Loan car - dream shattered

[ashley]

My Boxster S was in at Newcastle OPC yesterday to have a faulty horn replaced under warranty, the low pitch unit had ceased working and it sounded like a micra or something similar.

Anyway they loaned me a Carerra 4S tip for the day and I have to admit to being a little disapointed. When I took delivery of my new boxster S in March last year I immediately aspired to owing a 4S at some point in the future so yesterday was an opportunity not to be missed. It was the first time I had driven a tiptronic and obviously during the course of a day did not have time to master gearchanges and in auto mode I did not feel as involved as in the box. The car was still new only 650 miles on the clock so did not feel that I wanted to thrash it though the acceleration was still very impressive.

When I returned to collect my own car at 5 o'clock I'd thoroughly enjoyed my adventure but not as much as I'd thought I would.

So the questions

1. Is manual that much better than tiptronic or was this my novice skill level
2. Is it really worth moving from a Boxster s to a 996
3. If so is a Carerra 2 all the 996 you ever need (excluding GT3 and Turbo)

I still have aspirations to 'upgrade' but perhaps not as strong as before.

thoughts and opinions welcomed.

[8|]

Sevice from Newcastle OPC was first class ever

 

[oliver]

IMO,

Tiptronic is an acquired taste. I have had three 911s with tiptronic (964,993 and 996). To be honest 6-spd is much better. You have all the lovely torque and much more control.

The Boxster S is an extremely accomplished car. The 996 is a bit more grown up, but is only really justified if you need the 996 configuration - rear seats and more power.

I do believe that the perfect 996 is a manual C2 Coupe. Thereafter it is down to pesonal choice. There is something to sort all tastes - tip, cab, targa, 4-wheel drive, wide-body (C4), track focussed (GT3), more power (turbo) etc, etc - all the way up to a fully spec'd 996 turbo cab with tiptronic.

 

[daro911]

ORIGINAL: ashley

I still have aspirations to 'upgrade' but perhaps not as strong as before.

thoughts and opinions welcomed.

[8|]

Sevice from Newcastle OPC was first class ever

1978-1997 owned 4 dare I say proper air cooled 911's...911SC Targa..911 SC Cabrio ... 911 Carrera Cab and finally 911 Speedster ...

I was a die hard 911 owner and figured I would stay that way false stop.... Fast forward to 1997 Boxster time. I was fortunate enough to be able to keep my Speedster and put my toe in the Boxster waters etc, I am now on my 4th Boxster.

In June 2001 I was loaned a 996 C2 Manual Coupe for a week and 600 miles. At the end of the week I was dreading giving it up as I feared I might find the Boxster a bit of a disappointment

I mile back in the Boxster and I concluded that the 996 was a fantastic car but apart from the torque and the music its engine could make in every other key area ie ride quality, handling, braking, steering, gear change, clutch feel, nimbleness, fun factor,cost, the Boxster had it's older, far more compromised design wise, brother totally whooped IMO

£ for £ one has to ask how Porsche can really justify such a massive price difference [8D]