went and drove one at last

Beautiful day on Thursday so went and had a drive of a 2004 996 Carrera 4 a local independant dealer had in. I've held off posting this whilst I reconsider my opinion but <flameproof suit on> ... I was quite unimpressed to be honest. It was a lovely car but wasn't really any fun to drive and didn't even really feel that quick. I'm sure it was certainly a car you could go very fast in but there was no impression of speed and it didn't seem that responsive to steering or throttle inputs. Don't really know what else to say but it just didn't grab me as a driving experience. Now, I'm somewhat spoilt by currently having a 2001 S2 Elise which is wonderful but what I can't get over is the fact I was in a 911 and it just didn't feel at all special. The only 911 I've driven before was a GT3 on track a couple of years back and it felt _so_ good but the C4 just didn't impress in the same way. So, was it a 'bad-un' or am I expecting too much of the non GT versions?

coming from the Elise I know what you mean, the C4's although a fine car doesnt have the power to weight ratio of an Elise or a GT3 consider it the every day supercar, but a great place to start I woud suggest trying a C2, as the 4wd system does drive differently to a 2wd, (some say it doesnot but IMHO it does) regards and welcome

Hi Kryten, Interesting thoughts, the Elise is a nimble car and a C4 will not give the same sense of speed and ability to chuck about in comparison. How much of a test drive did you have? Did you give it a sub red line gear change to 6th? A good variety of roads etc? Probably best to test drive a few 4wd and then 2wd. Personally even as a C4S driver the daddy is the GT3 and if you want insane then the GT2. All depands on what you want. Overall in my opinion the 911, all varieties are value for money and performance. Just got to get the right one for your needs! Regards Alan

A standard C4 will not give the same delicacy of feedback as an Elise sadly. That said, you are probably comparing the best steering and chassis in the business with the second best! Try a GT3 if the budget will allow. The strength of the standard C4 lies in its huge breadth of ability. Not quite as electric as an Elise, but a much more satisfactory daily driver.

I know what you mean - I was quite happy with my C4 911 until I drove a Noble and that was that. Having said that, 3 years later and via an XKR I'm back in the fold, albeit in a TT to give that extra grunt. They are addictive you know.... :wink:

You could always try an air cooled one. They are more fun and more involving to drive.

Are the 993s really that much better to drive? Also, age means no official porsche warranty, which could be a bit of a worry... Think i need to find a turbo/gt3 to try...