Texas911, Alan Smithee: My point is who in the hell cares why anyone buys a Porsche. All that matters is that they buy them, and that Porsche prospers as a company. I know that some Porsche enthusiasts are disappointed that the 997 doesn't have a dry sump like the 993, but for those who want all out performance, Porsche offers the GT3 at a relatively reasonable price. The asking price for low mileage GT3s in my area is in the upper $80s or about the same price as a reasonably equipped new 997.

 

Read the post again, it was about the results of internal market research by PCNA.

 

I still find it hard to believe that anyone would think that the 996 was a disappointment, comapred to any 911 model, especially the 993.

Porsche sold more 996's than 993, and probably 964 and 993's combined.
The 996 is quicker and faster car, on the street and on the track.

I don't think there is a car, not just sports car, but CAR out there that is as accomplished, period.

 

As hard as it might be for you to beleive someone doesn't share your view of things, for me, it's equally hard to believe someone can't believe someone else thinks differently than someone himself does.

Anyway, if you're referring to me, I can say I wasn't disappointed with 996 because of sales numbers.

I was disappointed becasue when I compared 996 with 993, it was softer and more "anyone's car" than "driver's car", didn't have dry-sump angine and transmission you could change gears, had cupholders, didn't look as good (as 993), overall, was "less 911" and more GT than before, interior was too "pimp" and the car itself was too large.
Interestingly, even though 997 is larger than 996, it looks smaller which I think is very good. I personally like 997 much better than 996.

This just how I feel (well, the fact that 996 was more made to the masses than any 911 before isn't only my feeling) so you or anyone else for that matter shouldn't be mad or disappointed or whatever, it's just my opinion and I prefer my sportscars more spartan and hard than I guess most of us do.

 

No it doesn't....


He heard it from someone at a Porsche dealership. Hmmmmm....

 

Flying Finn-like your avatar cept need black blinders on headlites : ). If you enjoy your car your an enthusiast period. I had great years of DE's with my previous 996 and the fun still continues : ). Regards. Mike

 

I fully agree with that statment.

Really this did not start with the 997 or 996. It started what back in the late 70's early 80's probably. Back in the old old days people bought the 356 for its virtues. Certainly not for it being a status symbol. As the Porsche name grew the percentage of folk buy a Porsche for status increased. My guess is that in late 70's and early 80's was when status began to take a large part.

From this time forward I'd guess well over 50% of NEW or less than 3 year old Porsches were purchased by status buyers.

These status buyers care more about being cool since they have Porsche than really being true Porsche people. Interestingly over the years I'd bet a number of status buyers became Ture Porsche people.

Now in Porsche lean years of early 90's I think the percentage of status buys decreased. Lets look at the land scape. 911 was "OLD". While the 964 was an excellent car it looked old from the out side and old from the inside. The 944/968 line was old as well. Same for the 928. All old 60's or 70's designed cars. Fine for true Porsche folks as these ended up being some very nice cars, but lacked the appeal an newness status buyers needed. Without status buyer Porsche could not sell enough cars. Why. True Porsche Folks hold onto their cars for too damn long.

So time for the revamp...

Step 1. New look for the 911 know as the 993 and marketing as The "New 911".

Step 2. Dump old 70's front engine "non traditional" Porsches 928 & 968

Step 3. Totalal revamped entry level car based on Porsche Roots that people can see.. That means flat six mid or rear engine. This became the Boxster and the total new 911. This became the 996. The 996 needed to similar enough to the 911 to still be a 911, but needed all the creature comforts modern cars demanded. Lets be honset. The 993 is nice, but has an awful arcane interior that appeals to the hard core. Interior design has improved since 1962.

Step 4. Build a money maker car not a whim or toy car that folks avoid in tough times. ie... Cayenne

So the late 90's sees Porsche revamp its offerings. Sure the hardcore don't like what is missing... Dry sump, hand built parts, hard edge, but the masses love these cars. In fact while different the Boxster and 996 where leaps and bound better in so many ways than the previous generation of cars.

Now where does this leave the 997? Well it is an evolution of the 996 made to be better faster, safer, etc.

Now as for Porsches marketing.... Yes they are targeting status buyers. It does not mean they are build crap right now however. It does not mean that all buyers of new cars are status buyers, but I do feel they represent a large chunk that Porsche needs to target to stay in business.

If you are a Porsche Salesman I'd bet 9 of 10 folks that come in to look at cars have no idea what a dry sump is nor even what 997 is. The came to look at the 911 Carrera, Boxster, or Cayanne (now cayman too).

Now for those on this forum who talke offense to that... Well how many Porsche owers are here? Maybe what 10%? So... just being here and posting and reading puts you one level above most status buyers and down the path of True Porsche people.

 

I think the sales number of the 996 was helped by the stock market when people in their early 20's can afford one by just buying and selling AOL's stock.

 

Correct, however that someone works at that Porsche dealership, and he told the results of PCNA's market study. Which were then posted on 993 board.

I assume you know better than that someone and that the results are wrong.

Or what is it that you argue against?

There are more "enthusiast" new Porsche buyers than before?

Or

There are less "status seekeers" new Porsche buyers than before?

 

Mike, I agree!

 

Someone at my Porsche dealer said that all 993 owners are posers.

 

Man, you're working on double time!

 

Wow. Unbelieveable post. Lets see. The 997 is the fastest, best handling 911 ever and just happens to be better appointed ergonomically and esthetically. But it's not a die hard sports car. What bunk. Take a 993 or a 997 to the track, same driver skills, and see which one is faster. If the measure of a sports car is defined only by a dry sump engine, not objective performance and track times, then I'm missing something. Go take a nap and call me in the morning. Uh, ...............I mean wake up! It's a brave new world out there.

 

Flying Finn, I love your avatar. Is that you driving?

 

If you enjoy your car, who cares who else is driving it or how other drivers perceive you?

After owning everything from a Camaro to a Mustang to a 'Vette to an Evo to the 997S, every car is going to have some stigma attached to ownership so you might as well enjoy the virtues of the driving experience rather than concern yourself with petty arguments over which model year's owner pool has the highest percentage of "image seekers."