Test Driving Impressions

[boudy]

Hey,

A few months ago I took my first test drive in a 911. It was an 88 targa with the sport package and had 62k miles. It was a blast. When I got back into my car (an A4 with sport suspension) it felt like a big mushy boat.

I passed on that 911 because it was too many $$, I was negotiating on a nice 968, and I couldn't stand the color combo.

The deal on the 968 fell through, so I've been focusing on 911's since then.

The four 911's that I've driven since that first one have been dissappointing. The suspensions felt softer, the steering felt mushy, and the experiences were not nealy as visceral and thrilling as the first ride. Two were Targas and two were cabs, mileage ranging from 70k to 110k). My A4 actually felt alot better as far as handling goes then the last 2 that I've driven.

I'm wondering if my dissappointment stems from the fact that the first car I drove was much better then the others, or if its a memory thing? Not all of the subsequent cars had sports packages and didn't have upgraded tie-rods. I don't know whether the first car had the upgraded tie-rods.

I'm also wondering whether the front-end of a rear-engined car will feel "floaty" as opposed to a front engined car.

I'd appreciate your insights. I've learned quite abit from this board in a short time (I've also picked up a few books).

[Decolliber]

A 911 is an acquired taste. When I first test drove my 911, I compared it very unfavourably to my A6 - it was rough, bouncy, noisy and thoroughly primitive. After a while you realise that thats part of the charm. And don't expect it to handle as well or as safely as a modern car.

[dtw]

Also keep in mind that a large number of these cars that have 10+ years on them now, have suspension systems that are in shockingly bad condition. For whatever reason, shocks and bushings (including tie rods) seem to get forgotten. I think maybe it is because the degradation in performance over the years is gradual, and the owners don't really notice. Maybe the first car you drove had been kept up, and the other three were tired.

[old_skul]

Try a Coupe and see what you think. The ride and handling will be far different from a Targa.

You may also want to talk to people in the PCA, and find a car for sale that has been mildly track-prepared. These cars, while sometimes showing a little more wear and tear, are usually more meticulously maintained, and will probably have some of the hop-up parts already on it to make it ride and handle like what you want.

[MAS]

"Try a Coupe and see what you think. The ride and handling will be far different from a Targa."

I've never noticed the difference. It's always seemed to be the individual car, rather that the type of 911 (for me anyway).

-MAS

[boudy]

I'm not considering coupe's right now because the prime motivation for acquiring another car is summer top-down fun with a backseat for the spuds!

Would any Boston area Pelicans let me check out their ride?

[mperkins]

yes, when driving aggressivley thru twisties you will definitely feel a "floaty" front end.

Its important to settle the nose down between turns.

[masraum]

I don't think a coupe and targa should be that different unless you are maybe looking at very early cars. I agree that it would probably come down to more of the upkeep of the individual car.

A 911 will feel much different than a 968 for the reason that you stated, the front end is very light which makes things feel very different.

I'm pretty sure the sport package didn't make any difference to the suspension. It may have given different shocks, but at 15-20 years old the age of the shocks will have more to do with the handling than the brand. The main thing that the "sport package" added was spoilers. Maybe the owner of the first car had modified it in some way.

[VaSteve]

Originally posted by mperkins
yes, when driving aggressivley thru twisties you will definitely feel a "floaty" front end.

Its important to settle the nose down between turns.

On my drive home from purchase, I got on it a little at an on-ramp. Felt the float...scared me pretty good!!!

[Steve 82SC]

My SC was not abused, but neglected by previous owners. I updated and/or replaced a number of consumeables, along with putting on Koni shocks all around, turbo tie-rods, numerous suspension bushing pieces, and new high-performance rubber. The difference was night and day. The only thing I had to do was to play with the tire pressures until I got them where I wanted. These will never feel like a modern car, but once you learn how to drive it, few cars can provide you with such an overall feeling of driver involvement.
Steve

[JeremyD]

Originally posted by old_skul
Try a Coupe and see what you think. The ride and handling will be far different from a Targa.

Negative ghostrider- It will have more to do with how the car is kept up. Find a Porsche 911 in good shape - either that or find a lower cost with the intention that you will replace everything (but usually it's cheaper to find a well maintained car)

[ubiquity0]

Originally posted by Jeremy964
Negative ghostrider- It will have more to do with how the car is kept up. Fine a Porsche 911 in good shape - either that or find a lower cost with the intention that you will replace everything (but usually it's cheaper to find a well maintained car)

I agree- the suspension condition would make a far greater difference in the feel of a 911 than body style. I doubt most people could ever tell a targa from a coupe in a blind test based purely on handling (although the test would be exciting)

[PeteBrown]

Steve hit it on the head - Tires, tires and tires.

My stock '87 coupe with 68,xxx miles and with 17 year old original suspension is still solid. When I upgraded from the original 205/225 BFG all season tires to a set of 225/245 Bridgestone SO3s the car's handling dramatically improved.

[jluetjen]

Funny -- my 911's front end doesn't feel "floaty". The front end "nibbles" a little as the tires follow the road, but it's certainly not like a scary "floaty" feelling. I'd question the shocks of the car in question.

[JeremyD]

Originally posted by Decolliber
A 911 is an acquired taste. When I first test drove my 911, I compared it very unfavourably to my A6 - it was rough, bouncy, noisy and thoroughly primitive. After a while you realise that thats part of the charm. And don't expect it to handle as well or as safely as a modern car.

Oh and negative ghostrider on this too. I think Jack Olsen has proven (in the OTC) that a well set up older 911 can exceed most modern designs in the handling department.

I know the thrill rides that I have given folks at the local test track (in my fat a$$ cabriolet) have usually been followed with - and that's the stock suspension? Good god.

Sticky tires go along away...

[arerrac]

My "Floaty" front end went away with the addition of a strut bar.
Maybe look to see if one has been installed on any of the cars you test.
-W

[MichiganMat]

it took me about 2 months of drving a 911 to really feel out the different parts of the car. I still remember ripping up a mountain road a few weeks after I bought it, thought I was going so fast. Next thing I know, theres a little orange VW Bug in my rearview with a 50+ year old woman behind the wheel. She chased me all the way up the mountain, couldn't shake her

m.

[D Hanson]

Try a 964 in you want a little more civility. The front end feels little more planted in mine than my 911s felt, but I still love both. 964s are pretty cheap now also. You may be able to get a decent one for less than a G-50 911.

[kbrown]

I'd say shocks, tires, and lowering could all make a difference..mine doesnt feel light in the front either, unless I'm >110. although mine is still less the front chin and tail.

[MOMO3.2]

Jeremy964 is right on the money. Any properly functioning SC or Carrera (even a porky Cabriolet--right!) should be a great handling car. I have modest performance rubber (Yokahama AVS ES100's) and my 17 year old Carrera Targa with original suspension (except for the shocks) handles great on the street.

Mike