Is the 996 getting too refined?
#16
Nordschleife Master
I started having the same feelings after some time in the C4S. There is only so much you can do on the road. Even when pushed to the point of insanity on the road, the darn car is so refined and competent, it IS almost just a ho-hum experience.
Finally took it to a road course. I think I've found the solution!! I don't push it as hard as the other guys, but enough so I can get my jollies. When I say I don't push it as hard as the other guys, I'm talking about how it FEELS to me. To the other cars, one guy said I was pushing HIM! I'm still not anywhere near the cars limit, and I'm more appreciative of one of the reasons for purchasing the car: PERFORMANCE!!
One problem: I'm getting **** about this tire pressure thing. It's driving me nuts!!
Finally took it to a road course. I think I've found the solution!! I don't push it as hard as the other guys, but enough so I can get my jollies. When I say I don't push it as hard as the other guys, I'm talking about how it FEELS to me. To the other cars, one guy said I was pushing HIM! I'm still not anywhere near the cars limit, and I'm more appreciative of one of the reasons for purchasing the car: PERFORMANCE!!
One problem: I'm getting **** about this tire pressure thing. It's driving me nuts!!
#17
Race Car
It is just the trend. Cars do normally get more refined. The 911SC and the 964 were less refined than the 993, the 996 less than the 993, etc. Yet, for all models you can take the stock model and modify it to your taste...
#19
Three Wheelin'
I think its more than just Porsche, all new cars feel more stable at speed. The engineering is simply advancing. My Excursion feels very confy at 80 mph... while towing my Porsche!
If you want an thrill ride at 90 buy a 1988 Hyundai. I would suggest a Yugo, but they don't go that fast. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
If you want an thrill ride at 90 buy a 1988 Hyundai. I would suggest a Yugo, but they don't go that fast. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
#20
Racer
Thread Starter
[quote]Originally posted by Bins:
<strong>OR
you could make a cd with the sounds of a SC, 964, 993 depending on you mood...
call it p-car RRRRRRRythms</strong><hr></blockquote>Hey, don't tempt me. My CD comes out next month and the Ferrari is on it. The disc is mastered next week and it's not too late to squeez a sound clip of the C4S in there. Or would you prefer the exhaust note of my wife's ML320? Hmm...what exhaust note?
VS,
Thanks for those ideas. The first two mods could be the fix. I like the seats I have and need them to flex foward to get my kids in the back.
<strong>OR
you could make a cd with the sounds of a SC, 964, 993 depending on you mood...
call it p-car RRRRRRRythms</strong><hr></blockquote>Hey, don't tempt me. My CD comes out next month and the Ferrari is on it. The disc is mastered next week and it's not too late to squeez a sound clip of the C4S in there. Or would you prefer the exhaust note of my wife's ML320? Hmm...what exhaust note?
VS,
Thanks for those ideas. The first two mods could be the fix. I like the seats I have and need them to flex foward to get my kids in the back.
#21
Race Car
Bins,
Such a CD exists. It has about 20 different air-cooled 911s on it (911, 991S, 2.7 RS, 930, 964, 993, 935, GT2, GT2, you name it...). It was included with a book on the Porsche Flat6 Engine by Tobias Aichele. Book was not so great, but the German version included the CD.
Such a CD exists. It has about 20 different air-cooled 911s on it (911, 991S, 2.7 RS, 930, 964, 993, 935, GT2, GT2, you name it...). It was included with a book on the Porsche Flat6 Engine by Tobias Aichele. Book was not so great, but the German version included the CD.
#22
Rennlist Member
True to fact that with your previous resume of cars being the boxster and ferrari that they are convertibles-definitely the sounds and feeling of the car is more pronounced then with a hardtop(even with soft-top closed still more engaging soundwise). Maybe a better decision was going for a 996 convertible. But if you plan to keep the C4S I would recommend the sport exahust as well as suspension set up and I think you'll be happy with the results. Regards. Mike
#24
I have that same feeling with my current 996 vs my 90 964. But, honestly 964 wasnt a good car. The 964 might be more fun but I would be caught dead in that thing when it gets wet outside. Also the upkeep was a nitemare and really at this day and age. NO ONE SHOULD LIVE WITH CARS THAT BREAK EVERY OTHER MONTH. Now if that is part of owning a older porsche. Keep it!
