This is a very capable car! Plenty of power on tap - much more responsive than my 993 was both in the torque band and at the end of WOT. Comparisons to stock suspension setup between the 993 and the 996 to my seat seem similar being a bit floaty and delayed when turning under power. I swapped out the 993 suspension with PSS9s to correct that and found it much more predicatable. I will not mess with this car this year at all to learn the dynamics as porsche intended then perhaps go with either GT3 or a PSS9 setup. Braking seems on par if not a little better on this car. Tires are stock ContiSport2 and the rears were pretty meaty with the fronts being at the end of their life which I replaced with like. Interior appointments are far more comfortable than the 993 for longer trips. Those cupholders are useless though
As to the sound that everyone claims is anemic - I think it is a little too quiet but when you are on it there is no doubt that you are in a sports car. I did have the RSR mufflers on the 993 and "may" do something similar down the road for sound purposes but I feel there is no need right now. I do think the 993 shape is definitely sexier than this car - BUT it is really growing on me an I do appreciate the sleekness. The 2002 (Mark II) style is to my eye more aggressive then the earlier version and for me is more attractive and distinguished from the boxer (although this is truly a subtle change cosmetically).
Overall - I love it.
