The usual complaints have become common and are expected:
"this car is less of a Porsche than the last".
And oddly enough the Porsches with the most feedback are the ones that are most sought after, reel in the highest asking prices while the newer "disconnected" ones with less and less feedback end up as parts cars or are neglected when maintenance proves too expensive. Logic would tell you that a car that makes you look like a better driver than you actually are would be the one to get all the spending money thrown its way. Not the case.
When people complain that a car is less of Porsche than the one before it they're actually right. The huge increase in power made by these engines in just the last few years means that there must be more and more aids via computer. I don't see how that spells more driver involvement. I'm sure the cars could have been engineered for better safety, better fuel efficiency and more power WITHOUT dialing out the driver but those cars might actually be fun to drive. In fact in the wrong hands they could even be considered risky.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikenOH
I have not driven a 981 back to back with a 986, but in my short time in the car, I thought the steering felt fine. Maybe after 7 years in a 987, my recollections of how great the steering response was in a 986 has dimmed, but i felt the steering in new the car allowed the driver to put the car where they wanted and still allow the driving experience to be fun.
Without a doubt, HP losses, MPG numbers and the like are driving just about everything these days on new cars. I'm sure the Germans still want to get that "one with the car" feeling if possible, but with the above issues and ever widening tires, the steering response priority will suffer.
The only way to get back to the "holy grail" is to buy a used 986 or another true sports car with unassisted steering--all depends on where the priorities are for the buyer. Porsche is betting on--and I agree with them--that the improvements in the new car will widen the appeal to those that want a more civilized car, with additional creature comforts--while still having the performance capabilities that traditional Porsche customers expect in a car.
Having said that, I could have done without the Panamera's console; it may work in a Panamera but looks out of place in both the 991 and 981.
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