911 for C3 Thoughts please
Discussion
Hi folks
I have a 1998 Porsche 911 996. I have been hankering over a C3 corvette for quite some time now. The Porsche is so competent and I can’t fault the drive but I’m wanting something with a bit more character that I can tinker with.
I know this group may be biased but what are your on such a swap
Thanks in advance
Hugh
I have a 1998 Porsche 911 996. I have been hankering over a C3 corvette for quite some time now. The Porsche is so competent and I can’t fault the drive but I’m wanting something with a bit more character that I can tinker with.
I know this group may be biased but what are your on such a swap
Thanks in advance
Hugh
Hello! Just to throw a fellow Porsche (although we still have Porsches too) to corvette converts opinion in.
Between Sarah and myself we have experience of 911s and other Porsche models from the 70s to present, although we seem to have everything other than a 911 at the moment we will have another.
Sarah decided she wanted a corvette which being in to plastic cars with big engines I was happy with. We looked at c3-c6 eventually settling on a nice c6. We will have a c3 at some point probably in addition to the c6 and I have a hankering for a c4 zr1.
The c3 felt very much like a classic car, we both liked that as we have classics but coming from a 996 be sure it's what you want as they are a polar opposite in many ways. We settled on a c6 as it did everything so well, gives a 996 a run for its money on interior quality (which tbh C4 and C5 don't really, c3 is nice inside but in the same way as a classic mg or triumph is nice). Gave tvr thrills but reliably, Ferrari sense of occasion etc. Etc.
They are fantastic cars though and I'd challenge anyone with an open mind and a love of cars not to find a corvette they liked.
Between Sarah and myself we have experience of 911s and other Porsche models from the 70s to present, although we seem to have everything other than a 911 at the moment we will have another.
Sarah decided she wanted a corvette which being in to plastic cars with big engines I was happy with. We looked at c3-c6 eventually settling on a nice c6. We will have a c3 at some point probably in addition to the c6 and I have a hankering for a c4 zr1.
The c3 felt very much like a classic car, we both liked that as we have classics but coming from a 996 be sure it's what you want as they are a polar opposite in many ways. We settled on a c6 as it did everything so well, gives a 996 a run for its money on interior quality (which tbh C4 and C5 don't really, c3 is nice inside but in the same way as a classic mg or triumph is nice). Gave tvr thrills but reliably, Ferrari sense of occasion etc. Etc.
They are fantastic cars though and I'd challenge anyone with an open mind and a love of cars not to find a corvette they liked.
As chairman of the UK's Classic Corvette Club my suggestion to you is perhaps go on to our website and forum (or even Facebook page) and introduce yourself. Could be a that a CCCUK member may fancy a change. Yes, later C2 Corvettes, early/late C3'a are not exactly the most sophisticated vehicles, but do have independent suspension with disc's all round. A big block Vette with c/r 4 speed and no 'new fangled' modern handling devices and traction control is an exhilarating drive................
Thanks for the replies guys. Just been out for a 3 hr blast around the Lake District with a guy in a golf R and an RS3. The 996 held its own very well indeed. I’ve had a TVR, 3 Porsche’s an M5 and an EVO 6. The TVR was probably the least competent but did put a smile on my face. I am thinking the C3 will be like the TVR.
In fairness competence doesn't always mean fun. One of the best pH drives I went on was in my mgcgt. Down on power compared to the rest of the group and hard work to drive fast it was great fun.
You wouldn't look at a c3 expecting a modern driving experience if you want that look C5 onwards. My dad's got a 996 which is a lovely car but I always preferred my 964 to it, in the same way I hugely prefer our c6 to the 996. I don't prefer it to the 964 as it's such a different car. My dad doesn't like the c6 as it's too loud (npp exhausts set to open) and he likes the civilised experience he can get from the 996 while its still a sports car, to put this in to perspective he likes mercedes sl r129s but they lack the sporty drive he likes, the 996 gives you a lot of the experience of a 129 without the stodgy drive.
Basically what I'm saying is if you want a highly competent quick road car that doesn't shout about its credentials you probably already have it. But don't assume that a corvette won't be dynamically as good. It's just different.
You wouldn't look at a c3 expecting a modern driving experience if you want that look C5 onwards. My dad's got a 996 which is a lovely car but I always preferred my 964 to it, in the same way I hugely prefer our c6 to the 996. I don't prefer it to the 964 as it's such a different car. My dad doesn't like the c6 as it's too loud (npp exhausts set to open) and he likes the civilised experience he can get from the 996 while its still a sports car, to put this in to perspective he likes mercedes sl r129s but they lack the sporty drive he likes, the 996 gives you a lot of the experience of a 129 without the stodgy drive.
Basically what I'm saying is if you want a highly competent quick road car that doesn't shout about its credentials you probably already have it. But don't assume that a corvette won't be dynamically as good. It's just different.
I have a modified/optioned up 996 and a corvette c4 - depends what you want from a car really. The C4can't perform anywhere near the level or the porsche. But for sheer sense of occasion, roofless v8 cruising from point to point, it's just such a great piece of metal.
Real nostalgic 80's motoring where you just put on some big shades, put the roof in the back and cruise.
Real nostalgic 80's motoring where you just put on some big shades, put the roof in the back and cruise.
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