Question from newbie
03-07-2002, 01:00 AM
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Question from newbie
I have never owned a Porsche but want to buy a 993(manual, guard's red or black) in the next few months. I drive a 2001 BMW 530i and would keep that car as my primary vehicle. I have no race experience, but plan to attend Porsche driver's ed and autocross events. In your opinion, is a 993 turbo too much car for me at this point? Should I buy a regular 993 now and move up to the turbo at a later time? Thanks in advance for your comments.
03-07-2002, 04:10 AM
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My first porsche was my TT. It's definately a lot of car for me. 
Depending on if money is no object, I would get the TT and do all the track/autoX events you mentioned. But I wouldn't get a more expensive car and sacrific going to the track and really learning how to drive your car. I'd buy a cheaper car instead.
Keep in mind that you are going to spend about $10K in upgrades for you car, regardless of how much it cost initially. First you'll want suspension, then track tires, harness, etc, etc. It adds up pretty quick.
The power of the TT is great, but it's all about how you take the corners, not so much as how you put your right foot down.
Jeff
Depending on if money is no object, I would get the TT and do all the track/autoX events you mentioned. But I wouldn't get a more expensive car and sacrific going to the track and really learning how to drive your car. I'd buy a cheaper car instead.
Keep in mind that you are going to spend about $10K in upgrades for you car, regardless of how much it cost initially. First you'll want suspension, then track tires, harness, etc, etc. It adds up pretty quick.
The power of the TT is great, but it's all about how you take the corners, not so much as how you put your right foot down.
Jeff
03-07-2002, 05:50 PM
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Steve,
Like Jeff, my first Porsche is a 993TT.
I came out of a '98 BMW M3, which had driven for 3 years. I grew as a driver at my own pace in that car and it was a lot of fun.
I agree with Jeff that the TT is a lot of car. Despite that, as well as because of that, I am positive that purchasing the TT was the best decision that I could have made.
As long as one knows and has respect for the incredible capabilities of the car, it can be an absolutely mindblowing experience every time the car is driven.
The 4WD aspect of the car was incorporated as a safety feature for a car with such great power and distingusihes it from previous editions of the Turbos(excepting the 959).
Bottom line- if you intend to drive the car more on public roads than tracks, absolutely go with the TT and grow as a driver each time you take it out.That experience can only be furthered by DE events.
As so many have said here, the best investment in your car's performance is DE.
If you become a track freak and feel the need to modify the car, do it after you become a more experienced driver. There is no rush. The stock car has capabilities that far exceed the driver in most cases anyway.
It is a good time to buy a TT now- value wise.
I hope that this helps.
Steve
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Like Jeff, my first Porsche is a 993TT.
I came out of a '98 BMW M3, which had driven for 3 years. I grew as a driver at my own pace in that car and it was a lot of fun.
I agree with Jeff that the TT is a lot of car. Despite that, as well as because of that, I am positive that purchasing the TT was the best decision that I could have made.
As long as one knows and has respect for the incredible capabilities of the car, it can be an absolutely mindblowing experience every time the car is driven.
The 4WD aspect of the car was incorporated as a safety feature for a car with such great power and distingusihes it from previous editions of the Turbos(excepting the 959).
Bottom line- if you intend to drive the car more on public roads than tracks, absolutely go with the TT and grow as a driver each time you take it out.That experience can only be furthered by DE events.
As so many have said here, the best investment in your car's performance is DE.
If you become a track freak and feel the need to modify the car, do it after you become a more experienced driver. There is no rush. The stock car has capabilities that far exceed the driver in most cases anyway.
It is a good time to buy a TT now- value wise.
I hope that this helps.
Steve
'97 993tt
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03-07-2002, 06:35 PM
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Steve,
Sorry. I forgot a couple of other important facts that make the 993TT an incredibly drivable car under all conditions relative to previous turbos.
The low end torque is outstanding, making driving in traffic or downtown conditions very managable.
Secondly, the boost comes on in a graded fashion, not all on or all off. That adds significantly to the safety profile and drivability of the car.
Steve
Sorry. I forgot a couple of other important facts that make the 993TT an incredibly drivable car under all conditions relative to previous turbos.
The low end torque is outstanding, making driving in traffic or downtown conditions very managable.
Secondly, the boost comes on in a graded fashion, not all on or all off. That adds significantly to the safety profile and drivability of the car.
Steve
03-08-2002, 01:39 AM
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Steve,
I agree with Jeff and Steve above. A 993TT was also my first p-car, and I think it's a fine choice. Like any supercar, you have to treat it with respect on both street and track. However, as previously suggested, the AWD and excellent "Big Red" brakes actually improve safety on the street, especially in adverse weather conditions. Of course, the newer generation Porsches (996s and Boxsters) also benefit from electronic aids, such as PSM (Porsche Stability Management).
It's an easy car to drive well, and very well-suited for daily driving, as well as track days. Good luck with your search.
I agree with Jeff and Steve above. A 993TT was also my first p-car, and I think it's a fine choice. Like any supercar, you have to treat it with respect on both street and track. However, as previously suggested, the AWD and excellent "Big Red" brakes actually improve safety on the street, especially in adverse weather conditions. Of course, the newer generation Porsches (996s and Boxsters) also benefit from electronic aids, such as PSM (Porsche Stability Management).
It's an easy car to drive well, and very well-suited for daily driving, as well as track days. Good luck with your search.
03-08-2002, 09:26 PM
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Steve,
I second the motion of the others. I was a newcomer to Porsche when I bought my 993TT. I was hoping to purchase a 993 when I retired, but the right opportunity came very early. I have had no regrets.
It is well mannered both in traffic and on the open road. On the track, it is incredible!!! Having just completed my first driver education, I realized that the car is way beyond my capabilities, but represents a wonderful way to get an education.
Take the learning curve slow, keep a disciplined mind and hand, and trust that the cars capabilities can help keep you out of trouble. I highly recommend signing up for a driver ed......and above all, just enjoy driving the car!!!
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />
I second the motion of the others. I was a newcomer to Porsche when I bought my 993TT. I was hoping to purchase a 993 when I retired, but the right opportunity came very early. I have had no regrets.
It is well mannered both in traffic and on the open road. On the track, it is incredible!!! Having just completed my first driver education, I realized that the car is way beyond my capabilities, but represents a wonderful way to get an education.
Take the learning curve slow, keep a disciplined mind and hand, and trust that the cars capabilities can help keep you out of trouble. I highly recommend signing up for a driver ed......and above all, just enjoy driving the car!!!
<img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" /> <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />