*** First Impressions ***
I've driven the SC for a few days now and thought I'd post a few early impressions...
The first thing everyone notices is that the key is just a .... key! You know, the $4.99-hardware-store-can-cut-it-for-you-while-you-wait kind of key. It was nice not to have to spend $150 for the blank key and then another $125 for programming at the dealer.
As you might expect, the seating position is more upright than a more modern Porsche and hence, the dash and windshield are surprisingly close! The dash is literally within fingers reach of the steering wheel and the base of the windshield is only about 8 inches further. This gives the driver the impression of being right on top of the front hood.
Depress the clutch and step on the brake and they have a completely different throw/feel since the pedals come out of the floor/pivot under the floorboards rather than pivoting up under the dash. You know, like an old VW bug (for those old enough to remember).
And all of this happens before you start the car!
Give the key a turn and the engine starts immediately (even cold) and easily settles into a perfectly smooth idle around 900 rpm. Slide the gear lever into 1st and the clutch is surprisingly easy to modulate resulting in clean, smooth starts within the first few minutes of driving.
Speaking of driving; the SC's do not have power steering so unless you're been working out on a regular basis, it is best to have the car moving before trying to turn the wheel - and even then it takes a good amount of effort.
Once underway, the transmission shifts incredibly smoothly but the throw length seems like first is in the front trunk and second is in the rear seats! And you need to take your time. No, I mean REALLY take your time. As in, do everything at 50% normal speed. This isn't a car for popping off PDK-like shifts.
On the road, the car rides amazingly well, firm and well damped. Its not too stiff nor does it ride like a boat. It reminds of how a BMW 325i with sport suspension rides - competent and confidence inspiring. The suspension and body do not transmit a lot of noise into the cabin so its easy to drive and talk with your passenger.
The 3.0L SC engine has a lot of torque low in the RPM range so you don't have to rev it like an M96 engine. The downside is that its missing that 4,000 RPM rush of power and sound! Why can't we have an engine that does both - is that too much to ask?
In the corners, its no Boxster, but the car is very agile with turn-in sharp and accurate. When pushed, some mid-corner understeer becomes apparent before you transition to a full throttle corner exit. Like all 911's, all of that weight at the rear helps to keep the rear tires planted while the fronts go light on corner exit. The old adage of slow in, fast out, works well.
In terms of creature comforts, any modern car beats an older car hands down and this one is no exception. The climate control system really doesn't do much to control the climate inside the car - whatever the temp/humidity is outside, its roughly the same inside! Furthermore, my car still has the original Blaupunkt AM/FM CASSETTE head unit so there isn't an option for an iPhone cable or Bluetooth. Instead, I'll be rummaging through my closet this weekend to find some old Ted Nugent cassette tapes.
Reaction has been very positive; I have got quite a few thumbs up, honks, and waves from other drivers. The iconic 911 still seems to be quite popular.
Overall, I am really pleased as I bought this for the air cooled Porsche driving experience and so far, this car delivers that to perfection.
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