Elise > 996

[jh106]

I am thinking about swapping my elise for a 996 as we have a baby on the way in April and I am worried I won't get to disappear for solo drives. I am therefore thinking about realising my long term dream of buying a 911 and guess that a 996 may be the way to go.

I want something for weekend use which is good fun but practical enough for the whole family to go out in.

From trawling the archives I see lots of debate about the 996 being too civilised compared to the 993 and this is a concern as I want something that puts a smile on my face even if just popping down the road. However, having been in a 993 recently the looks and old fashioned dash put me off (plus less space for a baby seat etc).

Surely the 996 can't be that sensible and boring or have I been seduced by last months evo buyers guide? Has anyone experience of moving from an elise and am I being daft thinking there is enough space in a 996 for 2 adults and a baby to use every other weekend (including short breaks etc)?

Or am I better off saving the money, keeping my elise and resigning myself to only using it occasionly?

Advice gratefully received.

[sleep envy]

There was someone (Sprint355 IIRC) turned up to the Tunnel Run this morning in his 964 complete with wife and 2 child seats in the back so unless you're due triplets a 993 'should' be roomy enough.

996s and 993s are totally different experiences so take both for a spin and see what you prefer (my guess is coming from an Elise a 996 maybe a step too far in terms of refinement).

[ek993]

If its any help, I just sold my 993 Turbo for being too dull, refined, and boring! Coming from an Elise think you will find driving a 996 akin to driving a Merc S class...

>> Edited by ek993 on Sunday 5th February 21:21

[Sarbs]

had s1 111s went to 996 c4s, loved the lotus but as price would suggest chalk and cheese. bought 340r on a whim last summer, put it up for sale after 200miles. Get a sports exhaust on the 996 and you will do whatever neccesary to make sure you always have a porker in the family! 997 4scab on its way.

[hoges11]

I have a 996 C2 and also a 964 turbo and have just sold a 964 C4 and the 996 is a very different drive from the other two. It doesnt have the same feel and you dont seem so connected to the road but it is a great drive and I always enjoy moving from one to the other. Its also a lot more comfortable inside. Would think it would be a real change from the Eliese but its a great car and lots of fun.

[cyrus1971]

Elise to a 996 C4S or 993 C2S would be a good move. 996 C2 probably a bit too civilised but when you rag them they do reward well. C4S firmer, better planted, rarer and better brakes. I agree, lovely as 993's are the ergonomics now annoy me rather than make them feel quirky & interesting.

[jh106]

I guess I need to actually drive a few cars to see for myself but comments about the 996 being too refined are interesting. Does the engine and quality feel of the car not make up for this and compensate for all those occasions when the roads are busy to really enjoy yourself? Whilst on the right road at the right time my elise is totally involving, that doesn't always make up for the rest of the time.

I am intrigued as to how much of the 993's reputation is down to it being the last of the air cooled era.

Any recommendations as to dealers in Bristol/South West that I should be visiting?

[superlightr]

jh106 said:

I want something for weekend use which is good fun but practical enough for the whole family to go out in. is enough space in a 996 for 2 adults and a baby to use every other weekend (including short breaks etc)?

ah the baby.... dont they take up a lot of room with all their stuff. So long as your not taking travel cots/stair gates you should all just about fit in.

I went from caterhams to porkers and miss the 7 on the rare occasion but the porker is more flexible for weekends away with the wife and dog, more comfy for the wife generally and the dog doesnt have to wear goggles strapped into the roll bar/boot. So we are all happy. Now with twins and the wife and the dog, the porker is a bit tight for us all - hence a Saab estate and the Porker !

[polarexpress]

For raw driving sensation, try a 993, a normal 996, then try a GT3... ok, the GT3 doesn't have rear seats but it might give you some new excuses to go for the "roomier 2 seater"



>> Edited by polarexpress on Tuesday 7th February 09:58

[Don]

From a practical point of view you may find that a RWD 996 suits you better than a 4WD one. Clue is "C2", "C4", etc. The 4WD mechanism eats into the front luggage space quite dramatically. The 996 gets its luggage capability (like all 911s) by also having rear seats that convert into a luggage rack.

