Even a Ferrari can't replace a Porsche

"Torque Affair" (torqueaffair)
08/10/2014 at 13:36 • Filed to: None

Drive a 911 and you will mostly likely understand what the fuss is about. I did. And if you happen to own one or have driven one, then what you're about to read will resonate with you.

After wanting to drive a Porsche for so long, I finally got the opportunity to get my hands on a Porsche 911. And not just one Porsche, but two of them - a 996 and a 997. Back to back! I must have died and gone to heaven.

First of all, let me emphasize that I've only driven a handful of different types of cars so maybe the fact that I'm so enthusiastic about Porsches is actually a result of me not having experienced a significant enough variety of cars and manufacturers. I imagine this is similar to never having flown before - I'm sure the first few flights are extraordinary before you begin to dread the thought of stepping into an plane.

But, maybe a 911 is just that good.

The first one I got to drive was the much-heralded Porsche 911, thanks to my friend Mustafa. He has been looking to sell his car and has taken insanely good care of it. So much so, that he has proactively replaced parts that haven't even failed! Now that's dedication. The 996 Carrera 4S is the first Porsche he's ever owned and needless to say, he's in love with it.

When I drove the car, I came to realize why. I've only driven front-engined cars which are a dime a dozen. This was my first crack at driving a rear-engined powerhouse and I loved every minute of it. What can I say - the fact that you can literally hear the engine situated behind mixed in with the exhaust note combined with the unique driving dynamics provides a memorable driving experience.

There's a reason why people love Porsche 911s and although I will not be able to articulate it to you properly, bear with my attempt to try to verbalize my thoughts of driving the 911. It's just truly a driver's car. You feel like you're completely in sync with the machine and connected to the road. The steering is so incredibly precise and responds to every input you make regardless of how minor it is. And the car, in turn, takes care of you. When driving it you know you're in good hands and although I didn't push the car that hard, I got the feeling that you really have to work hard to lose control of the car.

The all-wheel-drive on the C4S ensured that all 320 hp was instantly delivered to me every time I accelerated. Insane grip and stability meant that it really didn't take much effort on my part to have a lot of fun.

I fell in love with the 911 right then and there. If you own and love Porsches then you definitely know what I'm talking about.

And then came the 997.

I have to say that I absolutely love the look and proportion of the 997. It's bigger and wider with better looking wheels. The lines are gorgeous and for anyone that sees my friend Doug's car probably wouldn't know that it was a 2005 model. This 997 definitely does not look like it's from 9 years ago.

There's more power with the 3.8L flat six but much of the car and the driving experience felt so similar to the 996. Whatever I mentioned above for the 996 essentially holds true for the 997; the 997 is really the result of a number of tweaks and incremental improvements to the 996. That really means that the 996 was so good, that Porsche really didn't need to do a whole lot for the 997.

That's better than most other car manufacturers where they actually manage to make future generations worse !

I love the 997 mostly because of the looks and the added power at 355 hp. It's a fantastic car and I really do think to truly understand what a Porsche 911 offers you have to drive it.

In fact, Doug, who graciously allowed me to drive his 997, owns the car for a reason. You see, he used to have a 996 GT3, but then he got rid of it to get his Ferrari 360 Modena. But it wasn't the same. He missed his GT3 so much he had to get another Porsche and ended up with the 997 Carrera S. There was just something about Porsches that he really missed and he had to get back his 911.

After having driven both the 996 and 997, I can see where he's coming from. So now he has both a beautiful Ferrari and a Porsche in his garage.

Now, I know exactly what I want my next car to be now.

Here's a nice 6-speed !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

A highly dependable CarMax warranty tacked onto the purchase of this - and now I get to enjoy an amazing 911 with a warranty!

And who knows, once I end up with a 911, I may never be able to live without one again.

Check out more posts at !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! where I explore my fascination with cars.
Twitter: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Facebook: !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

DISCUSSION (100)

GasMoney > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 16:50

Doug understood. There Is No Substitute.

