When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I think a more interesting comparison is a 996 Turbo vs. a 991S, particularly considering that they are now at similar price points....
Honestly I love 996 Turbos... I even own one! But honestly at the 60-65K price point, I think I'd opt for a 991 S with aerokit, PDK, SPASM, PDCC, PTV, etc. over the fourteen year old turbo.
eg:
A recent ebay 2013 991 S, nicely optioned as a drivers car (though PDK). Sold on eBay a few days ago for $60K.
395HP, Four years old, 56K miles.
vs.
The recent BAT 2003 996 Turbo. Sold for $63,500 plus buyers premium.
420HP, Fourteen years old, 6K miles.
Interesting how many of the comments on the article are in favor of the 996 and its headlights.
I think the tide is turning and the 30 something’s who saw these at 16-18 years old is finally making good on their dream cars. I know I did. I could see myself in a newer 911 sure, but how much do you really pay attention to the interior when you are driving. I get smiles, pictures from cars behind me at red lights, and thumbs ups every time I drive it. Just bought the wife a 2017 x3 and every feature offered. Cool at first but they are mostly gimmicky. I just want to drive.
Definitely a different driving experience between the two...
But one of the most groundbreaking aspects of the 996 turbo when introduced was how it could provide supercar level performance (then), give a great driver experience, but not try and kill the driver too frequently. That IMHO is what Porsche does so well compared to other manufacturers... Offer amazing performance coupled with cutting edge electronic aids that can make many drivers (most drivers?) even better without neutering the driving feel.
So does torque vectoring, dynamic chassis control, active suspension management, PDK transmission, etc. enhance the drivers experience making the driver feel like he really is even better than he (she) is while providing a huge safety net? Likely for most. Even though none of us would like to admit it..
But if you really are the kind of driver that would convert to RWD and disable PSM and NEVER spin on a track, plus blip through PERFECT heel & toe's on every corner and downshift, than the decision is easy.
Offer amazing performance coupled with cutting edge electronic aids that can make many drivers (most drivers?) even better without neutering the driving feel.
The point-and-shoot driving experience, provided by the electronics, would mentally neuter me.
Originally Posted by pfbz
But if you really are the kind of driver that would convert to RWD and disable PSM and NEVER spin on a track, plus blip through PERFECT heel & toe's on every corner and downshift, than the decision is easy.
I don't pull off perfect heel-toe shifts all of the time, but having the opportunity to keep trying is really the point.
The point-and-shoot driving experience, provided by the electronics, would mentally neuter me....
I don't pull off perfect heel-toe shifts all of the time, but having the opportunity to keep trying is really the point.
I mostly agree, and much prefer manual to PDK on the newer cars. But I also concede for example that PDK is better in almost every quantifiable category, except perhaps putting a smile on my face, which of course is the whole point of sports cars for most.
And I am keeping an open mind to the possibility that other Porsche driving aids like PTV and PDCC might make the driving experience even better without ruining the feel. Sort of like how PSM can make many drivers feel like they have great car control, but don't realize how much the system is saving their *** until they turn it off!
Just a conversation, not selling the Turbo anytime soon!
But I also concede for example that PDK is better in almost every quantifiable category, except perhaps putting a smile on my face, which of course is the whole point of sports cars for most.
Which illustrates the influence that subjective assessments can have on people.
11-27-2017, 09:44 PM
