1996 Porsche 911 Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com
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1996 Porsche 911 Review: Road Test

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1996 Porsche 911 Review

Superb high-speed transportation for the spirit.
Driving Impressions
The most significant developments made to the 911-series are to be found in its

suspension and running gear. Forget the stories of tail-heavy 911s that would slide or

spin when run hard through corners; that was true of the early years, but it no longer

applies.

Today's 911 is a sure-footed handler that takes to winding roads as if wired directly

to its driver's nervous system. Operated with care, it can be hustled along at speeds

most of us would never dream of driving. But its responsiveness and the sheer

precision of steering, brakes and throttle can be enjoyed even when cruising. The

brakes, four huge discs with standard ABS, are beyond reproach. Every trip, whether to

the corner store or across the country, can be enjoyed in safety and comfort.

Yes, comfort. The ride is always firm, never harsh, and effort levels for steering,

clutch, brakes and shift lever have been reduced to make them easy for almost any

driver.

Performance ranges from exhilarating (base Carrera) to astonishing (Turbo). The Turbo

will accelerate from rest to 60 mph in less four seconds, and its passing power is

equally eye-opening. The standard Carrera takes a whole second longer to 60 mph.

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Obviously, there's no shortage of power here.

What needs to be said is that all 911 powerplants are as smooth, unfussed and flexible

as can be. They may revel in being run at three-digit speeds, but they are equally

adept at handling stop-and-go traffic. And they sound wonderful.

The standard transmission for all 911s is a superb 6-speed manual. The wide selection of gear ratios allows both quick acceleration and relaxed cruising. No matter how good the optional Tiptronic automatic (with impressive computer-aided manual gear-selection capability, not available with Turbo) is--and it is very good--the manual gearbox is jewel and should be first choice. Next Page



1996 Porsche 911