or you don't but do give it a chance, most that do get smitten.
It's very rare you hear any previous owners slate one of these cars.
Bill, I've driven many 911s & despite many folks holding a late 3.2 in very high regard, I was often not that impressed with them to be fair, (more than SCs tho it has to be said) ok yes bit diferent for mint 3.2clubsports- which are special cars, but the average boggo sport or non sport 3.2 more often than not left me a little cold.
The Glorious engine note of early 911s had gone, & ok they are not slow cars but they often didnt 'feel' that quick- things have moved on nowdays & even pretty humble hot hatches can give a 3.2 a run for its money, & across country can easily bugger off into the distance unless Walter Rohl is at the 3.2s wheel.
The 964 which on paper figures doesnt seem that much more powerful, always seemed to me to be a far superior car, its way more modern in feel, felt a lot quicker, had a proper characterful engine note, (particually with a cat bypass & j pipe) had more modern non torsion bar suspension that just felt more trustworthy.
Also if the 3.2 you drove had 135k & had not had a top end re-build its entirely posible it was considerably down on power & if so- indeed it would have felt pretty sluggish, unless you were perhaps used to a 1.0 Nisan Micra
Try a few more 911s for size, particually 964s, there are many good & bad ones out there (ive drive many 964s that were well down on power) but I'd be very suprised if a decent 964 dosnt float your boat at all, maybe try a C4 if you like the 4wd security of you impretzel.
Also as Turbobloke says try a boosted 911- either 930 or 965, its not everyones cuppa tea, but may indeed give you the hit you are after.
Ref the pedals, can't help im afraid- got size 12s & used to Beetles & VW vans etc so never found it a problem.
Of course you may feel a 911 is just not for you, but perhaps a porker with the engine in the right end is- & given i do like 944s quite a lot I can't really argue with that logic
If you like the feel of turbo power a chipped 944T- particually a chipped 250 car, giving 300+bhp might indeed be just what you are after, a chipped 944T with MO30 is a terrific car, quite a few scoobydo impretzel drivers have gone the 944T route & not regreted it.
The Glorious engine note of early 911s had gone, & ok they are not slow cars but they often didnt 'feel' that quick- things have moved on nowdays & even pretty humble hot hatches can give a 3.2 a run for its money, & across country can easily bugger off into the distance unless Walter Rohl is at the 3.2s wheel.
The 964 which on paper figures doesnt seem that much more powerful, always seemed to me to be a far superior car, its way more modern in feel, felt a lot quicker, had a proper characterful engine note, (particually with a cat bypass & j pipe) had more modern non torsion bar suspension that just felt more trustworthy.
Also if the 3.2 you drove had 135k & had not had a top end re-build its entirely posible it was considerably down on power & if so- indeed it would have felt pretty sluggish, unless you were perhaps used to a 1.0 Nisan Micra
Try a few more 911s for size, particually 964s, there are many good & bad ones out there (ive drive many 964s that were well down on power) but I'd be very suprised if a decent 964 dosnt float your boat at all, maybe try a C4 if you like the 4wd security of you impretzel.
Also as Turbobloke says try a boosted 911- either 930 or 965, its not everyones cuppa tea, but may indeed give you the hit you are after.
Ref the pedals, can't help im afraid- got size 12s & used to Beetles & VW vans etc so never found it a problem.
Of course you may feel a 911 is just not for you, but perhaps a porker with the engine in the right end is- & given i do like 944s quite a lot I can't really argue with that logic
If you like the feel of turbo power a chipped 944T- particually a chipped 250 car, giving 300+bhp might indeed be just what you are after, a chipped 944T with MO30 is a terrific car, quite a few scoobydo impretzel drivers have gone the 944T route & not regreted it.
ps- dunno what your budget is, but if its up to around the £20k area & a 993 isnt your cuppa tea (& decent RHD examples of 993 at that level are rare) an early Box S might be up your street, hairdresser image apart, they are a fun & capable car, if not perhaps built as well as earlier pork.
Ideally looking at absolute max of £15k which is probably not enough.
There is a nice 968 on the classifieds at £11.5k, might have a look.
"Funny" pedals was the fact that you seem to have to lift your foot off of the floor to push the clutch and brake pedals down from above, not pivot on your heel as in most cars.
Sure the seat position had something to do with it.
The bloke has offered me an extended solo drive if I pay for a bit of juice, not sure wether to take him up as I will not be buying that particular car and do not want to build up his hopes.
Bill
There is a nice 968 on the classifieds at £11.5k, might have a look.
"Funny" pedals was the fact that you seem to have to lift your foot off of the floor to push the clutch and brake pedals down from above, not pivot on your heel as in most cars.
Sure the seat position had something to do with it.
The bloke has offered me an extended solo drive if I pay for a bit of juice, not sure wether to take him up as I will not be buying that particular car and do not want to build up his hopes.
Bill
Biscuit761 said:
"Funny" pedals was the fact that you seem to have to lift your foot off of the floor to push the clutch and brake pedals down from above, not pivot on your heel as in most cars.
Thats what I thought to start with but it very soon changes to driving like any other car with heel on the floor and pivoting...In my experience anyway.
Get out and try a few more.
My first drive of a 911 was a pre-G50 Carrera 3.2 and boy did it feel agricultural. Quite intimidating in fact, for someone who was graduating from hot hatches and coupes.
However give it time, and heaving at the clutch, gearbox and steering will become second nature. At the time I bought a Carrera 3.2, a friend owned one of the early Imprezas ("classic" I think they call them). If this is what you have, rest assured that the 3.2 has bigger lungs and better throttle response than the Impreza, so you will find that there's virtually nothing in a straight line (except added drama).
However, the brakes were pants. I believe these are much improved in the 964 but I have not driven one.
However give it time, and heaving at the clutch, gearbox and steering will become second nature. At the time I bought a Carrera 3.2, a friend owned one of the early Imprezas ("classic" I think they call them). If this is what you have, rest assured that the 3.2 has bigger lungs and better throttle response than the Impreza, so you will find that there's virtually nothing in a straight line (except added drama).
However, the brakes were pants. I believe these are much improved in the 964 but I have not driven one.
When looking for my first proper sportscar (I was then driving a MKII Golf GTI with proper engine mods and decent supension) I had almost decided on a 3.2 carrera . . . . until I drove several.
It was the most disappointing expereience (especially compared to the Golf, no flames please)
Ended up with a nice 944 turbo
(Budget was 16K at the time)
It was the most disappointing expereience (especially compared to the Golf, no flames please)
Ended up with a nice 944 turbo
(Budget was 16K at the time)
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