Went for a ride in a 996 turbo today...

[Topless]

Different perspectives are interesting. In 2005 I was shopping for my first Porsche and thought I would naturally pick out a nice 996 TT just off lease. The money was in the bank so no payments were involved but after driving a few I didn't like it. I drove a few 911SC and liked them much better, drove a few Boxsters and liked them the best for my needs (simple weekend joy ride with modern creature comforts).

After driving several 996/997 TT on race tracks over the last few years I have merely confirmed my choice. It is a very nice car for someone else but not for me. I am certain I will never own one. Now GT3RS??? Very different story.

[The Radium King]

different - yes. one better than the other (different 'league' or whatever) - no. interiors are the same. front ends mostly the same. difference really only in price and power. I can afford both, so it depends on how i use it. I personally couldn't use a turbo. I have no need to race between stoplights. I have no need to break the speed limit on the road, and this is reinforced by the few tentative points I have remaining on my licence. the fastest road around here is 110 kph and the box will do this just fine. the only thrills I get are keeping speed through the corners and going to the track. for this the 986 is better.

for me the 986 has purpose, the turbo doesn't. if there is a different 'league' for impracticality then the turbo is in it.

note that, if the car was my daily driver, if I lived in a city, if there were a different set of circumstances, what I define as impractical would be different. given that, I am hard pressed to say that one is 'better' than the other.

[Perfectlap]

I wouldn't mind a Turbo engine in the 986. It can keep the understeer.

[Crono0001]

Originally Posted by The Radium King

interiors are the same. front ends mostly the same. difference really only in price and power.

Interiors are NOT the same. 911s have much better build quality. From the leather, to the little door pocket covers. Everything in the 911 juts feels more special.

Front end may look the same, but that's about as far as it goes. 911 has a wider stance. The fender flares stand out more.

[Perfectlap]

Originally Posted by Crono0001

Interiors are NOT the same. 911s have much better build quality. From the leather, to the little door pocket covers. Everything in the 911 juts feels more special.
.

incorrect. Part numbers on virtually every single item in the 986 interior come from the 996 Carrera parts bin. You are confusing premium 911 interior items with standard 911 interior items. For instance, I have many interior items that were not included in the 996 Turbo unless the original owner specifically spec'd his build with those upgrades.

From the seats forward a Boxster is basically a 1999-2001 Carrera. When the Boxster was being designed it was designed simultaneously with next generation Carrera that would replace the 993 Carrera. The concept was "one design for two cars". The plan was to introduce both at the same time but Porsche was so close to bankruptcy that they had to release the Boxster much earlier since people began putting deposits on the Boxster the minute it was unveiled. Which pissed off the Carrera team at Porsche because the first modern Porsche would look just like Boxster that was already being sold for two years. The Carrera team asked for different headlights but were rejected that's how broke they were. The compromise was that the Carrera got a slightly different front bumper. The only things not on the Boxster that aren't Carrera, are the things that could not physically fit. If you include the engine as one part, the 986 is basically "70% Carrera" by part number with the added benefit of having the engine in the right place. oh and to your point about build quality, the Boxster S got thicker cylinder walls less prone to cracking unlike the non-S C2 Carrera.

[986_c6]

Originally Posted by Topless

Now GT3RS??? Very different story.

Hopefully, one of those WILL be in my garage one of these days! Grey with red accents and wheels please...