I posted a photo of my 3 P-Cars at a local Cars and Coffee Events in Irvine, CA. I first purchased the 2002 GT2, then my wife wanted a P-Car so I bought her the 2003 911 Cab, then having always admired the style of the 356 Speedster, I bought the 2008 VS Speedster. Yes, life have been good to me, and I am the first to realize how fortunate I have been, but that is not the point of this post.
Realizing the rare opportunity afforded me to compare the diversity of performance parameters and vintage of the P-Cars, I thought I would share some thoughts with this august group.
GT2: This car was engineered with the sole intent to kill the driver. Porsche de-tuned the motor to 450 hp for street use and eliminated any electronic nannies to protect the truly insane and/or unskilled. Of course, I had the electronics tuned to use the higher potential of the motor for much higher hp, and at a track day at Willow Springs (big track) I had no problem passing vipers and Z06 vettes on motor alone without having to draft. This car is immensely rewarding of finesse and skill, but is like walking a tightrope on the edge of the cliff, just waiting for a tiny mistake to kill you. Driving this car is an adrenaline soaked stressful experience that leaves me laughing in joy and terror. For those who are not familiar with GT2's, I was not prior to buying my car they only sell 500 worldwide when offered, you have to google search this car.
911 Carrera Cabriolet: The wife's car although still very fast, is much slower and less intense than the GT2, conversely it is more fun to drive. My son in his Audi S4 with the V8 motor tried to race his mom's car and was smoked. We all tease him that his car is slower than his Mother's car. I actually prefer driving the Carrera Cab to the GT2, more fun, but nothing provides the sheer thrills of the GT2
VS Speedster: The point of this post is the absolute fun of driving the Speedster. When we go for a drive with my sons, everyone wants to drive the Speedster first. It's slow, does not ride nor handle well in comparison to the modern cars, is noisy, and somewhat uncomfortable, but it is a total joy to drive. The VS draws 10 times the attention of the $200,000 GT2 on the road and when parked. Trucker toot their airhorns with a thumbs up when we drive by, girls wave and point. Even Ferrari guys who generally look down on P-Cars (although the GT2 can smoke them) smile and wave. All this for a really low price compared to the other two cars. What a bargain! So an affirmation to my fellow Speedster replica owners on what great fun these cars are. For those thinking about them, don't wait, buy one now! You have no idea how much fun you are missing out on.
Hope to see you club members on the road, I'll wave at you.
2008 VS Black with Burgundy interior and top.
