30 Oct 06
For a supercar that'll do 192mph and stampede from standstill to 60mph in 3.7 seconds, the 997 Turbo is rather modestly attired. Yes, its bodywork does bulge and it does have a prominent wing on its tail, but the overall effect is of subtlety, particularly if you compare it with a Lamborghini or Ferrari with similar firepower.
Thanks to a brace of turbochargers that boost the power output of its 3.6-litre flat-six engine to 480bhp, the four-wheel drive Turbo is madly, involuntary expletive producingly quick just about anywhere, any time. The GT3 RS may provide a more magical all-round driving experience, but for sheer accelerative thrill the Turbo can't be matched. That's why currently you'll struggle to find a pre-owned example for less than the £97,840 list price; in fact, be prepared to pay a great deal more.
What the Turbo, GT3 and GT3 RS all share, however, are sufficiently cultured road manners for you to use them for ordinary driving duties. Of course, such treatment might be considered a waste...
