written by andrewmedway on 27/10/2005
Good Points
Smooth, controlled, but vicious acceleration, delivered with a wide band of flexibility throughout the rev range. Brakes are awe inspiring. Great driving position with excellent field of vision for such a car.
Bad Points
It's almost too good. Such an efficient all round machine almost lacks a little of the character of its lesser predecessors. Sounds picky, but for £60,000 second hand for a 20k on the clock model, I have every right to be.
General Comments
I have owned the Porsche 996 911 Turbo Coupe for a few weeks and 500 miles, having bought it second hand through a main dealer - which I would recommend as they seem eager to help, even after the cheque cleared. The motor is fantastic, with both nerve-racking acceleration and braking, should you wish to press either pedal hard. The car is happy driven hard on a motorway or track, or gently around town, and it is not twitchy, as is common with other 400bhp + exotics.
Overall, well engineered, but do expect an unastounding dash that feels a little plasticy for a car of this price, and of course, little storage space in the front boot or token rear seats.
In summary, if you want to go quicker than a 360 modena, but don't want bits falling off and £2,500+ cam services every 5 minutes, and you don't have the extra £40k for the equivalent Aston, consider this car a serious option. It's ahead of the competition and a joy to drive.