Porsche Driving Experience Impressions

[Racer20]

I got invited to the Porsche Driving Experience at my local racetrack a couple weeks ago and got to drive all the current Porsche models at various venues. It was an interesting experience and a fun morning. Here are some of my impressions from the day.

My Background: I did ED on my 2015 M3 during the spring of 2014, so I'm into year 4 of F80 ownership and looking towards my next sports car purchase. I've been very happy with my M3, but a new Porsche is on top of my list. I could stretch to afford a new 911CS, but a Cayman GTS would be more in my sweet spot budget wise.

I'm a ride and handling engineer, so the suspension and steering tune is the most important thing for me when evaluating a car. I don't just look for ultimate handling capability . . . a car has to have a well tuned, balanced ride that matches well with it's handling characteristic. The dampers and steering have be cohesive, and the car has to be linear, responsive, and predictable while having reasonable compliance where needed. The car has to be satisfying to drive above all. No car is perfect, including the F80, and it usually comes down to what kind of flaws I see in a cars ride and handling and whether or not they overshadow the positive attributes on the roads I drive on.

So here are my impressions:

Macan GTS: We got 5 auto-x laps in the Macan, with the last 3 being timed as sort of a compeition among the participants. The Macan impressed me more than I thought it would. The seats were phenomenal, and it handled the auto-x course very well. I'd really like to get more seat time on the road in a Macan . . . I think it would be a great DD. I was 4th fastest out of 75 for the day, and one of only 4 to break into the 11's from all of the groups from Friday and Saturday am. Yay me.

Next we paired up and moved to the full race track for lead-follow hot laps in the 718 Boxter and Cayman, a 911 Carerra S and a 911 GTS. We got one lap as a passenger and one as a driver in each car. I went to the event with a Porsche Club driving instructor and ex-racer. He pushed the cars quite a bit harder than I did, so I got to experience them as a passenger at 9/10's or so. This was a brand new track last year that I had never driven, so I only drove maybe 7 or 8/10.

718 Boxter S/Cayman S:My plan for a while now has been to sell my F80 and buy a 718 GTS next year when they come out. But I got out of these cars a bit conflicted.

The steering and handling was superb on the track, the brakes were strong, and the lee way that PSM gives you is very impressive. The wheel and body control over the curbs was fantastic. The steering was much lighter than the M3, but still precise and natural feeling. The initial brake bite was a bit softer than expected, but the pedal held up very well under hard braking from over 100mph.

Downsides: The seats weren't as supportive as I expected, and the car was noticeably slower than my F80 everywhere in the RPM range. The 718 is much lighter than the F80, so I expected the turbo engine to make it a close match, but it's really not. The engine sound was disappointing as well. It was louder in cabin than the M3 but I actually prefer my stock F80 sound. Between the power and the sound, the engine character was a big let down for me. I'm not so sure about a 718 being my next car anymore.

911 S/GTS: The Carrera S and 911 GTS kind of blend together in my memory, so my comments are based on the GTS. The 911 GTS is a damn impressive car. The seats, the ergonomics, the controls, everything was perfect for me. On the track, the steering and brakes were again surprisingly light but as precise and consistent as any car I've ever driven. The body control on the curbs and through the corners was perfectly balanced, and at least a notch above the F80, but there wasn't much to tell it apart from the 718 on a smooth racetrack.

The iron brakes were very impressive. My PCA instructor buddy hit 123mph according to the Vbox, and standing on the brakes almost sent me through the windshield as a passenger. The pedal was rock solid and the deceleration was very stable and linear.

The exhaust was loud at WOT in the cabin, again, a step above the F80. It sounded good, but a bit less characterful than the old mechanical sound of the N/A flat 6.

The power was really impressive. These cars are rated at 450hp/405lb-ft, but it felt like it had another 60-70hp compared to my F80. It pulled better from low revs and had better traction but unlike the F80, it seemed to come alive again somewhere around 6k rpm like the old high revving N/A M cars.

The 911 GTS reminded me of an M3 turned up to 12. It's tough to tell on a smooth track, but it didn't seem less refined in any way than my M3 either. It had the same german character of being an impressive performer in every way but without the "character" of an Italian or American car (to me, this is a good thing) It's a step up from an F8X in every way, but familiar at the same time.

Next, we went on a road tour where we got to be passenger and driver in a Cayenne GTS and and the new Panamera 4S.

Cayenne GTS: I don't like big SUV's. The power was impressive, but it's a big SUV, so . . . whatever. Go test drive one if you want to know what it's like.

