So this weekend, due to a very generous friend of mine, I was able to enjoy a 911 Carrera 4 Cabriolet for the entirety of this weekend. I picked the car up just before noon on Saturday and returned the car this afternoon at around 5:30. I put a total of just over 250 miles on the car during my time with it.

I drove the car all through the city and the surrounding suburbs. I was in Rockville, Silver Spring, DC, Alexandria, Arlington, and so on. With the nice weather this weekend, 90% of the time was spent with the top down. In fact, I even went to the end of summer TSX meet with the car.

Anyway, on to the review.

Upon getting into the car, the first thing I noticed was that the headroom was pretty good with the top up. The seats were nice and snug, and everything was covered in leather. Overall, my impression of the interior is that it was very drab, but comfortable. Seating position was easy to find and the steering wheel was positioned perfectly for spirited driving.

Starting the car up, the rumble of the exhaust was immediately heard. It was such a beautiful, sonorous tone that pierced straight to my soul. That boxer engine was throaty when revved.

Pulling out, the first thing that I noticed was that the clutch was pretty easy to modulate, but the shifter throws were surprisingly long. Power came in droves and one stab at the throttle brought instant response. This is a phenomenal engine and the exhaust tuning matches the engine perfectly.

Steering was precise, though it tramlined a lot because of the large tires. Every little detail of the road could be felt through the steering wheel and seat. Control was sharp and every movement of the steering wheel translated into and instant response from the car. It telepathically moves where you want it. A little bit of detectable understeer upon turn-in, but that could be attributed to the worn front tires and the AWD system. There is some chassis flex (it is a convertible after all), but is still quite stiff.

One thing I did not like was the amount of rattling coming from everything. Little rattles, squeaks, and noises were coming from just about every panel in the car. At least this makes me appreciate how well screwed together my TSX is by comparison.

All in all, the car was absolutely phenomenal. I am in love with the way it drives, the way it sounds, and the way it looks. In a couple of years, I may decide to buy this exact car off of my friend when he gets into at 997 model. Also, I discovered that I enjoy convertibles more than I thought. In the past, the idea of having a convertible was always something I questioned, but after driving the car all weekend, I think I can live with having the convertible top since except for a couple of months in year, this area has pretty good convertible weather.

for the 911



Video coming shortly.

 

It might just be me, but I cant stand the 996 styling. I love the 993, probably my favorite Porsche style of all.

 

911 =

If you get the chance, go take the new one out or find a friend with one. The new Carrera S is an absolute blast to drive.

997 > 996 > 993

 

997 Carrera S > Just about everything!

 

Nice... with friends like that...

One of these days I'm going to buy an old aircooled porsche... one of these days...

 

Good taste! One of the last true Porsches.

 

NICE CAR. I rode in a carrera cabriolet a few years ago and also noticed how much rattling and stuff it made. Makes us 3rd gen owners seem very picky lol. but very nice car none the less.

 

I have to agree, the 996 is just a FUGLY model.

 

are you nuts?

While i might agree the 997 is an incredible car, and finally gorgeous again, but there's no way in hell the 996 is better than the 993. THe 996's should all be blown up and forgotten about IMO.

 

you lucky bastard CG

Have always had a deep feeling in my soul for Porsche

 

So your thinking is that "newer is better"? The 997 is what should have come after the 993.

 

Nope...see below....

I agree and disagree. Normal 911's (C2's, C4's, etc.) were generally better in the 993 than in the 996 (especially the earlier models in 1999-2000). However, Porsche really improved the 996 over the last few model years with the GT3 and C4S. Outside of the CGT, the GT3 is one of the greatest cars Porsche has ever built.

To reiterate, I agree the early years for the 996 in general it's lower models weren't as good as the 993. But, Porsche really redeemed themselves with GT3 and C4S at the end....which is why I put the 996 above the 993.

Kinda OT but have you heard anything about the upcoming 997TT other than what we've seen on the board? I know the "fishtail" is coming back but other than that it seems Porsche is really keeping this close to the vest (as usual).

 

There's a reason why alot of the 996's are alot cheaper then an older 993's in comparable condition/mileage.

The market will bear higher prices for the 993's because they are preceived (correctly so) to be a better car then a 996. It's not just the opinion of a couple of guys on a car forum, it's the opinion and buying habits of the whole US used car market.

 

Very nicely stated!

 

Just go buy one already!


Though, I think if you do you'll have nothing to talk about

 

Yeah, you can always count on me for posting in a 911 thread... I've wanted one since I was a kid, but probably won't get one till I'm old and gray

 

+1

I've been fortunate to have driven a lot great sports cars but the 911 is in a class by itself IMO.

Counting down the days till one finds itself in my garage. (whether thats 365 or 3650 is a different story)

 

Im biased on my love of the 911. My dad had a 1975 911 S. I was born in '78, and at times he would call her his first "baby" and me his second. There was nothing as fun as going on drives with him in it. He kept it until 1996, and Mr Brown as we called him (he was choc brown) had 22,000 actual miles on him. I still miss that car today.

 

when i visited my GFs friends in san diego this guy had a 03 911 turbo...that thing was so fucking loud and fast...doing 150 on the freeway was nothing

i didnt notice too much rattling though...maybe it because the exhaust sounded like a jet engine, i swear to god he never let those RPMs drop below 3 or 4k ever