I'm extremely lucky to have a friend loan me his 04' 996 4S stick for a few days while the new ride (991.2) is being clear wrapped and cQuartzed.

I'm very tall so the 996 isn't totally comfortable, but the car itself is 100% 911. Great torque (naturally aspirated throttle response is so fantastic).

The interesting thing is how easily the car breaks traction in the rain. The tires aren't warn, they seem to be at about 60% tread depth. But with ambient temps in the low to mid 40s the summer tires (combined with the shorter wheelbase and narrower track of the older chassis) make the rear end easy to break loose in any type of a bend in the wet. My prior 991 had faaaar more grip as a rear drive car.
Just goes to show what all this development does. It may sap a little of the nostalgic sensations, but it certainly offers something in return - a much more stable and capable chassis. I can't wait to get some mileage on the new car. I'll post once it's back in my clutches.

Regards,
Happy Holidays
DRP