Richard Tuthill gives us his thoughts:
“Exploring my perfect Porsche 911 would take more than space available here, but I think I can give a quick summary. Our roads are busy these days and so the joy of driving, whilst respecting other road users, means we have to be careful. This immediately rules out half of all Porsches, as they are too fast to have fun in on the road, whilst being sensible.
I will boldly say that from 964 onwards they have too much mechanical grip and therefore, for me personally to get fun out of them (i.e. getting the car moving about a bit), I have to be going too fast for today’s roads. Most of these cars are breaking every speed limit in the country in second gear. This leaves the SWB cars, the long wheelbase pre-impact bumper cars, and those cars from 1974 – 1989, not forgetting the 3.0- and 3.3-litre 930s. So it boils down to the chassis and engine combinations from this lot.
The standout engine is still a 2.7RS. I am amazed every time I drive one and cannot imagine how they must have felt in 1973 – still hard to beat. The 3.0 is great, the 3.2 is a little too lazy in standard form, the 3.0-litre Turbo is mega fun but not great for road driving, nor Is the 3.3: too much lag. But the early 2.0 engines are simply sublime. Nor do I subscribe to the SWB vs LWB argument. Driven well, the SWB is better on the road, as it changes direction so quickly and there is no drama or downside to it when well set up.
Having said all of the above, I must throw in a huge dose of realism. One Porsche is not enough for anyone and therefore all of the above needs to be taken with a pinch of salt. But, compared to any other car ever built, they are more mentally stimulating. At every corner, they ask a question, not always the same one but always a great one, which, as a driver, you have to answer without hesitation.”
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