My boss was anxious to drive my MINI and so proposed the following. We swap cars for the weekend. My MCS for his '95 Porsche Carrera. I said sure, why not?

Needless to say, he's a car guy and this Friday he comes into my office with the keys. So, this weekend I am without my beloved MCS but having fun driving his Porsche. I don't mind the handling, power or styling of the 911 one bit. The only thing I don't like is how others perceive Porsche owners. But for one weekend, I'll live with it.

Swizzle

 

how are Porsche owners perceived?

spent too much on one thing, got nothing else?

or wow, you hot sexy man (naaaw, cars dont make you do that)

or lookie lookie!

or is it like... is that because it's old?

hope you get your MINI back soon.

 

Swizzle: Tell us how the '95 Porsche Carrera compares to your MCS... I'm curious to find out. I just got my MCSconv't and I haven't driven any car that gives me as much FUN FACTOR as what I have now...km

 

You are brave....I don't know if I would hand someone the keys to my MINI for 2-3 days! But I guess you have insurence with the Porsche.

-Cody

 

So far, I like the gearing ratio much more on the Porsche. I find with the MCS, I either want to shift up or down at certain speeds. The Carrera just feels right with room at either end of the gear. However, the shift pattern is pretty wide by comparison. Also, a much nicer clutch.

The driving position is quite a bit different as well. I feel like I'm halfway through the windshield.

As for power, I'll work on that today since it's a gorgeous sunny day and I have some nice twisty roads nearby.

Swizzle

 

Ok
after a weekend of driving around a Porsche, I can't wait to get back into my MINI. The Porsche is fast and all but not great as an everyday driver, unlike the MINI. That's why I bought mine in the first place.

I also noticed that Porsche owners don't tend to wave to each other. I waved at MINI drivers non-the-less. Must be force of habit.

 

that sounds awesome, id love to do that

 

Swizzle...

I'm with you...while no one has offered me a similar trade, I'm just fine with what I've got. I just hope that the boss will give the MINI back!

Chuck

 

I didnt have a MCS to trade at the time but I did get to drive a 1995 993
for a day back in 2001 up at Line Rock during the Porsche Rennsport weekend. As I remember back it was the most amazing car I had driven
up to that point. As fast as it was, it was the brakes that I remember the
most - like hitting a brick wall!! However, I dont think that I could part
with my 2006 MCS (especially after the mods). Even after having it for one
year it never gets old or boring, just better.

 

My boss just got a 2006 Porsche Carrera turbo, i wounder if he will want to trade. Thanks for the idea.

 

Hmm wonder how willing the boss is going to return the keys tomorrow

I'm with Cody, I can't really give up the keys anymore, for any amount of time even if I'm in the car or watching it.

 

Can't wait to hear what your boss says about his experience.

Hopefully he hit some twisties over the weekend.

 

I love te way the 911 looks - but the price would change the way that I'd drive it- alot more cautious! That much $$ buys me a few MINIs!!

 

Kinda reminds me of that new movie with Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet called "The Holiday"! Also has a new 07 CR/W in it :D Can't wait to see it, just for the MINI haha

 

So what did the boss think of the MINI?

 

My parents have a euro spec 3.2 911 cabrio (86) that I have driven back to back many times with my MCS. The MINI handles nicer and is more tossable. Very different feeling cars. The Porsche feels much more serious, the MINI much more lighthearted and fun.

 

Pro's and Con's

Porsche
classic styling
fast, serious, solid and smooooth
expensive (both to purchase and maintain)
cop magnet
tough to drop 3 kids w/backpacks off at school


MINI
great styling
fun, fun, fun
fast... but not crazy
more affordable
easier with kids and stuff

In the end, I'm glad that 911 is out of the garage and my MINI is back with me. The boss loved the MCS and his kid (7 years old) wants him to buy two...one for his dad and one for him. I like this kid

My boys were happy to ride in the Porsche but it doesn't make them grin as much as the MINI. So, motor on my friends in one of the greatest little cars ever made.

swizzle

 

cool to hear i got a better deal than the porsche guys. yah right...

 

The 996 model came out in '96, right?

God I'd love to have a Porsche.

 

You're a Brave man...i wont even let my father drive mine.
Not for the fact that i'd miss it, but for the fear i would never see it again.
Hope he gives you a promotion...or a raise...

 

I would let my MINI go for a weekend if I got to try out a fun car. Interesting little review, swizzle

 

The 996 is actually 1999-2004, prior to which was the 993.