Drove my first Porsche today.
 

A guy at work has a nicely optioned 1999 996 and while talking this morning he offered me a drive.

Smooth is the first word that comes to mind, though I was surprised (pleasantly) by the amount of motion that translates through the chassis from the engine. The side to side motion is very apparent.

The car didn't feel fast, not nearly as fast as my Subaru (though I am sure that it is faster). That was the smoothness I was referring to. I had been considering a 1999 996 in a year or so depending on finances. This drive put me over the top, it is such a nice car that I could live with for year to come.


Just thought I would share this with you.

:)

My wife would not drive my car for about six months despite my encouragement to do so. Then when she did, her strongest impression is smoothness.

I find this a bit strange because I focus on the how nimble and controllable the handling is (something you were not likely to experience to any great degree driving your friend's car) and power.

Anyway, there is much more than smoothness at work here. Just wait until you can control just the right amount of oversteer in a sweeping corner with your right foot. Magic.

If you have the right mods, your WRX may very well be quicker (acceleration). However it is unlikely that you have done enough to make it faster (top speed) or handle better.

Additionally, turbo'd cars can sometimes have the illusion of being faster because they provide that big shove when boost arrives while the 996 is very powerful but it's power delivery is much more linear (an advantage on the track).

The handling characteristics you mentioned for the 996 don't sound quite right to me (possibly worn shocks??). A 996 should handle much more crisply than any WRX (including the STI) that I have driven.

Good luck with your search. If you decide to buy one I predict you'll love it!!

I have had a lust for Pcars since I was a small boy. I now find my self in a place that I could own one... (Provided a little financial discipline). Driving that car has helped me to put aside other “wants” and focus on a more complete package, the Porsche.

Hope you can own some of the magic soon...

Every mans's dream. Like you, I've reached a point in my life where a pcar is within reach...to the point of almost tasting it. :jumper:

Which particular model where you looking at?? They come in so many flavors so I suggest you sample as many of them as possible (this is the fun part). I've testdriven 993s, 996s, C2s, C4s, Boxsters, Caymans but have yet to drive a TT which I plan to do prior to pulling the trigger. My personal preference is the widebodied C4S and TT. I was about to flop down the $$$ for an 02 C4S but this great board convinced me that I owe it to myself to at least testdrive the Turbo, then decide (since the Turbo market is softening...$5k to $10K more than the C4S).

Let the quest begin!!!!!!!

for the bang-per-buck, 966 is hard to beat.
i offered "test-drive" to 2 of my friends, and let's just say they are hooked! :)

When did they make the 966?!? Haven't heard of that model before... :confused: There was a 966 spyder in 1991...pure racecar!!! Is that the one?!?

http://www.supercars.net/garages/PeP/67v2.html

Were the 996 called 966 in 1999 thru...?!?

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2199178

http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscrape.../180/id384.htm

:)
typo. i mean 996.

WRX........if a 99 put you 'over the top', I think you'll be happy with any choice in the Pcar line, as MY99-01 are arguably the weakest 911 examples. As has been suggested, let yourself try the rest.......starting w/993 and definitely the Box if you want more feel (and something closer to a sports car). Good luck to ya....have fun looking.

I say go for the 964, the perfect starter Porsche.

Anyone who can rack up almost 50 posts on a Porsche board without having ever driven one must be a force to be reckoned with - start with a classic.

why not G50 911? :cheers:
i am still hunting for it myself......

My first thoughts were just as some have suggested a nice clear 1987-89 3.2 a tank of a Porsche. and a great valuse and likely to gain in value over my ownership. I will not consider a 964, there is just to great a chance for problems with this line.

The 993 is most likely my favorite (though I am liking the 997 a lot) however the later cars are gaining value so fast I fear that a nice late 993 will be outside my budget. (i'm thinking low 30's as for my budget)

The early 996 just seemed to fit the budget and performance and drivability the best, though I will take a good long hard look at the 3.2'S. I think that I could do well on resale when I am ready to step up with a 3.2.

I am not a big fan of the boxster, the straight line performance numbers are way to low for my tastes I think, but I should at least take a look to be sure... they might grow on me once driver. But in all truth the 911 is the car that resides in my heart.

Thanks for the words guys

I went from a moded WRX to my '99 996. The WRX did feel quickerin a straight line and might have been the way it was modded . But the 996 is definetly faster, more refined power delivery and much more controlable at limit. There is no comparison in the handling department, even with different tires and shocks on the WRX the 996 clearly out handles it.

The issues on the 964 are so overblown it's incredible, with the possible exception of the early 1989 Carrera 4's. I drove mine for 2 years, with ZERO mechanical issues, absolutely ZERO.

The 964 has more power, great tranny, good air con, and the classic shape, for $10k less than the equivalent 993. Any Porsche mag says the 964 is the sweet spot for entering 911 ownership.

I never should have sold mine. Why is it you don't appreciate something until it's gone?