Speed isn't everything...

[Muncher]

Today I was fortunate enough to passenger in a RUF RT12 while it did a laser verified 210mph. Which was nice...

However I couldn't help but think it's just such overkill and so totally unusable in the way you would normally use a car that such top end speed does not in itself make a fun car.

This thing just piles on the speed in such a linear fashion but other than the G force and the scenery flashing past at a pretty epic rate it doesn't feel as fun, or special, or involving as many other cheaper, slower cars.

Using one of these those on the roads is just an epic waste, you have I guess about 4 seconds before you reach the national speed limit and another 4 before you're doing porridge if you're caught. More to the point, up until then there is no drama whatsoever. Kind of like waking up and finding the national speed limit has been reduced to 30mph and all the roads narrowed to prevent you doing much more. That's the unfortunate effect of a car like that.

On the other hand take the 997GT3, far more performance than you could ever reasonably want, yet it gives such a sense of occassion, a delightful soundtrack, is so tactile and rewarding to drive.

 

[therealnerd2]

I know. The more performance I get, the slower 70mph is.

Eventually I may as well get out and walk.

 

[-Neil-]

That's exactly why I drove/drive the type of car I do, something involving that makes you feel part of the action and so rewarding to drive. I don't think I could see myself in something refined for many years, just too removed and isolated.

I had a ride in a 330CI the other day and it was quick, well built and comfy but too removed/refined for my taste.

Neil.

 

[Firestar_3x]

A car like the 330 hides its speed well, you could be doing 100 and it feels like 60, i'm more for slower but more involved driving experience, Teg / MX-5 / VX200 etc.

 

[loltim]

I'm similar. Hope it's a good 10 years before I settle for an arm chair on wheels.

 

[mjt]

remember RUF are german, and like brabus, their cars are designed for (straight line) speed.
this means that if you live in germany and own a car like this, it will be used for storming up and down the autobahn..
owning a car like this in a country with speed limits is pointless
might as well just have an AMG or 'normal' porsche

 

[Muncher]

I'm not even sure the Autobahns would be clear enough to really stretch its legs much at all.

 

[mjt]

well the only other place that it would be able to would be the Northern Territories
but then you've got kangaroos to dodge..
and chances are you'd run out of fuel before you reach the next petrol station

 

[[TW]Fox]

A car like the 330 hides its speed well, you could be doing 100 and it feels like 60

Try the 530 The only thing I dislike about my car is that it doesn't quite feel as quick as it is. Then you look at the speedo.

There is more excitement in going YAHOOO THIS IS FAST WAYHAY then glancing at the speedo to find 70mph slowly approaching than going 'Hmmm, it's accelerating ok I guess *glance at speedo* OMFG'.

Of course, the latter is great for overtaking.

 

[Housey]

Ah yes, the RUF is an amazingly quick car, not many road cars will touch one this side of a Veyron but as you rightly say speed is only one element of a great car. I am glad you chaps enjoyed VMax and glad you liked the GT3, you obviously spotted some of the things that make them so special. I suspect you might also conclude the same after a run in a GTR too, once the pace and cleaverness had lost its appeal.

Special car the GT3, you need to experience it to fully understand

 

[Muncher]

I've driven a 996GT3 quite a few times on track, which had a bit of a power upgrade to about what the 997 has as standard. The 997 is better but it's difficult to quantify just how much. Both are stunning cars.

The owner of the 997GT3 agreed with me, he sold his 996TT because it was just too fast and too capable, it was getting silly he said, just makes things far too easy. Strangely enough it's always the Porsche turbo owners from 996 onwards that never really look as though they're enjoying themselves...

 

[Firestar_3x]

Try the 530 The only thing I dislike about my car is that it doesn't quite feel as quick as it is. Then you look at the speedo.

Yep bet thats worse, the only 5 series i've been in is the E39 M5 and that really did hide its speed very well.

 

[Duke]

A car like the 330 hides its speed well, you could be doing 100 and it feels like 60

I find that in my 323. The engine is so quiet and doesn't take much to go much faster than you think you are doing.

 

[Dup]

I've always had the though that it's not about how fast it is, but how fast it gets there. Being pinned to the seat is where you feel real speed, but at the end of the day if you can't corner at high speed the fun is just lost. This is why you get TV car presenters going sideways all the time, because that's that most of the high powered barges are good for.

You're always going to have more fun in a car where chassis tuning has been developed in line with the engine tuning so they live in harmony. Such as the VX220, Elise, Exige etc, even the DC2's etc.

 

[InvaderGIR]

A car like the 330 hides its speed well, you could be doing 100 and it feels like 60, i'm more for slower but more involved driving experience, Teg / MX-5 / VX200 etc.

120 in Gibbo's CSL seemed like 40mph...that was fun.

InvG

 

[Housey]

I've driven a 996GT3 quite a few times on track, which had a bit of a power upgrade to about what the 997 has as standard. The 997 is better but it's difficult to quantify just how much. Both are stunning cars.

The owner of the 997GT3 agreed with me, he sold his 996TT because it was just too fast and too capable, it was getting silly he said, just makes things far too easy. Strangely enough it's always the Porsche turbo owners from 996 onwards that never really look as though they're enjoying themselves...

Well I am hoping the Mk2 997 will be even better...

There is little performance difference between the Mk2 996 and 997 GT3's, I know as I ran a runway against a 997 GT3 in my 996 Mk2 GT3 and I beat him with identical terminals and times, I just got away better. The 997 is much more rounded and a better road car, and sounds a little sweeter from the inside.

 

[Housey]

Do you know what the 997 GT3 hit Muncher, the MkII hit 179mph which is about what i'd expect?

 

[Muncher]

and sounds a little sweeter from the inside.

Agreed entirely. One dilemma I'd have is the choice of seats. The 996 had comfort spec seats which were really good and usable as an everyday car. The 997 had sports seats which held you a lot better. I think I'd probably go for the 997 ones on balance.

 

[Housey]

Buckets are the way to go, without question. I had them in mine and they are simply amazing in terms of their hold, and I had no issue fitting into them at 6'1 and 17 stone. The other seats are an utter waste in a GT3 in my opinion, and I find them less comfy too. My mate has had 2 997 GT3's, his current one is white and stunning and after driving a GT3 RS with buckets at Millbrook he regrets not going down that route, even if they were a £4Kish option!

 

[MrFunex]

Most modern cars I've been in seem to hide their speed well; must be a combination of a good suspension setup and loads of sound deadening. Takes a bit of the fun out of going for a hoon!