IAA-C63

I just test drove an '09 911 Turbo with tiptronic, as a possible car to add to the C63. Here's my comparison:

- Of course it's subjective, but this particular 911 is one of the most beautiful cars I've ever seen.

- The steering precision and feedback is comparable in both cars.

- The throttle response is more immediate in the C63, and the 911 shows noticeable turbo lag, but the 911 will eventually outrun the C63 to 60 or 100 mph. Weighing everything, both cars feel comparably powerful.

- The 911 has less body roll, which is to be expected with the wider track and lower CG.

- The ride quality of 911 is considerably better.

- The 911 interior is more upscale, but then it does cost twice as much.

- The 911 is pretty loud, but it sounds kind of like a fighter plane. I like the sound of the C63 much more.

- I haven't taken either car to the limit, but track numbers show that the 911 clearly has more grip, especially with the AWD.

- I don't know how the stopping distances compare, but I like the brake response better in the C63.

Setting aside cost, I think I would pick the C63 as the car I enjoy driving more. Considering cost, the C63 really strikes me as a bargain.

So my conclusion is that it doesn't make sense to add the 911 - doesn't add enough value beyond the C63 to justify the high cost. However, other cars are still in the running, with the M3 being among the top contenders.

GuppyC63

I would rather get a 2006 Gallardo with the same price range instead.


http://www.dupontregistry.com/autos/...?itemid=991663

_AMG_

I drove my buddies modded 6spd 997TT a few months ago and I was blown away. Steering felt razor sharp, miles more then the C63. This was probably due to the Bilistein coil overs he has, but it still grips to the road like glue.
Acceleration is no comparison, the 997 Turbo is brutal especially after 3K RPM, the C63 is quick too but no match for the TT.
Would I own a 997TT? im not a big Porsche fan to begin with but I do respect the car, but I wouldnt own one. Much rather have a GT-R.
I find the C not as fast or as sharp as the TT but its a hell of alot more fun imo.

PatSC23

Im curious - there cant be many turbos around with tiptronic are there?

Or did u mean PDK?

IAA-C63

This one's tiptronic, and I believe they switched to PDK in 2010. I would have much preferred the PDK, though the salesman did tell me that the tiptronic is much more responsive after you've driven it for a while and it adapts.

_AMG_

I don't understand how a transmission with a torque converter could be more responsive then a dual clutch.
If that was the case the tiptronic turbo would hit the same 0-60 mark as the PDK.

IAA-C63

The salesman told me that the TT is good as a daily driver (I agree), and that something like the GT3 is more hardcore, so maybe that would be closer to razor sharp. If I was to get a 911, I'd definitely push toward the hardcore side - otherwise, I don't see the point.

As far as power, no doubt that the TT wins on the dragstrip (and track), but I was just trying to say that the C63 feels comparably powerful on public roads because of its more immediate throttle response.

IAA-C63

Not more responsive than PDK, just more responsive than what I experienced during the test drive (eg, it hesitated to downshift a lot). Apparently, the PDK also needs to learn and adapt.

_AMG_

I agree,
The GT3 is alot more track oriented and raw then the TT.
I also agree about the C63 being comparably powerful on public roads, its one of the fastest out there for sure. Another reason why I love these N/A engines, great throttle response especially at higher RPM.

_AMG_

Ohhh ok I see, thanks for the clarification.

IAA-C63

I've noticed that every time I hear the words "6.2 liters" I feel happier.

_AMG_

How true!!

SMP

The Tiptronic transmission that Porsche used were nothing but a Mercedes Automatic transmission with Porsche software. If you ever see a Porsche equipped with one on the rack, it's got a big Mercedes star on the transmission. Personally, I hate Tiptronic and always had a 6 speed in my Porsche's except my Cayenne.

The PDK is far superior to the Tiptronic. Since it lacks a torque converter, it's way more responsive and has lightning quick upshifts when you get on it. As far as the PDK adapting to different driving conditions, it's not any different to BMW's old SMG or their new DCT. After my wife drives my M6, it takes a while for the transmission to adapt to my driving style.

Sincity

I rode in my friend's 997TT and when he gassed it, I was bored for a sec and then holy sh*t when the turbos kicked in.