That old 964 drove me to buy a M3. But, nice to be back to porsche even if it feels like GT.
I guess mabye we can ask a professional race car driver and see if he still wants to track his OLD vs the NEW. I think they might say, why go slower and be unsafe at the sametime. Just part of new techonlogy! You can fight it or just join get on board.
Just my two cents
That old 964 drove me to buy a M3. But, nice to be back to porsche even if it feels like GT.
I guess mabye we can ask a professional race car driver and see if he still wants to track his OLD vs the NEW. I think they might say, why go slower and be unsafe at the sametime. Just part of new techonlogy! You can fight it or just join get on board.
Just my two cents
#25
Racer
Thread Starter
It's been raining out of control here for the past week. I will say that this car--C4S--handles unbelievable in the wet! And I'm carving through the highway traffic at speeds--wet or dry-- with concomitant feel of security that I cannot believe! Unfortunately this car is so stable, secure, and confidence inspiring at speed that I fear I will get pulled over. Thank goodness I didn't get the TT!
#26
Drifting
Too refined???
At first I didn't really understand the question. My mother always said "you can't have your cake and eat it too!"
That's the only time that I can remember that she was wrong. My 01 C4 is the closest I have ever come to having my cake and eating it too.
At first I didn't really understand the question. My mother always said "you can't have your cake and eat it too!"
That's the only time that I can remember that she was wrong. My 01 C4 is the closest I have ever come to having my cake and eating it too.
#27
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2002
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i like refinement and expect that it will be present in abundance in a $90k car. the c4s does not disappoint! stable at almost any speed and in almost any conditions within reason.
if you want less refinement get a bmw z3 M coupe and save yourself $45k! the m-coupe is fast, reliable, and comfortable but has lower limits on the corners. fairly easy to spin out --like a 79 911sc without the mechanical hassles.
BUT it is no substitute for a 2002 c4s or even a c2 because it is less refined and less capable. also a hell of a lot cheaper--see comparisomn test from recent evo magazine present in full text on their website.
for my taste-i'll take refinement every time as long as i can afford it!
i loved my '79 911sc--from 1979 to 83--but it doesn't hold a candle to the 2002 c4s. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
if you want less refinement get a bmw z3 M coupe and save yourself $45k! the m-coupe is fast, reliable, and comfortable but has lower limits on the corners. fairly easy to spin out --like a 79 911sc without the mechanical hassles.
BUT it is no substitute for a 2002 c4s or even a c2 because it is less refined and less capable. also a hell of a lot cheaper--see comparisomn test from recent evo magazine present in full text on their website.
for my taste-i'll take refinement every time as long as i can afford it!
i loved my '79 911sc--from 1979 to 83--but it doesn't hold a candle to the 2002 c4s. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
#28
[quote]Originally posted by bloke:
<strong>I have that same feeling with my current 996 vs my 90 964. But, honestly 964 wasnt a good car. The 964 might be more fun but I would be caught dead in that thing when it gets wet outside. Also the upkeep was a nitemare and really at this day and age. NO ONE SHOULD LIVE WITH CARS THAT BREAK EVERY OTHER MONTH. Now if that is part of owning a older porsche. Keep it!
That old 964 drove me to buy a M3. But, nice to be back to porsche even if it feels like GT.
I guess mabye we can ask a professional race car driver and see if he still wants to track his OLD vs the NEW. I think they might say, why go slower and be unsafe at the sametime. Just part of new techonlogy! You can fight it or just join get on board.
Just my two cents</strong><hr></blockquote>
I am sorry you had a bad experience with your 964. I don't think it is fair to say that the 964 is 'not a good car'. You can justify your GT cruiser any way you want. The 3.6 aircooled engine is astounding - the noise is spectacular especially above 4000rpm or so. The caveman-like howl it emits makes any other car seem essentially lifeless. This is a car that beats its chest and wears its heart on its sleeve.
If we look at performance, the Ring times for the 964RS is 8 mins 15 secs, the Carrera C4S 996 is one second slower. I know this is very dependent on driver skill (as well as bravery and sheer stupidity), but clearly the potential is there.
