interesting comparison of pdk c2s and auto evora s. 991 always wins these tests because its 'more connected to the driver' even if other car is faster. think gtr and z06.

now, the tables are turned. porsche wins every objective test but looses the comparison because evora is (wait for it...) is more connected to the driver! they especially trash the electric steering. lotus is also almost $50k less than high option 991.

i hate when testers say gtr is like driving a video game and now theyre saying it about 911. if you like the feel of a vintage car, then get one that has manual everything. modern cars are modern

 

I looked hard at the Evora before ordering my 991. It is a nice little car, but to me not in the same league. Also they are having some "catching on fire" recalls, which makes me glad I didn't go that route. The S versions are actually up in the 90's depending on options so still a big purchase.
Funny how there is always someone going on about the 991 steering. I think it is so nimble and responsive. I also don't notice a significant difference from my previous 997 with respect to the steering specifically, although I did not get to drive them back to back to be more accurrate.

 

This has been my position all along. I've learned that people will say anything to feel important/relevant (magazine reviewers).

There is no way I'd favor the Evora (of all Lotuses) over ANY 911, I don't care about either price. That Lotus seems expensive, and troublesome, by comparison.

*Edit: Unless those prototypes from Paris Auto Show come to life. Then I WILL get one. There is no questioning that (either Elise, Elan, or Espirit maybe two of them - the wife likes the Elise prototype, I favor the Elan).

 

Totally agree. R&T's comparison is irrelevant. They picked the 991 and the Lotus to compare 'automatic' gearboxes and end up making general statements about cars that do not belong to the same segment...

 

That comparison- and the entire R&T record thinness can only be understood as an April Fools edition. The numbers and most of the comment gave the 991 a huge advantage- the subjective measures were set to give the Evora the overall edge. The marketplace is talking loud and clear on both cars.

 

I am a Lotus fan having owned an Exige however the article was horribly written. The Evora transmission is junk and the motor is slow and sounds like a Camry instead of a howling Porsche. They chose a $142K? Carrera when they could have built one for $110k. The reviewer might as well compared the Evora to an MGTD and declared the MG the winner because he felt more at one with the road.

 

It was Lotus's turn to get the nod..... despite the fact that everything was inferior, except some magic that occured while steering into a corner, when everything crystalized and all came together. blah, blah, blah. I hate to say it, but for the most part the American auto mags are superficial in their analysis and their journalism skills are totally lacking! Okay, I feel better now.

 

I like Lotus, but I'm sorry the Evora's build quality is not on par with Porsche.

 

Not to pick on US press, but why are the Brits SO good when it comes to car stuff? (talking about cars, not making them, he he ). It is of course my own opinion, whether it is about entertainment (want to compare US and UK Top Gear?) or specialized Porsche magazines.
There area a number of US editors I like a lot though.

 

It may be our perception.

I've learned, while abroad, Americans are all about numbers.

Numbers are king when it comes to everything (stocks, school rating, HP, 1/4 times, On-base percentage, QB completion percentage, win/loss percentage). We quantify almost everything with numbers. Other cultures place less emphasis on this. Probably why other countries make other cars with other goals (driving experience/feel/etc...). So when somebody from this other culture speaks to these features, the approach is completely different. Most Americans just want to know what it ran 0-60, 1/4, top speed (that nobody runs) and a minority actually care about this lap-stuff.

So as an American reviewing cars, it always starts with this approach, but we can't port well to the other features that make a car 'better' than others, because there appears to be no quantifiable justification, so the Americans just say,"Car 'A' was faster in every category, but we prefer car 'B' (For reasons we cannot compute, and therefor cannot explain)."

 

Porsche lost the point standing by .7. Yes, .7

And guess what, under the performance test, they gave Fuel economy for the Lotus a 20, while the Porsche got a 18.8...

The whole fuel economy thing and EPA has always been bogus. I have an Acura that says I should be getting 21/27, but I get 18. And, even in R&T test, the "our driving" gave the lotus a 13.3 mpg and 14.5 to the porsche. Go figure these buffons in R&T

 

Thanks. It's an interesting cultural perspective that you are bringing up. I guess that it also applies to car design itself, especially when it comes to performance cars (big engine, good in drag race but usually less stellar around a track...). The is no right or wrong answer, companies make goods that make their customers happy and that's how it should be. Being Belgian (50% Latin, 50% Germanic culture) and living in the US for 6 years now, I share your point of view. Unlike too many Europeans (influenced by left wing media that have zero insight judge the book by its cover) I love the US and found it to be a petrolhead paradise it terms of choice, affordability and car culture in general. The diversity is amazing between American muscle cars, German cars, Japanese, etc. A lot more interesting than the European scene where people are just zeroed in on their 'national' car makers (too bad for the French and the Italians ).

Back to the original topic, this is just about a bad press article. What the guy wrote about the 991 does not diminish the merit of the car and he is just taking the stance of some so-called 'purists' who reject progress because they like to say that they are great at driving a more challenging car... or can not afford a new one. People are right to have fun with older technology or to love to go faster with newer one. Again, nothing wrong here, the only thing that matters is having FUN. Being judgmental about people's car preference is a waste of time and energy.

This pontificating rant stops here. Maybe I should apply for the Roman Catholic pope position that is currently open...

 

Old saying:

LOTUS = Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious

 

I guess the 991 would be more pure if it had a Camry transmission and motor, bad build quality and bump steer out of my old 79SC.

 

I agree..... and the USA is a paradise for car enthusiasts. Can you imagine the choices we now have in terms high performance cars, there's something for everyone and at every price point.