911 Test Drive - Mistake
 

I used to be into high-end audio until I sold off much of my gear to buy my Boxster. I had my home audio system tuned or voiced to the sound I liked. Of course there were more expensive and better sounding audio rigs out there (even though when I sold mine, it allowed me to buy my Boxster).

As much as I was satisified with the sound of my system, if I went to a high-end shop and listened to a very trick rig, my home system would sound like it was lacking in comparison. I learned long ago, that I could enjoy my music more if I did not try to listen to the best systems available and hence find fault in what I had. I guess you see where this is going...

My driving impression varies from day to day, but I have always been impressed by how quick my Boxster was, especially for a 2.7L car. I have test driven 3.2 and 3.4L Boxsters and liked their torque and they were definately faster than my 2.7L, but I was still underwhelmed by their accereration. I think I went into the test drives expecting more from the cars.

I just test-drove a 2008 3.6L Carrera and was amazed at its torque and straight-line accereration. I dont know if I was not expecting it to be that quick and that is why it seemed that way or what, but it was fast. It had 18" wheels and stock suspension, so it did not handle to my taste, spongy, not very responsive to steering, but it was quick. I got back in my car after the test-drive and mine seemed like it took forever to get from 2 to 5K (read that slow), where the 911 got there now.....

Ed

:o

I'm not clear, Ed....what was the mistake? :cool:

You might look into getting a light weight flywheel. It doesn't improve horsepower, but it does allow the engine (and the car) to accelerate faster. And it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a 997.

wait until you drive the CaymanS.

It makes the Carrera feel like a middle aged fat guy and makes the Boxster feel like its still in high school.

Or...

If you haven't felt enough pain yet, test drive a Corvette Z06 or a Viper. Monstrous torque and accelleration!

"I'm not clear, Ed....what was the mistake?"

I was happy with the accereration of my Boxster until I got in the much faster 911. Now I am a little more knowledgeable, but a little less satisified with what my 2.7L can do. I will get over it, and my car is still a blast to drive, but I do lust for a few more ponies.

"You might look into getting a light weight flywheel. It doesn't improve horsepower, but it does allow the engine (and the car) to accelerate faster. And it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a 997."

I have one, and it does make the car quicker. Its funny, the increase in pickup with the lightweight flywheel seems about like the loss in pickup I got when I went from 17" wheels to 18" wheels.

Ed

:D

Those cars are ugly.

p.s.
My car felt slow after I drove a 996 Turbo. But the thing about power is that you sooner or later you get used to it. Like living with Giselle Bundchen for a year and then one day Megan Fox moves in next door...
Not to mention gas is too freakin expensive to be dumping into power hungry cars.
I'm over putting $50 into my tank every week. Time for an electric sports car already.

"Not to mention gas is too freakin expensive to be dumping into power hungry cars. I'm over putting $50 into my tank every week. Time for an electric sports car already."

Amen to that, I just drove 1600 miles last week. At 25mpg, which is about what I got on the trip, thats 64 gallons of high-test (my chip requires premium fuel) or about $230.00. Then there's the oil and tire wear.... yikes, its a good thing these things are so fun to drive.

Ed

:eek:

Sounds like Perfectlap needs a Tesla!

I used to drive a 700+ HP Viper and after a while it was not as thrilling as it was in the beginning. That is why I periodically change vehicle types all together, to experience the way others make power, etc. - you only live once so if you are thinking about getting something else do it.

Live is too short to drive one kind of car!

Through my informal Porsche club here in the tri-state area, I've been able to drive some of my buddies' cars which include a 996 GT3, 997 base and S cab, Cayman S, and 3.4L engine swapped 986 Boxster, and of all these cars, the one I felt most impressed from after getting out of the car was the Cayman S (and I don't even like coupes, since I am a ragtop kinda guy). That car, even though it's not the fastest, is the most tossable. I love the newer interiors, and the power from the 295hp 3.4L is just right for the car, and the sounds coming from it were terrific.

The 997 base and S cabs were nice, but they felt more like GT cars, and since the engine was further back, I couldn't hear much of the engine. The 996 GT3 was a beast, but I prefer the newer 987/997 interiors. I think the best value out there now is the 987 S Boxster with the 3.4L engine.

I made the mistake of driving a 997S cab
 

See the result in my sig.

Really no mistake!