Comments on the Porsche Blog

Thank you so much to everyone who regularly reads this blog. Today, we’re sharing the 10th installment of reader comments, featuring some of the most interesting feedback we’ve received. For clarity and context, some comments have been lightly edited. Thank you for your understanding.

GT3 or Boxster?

(1) I own both a Boxster Spyder and a GT3 (both manuals), and they’re completely different. The Boxster Spyder is an entertainment machine, while the GT3 is a driving machine. I understand how someone might return a GT3 because it’s just too much for them to handle.

On public roads, the power can be overwhelming, and trying to enjoy driving often means you end up going at ridiculous speeds, so you tend to hold back. → Not fun. As a result, the Boxster Spyder ends up being more enjoyable.

I think it’s because the focus is on operating the car, and the feeling of driving is lacking. So, I believe the GT3 still requires a lot of practice to truly feel connected to the controls. (Aokage-san)

(2) Hmm, that’s a tough one. I own a 981 GT4 and a 991.2 GT3, but honestly, I find the GT4 scarier because its limits are harder to predict. Probably because the Cayman body with oversized 295 rear tires is overkill, and the chassis rigidity can’t quite keep up, causing the rear to flex. (I’m considering rear reinforcement with 718 parts or dropping back to the same 265 tires as the Boxster Spyder.)

The 991’s chassis rigidity is incredibly high, so you can push through bumps without worry, and in terms of speed, the GT3 can run faster. But which is more fun? Honestly, both! (laughs) The 981 offers classic mid-engine cornering enjoyment, while the 991’s rear-engine traction blasts you forward explosively. Both are hard to give up.

My recommendation: the 981 corners beautifully, while the 991 runs (feels) sharper. The corner apex might even be slower, but enjoy the acceleration on the exit! Just my two cents. (Kazu Ougonkyo-san)

Air-cooled Porsche or Water-cooled Porsche?

(3) This is a popular topic among my car-loving friends: air-cooled vs. water-cooled. Generally, comparing cars over 25 years old with the latest models is unusual.

Still, the debate continues because air-cooled Porsches have such a high level of refinement and character.

Even with the latest 992, you can feel the strong Porsche passion and respect for history in the horizontally opposed rear-engine layout, the homage to the air-cooled era in the dashboard and bonnet shapes, and last year’s Porsche Classic Gold Project.

I completely agree with the blog’s sentiments about the “air-cooled era being complete,” the “heart-racing feeling every time you drive,” and “the Porsche you own being the best Porsche.” For me, the ultimate Porsche is the 964. (Tetsu-san)

(4) I admire those who drive an air-cooled 911 daily without fuss. I’ve thought, “I want to be like that in my 60s, about 10 years from now.”

But realistically, I’ve gotten used to electronic aids helping me drive, and I find it hard to accept the time and cost of maintenance. Above all, the chances of finding a car body that can last long-term are slim, so I hesitate to go for air-cooled.

Like Mina-san, I feel water-cooled suits me better, so I’m checking out used right-hand drive manuals from late 997 to 991.2. I think water-cooled Porsches will become neo-classics like air-cooled ones once EVs dominate in 10+ years.

About 3-4 times a year, a car catches my eye, but since I love both my 981 Spyder and Fiat 500, I hesitate to let either go, and by the time I decide, they’re sold out. Maybe I should add another car… (Ishi-san)

Right-Hand Drive or Left-Hand Drive?

(5) Recently, my son said he’d join me for a drive, so early in the morning we headed to Royu Driveway in his 991.1S and my GT3. Our house is full of cars, but considering my wife’s driving skills, right-hand automatic is the only option. Regarding steering wheel position, I agree with the husband’s opinion (left-hand drive), especially for Porsches, including foot space.

I once test-drove a right-hand manual Abarth, but it was jerky and I couldn’t handle it well. I think anyone who can drive it well is amazing. It’s not just about the turn signal position; there’s something more to it. (laughs)

Since left-hand manuals are still available on Abarths, I’m thinking of swapping my son’s Golf 6 (the last twin-charger, heavily modified and much loved) for an Abarth. (TONO-san)

(6) I had reserved a Cayman GT4 a long time ago, but I canceled when I heard only right-hand drive was available. I was really looking forward to it, so it was disappointing (T_T). (Wooper-san)

Rev Matching

(7) We call it “rev matching,” but actually the target rev depends on speed and gear, so knowing your speed precisely on public roads is crucial for smooth shifts.

Also, the shift-up indicator in Porsches changes timing based on throttle opening. At full throttle, it won’t show even at high revs, but with light throttle, it encourages you to shift up early.

However, it doesn’t seem to account for road gradient. On uphill, shifting as the indicator suggests can cause power shortage. Downhill, you can use a higher gear than indicated, choosing gears based on engine braking needs. Of course, with the throttle off and engine braking active, the indicator won’t tell you to shift up. (PorscheDreamer-san)

Captivated by Porsche…

(8) Until I had the chance to drive a 981 Boxster S for a day about a year and a half ago, I thought, “Owning a car in Tokyo is crazy; car-sharing is enough.” The thrill of driving that car shocked me, and now I drive a 991.2 Carrera Cabriolet daily after the 981 Boxster S, and soon my manual 981 Cayman will be delivered.

