vitaman

Well CNT it's like this.....The 1st 1,000 miles is really no way to see what a performance car can do.
That being said, Zoink's observations are right on. The C55 feels similar in terms of quickness especially compared to a 4100 lb. M5 which probably has similar numbers but feels slower than a 911. The handling of a C4S is in a completely different class as are the brakes. Think about the size of the car then consider the price. Now think how much money Porsche can allocate to the chassis, engine and brakes.
All that considered, the C55 is a much better choice for a daily driver.
Further reports coming in 900 miles.

cntlaw

Thanks, what a man! Yes, keep the baby in nice and warm at birth.
I have done my 2000km. But unfortunately I have been away from home most of the times; and kind of only been able to drive my C55 every two weeks. So, even I have done 2000km, I will still be cautious when the engine is cold.

I once pushed pretty hard to chase a C4S on a jammed road, he was fast , but I was sure I was not that slow

Not a doubt of the differnce but paying 40% less than a C4S is surely a big fortune. I would consider SLK55 than the 997 if I am really into that ind of limit. ( I know I won't 'cause I am still a sensible comsumer )

Wait for your experience stories , enjoy !

Cheers
cnt

Dic888

Hi CNT,

i just sold my 996 C4 and get a C32 few weeks ago coz
1) C32 got 5 seats for adults while 996 only good for 2 adults and 2 kids
2) running cost, HK$35k for 996's 3rd yrs MA and ~HK$3 per Kilo in gas
3) too many eyes on you when you driving a 996 in the streets (but it may be good for the youngsters)
4) I can park my C32 on the streets without hesitation but i only park my 996 within my eyes' distance in b4
5) no storage space for golf clubs with 996

comparing the handling on the 2 cars
1) 996's engines are behind the back wheels so when you accelerate the car in the cornering, you feel the front wheels lighter but it is the character of 911! C4 is better as it got graps with the front wheels.
2) CG of 996 is lower as well as your seat position so you feel you are driving a sport car not a sedan
3) 996 give you more solid feel on the corners so you can easily accelerate the car after each corners with confidence but C32's handling are just too light for a perfromance car
4) the engine sounds are awesome for 996, you can hear high pitch sound on high rev and make you hear/feel with your speed!
5) 996's tiptronic response faster
6) C32 can beat 996 (not turbo) on start from stop, 80 - 120 kilo or 100 - 200 kilo acceleration so i believe C32 can easily win 996 in the highway

That's my experience in brief with the two cars but they are 2 kinds of car so it is not fair to compare but in short
1) 996 are a muscular sport car BUT you can use it everyday to office
2) C32/55 are a high performance small sedan THAT you can beat a 996 in the highway

Hope those info can help

cntlaw

Hi Dic
A lot of information , thanks!
Considering Porsche always have wider rear tires e.g.295, and C32/55 only have 245; would that mean C32/55 are less bumpy on the roads in HK?
My C55 suspension is stiff and feel pretty uncomfortable on many roads in HK with lots of bumps!
So, is the 996 worse or better?
cheers

cnt

marcC55miami

Hey all,

Vitaman why did you sell the C4S? I sold my 996 in October and got a 230k first then the C55 2 weeks later, I am happy miss shifting sometimes and and the handling but overall the C55 is a nice compromise car better then the S4 IMHO and much better the an M3. In my 2 996's my brkaes were never great the C55 stops alot better and has less fading issues.

The 996 is more fun however it attracts alot of attention and in Miami they steal the headlights often (personally 2 sets of Xenon's from my car)

Relibaility and Service goes to Porsche. Mercedes caters to too many price levels.

Hope this helps everyonw else out!

Dic888

hi cnt,

my 996 C4 used 275 in rear and it was a perfect match with 996 (not turbo)
also not so bumpy to me coz i seldom use this car to the bumpy road in NT.

my C32 using 255 in the rear but it sometimes spins in the start from traffic light and the traction control cuts the power. i am now thinking to change it to 275 coz i believe it will get worst in rainy day. The suspension is not stiff to me.

comparing the comfort and handling, i think the 2 cars just make the right choice on their suspension and handling to match their characters and identities.
but if you are a sporty drivier, 996 C4 has the best handling in the cars i tried so far.

cntlaw

okay . you know that C55 suspension is more harsh than C32 as many in many reviews I read. Anyway , I can live with that until I get really old that hurts my spirial

mhh

I drove a 996 911 a year ago - I hadn't driven a modern Porsche before. I was impressed by the steering and road feel. But it was nowhere near as refined as the C32. For some reason this surprised me a little - I guess I was expecting something that felt more solid and insulated. It sounded like it needed more soundproofing or something - a lot of road noise. But a great drive all the same.

I didn't order as I couldn't be bother pushing in a clutch all day and wouldn't cop an auto in a Porsche. Still, every time I see one I get a slight twinge of regret!

cntlaw

I never driven a Porsche , not even a test drive , I am 911 is a true sport car, well balanced, rear engine blah blah ..all that good stuff a true sports car could have, yet provided a luxury and status sybmbol.