Even Porsche thinks new 911’s are too fat…
07-31-2024, 05:43 PM
#16
4" wheel base is huge when it comes to handling. The actual length of the car is not that important when it comes to handling and performance. Keeping the overall length from growing while growing the wheelbase is um... trickery.
When you increase the wheelbase, the car becomes more stable going straight. However, it is not good when turning.... shorter wheelbases are more twitchy, which is what we like.... or should like if you are an enthusiast. Longer equals more boring.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
When you increase the wheelbase, the car becomes more stable going straight. However, it is not good when turning.... shorter wheelbases are more twitchy, which is what we like.... or should like if you are an enthusiast. Longer equals more boring.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
07-31-2024, 06:10 PM
#17
But why? If you want space, then like you say, the Panamera exists, the Macan exists, the Cayenne exists. The 997 isn't small by any means - compare it to a Cayman or an older 911 or a 914 or a 928, which was actually designed to me a GT car and is way smaller than the current 992.. The rear seats still aren't very usable, so what's the point of making what should be the sports car of the line into a large, heavy, less sporty car....or maybe Porsche changed their minds on how the product line should be viewed and the Cayman is now the Porsche sports car and the 911 the GT car... ironically, the 928 was supposed to replace the 911 in the 80s as the Porsche sports car, but never did - now the 911 has replaced the 928 as Porsche's GT car - hmmm?
07-31-2024, 07:23 PM
#19
Instructor
Thread Starter
As stated by others , its the market that determines the future of things ? Sadly the EPA also dictates things ? Having owned most of the models in the Porsche line up , No electric yet ! The people today are looking for comfort and technology. There are so many choices for less dollars Porshe has no choice but to tailor the car to the buyer . So this adds value to cars of the past to the true enthusiast . In my case I choose options on what to drive vs. only one toy car ? Meanwhile I live in my 15 GMC Sierra as my daily . Oh well , There's always a Boxter ?
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digs (07-31-2024)
07-31-2024, 07:40 PM
#20
Racer
I had an opportunity, not too long ago, to swap titles with a friend - he takes my 997, I take his SC. I've always wanted an aircooled car and the romance of it, the smaller, lighter, simpler package was seriously appealing to me. The deal was a tempting one, and I nearly took the plunge.
In the end my 997 is hundreds of pounds heavier, significantly more complex, and in every meaningful way a better car.
My AC blows ice cold, anytime I need it. My 997 is faster and handles better around town and in the mountains than a 1980 911 SC. My 997 doesn't mark its territory with oil leaks wherever I park. I have airbags and apple car play and sat nav and leather on everything and my odometer has never been interfered with.
There's a case to be made for a return to a nimbler, slimmer, simpler 911 but it isn't a business case and it isn't one lawmakers are interested in. Ultimately, we should be thankful that there are 60 years of 911 variants for us to enjoy, and especially grateful that we've settled on the Goldilocks of the family.
In the end my 997 is hundreds of pounds heavier, significantly more complex, and in every meaningful way a better car.
My AC blows ice cold, anytime I need it. My 997 is faster and handles better around town and in the mountains than a 1980 911 SC. My 997 doesn't mark its territory with oil leaks wherever I park. I have airbags and apple car play and sat nav and leather on everything and my odometer has never been interfered with.
There's a case to be made for a return to a nimbler, slimmer, simpler 911 but it isn't a business case and it isn't one lawmakers are interested in. Ultimately, we should be thankful that there are 60 years of 911 variants for us to enjoy, and especially grateful that we've settled on the Goldilocks of the family.
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07-31-2024, 08:48 PM
#21
Rennlist Member
997 much more comfortable than the early aircooled cars.
IMO 997 a great design.
...Some of you may remember years ago I wanted to get a silver/black 991 manual transmission without the ugly glass sunroof. - Body colored sunroof a hard find and I finally test drove 2 of them at Grand Prix Motors in OR.
Didn't think they were that much better than the 997 so I passed.
