I finially understnad why I don't like GTR(first post)
 

I know GTR is a great car and it is fast. I admire it for its technological achievement. However, I also dislike it. Why? Not because people think it is faster than everything else. But because ever since it was invented, the entire motor world has shifted from "analog" to "digital" state. Everything is all about computers now. The driver's involvement has been largely reduced. The interaction between human and machine is no longer important. Human are replaced by computers. I can see the direction of our beloved Porsche is heading by looking at the PDK-only 991 GT3. I am sad.

It is like ever since Philips invented the CD for music world, we are now all live in this cd/mp3/ipod/iTune/blah/blah world. There are always many people going to argue that how good/clear/transparent/convenient digital music is. To me, the deep, rich, emotional analogue sound has long gone. And I missed it.

I think 996tt is one of the last high end "analogue" equipments. After that, it's all "digitalized". There are always many people going to say that newer and more computerized cars(like GTR) are better. But I don't care and will never want to trade my 996tt for any one of those. And I am glad it is the "ugliest" 911 which made the price more affordable so I can own one. To me, 996tt is more like a GT1/959 except is it a lot "cheaper".

So what is more important? You car is faster or you are faster?! The answer is very clear to me.

Please forgive me for my poor English...

agreed...

Porsche now makes cars so dorks can FAP FAP over how fast the car can drive itself.

No more for me.

btw, 997.1 is the best

Im not a huge fan of GTR - car is huge. 993, 996 997 are on my list

op i agree, controlling the wildness and violence produced from a sports car is the challenge,
and the thrill for me too. but as much as i liked records, cds were no
brainer better, and took over.
today there are a few analog heads out there who realize the sound is actually better,
and i think there will always be purists like that in the car community,
who will still know how to, and enjoy a beautiful gear
exchange while the rest of the world moves on to press and play. long live the gate.

As someone who owns a 996TT and a GT-R, for me, its pretty simple. They're both very different and they're both very awesome. Different cars, different driving experience, both extremely rewarding in their own way.
I will also say this: Out of all the dual clutch transmissions I have owned and/or driven, I also own a 997.2 turboS PDK, driven numerous R8's, lambos, etc, the GT-R has the most mechanical, connected feel that I've experienced. The engineers who designed the GT-R were after one thing…performance. You can hear and feel the gear changes, specifically at low speeds. You hear/feel the whine from the differentials while turning at low speeds, etc. For being "digital", its a very visceral experience.

you won't find much argument in here about that, i wouldn't think. i've been referring to the 96tt as the last of the truly "analog" cars for quite some time.

but then i witnessed the demise of the "quality" as well as the barriers to entry to the music business all but fall as the advent and introduction of monkeys with computers as they became the "producers". pushing buttons and looping samples does not, and never will make one a "songwriter" in my book. but i digress to make and and add to your point and hopefully the analogy is understood.

bottom line, the government ( yes, thanks dear leaders ) has of this year mandated "black boxes" in ALL cars for US consumption, presumably so that all movements can be tracked ( onstar anyone?? ) as well as so that your insurance company will have real time access to the black box data which will rat you out if you ever exceed the "speed limit", as well as assist in the newer "tax per MILE"! which is rapidly approaching, and mark my words WILL become a reality. google cars? auto driven prius? you bet, any day now. the days of true "drivers cars" are at end.

so, fellas we have bigger issues than simply the auto nannies extant in that behemoth of a gtr. trust me. get yer kicks on route 66 while it is still possible. oh wait! scratch that! my bad, route 66 is gone too.

and plus one with ttpopo. the 997.1tt IS the true last of the true analog porsche turbo(s), and to me? the "best" that will be. though i'd be fine in a 991tt, i just don't appreciate the govt knows when i put my foot in it. such is life, in the new world.

meet the new boss, same as the old boss. /rant off lol

Yes in the future there will be no more speeding on public highways and wouldn't be surprised if they mandated retrofit black boxes in older vehicles. But agree with everyone about 996tt being one of the last real drivers car. An older F car is probably my next ride.

Funny; I don't own a single CD anymore but sure have gone back to my LPs and now own 4 turntables :)

I see my 03 TT with tuned ECU and parts as like my linn sondek lp12 turntable with a soundsmith mmc. Best of old world and new world adaptation all together to make sweet music.

Well music is a different situation. Digital is infinitely more convenient. Good luck listening to a record while going for a jog, or while driving your car. Most artists still release vinyl alongside mp3 for albums, but no more CD. That gives you one option for convenience and one for maximum quality. Also, there are formats like FLAC or even uncompressed WAV out there.

I love the parallel of the MT 996TT and analog music listening.

Old age has pushed me to SONOS and relegated my music to merely background, sad really. I used to be big into tubes and electrostats . . . and then there were kids. I can't remember the last time I sat and listened to music . . . let alone purchased music because I knew a particular recording label recorded their artist with an ear to mic placement.

You folks have pushed me to love my turbo even more today, I thank you

Yes I sold my old school set up years ago which was somewhat high end=stupid.

If your was anything like mine, it was big, "ugly" and didn't "match" anything. That equipment didn't stand a chance when the gentler sex enters the picture.

I still think that glowing tubes are calming . . . much better than the stupid AV receiver I have now that does everything but make toast. On the upside, my lights don't dim when I turn on the amplifier anymore :) KH

^^Yea they are! Every time I see one...I think the same thing! lol. I still can't believe how huge the newer Mustangs, Charger and Camaro are too!

Totally agree OP!
I'll take my 6-spd 996TT :D any day. I feel connected with the car/road when I drive it....the sensations, sounds, feedback, feel, etc. It feels small and I like that in a sports car. Refined and edgy at the same time too. Besides IMO my 996T looks like it's going a 1000 mph when it's just sitting in my garage!! :D

While I haven't driven a GTR....for some reason there's nothing that really pulls me to even consider it (even if I did have 100k in bank, I don't)..not sure why, Just no real interest. Even my buddy's 997.1 feels numb compared to my 996T. (it's fast as hell though).

I will say this about the newer cars, although being way easier for anyone to get in and drive with PDKs and 550 factory HP. The performance gap has widened quite a bit with them so the mods I (we) have to complete to be able to 'compete' against some of them are pretty extensive. Hence my upgrade project.

[OP]: +1. I hear your pain.

Analog or digital, the equipment is no longer important to me. I ended up start learning to play piano. When the first time I heard that beautiful sound came from an early age Steinway grand piano, I was stunned. I will never forget that sound for the rest my life. For some reason, when I drive my 996tt, if I get it right, I get very similar joy. It is like the car is playing classical music. It really is a beautiful and wonderful car.

This is why I don't really click on the stereo upgrade threads. I appreciate that folks want music in their cars, I used to be one of them. I am just enjoying the experience of driving and listening to a magnificent piece of metal-- KH