Torque Affair > GasMoney
08/10/2014 at 16:52

Yes! You can't explain this to anyone - you have to experience for yourself as I found out.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 16:54

All my dreams that I cannot live right now because college and lack of money; congrats!

Flavien Vidal > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 16:55

Considering the price difference between the 996 and the 997, do you think it is worth, as a first time Porsche buyer, to save a bit more for the 997? Is it really worth 15k$ better?

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 16:57

There is no car more all around usable than a 911. Congratulations on finding that out firsthand. Most people can only dream of such an experience.

I hope you decide to follow your goals and pick one up!

Torque Affair > The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL
08/10/2014 at 17:03

I will...I never knew what the big deal was until I drove one. Now I'm hooked - it's only a matter of time.

JalopJeep > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:04

Unless I am completely out of the loop with some inside joke sarcasm PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD. THE ITALICS.

JalopJeep > JalopJeep
08/10/2014 at 17:06

I've decided this is definitely a sarcastic use of the italics. Viva la Porsche

Torque Affair > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
08/10/2014 at 17:07

You will...and it will be worth it. I'm sort of in the same boat - paying of school loans, but the 911 will be soon after!

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:07

As a writer, great article, but why the italics?

TractionControlOff > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:07

One of the 'regulars' in our C&C group owns a 997 and F430 6-speed. He brings the Porsche 4 out of 5 times he shows up - he just likes to drive it more.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:09

Count on it, IT WILL HAPPEN! :D

Torque Affair > Flavien Vidal
08/10/2014 at 17:10

Actually it's not worth $15K more...to me it is personally because I like the looks better. But you get essentially the same driving experience in the 996.

Torque Affair > McChiken116 - Patrick H.
08/10/2014 at 17:11

You're right ...too many italics. Figured I'd use some for emphasis but it clearly back-fired. Hey, live and learn!

Torque Affair > TractionControlOff
08/10/2014 at 17:18

Ah...I don't see too many Porsches at our C&Cs...I see the occasional GT3, but in general 997s are rare at the meet ups. But that doesn't surprise me that he likes driving the 997.

RWD-by-the-Sea > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:18

Interesting. I drove a 997 turbo back to back with a 430, and while I enjoyed the Porsche, to me there was no comparison - 430 was a much better drive.

That said, if I was picking a DD rather than a weekend/track car, the 997 would be my pick between the two.

Iwaswonderofwonders > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:18

I'm more interested in when CarMax is going to give up the Bumper to Bumper on high end problematic cars. They're not stupid... they read Doug's blog as well.

McChiken116 - Patrick H. > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:19

Italics can be used very well, not knowing your voice entirely, I didn't know if you were being sarcastic or not haha

Torque Affair > RWD-by-the-Sea
08/10/2014 at 17:19

Yeah, I've never driven a Ferrari or a 430 so I'm curious to see how it compares.

472CID > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:21

I know a lot of people don't like the 996 around here, but I still love it. Maybe it's all the Need For Speed covers and early 00's magazine road tests. All things equal I'd still probably take a 997 over a 996, but a 993? that'd be a tough question (996 is an easy winner over the 964).

Torque Affair > 472CID
08/10/2014 at 17:25

Interesting...I'm interested in driving the older Porsches to get a better feel of how things have progressed over the years.

notavirusexe > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
08/10/2014 at 17:26

Buy a Porsche 944 and you can have your dreams of driving a Porsche.

notavirusexe > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:27

How are Porsches for tall drivers? I know I don't fit in a Cayman...not that I would buy one. I hope I don't have to limit my driving to the Panamera and Cayenne.

Torque Affair > notavirusexe
08/10/2014 at 17:29

I'm 5'10" and I thought I was just the right height for the car - felt like if I was any taller, it may have been uncomfortable. That's a good point - I think if you're 6' or taller you might not be able to fit properly to be able to drive the car.

