911 Coupe (996) from Audi S4
Discussion
I'm thinking of returning to the Porsche fold. Traded my Boxster S for an Audi S4 soon after our daughter was born a couple of years ago. The Audi is ok but I don't seem to look forward to driving it every day like I did the Boxster. I need 4 seats (or at least 2+2!), and don't fancy the Cayenne, so I'm considering buying a 911 Coupe (996 Manual model). I'd appreciate any comments/opinions on the following issues:
- are the rear seats practical enough to use for regularly transporting a 2 year old (and possibly another sprog soon) to nursery etc? Am I going to end up doing my back in?!
- how is the 911 driving experience likely to compare with the Boxster S? I know some people say the Boxster's not a "proper" Porsche but it is perfectly balanced, mid-engined etc and I have heard it suggested by some that the 911 doesn't drive as well! Anyone got experience of going from a 996 to a Boxster S or vice versa?
- how does the feel of the 996 4 wheel drive model compare with the 2 wheel drive model, other than the obvious better grip in the wet? (I suspect part of the reason I'm not completely satisfied with the feel of the Audi S4 is that it's 4 wheel drive - all my previous cars have been 2wd.)
- other than saving on price, is there any reason to consider the pre-facelift 996? From what I read there are only downsides - eg it's a little slower, and I think I read somewhere that it has shorter service intervals.
- are the servicing/running costs likely to be much more than the Boxster S's?
- which are the "essential" options from a resale point of view?
I will go for a test drive at some point, but there's a limit to what you determine from a short drive and so I'd appreciate any input you can give. Thanks.
- are the rear seats practical enough to use for regularly transporting a 2 year old (and possibly another sprog soon) to nursery etc? Am I going to end up doing my back in?!
- how is the 911 driving experience likely to compare with the Boxster S? I know some people say the Boxster's not a "proper" Porsche but it is perfectly balanced, mid-engined etc and I have heard it suggested by some that the 911 doesn't drive as well! Anyone got experience of going from a 996 to a Boxster S or vice versa?
- how does the feel of the 996 4 wheel drive model compare with the 2 wheel drive model, other than the obvious better grip in the wet? (I suspect part of the reason I'm not completely satisfied with the feel of the Audi S4 is that it's 4 wheel drive - all my previous cars have been 2wd.)
- other than saving on price, is there any reason to consider the pre-facelift 996? From what I read there are only downsides - eg it's a little slower, and I think I read somewhere that it has shorter service intervals.
- are the servicing/running costs likely to be much more than the Boxster S's?
- which are the "essential" options from a resale point of view?
I will go for a test drive at some point, but there's a limit to what you determine from a short drive and so I'd appreciate any input you can give. Thanks.
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