Re: Performance Comparison
lol that was my post,i just came here to put it on.
I had a few notes from one of the testers which are worth reading..he is responding to my questions about its performance and turbo lag.
'Yep, it's an amazing car. Recently I figured 911 HUL (that's right, the UK press 997 Turbo has THAT number plate again) and you'll be able to read about it in 0-100-0 this week and in forthcoming road test/group tests - it's sensationally quick. Oh my word, it's QUICK....!
The RT data sheet is in front of me on my desk. Try this: 60-80mph in third - just 1.8 secs, or 2.9 sec in fifth...
Turbo or GT3? We're having fist fights here over that...'
and in response to my 'is thier lag'...
'No, I wouldn't agree with that, but I think I have an idea what they mean. The new engine runs a lower compression ratio than the 996 turbo and the throttle response and some of it's general behaviour are more obviously 'turbo' than the old car. If that makes any sense! The new variable vane turbos make a difference too, cos they deliver boost in such an almighty twack at any revs that you're aware of the off boost - on boost transition more. Imagine a typical VAG 2.0 TDi at low revs - u floor it and there's nothing... and then suddenly.....whoosh. The turbo has more off boost than that of course, but that kick of power and torque is incredible when it comes in (esp if it has sportchrono) and possibly focuses the mind more on whether the turbines are spinning or not.
It's strange in a way, cos in some ways the new car has more character, and in some areas less. Being a 997, surprise surprise there's a lot less steering feel. But on the other hand I feel the engine has more inherent 'character'. Like I said, it feels obviously 'turbocharged', and while some may see that as a bad thing, I love that sensation. It also rasps and rips under acceleration and wheezes loudly when u lift off the throttle. We're not talking Noble volume, but when you're 'on it' u could fool yourself you're watching 'in-car 956'... Porsche admit they've tried to bring out some of these character elements with the new car.
Most of all though, it's just plain fast. This car is a MACHINE. A device. A destroyer of roads. Thinking back now, the acceleration seems surreal. I remember reading about the MacF1 when it was launched and how testers at the time talked about the ability to overtake anything, anywhere and at any time. I've sadly never driven a big Mac, but the 997 Turbo is quite like that. In the end, the temptation drives u a bit mad. Obviously, it doesn't match the feeling u get in a Veyron, but as turbo rushes go, it's not a bad substitute...'