We all have our own opinions but I do doubt that I will be purchasing a 996 in the future. Unless its a GT3. After all, you have to have SOME excitement, right?
This is not a 'flaming'comment - just had to respond to the '964 breaks down every couple of months' statement. This is complete drivel.
Drive safely.
<strong>I have that same feeling with my current 996 vs my 90 964. But, honestly 964 wasnt a good car. The 964 might be more fun but I would be caught dead in that thing when it gets wet outside. Also the upkeep was a nitemare and really at this day and age. NO ONE SHOULD LIVE WITH CARS THAT BREAK EVERY OTHER MONTH. Now if that is part of owning a older porsche. Keep it!
That old 964 drove me to buy a M3. But, nice to be back to porsche even if it feels like GT.
I guess mabye we can ask a professional race car driver and see if he still wants to track his OLD vs the NEW. I think they might say, why go slower and be unsafe at the sametime. Just part of new techonlogy! You can fight it or just join get on board.
Just my two cents</strong><hr></blockquote>
I am sorry you had a bad experience with your 964. I don't think it is fair to say that the 964 is 'not a good car'. You can justify your GT cruiser any way you want. The 3.6 aircooled engine is astounding - the noise is spectacular especially above 4000rpm or so. The caveman-like howl it emits makes any other car seem essentially lifeless. This is a car that beats its chest and wears its heart on its sleeve.
If we look at performance, the Ring times for the 964RS is 8 mins 15 secs, the Carrera C4S 996 is one second slower. I know this is very dependent on driver skill (as well as bravery and sheer stupidity), but clearly the potential is there.
We all have our own opinions but I do doubt that I will be purchasing a 996 in the future. Unless its a GT3. After all, you have to have SOME excitement, right?
This is not a 'flaming'comment - just had to respond to the '964 breaks down every couple of months' statement. This is complete drivel.
Drive safely.
#29
Racer
Thread Starter
[quote]Originally posted by Christer:
<strong>The caveman-like howl it emits makes any other car seem essentially lifeless. This is a car that beats its chest and wears its heart on its sleeve.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Wonderfully put!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
<strong>The caveman-like howl it emits makes any other car seem essentially lifeless. This is a car that beats its chest and wears its heart on its sleeve.</strong><hr></blockquote>
Wonderfully put!
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
#30
Nordschleife Master
[quote]Originally posted by ignacio:
<strong>i like refinement and expect that it will be present in abundance in a $90k car. the c4s does not disappoint! stable at almost any speed and in almost any conditions within reason.
if you want less refinement get a bmw z3 M coupe and save yourself $45k! the m-coupe is fast, reliable, and comfortable but has lower limits on the corners. fairly easy to spin out --like a 79 911sc without the mechanical hassles.
BUT it is no substitute for a 2002 c4s or even a c2 because it is less refined and less capable. also a hell of a lot cheaper--see comparisomn test from recent evo magazine present in full text on their website.
for my taste-i'll take refinement every time as long as i can afford it!
i loved my '79 911sc--from 1979 to 83--but it doesn't hold a candle to the 2002 c4s. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Ditto. Or, if not the M3 coupe, get a Z06. Definite bang for your buck. Come to think of it, why not a Mustang ?
<strong>i like refinement and expect that it will be present in abundance in a $90k car. the c4s does not disappoint! stable at almost any speed and in almost any conditions within reason.
if you want less refinement get a bmw z3 M coupe and save yourself $45k! the m-coupe is fast, reliable, and comfortable but has lower limits on the corners. fairly easy to spin out --like a 79 911sc without the mechanical hassles.
BUT it is no substitute for a 2002 c4s or even a c2 because it is less refined and less capable. also a hell of a lot cheaper--see comparisomn test from recent evo magazine present in full text on their website.
for my taste-i'll take refinement every time as long as i can afford it!
i loved my '79 911sc--from 1979 to 83--but it doesn't hold a candle to the 2002 c4s. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" /> </strong><hr></blockquote>
Ditto. Or, if not the M3 coupe, get a Z06. Definite bang for your buck. Come to think of it, why not a Mustang ?