996 C2 Manual or C4 Tiptronic
Discussion
Apols if this is a subject that has been bashed around before. Hi - never been on the Porker forums here before, but the Cerbera has gone, the M3 has gone, the XKR has gone, and it's 911 time.
So, I'm looking for a 996/997 911...normally, I'd be looking at the fastest version possible (a Turbot..), but something is telling me to look at the pure 911 experience. I read a good review of a newish Turbo that said it was awesome, but in the reviewer's mind, all the additional stuff (4WD, Turbo etc.) was fine, but moved the 911 further and further away from what it was best at. I'm not religious about the 'pure' experience - I've had Imprezas before, which were not made less by all their tricks and were damn good cars.
As a data point, the best driving experience I've had recently was in an NSX with 280bhp screaming in my ears. It made the 540bhp SL55AMG I then got in seem rather dull. Mindnumbingly fast, but dull.
I also had a flappy paddle S3 for a bit. Missed the manual gearbox after about 5 minutes, much to my surprise.
So, I'm considering a 996 C2S manual - but my question to all of you is "Am I missing a trick?" Is the 4WD version better? Is the tiptronic really good, or if I love 'em, should I stick with a manual. And what do I look out for? Is there anything similar to the TVR AJP V8 'They all go bang at 40K miles' issue that has stung me in the past...(£6.5K engine rebuild after 5 weeks...grrrr..)
Oh, driving experience - lots. Used to be a trackday instructor and national level motorbike racer. So this is a Porsche specific question, not what can I 'get on with better' question - I'm happy driving 'em all.
J.
So, I'm looking for a 996/997 911...normally, I'd be looking at the fastest version possible (a Turbot..), but something is telling me to look at the pure 911 experience. I read a good review of a newish Turbo that said it was awesome, but in the reviewer's mind, all the additional stuff (4WD, Turbo etc.) was fine, but moved the 911 further and further away from what it was best at. I'm not religious about the 'pure' experience - I've had Imprezas before, which were not made less by all their tricks and were damn good cars.
As a data point, the best driving experience I've had recently was in an NSX with 280bhp screaming in my ears. It made the 540bhp SL55AMG I then got in seem rather dull. Mindnumbingly fast, but dull.
I also had a flappy paddle S3 for a bit. Missed the manual gearbox after about 5 minutes, much to my surprise.
So, I'm considering a 996 C2S manual - but my question to all of you is "Am I missing a trick?" Is the 4WD version better? Is the tiptronic really good, or if I love 'em, should I stick with a manual. And what do I look out for? Is there anything similar to the TVR AJP V8 'They all go bang at 40K miles' issue that has stung me in the past...(£6.5K engine rebuild after 5 weeks...grrrr..)
Oh, driving experience - lots. Used to be a trackday instructor and national level motorbike racer. So this is a Porsche specific question, not what can I 'get on with better' question - I'm happy driving 'em all.
J.
I have a manual 996C2 that only has ABS - no PSM.
I love it to bits.
My 987 had PSM and it didn't really stop the back end stepping out, or allow me to drive on snow with it on, so VFM wise, I'm not sure that PSM is for me. There's soo much more than PSM in the newer Turbos. No doubt they are a technical tour de force and I can appreciate that, but I don't really class them as the sports car that the C2s were without all the electronics gubbins.
I've also driven a 997C4S on the experience track, and I didn't like the feel of the 4wd system moving torque to the front wheels when powering out of corners. It didn't even need to do it actually, and I had no choice in the matter.
A 1st gen NSX is the only other affordable car I wish to own.
I love it to bits.
My 987 had PSM and it didn't really stop the back end stepping out, or allow me to drive on snow with it on, so VFM wise, I'm not sure that PSM is for me. There's soo much more than PSM in the newer Turbos. No doubt they are a technical tour de force and I can appreciate that, but I don't really class them as the sports car that the C2s were without all the electronics gubbins.
I've also driven a 997C4S on the experience track, and I didn't like the feel of the 4wd system moving torque to the front wheels when powering out of corners. It didn't even need to do it actually, and I had no choice in the matter.
A 1st gen NSX is the only other affordable car I wish to own.
So you don't need all weather ability, so don't weigh your 911 down with 4wd gubbins
Tip is not a very good gearbox and by the sound of it not for you, try one before you buy one, some like it, I think it is gash ( there are loads of tip v manual discussions on her for pros and cons).
Sounds like a manual C2 is what you want, with ideally a short shift and PSE
Tip is not a very good gearbox and by the sound of it not for you, try one before you buy one, some like it, I think it is gash ( there are loads of tip v manual discussions on her for pros and cons).
Sounds like a manual C2 is what you want, with ideally a short shift and PSE
C2 manual owner here. Love my cars to bits, great to drive, very well behaved/civilised for day 2 day driving but rapid when the loud pedal is used in anger, very nimble, feels special and is an occaison each and every time I go out in it (that's when I can get my Mrs out of it!!!). The more experience/time behind the wheel the better it becomes. I've driven quite a few other cars since having it and they've felt like slugs.
I test drove most N/A 996 models before buying and found the manual most rewarding. Tiptronic is good if you live in a city but they are slower as is the C4 varient.
In time I will get a newer car and it will no doubt be a 997 C2.
I test drove most N/A 996 models before buying and found the manual most rewarding. Tiptronic is good if you live in a city but they are slower as is the C4 varient.
In time I will get a newer car and it will no doubt be a 997 C2.
Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff