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A different perspective on driving my Carrera T...
As we all most likely will have read dozens of posts, reviews and articles about the Carrera T, you will realize that all of them focus around the T being a "purist experience", a "back to basics" and an effort to connect with the driver. And I think it is quite clear that the T delivers in all those aspects in one way or another.
Having said that in most of its marketing materials, Porsche also talks about the everyday use of the car, and that is not a collector's car, but a driver's car, destined to be driven, and not being stored as a collectible of sorts.
Today I had the chance to use my T in a slightly different way from my previous "pleasure drives" on the highway, where the purpose was mostly... driving. Today I actually had to use my T purely as a practical vehicle for a specific purpose: Help my son move to his new apartment, and drive 300 miles round trip to Austin to deliver some stuff.
So, originally we were going to use my wife's Audi Q5 given the amount of things. But then I though it may be a good test for the T, and its practicality. With that in mind, I loaded a full clothes damper in the Frunk, full of stuff (towels, a set of dishware for 4, glasses, silverware, etc.) Also his 50 Lb. dumbells. And his camera and all accessories in a bag, along with his backpack. Add to that a full set of cleaning supplies, and two rolls of paper towels. To my surprise, and my wife's amazement, ALL fit into the Frunk:
Additionally we brought two large plastic trash cans that rode on the back seats, which did not complained about comfort or headroom
On the way there, it was raining like crazy, but the car behaved admirably. And given the traffic, I decided to use 7th gear for a relaxed drive while maximizing fuel economy. I was impressed that we were able to do the full 300+ miles roundtrip with just one tank, even when we drove spiritedly during a good portion of the trip.
On the way back, I was looking at the map, using the real time traffic info. When I saw a large section of I-10 painted in red on the screen a couple of miles ahead, I exited the highway and used the side lanes. Perfect timing, as traffic was indeed completely stopped. Had I not been able to see the real time traffic on the map, I would have been stranded for a long time on the road.
After nearly 5 hours on the car, roundtrip, neither my wife or myself felt tired or discomfort at all. It was another testament as to how great the 4-way SportTex seats are.
And once again the T brought us back home safe and sound, but this time having experienced another side of it. Using it as a practical, everyday car, with enough space, fuel economy and electronics to make this task possible.
Although I know that all of these things may be common to any 911, I had never though of it as a real "practical car" until today.
And once again, I can't remember being this happy with any other car before.
Thanks Alex, great explanation of what a "not a garage queen" should be. Twisty mountain roads, long road trips and moving your sons stuff all in a days drive with the T.
This is the hidden gem of the 911. Most all 911's really. The practicality. This morning I used my 991 cab as the airport shuttle. I had two kids in the back, my Dad in the front and his luggage (roll on bag plus duffle) along with the kids backpacks and lunch bags for camp. My dad is 6' and I am 6'2". Dropped the kids off for camp, dropped Pop off at the airport, job done.
Went to lunch with wife the other day, and she goes - "We need to stop at the grocery store" She is always amazed how much the frunk can fit (paper bags are best) and I am always amazed on how much we need from the grocery store :-)
Although, she does not like riding in it, not the first 911, she really hated the 996 GT3. I should have made a video, she is funny and made light of how she hates the seats (LWB), she cant get in and out, why is it so loud, it is too low, etc and then we parked and she couldn't get out using the door straps....
Also like to take the 911 when I do a propane tank exchange. Good fit for two bottles and I use a moving blanket for protection.
Went on lots of weekend mountain or beach vacation trips with my wife when I had my boxster and those were the best driving memories. Really surprising how much you can stuff into these cars. 911 has even more space, but we'll be hauling a kid too.
I don't think the model of 911 matter as far as practicality goes. Even a GT3 without rear seats is practical in my mind.
No complaints here. If you have a family, its juuuuust functional enough to avoid the wife stabbing when you buy it... but in reality, for my household of 5 i needed a 2nd regular car (just for me) to do the dirty business... ymmv
Great post, and yes x10,0000. It isn't just focused and a lot of fun, it is a totally useable real car. Great for back-road strafing, short trips, and long hauls.
I increasingly wonder how many Porsche drivers over in the GT3 forums would derive more pleasure in a Carrera/S/T/GTS simply because they would use it more? I've spent a lot of time in both, and honestly am not sure I like one more than the other overall. One is truly fun and good at everything, the other is a visceral/emotional bonfire. Horses for courses, to be sure, but the T is a cherry on top of a very sweet range of 911s.
It looks like every now and then there is a post asking if a 911-XYZ could be a daily driver. I think the examples on this thread show in real life how we all use our 911's as REAL daily drivers.
By the way, @Joec500 just opened a new window of practicality.... pun definitely intended!
08-13-2018, 12:02 AM
A different perspective on driving my Carrera T...
