Test drove a 911...
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Final thing I'm adding here: I didn't mean to make a 100% valid comparison. I drove a Porsche, I didn't like it as much as my vette. I also drove a power stroke once, and didn't like driving it nearly as much as my vette. You guys telling me I'm not making a valid comparison don't seem to understand, I'm comparing two cars that I drove, and giving my opinion. A comparison is a comparison, no matter what. Plenty of people compare the corvette to the camaro when looking at cars, but they aren't in the same league at all. Why is it wrong to compare a base 911 to a z06? It's comparing two sports cars, and determining which I liked more.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2013
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,094
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From: Oswego IL
For starters, you make a statement like this:
"It was a 2002 with the bigger 3.6 liter engine, but it still felt pretty gutless compared to my z06."
Gee, a 3.6L 6cyl car felt "gutless" compared to a 5.7L 8cyl car? That could be the "well, duh" post of the year.
"It was a 2002 with the bigger 3.6 liter engine, but it still felt pretty gutless compared to my z06."
Gee, a 3.6L 6cyl car felt "gutless" compared to a 5.7L 8cyl car? That could be the "well, duh" post of the year.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,309
Likes: 13
From: FW/d Texas
Comparing a Base 911 (996) to a ZO6 is not a valid comparison.
Also the 996 was Porsches first entry into the Liquid Cool engine for the 911. The 996 would not be my first choice. I would say to make a fair comparison Go back one generation to the 993 Carrera C4S or go one generation newer to the 997 C4S.... These are NON Turbo cars and would be a valid comparison to a ZO6.... You can not make a comparison based on price. The 996 IMO was an ugly car. They got it right with the 993 and the 997
993 Carrera 4S
997 C4S
Also the 996 was Porsches first entry into the Liquid Cool engine for the 911. The 996 would not be my first choice. I would say to make a fair comparison Go back one generation to the 993 Carrera C4S or go one generation newer to the 997 C4S.... These are NON Turbo cars and would be a valid comparison to a ZO6.... You can not make a comparison based on price. The 996 IMO was an ugly car. They got it right with the 993 and the 997
993 Carrera 4S
997 C4S
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
Sigh. Lock the thread, I compared a car to mine and claimed that I liked mine more, and clearly that upset some people. I apologize for voicing my opinion on it, next time I compare cars I'll make sure all of them have the exact same displacement.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 526
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From: bowie md
and i dont get jackasses wanting to race me all the time.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 115
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From: Toronto ON
A buddy of mine just got a new BRZ and he let me drive it. It was nice (because it was new mainly), but I still like my C5 better. Is it a fair comparison? Sure it is! They're both cars that get you from A to B, and I like one better than the other.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,740
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From: Central FL
It's amazing how little the 911 styling has changed compared to the corvette, slap some new wheels and tires on the 70' 911 and you can get mistaken for the newest generation, hat would not come close to happening with a 70' Corvette.
Last edited by F&Yb0dluvr; May 9, 2014 at 10:39 PM.
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Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
If it makes you feel better I don't think your comparison is bad. I'm finding it comical that so many people are getting upset about your comments though. A buddy of mine just got a new BRZ and he let me drive it. It was nice (because it was new mainly), but I still like my C5 better. Is it a fair comparison? Sure it is! They're both cars that get you from A to B, and I like one better than the other.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 14
Interesting
Enjoyed the thoughts, was an interesting read. Wonder what the comments would be, comparing the two cars, if it was on a Porsche forum???
Both are great cars and neither deserves to be beat up. Price is always relative to where you are personally and only becomes a factor when you want to justify what you can or can't afford.
I'm sure that most of us would enjoy having one of each in our garage and depending what we were going to do, pick the appropriate car. IMHO
Both are great cars and neither deserves to be beat up. Price is always relative to where you are personally and only becomes a factor when you want to justify what you can or can't afford.
I'm sure that most of us would enjoy having one of each in our garage and depending what we were going to do, pick the appropriate car. IMHO
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 23
From: Anaheim CA
I owned a base '99 911 C2, I own a base '99 C5 FRC. The build quality of the C5 is **** compared to the 911 in all aspects. The BASE interior BLOWS AWAY the C5, and '99 is considered to have the WORST 911 interior of the 911 series. The base 911 interior is real leather unlike the faux material in the C5.
While the 996 was not a perfect car, it is a better all around car than the C5. C5 is significantly faster in a straight line and on the highway than the 996C2. Would probably be up to the driver to see which is faster on a road course. Power gains from modifications are more rewarding with the C5.
While the 996 was not a perfect car, it is a better all around car than the C5. C5 is significantly faster in a straight line and on the highway than the 996C2. Would probably be up to the driver to see which is faster on a road course. Power gains from modifications are more rewarding with the C5.
I have a similar history, coming from a 2000 986 Boxster S to a 2004 C5 coupe, both auto. Purchase price, Boxsters and C5s of similar vintage and mileage are pretty much a push, at least around here. The Porsche certainly handled better and had better interior quality, while the C5 is faster, rides better, and is quite a bit roomier. It comes down to the difference between an excellent sports car and a good GT...and a good GT is a lot easier to live with as an 'only' car than an excellent sports car.
The 911 is better than the Boxster in some respects, but is still cramped inside, even for me (5'10", 185). And it gives up quite a bit of the handling advantage.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 129
From: Orlando Florida
I had a 99 C5 traded it for a Porsche, kept the Porsche for one summer and traded it for the C5 I still have today. You people that come on here and bash the C5 are the same kind that thinks America can never build a superior car anyway so you are welcome to sell your Corvette and drive around in your Porsche sporting your Ralph Lauren polo and deck shoes. At least I don't have to pull the engine to change the spark plugs. Enough said.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 4,260
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From: Houston TX
I had a 99 C5 traded it for a Porsche, kept the Porsche for one summer and traded it for the C5 I still have today. You people that come on here and bash the C5 are the same kind that thinks America can never build a superior car anyway so you are welcome to sell your Corvette and drive around in your Porsche sporting your Ralph Lauren polo and deck shoes. At least I don't have to pull the engine to change the spark plugs. Enough said.
