Looking Back at the Cars We Drove in 2024

With just a few hours left in 2024, it’s time to reflect.

As usual, we’re excited to present the annual “Test Drive of the Year” here at “Welcome Home, PORSCHE.”

Although it was a busy year with fewer opportunities to test drive, here’s a recap of the cars I drove in 2024:

• Toyota GRMN Yaris
• Tesla Model 3 Performance
• Toyota Crown Sport
• Porsche 991 911 50th Anniversary Edition
• Porsche 996 911 40th Anniversary Edition
• Porsche New Taycan 4 Cross Turismo
• Porsche 997 Early 911 GT3
• 986 Porsche Boxster S
• BMW M3 CSL (E46)
• Abarth 595 Custom Version
• Porsche New Panamera
• Porsche Taycan Base Model
• Porsche Taycan Turbo S
• Porsche Taycan GTS
• Porsche 991 Late 911 GT3 (MT)
• Porsche 996 Late 911 GT3

Evaluation Criteria for the 2024 Test Drive of the Year

As always, the main focus for the 2024 Test Drive of the Year was driving enjoyment. In particular, I evaluated whether the car could be truly enjoyable for touring and daily use.

Now, let’s reveal the results of the 2024 Test Drive of the Year.

3rd Place: 986 Porsche Boxster S – Ease of Driving and Quality of Ride

Taking third place is the 986 Porsche Boxster S. This was my first time driving a 986, and I was blown away by its excellence.

The balance of ease of driving, comfort, and driving performance is outstanding. Few modern sports cars can beat this Boxster. I even think choosing a 986 Boxster is wiser than buying many new sports cars.

The suspension isn’t stiff at all; in fact, it feels quite soft, but with a reassuring solidity. It grips the road like it’s glued on, responding precisely to your inputs. The 252 horsepower isn’t overwhelming, but that makes it all the more fun, encouraging you to press the accelerator enthusiastically.

The sense of unity with the car is breathtaking. The phrase “man and horse as one” truly applies here. You control weight transfer with the throttle and handle the car with precision. It’s a genuine feeling of “bending the car with the accelerator.”

The 986 Boxster S is so captivating that it makes you feel “this is all you really need from Porsche.” It’s a car I definitely want to own someday.

ポルシェをこじらせた大人たちへ：986ボクスターの魅力にせまる

2nd Place: Porsche Taycan Turbo S – The Electric 911

Second place goes to the Porsche Taycan Turbo S. We have a Taycan 4S Cross Turismo at home, but the Turbo S takes things even further.

Porsche delivers value that justifies the high price. While options like PDCC differ, the tuning itself feels distinctly superior.

The Turbo S I test drove had about 40,000 km on it but felt as refined as a brand-new car. With 761 horsepower on overboost and a 0-100 km/h time in the 2-second range, its performance is astonishing.

But the true appeal of the Taycan Turbo S isn’t just its overwhelming acceleration. It perfectly balances ride comfort with high driving performance. It feels like driving a 911 4S, 4 GTS, or Turbo.

Despite weighing over 2.2 tons, it moves with agility that belies its mass. Its cornering ability is remarkable, offering pinpoint handling like threading a needle.

Comfort is a notch above other Taycan models. This car is a pinnacle of Porsche’s technology, harmonizing performance and comfort at a high level. For Porsche owners seeking soulful driving, it’s one of the best choices.

Currently, these are available on the used market at very attractive prices, so if you’re interested, it’s worth considering. Its value is absolutely guaranteed.

ポルシェ タイカン ターボS試乗｜これがタイカンの中で一番911に近い！

1st Place: 996 Porsche 911 40th Anniversary Edition – The All-Rounder That Embodies the Essence of the 911

And the prestigious 2024 Test Drive of the Year winner is the 996 Porsche 911 40th Anniversary Edition.

The greatness of this car is beyond words. I was deeply impressed by how comfortable and easy to drive this manual car is. Being a special 40th Anniversary Edition certainly adds to its appeal, but it also reminded me of the true charm of the 996 911.

Ease of driving, comfort, and just the right size. It truly feels like “wearing a Porsche,” a 911 that’s close to the final generation. Engine vibrations and harshness are minimal, and even revving to around 4000 rpm is completely stress-free.

Even in busy city traffic, you can stretch the engine and enjoy shifting without frustration. This is a Porsche that lets you fully savor the sensation of driving.

A versatile 911 that fits any place or road. This is what a 911 should be: able to go anywhere, fit anywhere, and be enjoyable in any situation. This car perfectly embodies the ideal Porsche envisioned by Dr. Porsche.

It shares many traits with the 986 Boxster S, but personally, I strongly feel that I want to own this 996 911 40th Anniversary Edition. It’s the perfect 911 for a daily companion, revealing new charms every time you drive it.

Among all the cars I drove this year, it was hands down the best. I want to sincerely thank and congratulate the owner!

996型ポルシェ911 40周年記念モデル試乗レビュー

Continuing to Share Porsche’s Charm in 2025

That concludes the results of the 2024 “Welcome Home, PORSCHE” Test Drive of the Year. I look forward to encountering many more fascinating cars, including various Porsches, in 2025.

I will continue sharing Porsche’s appeal through this blog next year as well.
To all readers, thank you so much for your support this year. Wishing you a wonderful New Year!