Panamera 4S: The route we took has some rough city roads and some 2-lane 65mph highways. The Panamera was the best sedan I've ever driven. Phenomenal body control, good ride, great power for a big car, and an awesome interior. It doesn't feel like a giant 5000lb wagon thing until you look in the rearview mirror, and it definitely doesn't drive like one. I love sports sedans, and this one really impressed me. The only thing I didn't like was that there was a bit of body structure shake from the rear on larger impacts, but I think I'd deal with that issue to have this car as a daily driver. The raw performance and handling response isn't as good as an M3 (duh), but for a pure DD or commuter car, this is the one to have. I'd probably wait for the GTS model if I were to buy one.
__________________

Final thoughts:

Like I said, I'm soon to be in the market for some kind of step up from my M3. A P-car is the obvious choice, and from this experience, the 911 GTS and Panamera 4S really impressed me. But as I got back into my M3 for the 45 minute drive home, I realized that I still really like driving it, even back to back with the Porsches.

The Panamera is a better road car and the 911 GTS is a better sports car (and maybe road car too), but then I considered that both of those cars cost over $130k as I would option them, whereas my M3 was $63k out the door. The 911 GTS performs like an M3 turned up to 12, but the price has been turned up to 20. As I said, I could swing a GTS if I really wanted to, but at the moment, I'd rather use my disposable income for other things. Some kind of 911 will be my next weekend car, I'm just not sure which one or when.

[ixse]

how bout the zl1 1le for a weekend toy? it will destory 911gts at cayman gts price

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by ixse

how bout the zl1 1le for a weekend toy? it will destory 911gts at cayman gts price

I've owned a Mustang GT and C6 Corvettes and driven all kinds of Mustangs and Camaro's for work. Some of them are impressive, and yes, will destroy an M3 or 911 GTS around most tracks. But they just aren't my style. The only American cars I'd consider right now are a C7 GS or ATS-V, and even those are pretty unlikely.

[DrtyJrze]

Great feedback OP!

It seems after the experience you're still undecided in your next step. You said yourself that Porsche's were good, but you question the value of the incremental improvements.

So...what do you think you're gonna do?

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by DrtyJrze

Great feedback OP!

It seems after the experience you're still undecided in your next step. You said yourself that Porsche's were good, but you question the value of the incremental improvements.

So...what do you think you're gonna do?

I'll keep my M3 for a bit longer. I should be getting a promotion soon, which might help bring the 911 more into my comfort zone. In the mean time, my wife's 2 series lease is up next March, so I'm shopping for a new daily driver sedan for her. An S4 or Jag XE-S are my leading contenders. Having a new car in the stable might tide me over with my M3 until a 911 becomes a reality.

[damnitBobby]

Nice.

So did you get the Jaguar XE S out of your system?

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by damnitBobby

Nice.

So did you get the Jaguar XE S out of your system?

No, that's to replace my wife's 2 series. The Porsche would be a 3rd car for sunny days and the track.

My dealer emailed me a bit ago and got an XE-S in stock, so I'll be test driving that next week.

Incidentally, I've been out in the F80 this evening, and I've come across two different 991 GTS's on the road, and both gave me a wave. Maybe it's a sign?

[DS_BMW]

Good review! Have you Drivin the Alfa Quadrifoglio?

[csbear]

Thanks for the impressions!

Not sure if I saw it in your original post, but did you drive the 718 S or base models? There is a noticeable difference between the two and the 718 GTS will take it up a tad, of course.

I hear turbo lag, noise in the cockpit, and just pure performance are heavily in favor of the 718 S.

[JTO24]

OP, I recently did this event and came away with almost the exact same impressions save for the 718.. I'm a huge fan of the 718 S we drove and would still love to get it as my next car, however I'm looking for something a bit less expensive/more practicality. I love my 981 Cayman but miss the power of the F80 so the 718 S/GTS-to-come basically combines the two haha I also think the 718 S sounds better than my previous F80, but that's just my humble opinion. However, I do 10000% agree the Macan GTS performed way better than anticipated and would make one hell of a daily.

On a side note I did drive an RS3 and GT350 today and was super impressed with both! The RS3 just moved into serious next car contention; the thing is a rocket and I even respected the break in so that was shifting at 5k RPM. The GT350 I drove was a used 2016 w/ tech pack and was pretty beat like a 6.5-7/10 for overall condition, but that engine.... my god. The thing sounds mega and it just pullsssssss.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by DS_BMW

Good review! Have you Drivin the Alfa Quadrifoglio?

No. I have driven the Ti version a couple times and was really impressed. I was considering it as a replacement for my wife's 228i, but the terrible reliability nixed that idea.

I've driven the ATS-V and new C63 AMG. They are both awesome cars in their own way, but there's no compelling reason to get rid of my M3 for either one, considering they are both $10K+ more expensive.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by csbear

Thanks for the impressions!

Not sure if I saw it in your original post, but did you drive the 718 S or base models? There is a noticeable difference between the two and the 718 GTS will take it up a tad, of course.

I hear turbo lag, noise in the cockpit, and just pure performance are heavily in favor of the 718 S.

Just edited my post to clarify . . . they were both S models. Don't get me wrong, they were very impressive for a turbo 4, but I expected them to be a bit faster. Maybe my expectations were too high from owning an F80 for so long.

[M4 CSL]

I hired a new Carrera 4 GTS whilst in Germany for the week.

