Great input guys, now for one more question . . . ok there might be more than one. But for now ..... I figure most of you have considered these prior to getting your 997's

If you had to decide between the following Daily Drivers

1 - 06 - 09 Porsche 997 c4s cab
2 - 06 - 09 Porsche 997 c4s coupe
3 - 09 Maserati GranTurismo S
4 - 04 Bentley GT
5 - 08 BMW M6 convertible
6 - 06 - 07 Maserati Quattroporte GT
7 - 07 - 08 Mercedes cls 55 or cls 63
8 - 10 Porsche Panamera S



thoughts on these cars

 

That is a pretty diverse list. What are you looking for; performance (C4S), luxury drag car (Bently), German Camaro (M6), Italian Camaro (Granturismo)? I don't really see the point in buying a Maserati since you already have the Ferrari. Same for the Mercedes if you wife has an S550 as a daily. The M6 or Bently might be a good choice since you already have the Ferrari as a fun car. Personally from your list I would say C4S Cab (you are in the sunshine state) or Bently. This provides the greatest diversity in your garage which is what I try to maximize in mine.

 

I have 05 997 C2 for DD. I look forward to driving it every morning.

 

I would pass on every car on the list except what i bolded in red. In fact --one car NOT on the list is the PDK Turbo . That may be one to consider.

 

I bought my C4S as a daily driver and weekend track car. The GT3 would have been a better track day car, but I can't see DD'ing it. Every time I get into the car, I'm happy. It's comfortable on the freeway and a total blast in the mountains. I'm really looking forward to taking it to the track at Fontana next month. One of the biggest reasons that I bought a Porsche was it's versatility and reliability - and it's working for me.

 

I have a '09 C2 PDK for DD. It handles both wet and dry road very well. As a bonus, the MPG is great!

From your list of other cars to choose, I have owned/own these:

- MB CLS 55/63 - If you're looking for comfortable ride, this won't disappoint you, it has the traditional MB firm but comfortable ride. Handling... well... it's MB. But the biggest fault is it's shape... as a daily driver, I think ease of parking is important... but blind spots are everywhere on a CLS.

- BMW M6 - It's a beautiful and great GT cruiser... the SMG gearbox is not the greatest for city driving though. And the backseats are small, even compare to the 911s. And it has a very thirsty engine as well.

- Bentley Continental GT - Perfect car for daily driver. But expect to pay a bit higher operational cost compare to Porsche, especially with the distance you're going to cover.

Hope this helps.

 

Robert why a C4? when you live in florida, rain? the C2s is faster and more fun to drive. The 4 is a great for people who live in winter climes. The Maserati's I eliminate for being ignorant about the brand. I had a 09 AMG and it was just NOT me, I am a Porsche guy. thats why the PDK was such a perfect fit. The AMG did educate me on the 7 speed auto trannies but the PDK is much better.
I am not a cab guy so the coupe to me is the perfect answer. Also after having 3 sticks there was NO way I was going to buy a auto tranny till I drove the PDK. Then it was game over for everyone else.
The Panamera S would be the only other car on your list that would cause me pause.

 

I use my Targa as a daily driver. Great all the time and with the hatch in the back can pick up cleaning, groceries, and have a light filled car every day-except when it snows

 

Contrary to what has been posted on here -- I tried like hell to make my recently sold 997S my DD. It just didn't work for three reasons:

1) Virtually zero storage space (drycleaning, golf clubs, etc.)
2) Interior cabin noise
3) Ride quality

The new M5 looks quite promising -- as does the V8 turbo 550i

An '08 Aston Martin Vantage can be had for low 80's these days. Just a thought.

If you think you could tolerate a 911 as a DD, have you looked at the MB CLK63 AMG Black Series? Probably the same ride quality but more utility (i.e. trunk)

 

I use my C2S as a DD and a track toy. A lot of fun to drive, and very reliable.

 

I was thinking about getting a C4 because = I like the hips

 

Great reason - I love seeing those curves in the rear view mirrors.

 

I have a C4S as a dd. Only 5 miles to work but in DC traffic. I have a manual and it never bothers me. Love the car. On my way home after a long day this is my decompression chamber.

 

I DD mine, but at least I have fun off ramps. In dead flat Florida, I'm not sure I would really bother. I would get the cab if I were you, but then you can't have the thing down in the summer anyway.
Not sure if those cars in the same price category either. I would go for brute HP, like the M6 or M5. Great balance, comfort and tons of power. I guess the cushy AMG offerings work as well. So much of the 911 is about handling in the ride - if you really can't drive a windy road or at the track it really is a waste of potential and there is no benefit to the compromised ride quality.

 

Not to hijack the thread or impugn the posters, but I've yet to figure out why this DD topic comes up anew every week or why anyone with more than one car would want to use his Porsche (or any other 'sporty' car) for a DD? Nothing more boring than driving around any metro area or on the feeder highways so we might as well be driving a Taurus or Toyota unless we have the need to try to impress someone.