What would replace your 996?
04-05-2019, 03:51 PM
#16
Three Wheelin'
04-05-2019, 03:52 PM
#17
Drifting
Have you ever driven a 328?...........assuming you don't actually need the useless rear seats of a 996.
But you're right, a 3.2 Mondial is a nice car and not as problematic as people are led to believe. And the 3.2 Coupes are very affordable.
04-05-2019, 04:05 PM
#18
Pro
Thread Starter
Since I now use mine primarily as a track car, the next one on my list is a Radical SR3. I would love a 997.1 GT3 for the track, but I think the Radical would be much more economical, and a ton of fun.
For a DD, I would like a 2010-2012 997.2 3.6 liter with PDK. I will probably own one one day, but not in the near future. I was doing a lot of commuting between Clemson and Atlanta, and now Clemson and Charlotte. My wife's old Mazda 3 is the perfect car for that. I am already paying taxes and insurance on seven vehicles, so I don't want another.
For a DD, I would like a 2010-2012 997.2 3.6 liter with PDK. I will probably own one one day, but not in the near future. I was doing a lot of commuting between Clemson and Atlanta, and now Clemson and Charlotte. My wife's old Mazda 3 is the perfect car for that. I am already paying taxes and insurance on seven vehicles, so I don't want another.
Radical would be alot of fun indeed!
For me, none of the above come close to the driving experience of a C2/6-speed/coupe 996.
The only car I can think of as an "as satisfying to drive" 996 alternative is a Ferrari Mondial 3.2. The Mondial is a much more raw and visceral experience than the 996 while still being relatively refined, with cold AC, and the rear seats are "even bigger" than a 996
(though having legs is strongly discouraged). Being a decade older, it's not as fast as a 996, but it's a lot more raw with amazing sounds, gated shifter, and excellent performance. The Mondial is refined enough for trips up to a few hours -- or an ocassional cross-country trip -- but it's not as drive-all-day-every-day comfortable as the 996.
The Mondial is undervalued just like the 996's are. The first version of Mondial (the "Mondial 8") was problematic -- underpowered as a result of emissions law timing, and it had an overtaxed electrical system. The models that followed the 8 (the QV, 3.2, and "t") are excellent. I think the 3.2 is the best, but any model after the 8 is excellent.
They are very reliable also -- the engine itself is bulletproof, way more so than the 996, but timing belt changes every 5 years are expensive. Tons of people who have been educated by the internet or magazines will tell you for certain that the Mondial is the worst Ferrari ever -- which helps a lot to keep the price down. Those who own (all but the Mondial 8 that is) tend to be as in love with them in the same way 996 owners are in love with their cars (in both instances, it's based upon driving it and not reading about it).
The only car I can think of as an "as satisfying to drive" 996 alternative is a Ferrari Mondial 3.2. The Mondial is a much more raw and visceral experience than the 996 while still being relatively refined, with cold AC, and the rear seats are "even bigger" than a 996
(though having legs is strongly discouraged). Being a decade older, it's not as fast as a 996, but it's a lot more raw with amazing sounds, gated shifter, and excellent performance. The Mondial is refined enough for trips up to a few hours -- or an ocassional cross-country trip -- but it's not as drive-all-day-every-day comfortable as the 996.The Mondial is undervalued just like the 996's are. The first version of Mondial (the "Mondial 8") was problematic -- underpowered as a result of emissions law timing, and it had an overtaxed electrical system. The models that followed the 8 (the QV, 3.2, and "t") are excellent. I think the 3.2 is the best, but any model after the 8 is excellent.
They are very reliable also -- the engine itself is bulletproof, way more so than the 996, but timing belt changes every 5 years are expensive. Tons of people who have been educated by the internet or magazines will tell you for certain that the Mondial is the worst Ferrari ever -- which helps a lot to keep the price down. Those who own (all but the Mondial 8 that is) tend to be as in love with them in the same way 996 owners are in love with their cars (in both instances, it's based upon driving it and not reading about it).
CLK 63 Black? Who wants to deal with head studs though LOL
04-05-2019, 04:06 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
I actually do use occasionally the rear seats in the 996 and I did also in the Mondial 3.2. I rarely use them, but they come in extremely handy when you need them. I've driven a 328 -- that's what I initially planned to buy, but using it with my family won out (my son was very young at that time and fit perfectly back there), so I ended up with the 3.2. The 328 and 3.2 are mechanically the same, with extended wheelbase on the 3.2 of course. Both the 3.2 and 328 are fun to drive -- both are visceral -- the 328 slightly more so, but I find the Mondial 3.2 much more comfortable than the 328. If you plan on driving it a lot, I think the Mondial is the better car, so it turned out being happy accident that I ended up getting the 3.2. I drove it daily for a while and it was excellent. It depends what you are looking for, I wanted a 328 initially, but was very happy I ended up with the Mondial.
04-05-2019, 04:11 PM
#20
Three Wheelin'
). To me the Mondial is a very daily drivable car, the 308 GT4 less so, but I like the 308 GT4 just as much, or maybe even more than the Mondial if you toss out daily drivability as a factor.
04-05-2019, 04:25 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
The reason why I love Hondas so much. Prime example of what engineers can do when the goal is to focus on power, weight, and handling equally! Power isn't everything! And as reliable as an Acura Integra!
04-05-2019, 04:26 PM
#22
Drifting
911 GT cars: Porsche 911 GT2, GT3 and RS variants. Anything else would have to be an add, not replace.
04-05-2019, 04:40 PM
#23
Rennlist Member
I drive my friends Lotus Evora S British racing green. There is a white one ,I know is for sale, a 2014 with 14,000 miles and Im keep thinking, they are a lot of????
04-05-2019, 05:05 PM
#26
Three Wheelin'
I like the idea of the GT500 or other Shelby's. I've always lusted after an 03 or 04 Cobra, I've wanted one since they have come out.
04-05-2019, 05:30 PM
#27
I've driven most of the cars on that list minus the Viper and IMO the 996 is the most special. Biggest disappointment was the Delorean. The Mondial vs 996 is apples & oranges. The wailing V8 is an amazing soundtrack but nowhere near the fit and finish & modern refinement of the 996. The E46 M3 is an animal on full tilt and will go toe-to-toe with the 996 but feels like just a pedestrian 3-series when you're not grabbing it but the scuff of the neck. Maybe that's not a bad thing because they're terrific cars. It's just hard to beat the duality of a 911, it feels like a special experience before you even turn the key..
04-05-2019, 06:05 PM
#28
Rennlist Member
Well, I can only say I hit my dream with my simple 'ol '99 coup. There is nothing I would replace it with, but not to say I wouldn't like to add a muscle car for the raw power on a 1/4 mile straight. My uncle has a Testarossa and it is a beautiful piece of Italian art IMO and fun to ride in, but a little to scary for me to think about letting it out on public roads, lol.
I guess a lottery win could change all our minds at some point
I guess a lottery win could change all our minds at some point
04-05-2019, 06:15 PM
#29
Three Wheelin'
A friend of mine has owned several Turbos, all bought new. He loves the adrenaline rush of the turbos, but his favorite Porsche to drive was his old 2005 997.1 2wd, 6-speed, coupe. He regrets trading in that 997.1. He never owned a 996, but I suspect would have same attachment, maybe even more since the 996 is lighter.
There are faster cars than the 996, there are better looking cars than the 996, but it's hard to find a car that is more fun to drive.
There are faster cars than the 996, there are better looking cars than the 996, but it's hard to find a car that is more fun to drive.
