Neue Spinne
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Neue Spinne
A couple of months ago I posted seeking thoughts on the new 981 Spyder and making the switch from a 997.1 GT3.
A few things conspired to push me towards the Spyder: I never got to track the GT3 as hoped, I felt frustrated at the untapped potential of the GT3 on the street, and I had a chance Spyder sighting back in July that left an indelible impression.
I jumped when when a white with black wheels, low mile example popped up in the Marketplace in August. A few may recognize this as Kit Wetzler's former car. It was received in perfect shape and Kit was awesome to deal with. Now, after a little time with the Spyder, I'll share my initial thoughts.
Coming as no surprise, the GT3 is much more raw and edgy than the Spyder. One has to be in the mood for it. Having no opportunity to track it, drives were limited to brief uninspiring highway blasts and mediocre back roads. Never did I feel like taking it for a casual trip to run an errand, etc.. The GT3 was in my opinion too planted and therefore not very much fun on the street. It was an event to drive but short of being a complete squid, I always put it back in the garage feeling like I had blue *****. My wife didn't want to drive it or drive in it quashing my hopes of doing some cool road trips in it (along with a baby).
To continue...
A few things conspired to push me towards the Spyder: I never got to track the GT3 as hoped, I felt frustrated at the untapped potential of the GT3 on the street, and I had a chance Spyder sighting back in July that left an indelible impression.
I jumped when when a white with black wheels, low mile example popped up in the Marketplace in August. A few may recognize this as Kit Wetzler's former car. It was received in perfect shape and Kit was awesome to deal with. Now, after a little time with the Spyder, I'll share my initial thoughts.
Coming as no surprise, the GT3 is much more raw and edgy than the Spyder. One has to be in the mood for it. Having no opportunity to track it, drives were limited to brief uninspiring highway blasts and mediocre back roads. Never did I feel like taking it for a casual trip to run an errand, etc.. The GT3 was in my opinion too planted and therefore not very much fun on the street. It was an event to drive but short of being a complete squid, I always put it back in the garage feeling like I had blue *****. My wife didn't want to drive it or drive in it quashing my hopes of doing some cool road trips in it (along with a baby).
To continue...
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Joined: Jul 2014
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The Spyder is very different. It is much less antisocial. My wife isn't scared of it and the clutch. She's actually grabbed the keys to go for a "fun drive." This never happened before.
It generates huge compliments and from non car people. I was getting gas and an older woman approached and said to me "my husband had that same grin when he came back from driving his sports cars." Which is precisely the formula that Porsche nailed with this car. It is FUN.
It comes down to application. The GT3 is designed for the track, the Spyder for the street. Yes, there is some crossover but one has to be realistic about their intended use. The S engine is very good but no Mezger. The steering feedback falls short of the hydraulic rack in the GT3. The 997 era GT3 is pure analog; the Spyder has a foot in both camps. Sound is great in both. Irrespective of these comparative "shortcomings," the Spyder is more than the sum of its parts. It is just a really special, grin-inspiring machine. Porsche nailed it with this model.
It generates huge compliments and from non car people. I was getting gas and an older woman approached and said to me "my husband had that same grin when he came back from driving his sports cars." Which is precisely the formula that Porsche nailed with this car. It is FUN.
It comes down to application. The GT3 is designed for the track, the Spyder for the street. Yes, there is some crossover but one has to be realistic about their intended use. The S engine is very good but no Mezger. The steering feedback falls short of the hydraulic rack in the GT3. The 997 era GT3 is pure analog; the Spyder has a foot in both camps. Sound is great in both. Irrespective of these comparative "shortcomings," the Spyder is more than the sum of its parts. It is just a really special, grin-inspiring machine. Porsche nailed it with this model.
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From: Temecula, CA
Congrats on the new Spyder!
The term Horses for Courses comes in to play with Porsches. The Spyder was designed for street driving enjoyment and it delivers that in spades.
Enjoy in good health!
The term Horses for Courses comes in to play with Porsches. The Spyder was designed for street driving enjoyment and it delivers that in spades.
Enjoy in good health!
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