Corrected your sig:

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2011 Carrera S - sports car
2007 GT3 - track car

 

I eventually want to get a turbo. I haven't driven one yet because I don't want to be upset when I get back into mine. I don't track my car, but I do drive fast and I have put my foot all the way down a number of times. I have spoken to guys who race 911s (on the track) and they agreed with the other person and said the suspension is soft. I also agree with everyone here who wrote you need to drive them all. I would personally not own a Boxster, but I did drive the Cayman and that car handles really well. I used to own a Corvette and for pure power, you would have to get a turbo to have the same feeling of power. However, the quality of the car and how safe you feel in it can't compare. Also, the handling/braking are superior in the Porsche, but it takes a bit to get used to the weight behind you. I was really great at driving a Vette or M3 hard, but I'm still not at the same level with my C2S. I do want the turbo for that g-force feel when you step on it, but the fact that it's still a Porsche. To me, it's the best of all worlds (since I won't/don't track) that I care about, which is style, handling, power and I'll say it.. prestige.

 

Just attend an advanced driving school, and/or join the Porsche local Chapter and do some auto cross. And .. have fun .

 

Sorry off topic - I lived on the border of Foster City/San Mateo CA before I moved here 11 months ago by the way.

 

Why did you do that?? LoL!!

 

I've driven both, I like the look of the Turbo, but I don't track my car. I live in a city where the roads are all 25mph and would rather not end up in County lock up. That being said, for me, it wasn't a matter of money, both were affordable. Financially, I couldn't justify the Turbo over the C2S for my driving style. I choose the C2S, added the Techart lips/splitters and the big spoiler. Couldn't be happier.

 

Thanks guys, for all your opinions.

Regarding as to whether or not a Porsche would be "right" for me is something I'd like to experience for myself as there is no one within a 100 mile radius that rents Porsches. One determination could be made while test-driving; though in my experience, I never really received a full driving experience through the small 5-15 minute window the dealer gives you and is usually in the car as well.

I like to "feel the road" as I'm driving and I'm inclined to believe that Porsche makes cars that would fulfill that kind of need for me. I am leaning towards buying the convertible version so hence, the Cayman is probably no longer on my radar. Even though I like that the price of admission is noticeably che...more economical than the 911, many used ones I see aren't equipped with the Audio options I want.

As for the Turbo vs. Carrera S debate, I thought about if I ever have a definitive need for the speed of a Turbo...maybe not, but the power would be at my disposal. But alas, I need to buy a PDK model, so don't think any less of me. I think just that requirement alone might leave me ending up with a 4S cabrio. If you guys can also consider that the 4S would double as a GT (grand tourer), then that is likely what will be in my driveway come March.

 

I would never buy a Cayman because the styling is just awkward, the same should be said of the Panamera. Just like the Bangle butts disasters. Compare them with the looks and styling of a Maserati and Aston and somebody dropped the ball or the drawing pencil. The 911 series has the looks and the ***** to back it up. All the way!! Just my 2 cents.

 

I test drove a Cayman too, it moved, but it wasn't a 911. 911 are unmistakable. I'll speak from my own experience, but I'm sure many bored members will agree, I've wanted a 911 since I was 5 so it was 911 or nothing.

 

Test drive 5 cars. Focus on different things each time. Porsches have a lot of road noise. Handling is completely different. Also, you are much lower to the ground, like a sports car should be. Completely different feel that is defined by the difference between a sports car and a sports coupe. I drove multiple cars with multiple dealers before I bought my 997 and my M3. It's your money, decide wisely. Oh, and I bought the 997 private party in the end because I believe that will give you the best feel of the car's history.

 

just a couple of quick comments:
i've owned 10 911's dating back to the early 80's and am currently driving an 06' 997 C4S w/ x51, aero kit, msrp @ $124k, so nicely optioned. my last car was an 02' 996tt. my original intent was to buy a 997tt, but was about $10k out of my price range. i paid $62k for my car last year, and it had only 6.5k mi. a nice, reasonably miliaged 997tt can be had for the $80k range, so if that is within budget, i would prefer the tt. however, very much am currently satisfied w/ the NA 997. the biggest concern other than $ for the TT are tickets. i went over 15 years without a speeding ticket and got 4 within a year owning the tt. my perception was that i did not change my driving behaviour, but facts say otherwise. i do miss the power/tq of the tt. i could go on and on, gt1 block, etc, etc.... drive both, consider $ and go for it...

 

My march budget would be around 65-70K, so the TT is a bit out of reach until about June, then I could swing up to 90K for it. Every time I look at more photos of the TT I want it more. But I know myself...I used to be very impulsive. When I look at the 4S from an economical point of view it makes more sense...because for the price of a TT it would buy me a 4S and a winter beater car, like a Subaru or something.

But another side of me begs to rationalize the two evils: economic (4S) or emotion (TT)? I don't know; I'm just rambling at this point.

 

It sounds to me like you'll regret not having bought the TT.

 

I had a 996 Carrera, an 06 997 4S and now a Turbo S.

For me, wanting more speed was the impetus. The Turbo's explosive power is simply too intoxicating and just plain fun... I could never go to a slower car.

 

I'm currently in an 09 C2S. For the past 6 months I've been trying to justify buying a turbo but I couldn't find any reason other than the speed. I love raw sound of my NA motor which is enhanced by TUBI - you can't get that in a turbo. Turbos sound muffled to me, even with aftermarket exhausts. I love the light steering feel of non-4 cars. I love knowing the fact that there are less moving parts which translate to less potential problems no matter how far in the future you look. I thought I would keep my C2S forever until I hopped in a GTS cab. The rest was history. There's really no words to describe the sensation of top down full throttle with PSE on while taking a curvy on ramp to a wide open highway. None. You can go faster in a turbo, but will you have the same audible sensation and steering feel? How much faster can you go any how? We all have to slow down at some point.