Truly, Porsche has a charm (magic) that can flip your values upside down. You never know what life will bring! (ryupo-san)

(9) After reading this blog, a Porsche, which once seemed out of reach, caught my interest. I mustered the courage to test drive at the Porsche Center and was captivated. I’ve heard many say that knowing Porsche changes your life, and without the chance, I might never have entered this world or found a goal.

I’m not an owner yet, but I feel it’s already influenced my life a bit. (nb-san)

Heavy Rain and My Car

(10) Living in Tokyo, I was directly hit by Typhoon No. 19. While convenience stores and supermarkets emptied their shelves, my main concern was my Porsche. It’s parked in the underground level 3 parking of my apartment, but the nearby river flooded over a decade ago downstream, so I was very worried.

The thought of my beloved Porsche being flooded and totaled was unbearable. So, I frequently checked water levels on the municipality’s website. Fortunately, it never reached dangerous levels, but I was ready to move the car if it did.

There were three nearby options: a walled multi-story parking, an underground parking on higher ground, and another multi-story garage. Though costly and troublesome, minimizing risk is crucial. Preparing and simulating scenarios really helps reduce risk, I’ve realized. (Tetsu-san)

(11) I totally relate to the error messages during heavy rain (PSM fault, maintenance required). I drive a Macan, and these messages often appear during or after heavy rain. They flash briefly but catch my eye, so I’m never fully calm.

Still, it takes me to work every day and works hard, so it’s a beloved car. (euukie-san)

Nissan Note e-Power

(12) Congratulations on your mother-in-law’s purchase of the Note e-POWER! When non-car enthusiasts ask me, “Is there any car you’d recommend?” this is what I suggest. Everyone seems very happy with it♪

Electric cars still face infrastructure and charging time issues, so gasoline-powered motor-driven cars make the most sense for now. (Injunia-san)

(13) The Note e-Power sounds great. It seems ideal if your main car is a 2-door Porsche but you need a practical 4-door. I read that regenerative braking doesn’t work in NORMAL mode; how does that affect fuel economy?

The model lineup is complicated and confusing. It seems there’s no easy way to find which models have reinforced bodies. Are you considering the NISMO S (with a stronger motor)? I personally prefer the AUTECH Sports Spec.

There seem to be quite a few test cars, so I’d like to try one when I have time. Renting is also an option. (PorscheDreamer-san)

My Wife and Porsche

(14) The best way to get your wife to understand buying a Porsche is to have her drive one and then buy a Porsche for her. My wife happened to visit a car dealer next to a Porsche opening fair when her car broke down, and after test-driving a Cayenne, she was instantly hooked.

I was originally an American car fan with no interest in Porsche, but after driving the Cayenne that came to my wife, I was amazed and drawn in.

You really can’t understand Porsche’s appeal just by looking at it. (Buppa-san)

(15) This was a fascinating article. Of course, I’m grateful, but ultimately, I want a good life! I want to travel where I want, make my family happy, and drive a great car — these are all my desires, so I’ll do it regardless.

On the other hand, if my family says, “Take us on trips! Buy this! But don’t buy a Porsche, that’s extravagant…” I’d lose all motivation T^T

My wife never complains about what I do or buy, so I consider her a lucky charm (^_^;). She understands me well. That’s why I absolutely want to make my family and wife happy in other ways too. ^ ^ Maybe by old standards she wouldn’t be called a lucky charm, but I don’t mind at all. ^ ^ (taramangts-san)

The Joy of Driving

(16) The joy of driving. If you’re interested, how about an Alpina? The B3 series. Manual E36 and E46 models are great. The silky inline-six gets even better with Alpina magic.

However, manuals are rare and these cars are aging, so well-maintained examples are hard to find. E36 is almost impossible, but E46 B3 might still be possible. Personally, I prefer their character over contemporary or newer Porsche engines. (Wooper-san)

Mini Car Quirks

(17) Touring packages sometimes have manual shift levers but early paddle-equipped steering wheels, which happens quite often. Manufacturers don’t invest heavily in these mini cars, so they probably use early molds. They usually refine them, but detailed parts don’t get the same attention due to cost. (Kurumania-san)

Porsche Driving School

(18) Learning car behavior up to the limit and driving on circuits directly improves safety on public roads. It leads to kinder driving for both car and passengers and helps prevent accidents. I intend to keep improving until I retire my license. Looking forward to your reports. (utsu-san)

(19) The heavy rain caused Friday’s Master event to be canceled. With 500-700 horsepower and Cup2 tires that are tricky in wet conditions, plus the spray from cars ahead reducing visibility on the main course, it was a wise decision.

The 22nd’s precision event had heavy rain in the morning but cleared up in the afternoon. I won’t spoil the fun, but wet conditions definitely expand your driving skill set.

On dry roads, tire grip can mask flaws, but wet conditions reveal the car’s behavior honestly, making it easier to understand your limits. I was reminded of Porsche’s high limits in the heavy wet morning. But rain makes photography tough and caring for kids harder. Hoping for clear weather at the Kansai PTE in November. (Tap-san)

To All Porsche Blog Readers

Many comments reveal the personalities behind them, and I often smile thinking, “This person must be like this,” or “We’d have great conversations.” Though we don’t meet face-to-face online, it’s amazing to feel that many readers across Japan are enjoying this blog. It feels like an invisible thread connects us.

I want to continue writing each article carefully, sometimes short but always thoughtful. Thank you for your continued support.