Would you believe?

[Moneyguy1]

I was thinking of all the august posters here and it occured to me:

I have owned a 356, a 912, a 924 and a 944. I have never even taken a ride in a 911. I have driven a 914-6 and that is about as close as I have ever gotten.

Strange, isn't it?

[livi]

No, that is unbelievable. But you have obviously saved the best for last, so you have that going for you!

[Moneyguy1]

Too old now for a 911.

Reflexes ain't what they used to be.......

[bell]

yep bob.....you are strange LOL

kidding aside, you owe it to yourself to step over to the dark side, they are a totally different animal

it's not about the reflexes, you just need to "reprogram" your brain a little since the weight is out back, brake early and throttle through

[Moneyguy1]

bell

I was, in the 70s and 80s the "Corvair guru" in upstate New York. No counting how many I worked on. I sold my last one in 1994 (TURBO COUPE; 1968 with a 1965 drive train). No stranger to tail draggers!! Not to mention various VWs, the 356 and the 912.

Now I drive less than 3k a year; mostly to the store etc.

[Joeaksa]

Originally Posted by Moneyguy1

Too old now for a 911.

Reflexes ain't what they used to be.......

You are too old not to try one now. Jeez you sound like its going to fall off and you are going to be stuck in a rocking chair on the porch!

Go take a ride in one, you might just like it!

[sammyg2]

I've driven many of the cars you listed, and a 911.
A 356 was not a balanced car. It was good for it's day but compared to modern cars it did not handle well. To really push it required a higher degree of skill than in a 911.
A 914's handling is waaaaay over-rated in stock form. Only a portion came with sway bars, they all had skinny tires (except for a few dozen or so), most didn't handle that well from the factory. With a little help they can be made to handle very well. I've had three.
924, balanced, under-powered, too much body lean for my taste, again tires were too skinny and tall.

911 - the tail happy reputation is basically an urban myth IMO. There is some truth to it but it is so blown out of proportion. When I first drove my car at the limit I was thinking, why isn't the tail trying to go out like everyone says it will? I've driven other 911s, each time wondering if this time the tail will go out on me, but it didn't.
It is simply a case of penis envy. A way for non-911 owners to talk smack about 911s because of jealousy, envy, resentment, whatever. Most people who don't own 911s enjoy saying negative things about 911s.

Now if you do something stupid like lift in a hard fast corner the weight balance will shift and lighten the rear and you will probably pay for that. But ... every car does that, the 911 just does it more. If you know howe to drive, you will be ready for it. You wil feel it, you will adjust for it, no magic, no reflexes. Just basic skills that anyone should posses if they are driving any Porsche.

If you drive a 911 at the limit, you will enjoy it. You will fall in love with it.

[legion]

I've driven many variations of the 944, a 968, and a Boxster. I too have never even sat in a 911.

[Wrecked944]

Bob, this is an unacceptable situation. You are hereby invited to stop by MA on your next visit to the Northeast and drive my 911 at one of our excellent autocross events. Chris, this invitation goes to you as well. We have good instructors and a seriously awesome course (we use an entire airfield instead of those lame parking lots others use). My local region allows two drivers per car and I NEVER drive alone. I always bring along a co-driver (and preferably a newbie). So drop me a line when you are in the area and we'll hook you up with a helmet and you can get a taste of the dark side (first taste is always free )

[livi]

Bob and Chris,

You owe it to yourselves to have own and driven a 911 in this life. I too have driven many a different sports cars. New and old. Nothing compares IMO to the 911. At least the pre 98 era. What I particularly like about the older cars, is that I feel so engaged and can have so much fun even way below the limit. Hence you do not have to explore the somewhat tail happy sides of the older 911, because it is a wonderful driving experience even at completely safe speeds.

Besides the actual driving experience, there is a charisma and a spirit in these cars that I feel is unique. It is the whole concept with a rather light body, a raw flat six in the back and a feel to the wheel, gear stick and floor hinged pedals that just check all the smiling face boxes. Don´t miss out on that experience!

[azasadny]

The funny thing about me (one of many) is that until this year I had never driven another porsche except my '74 911. This past spring I drove a '99 996 and it was a blast! So now I've driven 2...

[tabs]

I cut my teeth driving a 912/911...so when I get behind the wheel it feels like home.

[M.D. Holloway]

Come on down to Nord tejas and I'll let ya drive the snot out of mine...

[CJFusco]

Wow, that is incredible. I've only owned a 944 and a 951, but I've driven several different varieties of 911, not to mention a 928, a 968, and even the occasional Ferrari.

[legion]

I've been within 20 feet of a Ferrari...

I've always wanted to drive a 928. The Weissach axle intrigues me.

[IROC]

Strangely, I've owned my 911 for over 14 years, been instructing at DEs for over 10 years and have driven Boxsters, 944s, 928s, etc., but the newest 911 I have ever driven is a 1987 Carrera.

[Les Paul]

sammyg2, one can make a 356 handle as good as any 911. It takes some mods but who here hasn't modded?

Moneyguy1 I had the lowly Corvair Monza over 30 years ago. It handled really well. I always wanted the Turbo version. Did you modify any of those Turbo's to get more power out of them?

[Superman]

Bob and Chris, you REALLY need to drive a 911. Chris, you have no excuse. Bob, I suspect that your driving style is tame enough that your reaction time is immaterial. And even if you drove like a wild man, 911's give WAY WAY more warning than 914's. 914's spin like a top with no warning. 911's give plenty of warning before the rear breaks loose. And of course, if you keep your foot on the throttle, they don't break loose.

A 911 is truly a unique and important motoring experience. Bob, I think you should get one. Really.

[legion]

Then it's settled.

I need to drive a 911.

Funny thing is my best friend has one (and he sometimes posts on Pelican). It hasn't been in one piece since he moved back from California...