IMO 997 a great design.
...Some of you may remember years ago I wanted to get a silver/black 991 manual transmission without the ugly glass sunroof. - Body colored sunroof a hard find and I finally test drove 2 of them at Grand Prix Motors in OR.
Didn't think they were that much better than the 997 so I passed.
Last edited by groovzilla; 07-31-2024 at 08:55 PM.
08-01-2024, 12:11 AM
#22
Rennlist Member
I had an opportunity, not too long ago, to swap titles with a friend - he takes my 997, I take his SC. I've always wanted an aircooled car and the romance of it, the smaller, lighter, simpler package was seriously appealing to me. The deal was a tempting one, and I nearly took the plunge.
In the end my 997 is hundreds of pounds heavier, significantly more complex, and in every meaningful way a better car.
My AC blows ice cold, anytime I need it. My 997 is faster and handles better around town and in the mountains than a 1980 911 SC. My 997 doesn't mark its territory with oil leaks wherever I park. I have airbags and apple car play and sat nav and leather on everything and my odometer has never been interfered with.
There's a case to be made for a return to a nimbler, slimmer, simpler 911 but it isn't a business case and it isn't one lawmakers are interested in. Ultimately, we should be thankful that there are 60 years of 911 variants for us to enjoy, and especially grateful that we've settled on the Goldilocks of the family.
In the end my 997 is hundreds of pounds heavier, significantly more complex, and in every meaningful way a better car.
My AC blows ice cold, anytime I need it. My 997 is faster and handles better around town and in the mountains than a 1980 911 SC. My 997 doesn't mark its territory with oil leaks wherever I park. I have airbags and apple car play and sat nav and leather on everything and my odometer has never been interfered with.
There's a case to be made for a return to a nimbler, slimmer, simpler 911 but it isn't a business case and it isn't one lawmakers are interested in. Ultimately, we should be thankful that there are 60 years of 911 variants for us to enjoy, and especially grateful that we've settled on the Goldilocks of the family.
(And no oil leaks)
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08-01-2024, 12:38 AM
#23
RL Community Team
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
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Ironman88 (08-01-2024)
08-01-2024, 12:41 AM
#24
Rennlist Member
08-01-2024, 01:44 PM
#26
Racer
@Ironman88 Perhaps I should rephrase that: "In every measurable way a better car." The emotional experience varies for all of us and I'm certain that the right car, like your absolute gem, would tick all of my boxes. But the objective measures all favor the modern 911 experience and the 997 spans the old and the new with fewer compromises than any other 911.
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Ironman88 (08-01-2024)
08-01-2024, 01:56 PM
#27
Rennlist Member
@Ironman88 Perhaps I should rephrase that: "In every measurable way a better car." The emotional experience varies for all of us and I'm certain that the right car, like your absolute gem, would tick all of my boxes. But the objective measures all favor the modern 911 experience and the 997 spans the old and the new with fewer compromises than any other 911.
- Cantrell Motorsports, Bellevue, WA - mechanical rebuild and restoration
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TheMurse (08-01-2024)
08-01-2024, 02:27 PM
#28
Racer
@Ironman88 And we have Denny Aker's shop, John Walker's shop, Nathan Merz and his expertise, and just down the road the mad scientists at Dundon. To say nothing of some of the secret back roads...
08-01-2024, 02:29 PM
#29
Rennlist Member
@Ironman88 And we have Denny Aker's shop, John Walker's shop, Nathan Merz and his expertise, and just down the road the mad scientists at Dundon. To say nothing of some of the secret back roads...
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TheMurse (08-01-2024)
08-01-2024, 02:30 PM
#30
Instructor
In 2005, I thought the 997 was way too big, unnecessarily powerful and too luxurious compared to the air-cooled 80's 911s i had been driving for years. I suspect in 20 years, I will feel the same about when comparing the then current 911 iteration to the 992. My perspective changes as I age.
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akhbhaat (08-02-2024)