Given you are planning on at least half that rear luggage rack being in the "seat" position and full of a child you may find that the C4s front boot is too small. Go look.

As to the car being *fun*. Of course its *fun*. Its got more than twice the horsepower of a standard Elise - which is good because it does weigh a lot more. Performance will be comparable - but MUCH gruntier at higher speeds.

All the 996s I've been in have been very civilised. You will need that if you intend to transport the family in it. But they go extremely well, excel at the track and are a hoot to drive...like any Porsche.

Have a good nose around some at a dealers - ask to see all the luggage areas. Then test drive the one you think would be practical enough for you. Will it put a smile on your face? Maybe. Maybe not. My guess is you'll grin from ear to ear...

[Hedgeman]

jh106 said:

am I being daft thinking there is enough space in a 996 for 2 adults and a baby to use every other weekend (including short breaks etc)?

From experience there's enough space - just - but your front seat passenger won't be very comfortable. For short breaks if you need to take a buggy, travel cot and all other baby related gear as well as your own luggage then forget it.

[LeeME3]

I use a 996 C4 for 2 adults and a 2.5 yr old and we do go away for weekends in it without major dramas. You have to be a bit creative - for example, removing the seat back increases rear legroom for small-one in a baby seat (which means passenger in front can get legs a bit more stretched out). I don't find a problem with the C4 front boot (although it is noticeably smaller than a C2's. Try the Quinny Zap buggy, it folds up REALLY small and is marvel of engineering! There's also the option of a 'roof transport system' that allows a roof box - OK so it might limit your speed and fuel economy on the journey, but once at the destination off it comes and you're free to enjoy the car!

...oh, and take full advantage of hotel laundry facilities and encourage the wife to only wear skimpy clothes!!!

...as for being 'too civilised'... well clearly its very personal, but I'm all in favour of 'civilisation' (comfort, relative economy, safety, PSM etc) for a pseudo-family car, all IMHO of course!!!

[Azureblue118]

I recently went from Elise to 964, which is reputedly a much more "involved" (raw) drive than the newer 911s. Due to design improvements/sophistication etc. I have two under 4s to transport around. The 911 is a good drive no doubt, but you can't beat physics when it comes to responsiveness etc. You get to have a different type of fun, the Elise doesn't have anything like the thrust of the Carrera. The amount of fun you have will cost more in all areas except depreciation (dependant on which car you buy and how much you spend)
If you do swap try the Quinny Zapp (smallest of the Quinny offerings) it accepts the maxi cosi baby/travel carrier (class 0 seat/cradle) to make it a completete travel system. My Elise went to a 'better' place, the Carrera was the only real option I found when I decided to get a replacement that had a 2+2 layout. I've had the 964 less than 6 months so things may change, as it presently stands, when the children are old enough not to fit in the carrera, I will go back to an Elise type vehicle.

[muzaa]

I take 2 Adults and 2 kids away for weekend in 993 c4, the only thing u need to be is a bit more selective with your packing but you can easily fit two big overnight bags. If you have prams etc it's going to be a real squeeze, but once you are past hat stage it's easy.

[mbutchers]

cyrus1971 said:

Elise to a 996 C4S or 993 C2S would be a good move. 996 C2 probably a bit too civilised but when you rag them they do reward well.

Sorry Cyrus - couldn't agree less with the 996 C4S analogy (sp) I went from a C2 to a C4S, and sold it within 6 months - altho' a very good car, it felt too sterile - the C2 feels much livelier - steering etc...
On the child seat note, the Porsche Prince is excellent, if you can get hold of one.... I can vouch for the Quinny Zapp also - fits perfectly in the front. Go drive one, it's the only way, but I suspect you'll love it.....

[jh106]

Thanks for all the advice - anyone know if the Quinny Buzz fits (ideally after a buggy which can take a carry cot although I appreciate the cot may have to stay at home)?

[mbutchers]

jh106 said:

Thanks for all the advice - anyone know if the Quinny Buzz fits (ideally after a buggy which can take a carry cot although I appreciate the cot may have to stay at home)?

JH - been there, done that - I ended up with 3 car seat, and 3 buggies/pushchairs....It goes with the territory...