Illegal Machine > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:30

I hope you have a chance to see that car in person first. That steering wheel looks rough. Those are some of the worst photographs I've ever seen.

Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:31

They complement each other very well. So you need to own both to be properly happy :)

Torque Affair > Illegal Machine
08/10/2014 at 17:31

Yeah, no kidding. I'll definitely have to do a lot of looking before I find a good one.

commonsensible1 > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:34

They're nice cars.. nice daily drivers.. but way too common and while competent, are a bit "sterile". As far as the 996, unless its a Metzger engined turbo or GT.. a little thing called the IMS can and will fail. The integrated sump engine also gets oil starved in high G situations. I'll take the Ferrari any day of the week. I take it he didn't let you drive the 360 Modena?

jbmadness > notavirusexe
08/10/2014 at 17:37

leg and shoulder room are much larger than the boxsters (even though the new generation mini-Porsche is bigger inside). The height is also not a problem for me, make sure you lower the seat and I doubt you'll have any problems.

Torque Affair > commonsensible1
08/10/2014 at 17:37

Nope..but I didn't ask to drive it. Maybe some day. What's the IMS? Btw, at C&C today I saw a GT3 with the plate that said "Mezger". Does he make engines for Porsches?

Torque Affair > Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista
08/10/2014 at 17:37

haha...what does a 430 go for anyway? Perhaps some day I will be able to have both, but definitely not any time soon.

jbmadness > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:42

Next step, take some instruction with your car. The advanced level of Porsche love is learning to work your weight shift that you get when you have a mid or rear engined sports car and know throttle control. If you are pushing the pace these cars go from brilliant to backwards in a ditch in a hurry.

Torque Affair > jbmadness
08/10/2014 at 17:46

Doug did mention that how you have to stay on the gas through the turns so you don't end up shifting the weight suddenly and breaking the rear end loose. Great tip!

newton > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:50

I've driven several 911s and not a single Ferrari before, so I really can't compare.

What I do know is that around certain world renown racetracks, Ferraris are some of the slowest cars on track because of the drivers. Porsches, on the other hand, tend to have ruthless track day enthusiasts as owners and are consistently the fastest.

A properly prepped 911 is deceptively fast.

CanoivaVixon > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:55

last pay check was $9500 working 12 hours a week online. My neighbour's sister has been averaging 15k for months now and she works about 20 hours a week. I can't believe how easy it was once I tried it out.

This is what I do,,,,,,,,,,

www.netpay70.com

Torque Affair > newton
08/10/2014 at 17:59

Totally makes sense.

Dom > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 17:59

2005 997 C2S with 100k miles...perfect daily driver

Torque Affair > Dom
08/10/2014 at 18:01

Nice! Man, what a good looking car.

911Ducktail > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:04

Hans Mezger was the head engineer of Porsche Motorsport during the GT1 era - the engine they designed then was dubbed "the mezger engine" because of its success. Then they used the block in the 996 turbo, 996 GT2/GT3, 997.1 Turbo GT2/GT3/GT3RS, 997.2 Turbo, GT2/GT3/GT3RS until the new 9a1 engine of the 991.

all 911s have a intermediate shaft that the timing chains run on, and the bearing fails on the non mezger water pumpers, then the engine grenades. the "mezger" engines are slightly different in design since they were made ostensibly to run in and win LeMans. they still fail, but no where near the rate of non mezger engines

that being said I've had a 996 C4S, and I have a 997.1 C4s much like the one you drove, except in GT Silver metallic, and Im not worried. I also have a 1974 3.0 hot rod but thats like night and day

Torque Affair > 911Ducktail
08/10/2014 at 18:06

Nice...thanks. Learn something new every day!