Nobody has bashed the C5 in this thread. Yes, the garbage interior has been addressed, but that isn't bashing, that is common knowledge. 996 interior isn't a whole lot better and is also criticized often.
I own both German and US vehicles. Yes, it's possible. Yes, both have their pros and cons. Yes, I own a few polo shirts, get over it.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,846
Likes: 129
From: Orlando Florida
Haha. I knew that would ruffle some feathers. I could care less what car people prefer but you have to admit value and fun for your $$ these cars are a great buy.
I don't take anything people say on here to heart but it is fun reading when I see some people get really bent out of shape over someone else's opinion. No harm no foul.
I don't take anything people say on here to heart but it is fun reading when I see some people get really bent out of shape over someone else's opinion. No harm no foul.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Stopped at a Nissan dealer while cruising in my C6 Z, and drove two 370Z's, manual and paddleshift. It was absolutely laughable. Nowhere near the power, all kinds of road noise, and it felt like I was in a go cart. i guess I'm spoiled. Drove the M3, and was equally unimpressed.
I've had a couple 911's, and they are fun to drive, and have a special feel that makes guys lifelong fans, but the trips to the dealer are about the same as the trips to the BMW shop with my wife's 330 ci. Bend over and grease up...
FOR THE MONEY, Porsche is not even close to the overall power, performance, and reliability of my Z06.
That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if I owned another Porsche before it is all said and done. They do have that certain, "Je ne sais pas quoi."
I've had a couple 911's, and they are fun to drive, and have a special feel that makes guys lifelong fans, but the trips to the dealer are about the same as the trips to the BMW shop with my wife's 330 ci. Bend over and grease up...
FOR THE MONEY, Porsche is not even close to the overall power, performance, and reliability of my Z06.
That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if I owned another Porsche before it is all said and done. They do have that certain, "Je ne sais pas quoi."
Last edited by LennyJ; May 11, 2014 at 03:10 AM. Reason: added on..
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Comparing a Base 911 (996) to a ZO6 is not a valid comparison.
Also the 996 was Porsches first entry into the Liquid Cool engine for the 911. The 996 would not be my first choice. I would say to make a fair comparison Go back one generation to the 993 Carrera C4S or go one generation newer to the 997 C4S.... These are NON Turbo cars and would be a valid comparison to a ZO6.... You can not make a comparison based on price. The 996 IMO was an ugly car. They got it right with the 993 and the 997
993 Carrera 4S
997 C4S
Also the 996 was Porsches first entry into the Liquid Cool engine for the 911. The 996 would not be my first choice. I would say to make a fair comparison Go back one generation to the 993 Carrera C4S or go one generation newer to the 997 C4S.... These are NON Turbo cars and would be a valid comparison to a ZO6.... You can not make a comparison based on price. The 996 IMO was an ugly car. They got it right with the 993 and the 997
993 Carrera 4S
997 C4S
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 89
Likes: 0
From: Cleveland OH
I never test drove a Porsche because I was scheduled to do the Porsche test drive the week after I did the Vette test drive. Need I say more?
However, I did test drive a 350Z was thoroughly unimpressed. It felt like it had no torque at low rpms which made it feel slow and unsatisfying in city traffic. When I got it on some back roads, it felt like it took forever to get into the power zone and even when it got there, it felt like it was making more noise than thrust. For me, it was one of those cars where the performance numbers look good but don't add up to a fun experience. Honestly, I felt like the 300ZX drove better. I suspect the only 350Z/370Zs that could hold a candle to a Vette are (maybe) the NISMO variety.
However, I did test drive a 350Z was thoroughly unimpressed. It felt like it had no torque at low rpms which made it feel slow and unsatisfying in city traffic. When I got it on some back roads, it felt like it took forever to get into the power zone and even when it got there, it felt like it was making more noise than thrust. For me, it was one of those cars where the performance numbers look good but don't add up to a fun experience. Honestly, I felt like the 300ZX drove better. I suspect the only 350Z/370Zs that could hold a candle to a Vette are (maybe) the NISMO variety.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 4,346
Likes: 755
From: Greensboro Nc
I never test drove a Porsche because I was scheduled to do the Porsche test drive the week after I did the Vette test drive. Need I say more?
However, I did test drive a 350Z was thoroughly unimpressed. It felt like it had no torque at low rpms which made it feel slow and unsatisfying in city traffic. When I got it on some back roads, it felt like it took forever to get into the power zone and even when it got there, it felt like it was making more noise than thrust. For me, it was one of those cars where the performance numbers look good but don't add up to a fun experience. Honestly, I felt like the 300ZX drove better. I suspect the only 350Z/370Zs that could hold a candle to a Vette are (maybe) the NISMO variety.
However, I did test drive a 350Z was thoroughly unimpressed. It felt like it had no torque at low rpms which made it feel slow and unsatisfying in city traffic. When I got it on some back roads, it felt like it took forever to get into the power zone and even when it got there, it felt like it was making more noise than thrust. For me, it was one of those cars where the performance numbers look good but don't add up to a fun experience. Honestly, I felt like the 300ZX drove better. I suspect the only 350Z/370Zs that could hold a candle to a Vette are (maybe) the NISMO variety.
6 speed 350z or auto? The automatics always felt sluggish to me. And no, even a nismo can't come close