"As far as top heavy, urban myth. EOD."
Huh? The lower center-of-gravity (and outstanding dynamic balance!) of a Boxer vs. V engine configuration is simple high school physics. No myths or magic involved!!
As to the 356 vs 911 analogy, that
is an 'urban myth'.
The 911 was the replacement for the 356 Carrera 2. That car weighed 2200 pounds and had the ultra-complex 4-cam 4-cylinder Carrera motor. The 911 weighed only slightly more yet had a simpler more-powerful motor and was improved in nearly every way (and was cheaper!). It retained and improved upon the basic Porsche concept of a light, agile car with a high-revving motor. The 996 is the antitheisis of the concept: an overweight, overpowered, luxury car. The new twin-turbo V8 version is simply a natural progression of this trend that started many years ago.
I've got nothing against new cars and new designs. The Subaru WRX and Mini Cooper S are outstanding examples of what can be done in today's world. Unfortunately, Porsche have lost their way .... -- Curt