DrGastro997 > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:15

Great report! I've waited years for my very first 911 Turbo back in 2007. It took much longer than I expected thanks to the financial mishmash that lingers after med school. It was well worth the wait. Even after 18 hours of "doctor loving" friends, the rumble from the boxer and turbo seemed to relieve all the physical and mental ailments during the drive home. In 2010 I bought a new 911. It was supposedly the eighth one off the boat, at least that's what I was told/sold. Much has changed with this 911 like the miraculous PDK 7 speed tranny made by Aisin Japan, LEDs and adaptive lighting made by Koito, also in Japan, and many more parts and components that seem so foreign to this new 911. It becomes part of your soul. It's therapeutic in every way, still providing that therapy I need after very long days and nights. I've put 67,000 miles on it, driving it in every possible scenario Chicago can throw at it. It's hard to leave the house in something else. There's been several headaches but it's well worth it. The attachment is like nothing else!

I enjoyed reading your report very much and wish you years of Porsche happiness. Hopefully the passing of Dr. Ferdinand doesn't change the engineering dynamics of the 911 too much!

Torque Affair > DrGastro997
08/10/2014 at 18:19

A new 911! Congrats...all that hard work in medical school paid off. Thanks for sharing your experience with your 911. I've heard great things about the PDK - hope to experience it soon. Glad to hear that you're attached - I'm sure I will be in that boat at some point.

Tony Montana > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:29

This 997 definitely does not look like it's from 9 years ago.

That might have something to do with how it looks like it's from 50 years ago.

Alfacar > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:30

Porsches are unique and amazing, but if a Ferrari can't replace a 911 , a Porsche can't replace all the the great fast ferraris from Modena ... My fav 911 is the targa

Beagle5 > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:32

well I had a boxster s -03 for 48 hours, and feel totally in love with it!

Then a couple of weeks later I got to drive a 996 carrera 4 for a few hours and even though it had this 911 aura that was great and was clearly faster the very bad turn in compared to the boxster and the overall feel of connectedness that was missing, I really missed the boxster!

So I would really recommend you to take a drive in a boxster with sportschassi! They are all totally amazing! No matter if its a 2,5 or a 3,4!

Mike Bonner > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:37

Personally, I like the handling of the mid-engined Porsches a lot better. Drive a 911 and then a Boxster/Cayman back to back on twisty roads, and you'll feel a big difference. Porsche has done a great job managing the terrible weight distribution of the rear-engined 911, but, even with the newer 911s, there's no doubt where the engine sits when you drive them. In contrast, Boxsters and Caymans feel like perfectly balanced go karts. The problem with the Boxsters/Caymans is the lower horsepower, but that's an easy problem to fix with an aftermarket turbo.

porschephile463 > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:37

great read! I'll let you in on the dirty little secret of Porsche ownership: once you own one, you instantly start trying to figure out how to get your hands on a 2nd. Each model within the 911 range has it's own unique character. My turbo is brutally fast, but it doesn't have the precision of a GT2/3 or the ease of use of a C2/4. And the water cooled certainly lack the character of the air cooled. I'm actually shopping for an air cooled right now, though on a very tight budget by 911 standards....

Torque Affair > Mike Bonner
08/10/2014 at 18:39

I really should drive a Cayman or Boxster - that's next. I'm really curious about the mid-engine feel of those cars.

Torque Affair > porschephile463
08/10/2014 at 18:40

Thanks! I figure once I'm on that path, I'm done for! So what are the air cooled Porsches like? I know someone that bought one of those recently - should have a chat with him.

marshknute > 472CID
08/10/2014 at 18:48

Fried egg headlights. That is all.

meatatarian > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 18:48

Try a Cayman, pretty damn affordable nowadays for pre-2012 models

perkunas > 472CID
08/10/2014 at 19:02

964 over 996 any day. 964 is probably my favourite of all 911's, the looks and the technology. I hate the dashboard on water cooled ones, because I lust for the old-school fully round dials.

perkunas > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:04

Right now I own a Volvo C70 and I'm 5'9". Often I feel that the car is designed around a tall scandinavian person and not me. So I might look into a Porsche in the future.

