... I've owned Porsches for nearly twenty years, 924, 944, 944S, 911 Carrera 2 (964) 911 Carrera 2 (993) and this one, 911 Carrera 2 (996).
Because Porsche were smart and reduced prices (twice) over the last eighteen months, my new car cost no more than my last one did in 1995, and the spec ... Read review
Advantages: Perfomance, handling, looks, value Disadvantages: None so far
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Because Porsche were smart and reduced prices (twice) over the last eighteen months, my new car cost no more than my last one did in 1995, and the spec is much better. The downside was that it was 6 months from order to delivery through the main dealer in Guildford.
Historically, the 911 has had the air cooled six cylinder 'boxer' engine, which sounds like nothing else on the road. Due to new EC noise emission laws, ... ...new car has a water cooled version of the same boxer layout. Somehow, it has lost the 'edge' in terms of throttle response, and certainly the sensory excitement. On paper, it's quicker, with 300bhp from 3.4litres (the previous model was 275bhp from 3.6litres.)On the road, it doesn't feel it yet. Maybe with some more miles under the belt it will loosen up and prove me wrong.
The new sport design wheels were an outrageous £1600 extra, ... more
After a couple of month's ownership of my new 911 Coupe, it's time to put pen to paper. I've owned Porsches for nearly twenty years, 924, 944, 944S, 911 Carrera 2 (964) 911 Carrera 2 (993) and this one, 911 Carrera 2 (996).
Because Porsche were smart and reduced prices (twice) over the last eighteen months, my new car cost no more than my last one did in 1995, and the spec is much better. The downside was that it was 6 months from order to delivery through the main dealer in Guildford.
Historically, the 911 has had the air cooled six cylinder 'boxer' engine, which sounds like nothing else on the road. Due to new EC noise emission laws, Porsche could not develop the engine to comply, so the new car has a water cooled version of the same boxer layout. Somehow, it has lost the 'edge' in terms of throttle response, and certainly the sensory excitement. On paper, it's quicker, with 300bhp from 3.4litres (the previous model was 275bhp from 3.6litres.)On the road, it doesn't feel it yet. Maybe with some more miles under the belt it will loosen up and prove me wrong.
The new sport design wheels were an outrageous £1600 extra, but boy, do they look smart. Plus the new Lapiz Blue colour suits the shape. The pedals are no longer hinged from the floor, like an old Beetle, and there's more room in the boot (bonnet?) than before.
Handling is superb, as we have come to expect. The old chestnut of the back end coming round is long since dead. You have to be doing something very stupid to get in trouble on the public highway, although I did spin conclusively in the 964 at Goodwood through lifting off in mid corner...
And just to make you laugh, after one week's ownership, I had Tracker fitted (an insurance requirement on Porsches these days). On collecting the car I drove past the dealership, and waited at a junction and was hit up the rear by a beaten up '85 Cavalier. Fortunately, the deformable rear panel did it's job, and prevented any panel damage, but his insurance company have had to pay a £1200 bill for a new bumper.
The biggest advantage? Residuals, in a word. As I have always bought Porsches out of my own money, the way second hand values hold up is very important indeed. I actually made a profit on the first three cars. When I sold my first 911, AFN took it in for £26k in 1994. If I wanted to buy the same car today, with maybe 80k miles on the clock, it would still cost £26k. My last one cost about £4k per year in depreciation. Compare that with a '95 BMW M5, or a Honda NSX.
...The Body is a standard Porsche body with a "Whale Tail" spoiler on the back that ensures the rear wheels stay where they should under speeds. The gear box comes with 3 options, Automatic, Standare and tiptonic. Go for the latter if you can afford it. It gives you the feeling its a real race car. In fact, Porsche were one of the first to experiment with Turbo powered engines. They evolved and did their research with the MaClaren Formula 1 team in ... ...main pioneers. Still Porsche were the only ones to have true success at a higher level. As far as racing goes , the 911 Turbo is ideal for certain racing on closed circuits and is has many of its own championships and race meetings around the world. Internally, the Porsche is essentially a 2 seater. There is a back seat but its not even worth trying to sit on. Its more of a parcel shelf. The interiors are normally Leather upholstered with their unusually ...
andycharger 06.06.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: very helpful Review of Porsche 911 Carrera 3.6 Coupe
