New school car, old school driver.

Isabo · 10-24-2008, 12:40 AM

Yesterday I got an extended testdrive in the new 997 with PDK. It took me a little while to get used to it but I have to say I really loved it. After the 996 it seems like a return to old Porsche values. That is not intended as a criticism of the 996, just my own view that it was developed to a different philosophy. I accept that the latest 997 is a development from the 996 but it just seems to go back to older values. These are just impressions.
Thankfully the salesman did not patronise me and kept the commentary to the useful comments about features and driving technique. The car is certainly fast but that is not what impressed me. What impressed me was how easy it was to drive and especially how easy it was to drive fast. I really loved this car and I'm tuning up my womanly wiles to try and convince my husband that it's an essential.
However, what I am posting about is:
Who do you think is faster:
An old school driver who has learned on trad 911 and has transferred experience to new technology OR
A new school experienced driver who has only experience on the newer cars.
In other words is old school experience an advantage or a handicap on new cars. Any thoughts on why also appreciated.

masraum · 10-24-2008, 04:41 AM

Old school. You have to know how to drive with the older stuff that didn't/doesn't drive itself.

javadog · 10-24-2008, 04:49 AM

I don't think it has anything to do with "old vs. new," with respect to the driver.

Some people know how to drive, most don't. A good driver can drive anything. A bad one is just a wreck waiting to happen and sometimes the newer cars' technology will mask his/her inabilities behind the wheel. It's definitely easier to go fast in a newer car.

It's interesting that you liked the PDK. My wife drove one a few weeks ago and hated it enough that it convinced her to buy a Boxster instead of a 911. If you knew my wife, you would have bet against that with all the money you owned. I thought it shifted far too early in normal use, which is fine for economy and emissions but exactly the opposite of how older Porsches were driven. Maybe it's fine in more agressive driving. I also didn't like the shift buttons on the wheel. Operating them in one direction was fine but the other was awkward.

So far I haven't liked any auto-manual gearbox. I'll stick with a manual for mine.

JR

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

Look up the Youtube videos of Sabine driving a transit van at the ring - Proof that a good driver can drive anything fast. I would have hated to have been on one of those motorcycles being passed by her driving a van!

bluesky · 10-24-2008, 07:30 AM

Here you go....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1pklvKKnd0

Az911 · 10-24-2008, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

I don't think it has anything to do with "old vs. new," with respect to the driver.

Some people know how to drive, most don't. A good driver can drive anything. A bad one is just a wreck waiting to happen and sometimes the newer cars' technology will mask his/her inabilities behind the wheel. It's definitely easier to go fast in a newer car.

It's interesting that you liked the PDK. My wife drove one a few weeks ago and hated it enough that it convinced her to buy a Boxster instead of a 911. If you knew my wife, you would have bet against that with all the money you owned. I thought it shifted far too early in normal use, which is fine for economy and emissions but exactly the opposite of how older Porsches were driven. Maybe it's fine in more agressive driving. I also didn't like the shift buttons on the wheel. Operating them in one direction was fine but the other was awkward.

So far I haven't liked any auto-manual gearbox. I'll stick with a manual for mine.

JR

Good driver vs. good drive and the newer 996/7 will always beat a old 911. A good dive can't make up for massive, breaks, tires, and improved suspension on newer cars.

Jim Richards · 10-24-2008, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Isabo

and I'm tuning up my womanly wiles to try and convince my husband that it's an essential.

If only there was something as effective for us guys to use.

I hope you get one, Isa!

PorschePilot · 10-24-2008, 09:44 AM

I want to be involved in the driving experience, not just riding along. I am looking for that visceral experience with a lot of feedback..

That's exactly why I drive an older car...manual steering and brakes. But thats just me.

austin552 · austin552's Garage

The more advanced the automobile becomes the more I am drawn to older vehicles. ex: I had to remove the entire intake system and air filter housing to change the spark plugs on my Jeep.
I would love to have a 997 but wouldn't be able to tool it.

Isabo · 10-24-2008, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by javadog

It's interesting that you liked the PDK. My wife drove one a few weeks ago and hated it enough that it convinced her to buy a Boxster instead of a 911. If you knew my wife, you would have bet against that with all the money you owned. I thought it shifted far too early in normal use, which is fine for economy and emissions but exactly the opposite of how older Porsches were driven. Maybe it's fine in more agressive driving. I also didn't like the shift buttons on the wheel. Operating them in one direction was fine but the other was awkward.

JR

I'm pretty sure there's all sorts of electrickery that makes the box adapt to how you're driving and that there are ways to push it into different modes. However mine had the sport plus package which in sport plus mode was much more aggressive.
I think I would have to use it for a while to get used to the shift controls on the steering wheel. The idea is good but it goes against years of stick shifting and it's not very intuitive for me. Overall though I like it very much and I want one.