Superburneraccount > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
08/10/2014 at 19:04

Unlike the "affordable supercar" that seems to be pushed around this place as of late, you really can get into and daily drive a nice 996 for about the cost of a new Fiesta ST. Just make sure the big items like the IMS/RMS are done, and enjoy the shit out of it.

Matty > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:22

Preaching to the choir.

Kinja'd!!!

jalop1991 > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:26

ah, 20 year olds discovering the world and imagining that they're the first ones there.

It's the thing that makes clickbait go 'round.

MentalJuggernaut > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:30

You can't make assumptions based on one rear-engined car you drove. I learned this the hard way - while I wouldn't call myself a full on expert on vehicular dynamics, I've had the fortune to work at Ferrari and a company that races Porsches. You simply have to experience both before making a blanket statement like that.

TheHondaBro > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:37

Kinja'd!!!

NO! STOP IT! STOP THIS MADNESS! IT BUUURRRRNS!!!

Matty > notavirusexe
08/10/2014 at 19:39

They're designed to fit taller folks. I'm 6'2" and my car fits perfectly. I could even push the seat back a few inches if I wanted to. I remember reading somewhere that the head of engineering was 6'3" and he makes sure that the flagship cars fit him, but don't quote me on that.

Abbey > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:39

Mmmmm. I don't know. I drove a 991 Carrera S a few months ago and was not overtly blasted into the stratosphere. It is a well built car, you can sense the little expensive decisions being taken in its construction. It is torquey, as well and in Turbo S guise devastating (though don't let Porsche fool you: it does have turbo lag and the steering is not that talkative. Yep, I drove that one as well. Yep, it launches so hard you chicken out and lift). Now, the thing will still bite if you're ham-fisted with the throttle (the rear end does feel like it wants to play around under accel even if you're not cornering), which is actually good and very characterful. The driving position is bang-on and the brakes are so good they're unremarkable. They just work. It feels very polished but not really that "special". It might be me, though. I just find it a very good sports car that's a bit antiseptic. Needs more 964 in it.

Having said that, I adored the Turbo S' pdk 'box. So tight, so mechanical...yummy.

TheHondaBro > marshknute
08/10/2014 at 19:41

^That.

Also, the [small] wheels that look like they came off a 90's Japanese sports coupe. It's got odd proportions as well.

Matty > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:42

I'm calling BS on this. Tall guys fit great in 911s.

Abbey > notavirusexe
08/10/2014 at 19:43

6'2" here and it fits perfectly. Actually roomy in the front seats. No miata shenanigans.

ZFTG > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:44

"Whatever I mentioned above for the 996 essentially holds true for the 997; the 997 is really the result of a number of tweaks and incremental improvements to the 996. That really means that the 996 was so good, that Porsche really didn't need to do a whole lot for the 997."

The 997 shared less than 30% of the parts of the 996. They are completely different cars.

I am glad you are excited, but the above statement qualifies as "talking out of your ass".

TheHondaBro > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:46

The thing is, the 996 is ugly, but it's still a Porsche, and that's priceless.

Torque Affair > TheHondaBro
08/10/2014 at 19:52

Haha...yea I do prefer the looks of the 997 over 996

Torque Affair > Abbey
08/10/2014 at 19:53

I'm really curious about the 964 now...I'll see if I'm able to find someone that will let me drive theirs!

cdigi > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:54

I bought my 2006 997 from Carmax with no regrets at all (other than not getting an "S") 4.5 years ago and the warranty has paid for itself 3X over. That said, if you do go the 997 route and want to add bluetooth, iPod connectivity, etc. I recommend swapping the stock unit out for something aftermarket from Kennwood, Alpine, etc. I bought a very popular aftermarket unit and it was complete garbage.

