Is a 996 Turbo interesting to drive on normal roads?

[rotaryjam]

I've always fancied a 996 Turbo but hesitated as I considered normal 911's to be a bit too refined.

Then I realised that I drive in boring roads 99% of the time and rarely see a B road sad as it it. So I actually never really exploit the full dynamics of a car anyway! So I'm thinking maybe dynamic handling isn't so important.

Even so, in regular driving is a 996T interesting to drive? My points of reference would be a Mazda RX7 and a Porsche Cayman 987 S which was brilliant but felt a little too refined at normal speeds it was still exciting, whereas the RX7 feels exciting and lively well within the speed limit.

How would a 996T compare?

Also, I found the gear change and clutch feel on the Cayman 987 S to be a bit lacking so I'd be interested to know if the 996T would be any better?

Edited by rotaryjam on Monday 22 February 10:04

Edited by rotaryjam on Monday 22 February 10:04

[nunpuncher]

The 996 turbo is more capable and much quicker than a 987S. So I doubt you'd find it more interesting unless you have zero regard for safety or your license.

It's a surprisingly good car on the motorway as cruising speed is nothing, also ideal if you are impatient and like getting past anything in your way. It's not a boring car but it's very capable meaning the point where it gets interesting is rather high.

[g7jhp]

As a 996 turbo owner of 9 years I'd say it's an interesting drive on normal roads.

It's rawer than newer 911's, but the performance allows you to make progress when needed, dispatching overtakes without drama. It excels in poorer conditions.

Still modern enough to cope with the normal, but it comes alive when you need to get from point to point.

[BertBert]

I didn't find the 996 turbo very interesting when I was looking - admittedly I only test drove. But I ended up with 2wd not 4wd. I had come from my Subaru/Mitsubishi 4wd turbo phase and the 996 turbo didn't feel different enough. So for me the answer to the question is no. But it's a very personal thing, YMMV as they say.
Bert