997 GT3 Road use - Is it only me ??
Discussion
I do think this is a great car and thoroughly enjoy every mile but :
As good an everyday car as it is, I can't help feeling a bit frustrated (guilty even ?) that I can't drive it anywhere near it's limits or potential on the road, as it does cry out to be driven hard.
How many users take it to the up-shift light on a regular basis on the road for example ??
For me 1st gear is pretty brutal and v.easy to hit the rev limiter, 2nd takes you over 80 !!
I did suspect before I bought it I might have this 'problem', I was intending buying a standard C2 before I was offered this due to a cancellation, and just couldn't resist - you know how it is !!
Do I really need to get it on a track, change it for something more sensible, or just enjoy the many other aspects of the driving and ownership ??
Is it only me, am I getting too old ??
As good an everyday car as it is, I can't help feeling a bit frustrated (guilty even ?) that I can't drive it anywhere near it's limits or potential on the road, as it does cry out to be driven hard.
How many users take it to the up-shift light on a regular basis on the road for example ??
For me 1st gear is pretty brutal and v.easy to hit the rev limiter, 2nd takes you over 80 !!
I did suspect before I bought it I might have this 'problem', I was intending buying a standard C2 before I was offered this due to a cancellation, and just couldn't resist - you know how it is !!
Do I really need to get it on a track, change it for something more sensible, or just enjoy the many other aspects of the driving and ownership ??
Is it only me, am I getting too old ??
anglebox10 said:
....or just enjoy the many other aspects of the driving and ownership ??.....
Nail > Head.Great thing about the GT3 is its so enjoyable to drive at 50%, in truth you cant use any modern performance car to the full, and if you are then you're probably an accident waiting to happen!!!
'Surely there's some nice deserted roads in NE Scotland to use to the full?'
Well there used to be plenty, but seem to getting rarer by the day even up here !!
To be honest I'm heading to MIRA for a 'Porsche Driving Experience' day next month, so hopefully will be able to release some of the frustration there !!
Well there used to be plenty, but seem to getting rarer by the day even up here !!
To be honest I'm heading to MIRA for a 'Porsche Driving Experience' day next month, so hopefully will be able to release some of the frustration there !!
anglebox10 said:
'Surely there's some nice deserted roads in NE Scotland to use to the full?'
Well there used to be plenty, but seem to getting rarer by the day even up here !!
To be honest I'm heading to MIRA for a 'Porsche Driving Experience' day next month, so hopefully will be able to release some of the frustration there !!
That'll get rid of some frustration, but then you'll find out just how quick a GT3 will accelerate, brake and corner when flat out (on someone elses car / tyres etc) that you'll want to head to the track even sooner.Well there used to be plenty, but seem to getting rarer by the day even up here !!
To be honest I'm heading to MIRA for a 'Porsche Driving Experience' day next month, so hopefully will be able to release some of the frustration there !!
trackdemon said:
anglebox10 said:
....or just enjoy the many other aspects of the driving and ownership ??.....
Nail > Head.Great thing about the GT3 is its so enjoyable to drive at 50%, in truth you cant use any modern performance car to the full, and if you are then you're probably an accident waiting to happen!!!
The GT3 feels so tight and tactile that it is very rewarding even at modest speeds on good, twisty roads. The steering 'feel' is just so good.
It's true that it begs to be driven quickly, mainly because the engine sounds so gorgeous, and if you aren't careful you'll find yourself well into three figures without realising it.
But its USP is the breadth of its capabilities - whether you are going to the shops, touring across Europe, or doing a track event.
Porsche Driving Experience is about 10% of the fun of a good trackday.
The instructors are good but the venue is crap.
Book yourself on some trackdays. Start at Bedford and progress on to Donington. Move up to Brands and Oulton and up again to Spa.
Then you'll be ready to make the pilgrimage to The Ring.
The instructors are good but the venue is crap.
Book yourself on some trackdays. Start at Bedford and progress on to Donington. Move up to Brands and Oulton and up again to Spa.
Then you'll be ready to make the pilgrimage to The Ring.
I was asking myself the same type of questions. I have a GT3 Mk 2 which was never going to be fully appreciated until I had seen for myself what it can really do. So… I booked myself onto a Don Palmer course and it was one of the best days in a car I have ever had. Took the car to the limit and enjoyed every moment. When I had finished my day with Don I knew why this car has such great press and why drivers rave about it. 5 days later I was on the track loving every second. Don’t be tempted to trade it in get some tuition (best performance upgrade you can buy) and then track it… you will be addicted.
anglebox10 said:
As good an everyday car as it is, I can't help feeling a bit frustrated (guilty even ?) that I can't drive it anywhere near it's limits or potential on the road, as it does cry out to be driven hard.
Sandy, couldn't agree more. Came to the same conclusion myself. I've just adapted my driving and found some local roads that i know well so i can push it abit (although still not up to the cars limits). Motorway slip roads are good but i've found i need to slow down quite a bit just to get on! 
Thanks for all the advice, suggestions, and re-assurance.
As for getting something more sensible, not sure what I was thinking about !!!!
Must say the 'other half' actually likes the car as well (the colour and sun visor mirror/lights that is !), though I do get major grief if going over 60 just to add to the frustration - she's not in it much !!
As for getting something more sensible, not sure what I was thinking about !!!!
Must say the 'other half' actually likes the car as well (the colour and sun visor mirror/lights that is !), though I do get major grief if going over 60 just to add to the frustration - she's not in it much !!
anglebox10 said:
Must say the 'other half' actually likes the car as well (the colour and sun visor mirror/lights that is !), though I do get major grief if going over 60 just to add to the frustration - she's not in it much !!
If you're getting grief going over 60, best she admires from indoors! 
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