Torque Affair > cdigi
08/10/2014 at 19:55

That's great to hear. How many miles on yours? Glad to hear about your warranty too! Completely sold on getting the warranty from Carmax.

jbmadness > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:55

the opposite side of the coin is the unparalleled traction you get when feeding the throttle back on when drifting the rear end. The rear engine car is superior to the mid in this regard. The longer wheelbase of the 993 has negated the weight shift phenomenon a fair amount. Early "fixes" for a hyperactive rear end were simply putting weight up front, sometimes just lead.

cdigi > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:55

I drove my friend's 430 Scuderia shortly after I bout my 997 and it made my base 997 feel like a Honda Civic.

Torque Affair > meatatarian
08/10/2014 at 19:57

Yep, for sure. Looking forward to driving one.

Torque Affair > perkunas
08/10/2014 at 19:57

I think you'd find it a really good fit.

Manuél Ferrari > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 19:59

I have a 997.2 C2 6MT and have spent a lot of time driving an F430.

This is the simplest way I can describe the difference: the Ferrari is the exciting but crazy girl you date, and the Porsche is smart girl from a good family that you marry.

Torque Affair > jbmadness
08/10/2014 at 20:00

Right, makes sense.

Torque Affair > cdigi
08/10/2014 at 20:01

hahaha...yeah I can see that happening.

Torque Affair > Manuél Ferrari
08/10/2014 at 20:03

Hah...great way to put it! How are you liking your 997?

meatatarian > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 20:08

Nice piece, btw. Porsche makes some special cars, and you don't really understand what the fuss is all about until you've spent some time driving one. The feeling of connection and control is beyond description. You can do things you wouldn't dream of doing in other cars because the steering and brakes are so precise

Torque Affair > meatatarian
08/10/2014 at 20:09

Thanks! Yeah and I barely even drove them for more than 30 minutes. I don't know how Porsche does it but like you said, they are special.

Torque Affair > McChiken116 - Patrick H.
08/10/2014 at 20:10

Yeah I can totally see your point view. Thanks for reading! Definitely appreciate compliments coming from a writer.

Color-Commentary > Flavien Vidal
08/10/2014 at 20:12

The biggest difference between 996 and 997 is in the interior, both design and longevity / wear. Also, 997.2 models have a revised engine design that addresses the IMS and rear main seal problems of the 996 and early 997 cars.

The 997 also has quite a bit revised in the suspension that makes it more comfortable *and* sharper in handling response. If you're doing track-only work or using the car as a weekend canyon-carver this probably doesn't matter, but as a daily driver the 997 is subtly easier to live with.

At current prices you should just drive both and see if you feel strongly enough about the difference to pay nearly 2x for it. To each their own.

997s will always be worth more than 996s, but 997s are still depreciating and 996s probably are at, or near, the bottom of their curve - so you might buy a 996, keep it for a few years, and upgrade to the 997 later.

Color-Commentary > TheHondaBro
08/10/2014 at 20:13

Unless it's a 2.5L Boxster, in which case it's about $6k on Craigslist.

mcseanerson > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 20:17

964>997>996>993

In that order granted all other variables like mileage, price, and condition are the same. Typically they're not though so when I'm fantasy shopping I swap the 997 for the 996 for the savings. As much as people go on about the fried egg headlamps on the 996 I can't stand the headlights on the 993.

Color-Commentary > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 20:18

They're simply fantastic. Even the old, slow ones are kind of magical in their responsiveness.

Torque Affair > mcseanerson
08/10/2014 at 20:20

sounds like I need some time behind the wheel of a 964. Agree with your comment on the 993 headlights!