It was great as a daily driver. Smooth both fast and slow. I love the way 911's steer. But I never liked the AWD. Much prefer the RWD ones.

I was seriously considering a GTS prior to going. But it wasn't enough for me.
I ordered a GT3. Should see it May 2018. The factory tour was epic. Never before have I been in a place so picture worthy, and had my camera/phone taken from me.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by JTO24

OP, I recently did this event and came away with almost the exact same impressions save for the 718.. I'm a huge fan of the 718 S we drove and would still love to get it as my next car, however I'm looking for something a bit less expensive/more practicality. I love my 981 Cayman but miss the power of the F80 so the 718 S/GTS-to-come basically combines the two haha I also think the 718 S sounds better than my previous F80, but that's just my humble opinion. However, I do 10000% agree the Macan GTS performed way better than anticipated and would make one hell of a daily.

On a side note I did drive an RS3 and GT350 today and was super impressed with both! The RS3 just moved into serious next car contention; the thing is a rocket and I even respected the break in so that was shifting at 5k RPM. The GT350 I drove was a used 2016 w/ tech pack and was pretty beat like a 6.5-7/10 for overall condition, but that engine.... my god. The thing sounds mega and it just pullsssssss.

The 718 is still on my list, just not #1 anymore . . . I'm also going to take another look at the 981 GTS. I still really like it, I'm just not sure the turbo 4 fits the character of what a Porsche is to me. I drove an early prototype of the GT350, and see them around at work a lot, and yeah, they are awesome. The RS3 seems cool too, but I feel like it's a step down from my M3 and a bit too hardcore for the wife's DD, so I'm not sure where it would fit in my stable. I'm looking for the best non-M level sports sedan I can find for the DD and a really good sports car/occasional track car to replace the M3.

[Racer20]

Originally Posted by M4 CSL

I hired a new Carrera 4 GTS whilst in Germany for the week.

It was great as a daily driver. Smooth both fast and slow. I love the way 911's steer. But I never liked the AWD. Much prefer the RWD ones.

I was seriously considering a GTS prior to going. But it wasn't enough for me.
I ordered a GT3. Should see it May 2018. The factory tour was epic. Never before have I been in a place so picture worthy, and had my camera/phone taken from me.

Good choice. A GT3 would be my ultimate choice, but the price increases each generation have been keeping them just out of my reach.

Soon . . .

[M4 CSL]

Originally Posted by Racer20

Good choice. A GT3 would be my ultimate choice, but the price increases each generation have been keeping them just out of my reach.

Soon . . .

I really liked the 911-R. But prices went ridiculous. I said my ultimate P-car would be a PDK 911-R. Well they built it with the new GT3. It has the 911-R underbody aero. It has the new 4.0 that revs to 9,000. Its perfect. This will be a keeper for me. The cure for me wasting loads of money on cars. Buy the one I have always wanted and keep it. It will be a classic for sure. One of the last N/A's. I have waited a long time for this. Will make a great 50th birthday present. (Yes, I'm 50 in May)

[Captain45]

Originally Posted by Racer20

The 718 is still on my list, just not #1 anymore . . . I'm also going to take another look at the 981 GTS. I still really like it, I'm just not sure the turbo 4 fits the character of what a Porsche is to me. I drove an early prototype of the GT350, and see them around at work a lot, and yeah, they are awesome. The RS3 seems cool too, but I feel like it's a step down from my M3 and a bit too hardcore for the wife's DD, so I'm not sure where it would fit in my stable. I'm looking for the best non-M level sports sedan I can find for the DD and a really good sports car/occasional track car to replace the M3.

I went with the 981 GTS. Amazing car with one of the best exhaust notes! Now I feel a bit spoiled, everything else I drive just feels numb.

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by M4 CSL

I hired a new Carrera 4 GTS whilst in Germany for the week.

It was great as a daily driver. Smooth both fast and slow. I love the way 911's steer. But I never liked the AWD. Much prefer the RWD ones.

I was seriously considering a GTS prior to going. But it wasn't enough for me.
I ordered a GT3. Should see it May 2018. The factory tour was epic. Never before have I been in a place so picture worthy, and had my camera/phone taken from me.

The latest version of the GT3 is incredible. It's like the 911R, but with a much better motor!. I had a very early 2014 GT3, and it was amazing. I sold it after two years when the pricing was crazy. I'll definitely get into a manual GT3 down the road. The new motor is race proven and far more reliable than the last versions in the GT3, RS and R. Congrats! You will love that car.

[Jaymax85]

Wow great post op

[Nikolas]

Originally Posted by Captain45

I went with the 981 GTS. Amazing car with one of the best exhaust notes! Now I feel a bit spoiled, everything else I drive just feels numb.

Originally Posted by Captain45

I went with the 981 GTS. Amazing car with one of the best exhaust notes! Now I feel a bit spoiled, everything else I drive just feels numb.

Love the 981 GTS! I drove one at the experience center in Atlanta a couple years back. Wonderful exhaust note, handling etc. ticks all the right boxes!