mzk784

I'm in the market for a Porsche 911, was looking initially at a new Carrera or Carrera S
The only car the dealer had on the lot was a 4S model with manual transmission, and I got to test drive it on short loop that included a nice twisty stretch, the car definitely left me underwhelmed and wanting more, felt like the steering is vague with no feel and the car doesn't want to rotate, it doesn't understeer but felt like a GT cruiser, I currently own a Honda S2000 and a BMW M4 and the 4S driving experience was muted and dull compared to the 2 cars I own, the steering is inferior to both the S2000 and the M4, the Carrera engine felt lazy, rubbery and lacks response compared to the M4 and the S2000 (we are not talking horsepower or toque)
So what am I missing here? is it the 4 wheel drive system that made the car lose the steering feel or the turbo charged engine or the electronic steering assist or all of the above?
It was a short test drive but I usually get a good feel of a car even for a short drive, the sales guy was nice enough and let me rev it up and push hard. Stock is kinda limited at Porsche dealers where I live, and they are usually grumpy about test drives, so I would like to narrow it down to one model before I make another trip to a dealer.
I know the 911 should be great, was expecting something as sharp as the Honda S2000 but with a lot more power, but that wasn't the case.
Any one had a similar experience? I prefer to buy new, but I'm open to pre-owned, was thinking maybe older non turbo charged rear wheel drive Carrera would be what I'm looking for? maybe even a 997 with the hydraulic steering?
Not looking for tons of power or torque, I need a 911 with sharp response that is enjoyable to drive.
I'm on a wait list for a GT3, but who knows if I'll get one, these lists are long with ridiculous mark ups.
For those who owned or driven 911s I really appreciate your opinion and input
Thanks!

windhund116

What model 911 did you test drive? 991, 997, or 996? Was it a Carrera or a CS? The road noise dampening of some of the newer model 911 can remove you, a bit, from the driving experience. I've never driven a new 991, but ppl tell me some of the road feel is back (compared to 996 and early 997).

Really, I'm used to the old air-cooled 911. 993 era. Those were fun, IIRC.

white98ls

I've only driven a 997 and 993, not a 991, but the 991 is supposedly a lot more "GT." Longer, longer wheelbase, wider, electric steering, 4WS, etc. Not necessarily a bad thing, but further from what you're looking for.

I'd try a 997. I drove a 997.1 C2S and loved it. I dream of the 997 GT3, and with your budget you could get a nice one and not lose much or any money on it, unlike a new Carrera S. I'm sure the GT3 would be far more raw and connected like you are looking for. Just have to put up with the dated interior/tech and relative lack of daily-driver polish (esp. GT3).

mosesbotbol

Test drive a Lotus Evora 400 and that will tick every box you'd ever want out of sports car and for less money than the a new 4S.

honda606

I imagine he test drove a new 991.2 C4S considering he mentioned the turbo.

I'd find a nice 996 or 997 C4S/C2S and give those a spin. Much more raw in feel compared to the GT nature of the 991 chassis. Plus you don't have that silly vacuum cleaner turbo motor to deal with.

s.hasan546

I’ve always found the 4S to be feel muted and more GT like (997 & 991). Drive a “regular” 997 or 991 S. 997 obviously being rawer

mosesbotbol

Is there a sports car on the market with electric steering that is really something to rave about its steering feel? I don't think there is.

vader1

I have never driven the AWD model but that might have something to do with it. But if you think the steering feedback in the M4 is superior to Porsche something is wrong. BMW has some of the worst electric steering and Porsche some of the best. I have only driven the M3 and it is as bland as my 328i. Porsche's is not hydraulic great, but it is pretty good considering what is out there.

If you are open to used and can find one though, seek out maybe around a 2011 era GTS model. There are not a whole bunch of those out there though.

ishtori5

Never drove the Carrera 4S but I drove the 911 Turbo S (AWD) and the GT3 RS at the Atlanta Porsche test track couple weeks ago and I had a blast. Being able to drive both cars back to back on a test track really showed the difference between the 2 cars. The Carrera will probably be closer to the Turbo S where is more planted, comfortable, easier to control, and hella faster. The RS feels much more lighter, raw, loud, and more willing to let the wheels loose.

I would say none of the Porsche you are interested in will be like the S2000 or the M4 performance nor price wise. The closest Porsche would be the 718. Have you checked out the new 718 GTS?

windhund116

Yes! GTS or GT-4.