Color-Commentary > jalop1991
08/10/2014 at 20:20

Yeah, but it's also the thing that makes car clubs the multigenerational fun they are - you always get to introduce a new cohort to whatever it is that makes your cars special.

mcseanerson > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 20:23

Yeah in my opinion if you want a modern 911 that's air cooled with classic looks you want a 964. If you want a cheap 911 that is about as no nonsense as a camry when you're not paying attention but can transition to a serious sports car quickly you want a 996. If you want the best modern 911 you want a 997. You don't want a 993. Only idiots want 993s

Somethingwittyer likes noisy > 472CID
08/10/2014 at 20:24

Same. I have a serious nostalgia boner for them. Insane how few you see on the road now.

Manuél Ferrari > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 20:26

Thanks!

I like it a lot. I got it in January of 2011. It was one year old and I leased it for 3 years and then purchased it. It's the first car I "committed to" in a long time. When I graduated from college and started working full time I started leasing practical cars and turning them in at lease end. I finally got back into sporty cars when I no longer had to take people out to business lunches.

Like any long-term relationship there are some things that annoy me at times. But like any good relationship I wouldn't give the car up despite its flaws. There are definitely more exciting cars out there. But this is my favorite car to commute to work in. I live pretty close to work so I don't even have to get on the freeway unless I choose to. The stick and "not too much, not too little" amount of power make it perfect for getting around town. You can wind the car up a bit without risking jail time. And even though everyone makes fun of the cup holders at least the car has them! I've found a way to avoid having your drink spill every time you go over a bump in the road - get a second cup so each cup is only half full. If you do that and both cups have lids then you can get coffee on the way to work and be totally fine no matter how large of a bump you hit.

The car also has usable navigation, bluetooth, and sat radio. It has everything that I actually use and nothing that I don't need (who the hell needs their car to turn into a 4G hotspot?). I literally could DD this car for life and not need any features that only newer cars have.

Manuél Ferrari > Color-Commentary
08/10/2014 at 20:50

Great comment!

Manuél Ferrari > Mr. Ligier 812 GTC4Lusso Rubicon Pista
08/10/2014 at 20:50

This is the truth!

Manuél Ferrari > cdigi
08/10/2014 at 20:51

Even the base F430 makes my base 997 feel like a Civic sometimes ;)

srsly313 > Manuél Ferrari
08/10/2014 at 20:55

"I literally could DD this car for life and not need any features that only newer cars have."

All of the speed/lane/traffic monitoring is morphing into self driving is really going to catch on, me thinks. In 5-10 years it might be tough to fathom having to spend 100% of your attention on driving.

Manuél Ferrari > srsly313
08/10/2014 at 20:59

Oh God you might be right!

Oh noooooooo!

srsly313 > DrGastro997
08/10/2014 at 21:00

What ownership headaches? As a Chicago resident, do you hate how frequently you see awesome cars? I've held off on purchasing something flashy and fun because it gets ho hum so quickly here.

Torque Affair > Manuél Ferrari
08/10/2014 at 21:01

oh yea, those cupholders! I'm glad you enjoy yours - I bet driving this car to work in the morning makes you have a great start to each day!

srsly313 > cdigi
08/10/2014 at 21:01

"I recommend swapping the stock unit out for something aftermarket from Kennwood, Alpine, etc. I bought a very popular aftermarket unit and it was complete garbage."

Huh?

srsly313 > Abbey
08/10/2014 at 21:03

You speak my language. What do you prefer in or short of the Carrera S price bracket?

srsly313 > Iwaswonderofwonders
08/10/2014 at 21:05

They're not stupid, but readers who think this isn't advertising are.

Phlegminglib > Torque Affair
08/10/2014 at 21:12

I've driven my buddy's F360, while not a 430 it is definitely all sex and that V8 just sounds glorious. BUT, having owned a 987 (Cayman S) and extensively driven another friend's 997 ('06), I have to say that while driving the 987 was like getting it on with a condom, driving the 997 was like doing it BB - everything just feels that much better.

And knowing what my buddy pays for maintenance on his 360, I'll stick with a pre-owned 997. Plenty of nice 997s out there with low miles and great reliability.