TC Fan
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I first test drove a pretty loaded Turbo S several months ago at Park Place Porsche. To be candid, I was very nervous, and we didn't take it on the highway, I got a sense for the acceleration. I remember thinking the acceleration wasn't as dramatic as a Tesla, but I've come to believe it was just as fast. However, the feeling wasn't as abrupt on my neck - maybe because I was used to what electric cars could do. I do remember the car feeling like an extension of me - it turned with such ease and control, I have never been in a car like that.
Then I drove a less-loaded Turbo about 3 weeks ago. Once again, the pickup didn't blow me away like I remembered the Tesla doing. However, going down the highway at 70, and punching it, I was at 100 in what seemed like a millisecond. Again, no head flying back type of issues, but lots of power. However, when I was going slowly, I noticed it didn't feel like as much of an extension of me. I am not sure (having never owned a Porsche), but I suspect it's because the Turbo didn't have rear axle steering. Bottom line is it was nice, but not quite as exciting.
Yesterday, I test drove a 4S, also without rear axle steering. It was also less spec'd out. The pickup was again not head jarring, but getting up to 104 doing the same highway drive was pretty quick. However with the Turbo it felt like it had a LOT more speed and room to go. Yesterday, I literally floored it, and while it didn't give me any issues, I obviously couldn't ask for more from the car.
Bottom line, given the mileage is not that different, if you have the money, and live somewhere like Germany where you can go as fast as you want, the Turbo S is a great choice. The reality, though, is that I won't be needing, or driving, with that kind of get-to-the-next-county-acceleration. So, I think I can live with my 4S, but I really would rather have a "used" Turbo, as they are going at discounted amounts right now.
My question. ultimately, is for Porsche experts or people who've experienced real axle vs. no rear axle steering in the same model. I got it because it sounded cool, but I am now wondering if that's the biggest thing, other than the acceleration, that made the Turbo S so amazing. If it is, then I'm even happier to live with the 4S I ordered (if it ever ships). Any experiential insight would be appreciated.
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
Edit: The major difference between the Turbo S and the Turbo, to a lesser extent, and the 4S, was the feeling of the car going too quickly fo me, vs. being under my control. Anyone who's ever driven a "crotch rocket" motorcycle for the first time vs. driving a normal motorcycle knows what I mean. It's almost too much power until you learn how to handle it. With 4S, it was strong, but not dangerously so.
Also, on the 4S, the removal of my foot from the accelerator caused a more noticeable downshift than in the other two models. I checked the setting for battery recuperation (whatever it's called), and changing it on the 4S made little difference. I never touched that setting on the Turbo or Turbo S.
Then I drove a less-loaded Turbo about 3 weeks ago. Once again, the pickup didn't blow me away like I remembered the Tesla doing. However, going down the highway at 70, and punching it, I was at 100 in what seemed like a millisecond. Again, no head flying back type of issues, but lots of power. However, when I was going slowly, I noticed it didn't feel like as much of an extension of me. I am not sure (having never owned a Porsche), but I suspect it's because the Turbo didn't have rear axle steering. Bottom line is it was nice, but not quite as exciting.
Yesterday, I test drove a 4S, also without rear axle steering. It was also less spec'd out. The pickup was again not head jarring, but getting up to 104 doing the same highway drive was pretty quick. However with the Turbo it felt like it had a LOT more speed and room to go. Yesterday, I literally floored it, and while it didn't give me any issues, I obviously couldn't ask for more from the car.
Bottom line, given the mileage is not that different, if you have the money, and live somewhere like Germany where you can go as fast as you want, the Turbo S is a great choice. The reality, though, is that I won't be needing, or driving, with that kind of get-to-the-next-county-acceleration. So, I think I can live with my 4S, but I really would rather have a "used" Turbo, as they are going at discounted amounts right now.
My question. ultimately, is for Porsche experts or people who've experienced real axle vs. no rear axle steering in the same model. I got it because it sounded cool, but I am now wondering if that's the biggest thing, other than the acceleration, that made the Turbo S so amazing. If it is, then I'm even happier to live with the 4S I ordered (if it ever ships). Any experiential insight would be appreciated.
Happy to answer any questions you might have.
Edit: The major difference between the Turbo S and the Turbo, to a lesser extent, and the 4S, was the feeling of the car going too quickly fo me, vs. being under my control. Anyone who's ever driven a "crotch rocket" motorcycle for the first time vs. driving a normal motorcycle knows what I mean. It's almost too much power until you learn how to handle it. With 4S, it was strong, but not dangerously so.
Also, on the 4S, the removal of my foot from the accelerator caused a more noticeable downshift than in the other two models. I checked the setting for battery recuperation (whatever it's called), and changing it on the 4S made little difference. I never touched that setting on the Turbo or Turbo S.
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