Vic55

The salesman is very wrong. I own a 997.1TT Tip and I just got a 997.2TT PDK... The PDK eats up the slushbox for lunch. The PDK from mile 59, when I got it, just shifts so fast and always seems to be in the right gear even in Auto mode. The Tiptronic 997.1 TT has huge lag IMHO until you upgrate sofware, exhaust, headers and a few other items. It has that delay and then explosion but the PDK is just spot on. If you run the Sport Plus in the new 997.2 TT the car always stays in 5k rpm or higher- annoying around town but very responsive if need be.

This is my 3rd DCT/PDK tranny (had an E92 M3, have a GTR) and the ability for the tranny to put the power to the ground and shift speed is amazing. Its clearly one of the advantages that helps the 3900lb GTR perform so well.

IAA-C63

You would know better than the salesman, so thanks for pointing that out regarding the tiptronic. "Delay and then explosion" is the right way to put it. The delay is seriously annoying and I think considerably diminishes the car, whereas the explosion is fun but almost too much ... sort of "all or nothing". I personally prefer the more immediate and then smoother power delivery of the C63, even if that means lower maximum acceleration.

I may need to try a 911 with PDK. Might not even need the turbo power with that.

How do you like the GT-R? That's also a car I'm considering. Heaven knows it's fast, but is it fun?

Vic55

When the explosion is big enough it really kills the negative thoughts on the lag. But the PDK is worth all the money- just too damn efficient and you dont get the TQ converter robbing power up top. The 997TT's already get the AWD drive train loss so the autobox is just another power killer up top. But a modded Tip is quite impressive especially down low.

I like the GT-R- its the easiest car Ive have ever had to make go fast. But speed is just one factor in my choice of cars. The GT-R is the best 3rd car Ive ever had but its not a daily driver in my eyes. Its great on the weekends, launches, turns, and nice walks on the beach but Im already growing weary of it. Mine probably traps in the bottom 130's but when I go out, I like my W212 E63 more. The GT-R is a "look at me" car and if you just want fun and have a daily car, get it... amazing in response to mods- stupid handling and it makes lame *** drivers actually pretty good (this is not a good thing) LOL.

SMP

Vic, congrats! Let me guess .... a white turbo this time? If so, time to change the sig pic

BTW, LOVE the PDK ..... now the car drives like a dream

Vic55

Im so damn predictable--- yep white on black

Sincity

And your hot E63 doesn't scream, "look @ me?"

SMP

How did you spec the car? I know it's off topic ...... if you prefer, PM me

DuaneC63

I've got a 996TT and a C63. Although both fast, I drive them for completely different reasons. The Turbo is a handful even driven calmly. Start working hard it and you'd basically better pay attention or it might kill. Turn the PSM off and you'll increase the odds. The C63 is comfortable and almost docile (except the exhaust which is always in blitzkrieg mode) until you you push it. It lets you know the limits. Turn the ESP to sport and the tranny to manual and you can have lots of fun without putting life and limb at risk. An hour in the 996TT at the limit feels like you just finished 24hours at LeMans. An hour in the C63 at the limit you're ready for a quick stop at starbucks and the gas station for more fun.

IAA-C63

LOL, that's pretty much what my wife said when we test drove it. The test drive almost turned her off sporty cars completely.

Chocofishez

to the OP - I've been following your threads over the past couple of weeks - even the ones you posted on M3forum.

I'm in a similar position as you as I need the 2nd vehicle to be practical to carry our son and soon to be second child when we are at our second home where I intend to leave the car. I ended up picking a low miles (basically new) 2007 M3 sedan. I figured the 6spd manual and smaller, higher revving motor + room to mod due to cost savings was the best overall purchase for us.

My thoughts on the 911 option were that I will eventually grow out of the C63 as my DD and when that day comes I'll likely graduate to a TT or GT3 if I can afford another daily beater or will move up in size to a CLS or F10 M5 if they're any good.

Just my $0.02. I hope you are enjoying your search... it's not exactly a boring decision

IAA-C63

Thanks for the comments.

A complicating factor in my situation is that my wife and I will be trading the new car and the C63 back and forth, so she needs to be happy with the new car too, and she really doesn't know what she wants.

Though it lacks some practicality, I can see something crazy like a GT3 being my next car, but I'm loving my C63, so not in any hurry to replace it. Plus, it's nice to have things to look forward to. The new M5 could also be good, but we'll see when it comes out. Before I got the C63, I tried the 550i, and it was plenty powerful and looks good, but not at all exciting to drive - more like a smaller 7 series.

Yes, the search can be fun. I generally hate shopping, but I like car shopping.