What is it with Porsche and ambitious people?

I recently read a news article about what one-word associations people make with certain cars and the people who drive them. For example, Volvo drivers are considered practical. For Porsche, the association linked to the cars and the drivers was: success.

I don't get it either.

 

Volvo = slow "safe" drivers.

I try to avoid getting stuck behind one.

 

Those in the know know that "alot" is two words - and they drive Porsches.

The difference between a porcupine and a Porsche is that with a Porsche, the prick is on the inside... (Can I say "prick?")

Hmmm... I drive a Porsche.

 

My girlfriend, at the time, were having a nice evening in my 911 cab and some guy in a truck pulls up beside us at the traffic light. We smiled and acknowledged him bc he obviously wanted our attention. He tells us the porcupine and prick joke.

My gfriend wasn't very amused. I prayed for him.

 

Porsche has high status among cars that are actually driven on roads. On the status "chart", the F430 would come above the 911, but F430s are tucked away in garages under factory original car covers while 911s cruise the fast lane and valet in front of the best places.

The Cayenne may have diluted the brand a bit, but a 911 is still the Rolex of sports cars -- everyone knows what it is.

And, as much as I find modern cars basically all the same (aero blobs dipped in paint), I admit the new 997 is a sexy car in the right colors. Not as much as the Aston Vantage, which is jawdroppingly gorgeous, but certainly up there.

 

I think that's why people equate them with success...it is an obvious status symbol, more so than most BMWs, Mercedes, etc but also one that is attainable, at least more so than a late model Ferrari, Lambo, etc. So to the casual observer, a Porsche is at the top of the food chain.

unfortunately it also makes you the target of class warfare, particularly by guys in full-size pickups that have clearly never towed anything or gone off road

 

the 911 has always been the epitome of practical daily driver sports car.
good, fun and efficient.

 

I for one don't really long after a porsche. Actually, that's a lie...I'd kill for a 993 GT2, I love the 997 GT3 (+RS) and the Carrera GT is one of my favourite cars ever built. They're slightly higher priced and harder to reach than the average 911 carrera 4 ambitious people long after. In my experience they just want one because most people associate the 911's (regardless of what model) with success, and they want to be seen in one because of that.

When I was still in school someone I knew (the usual prick wearing the fake rolex, fake hillfiger stuff etc) got dropped of in a 1998 996 carrera 2. IE a 15K car (if that?). Immediately everyone thought he was the shizzle and rich etc.

I lol'ed a little.


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Just to say, I do appreciate people longing after a 911 because for many actual enthusiasts its a real dream car, and I can understand it as well as they're good cars. I just don't like it when they're liked for the wrong reasons.

 

I always thought the "looks" of Ferrari/Lambo where so head-and-shoulders above Porsche. But Porsche allows you to use it everyday without causing unwanted attention. Park anywhere, leave the car without worrying. Its a cool look, but still blends in enough to make the car 100% functional as a daily driver.

When I was in my 20's and 30's I never wanted to get married, and I wanted to drive a flashy exotic car. I thought married people with a Porsche were stupid.
Funny, now I'm in my 40's, I love being married, and Porsche has become more appealing to me, because I don't need all the attention from the wrong kind of people any longer. I just want to drive and be left alone.

This falls under the category of... if you see a lot of successful people doing something a certain way.... there is probably a pretty good reason. (watch-out there's a 80% chance you're next) They took me kicking and screaming, but now I see the point

I have one very successful friend who has owned over 20 Ferrari's, he's now driving Porsche. (I think he's burned-out on taking care of Ferrari, and dealing with all the small issues that need constant attention). Or maybe he's just done it all, and now moved on? He just wants a "no-effort" car so he can focus on other hobbies in his life.

When I was younger and had a 308, and I was always in the wrong car! I'd pull-up next to some hot chicks and I'd be driving my beater car....because it was raining, or I was going to a place with bad parking. It happened every time. LOL

Porsche is the one-car-solution for busy ambitious people, who don't have a lot of time to invest in their motoring hobby.

 

some of the Italian cars do look better, moving or sitting still.

but i tell you, after owning all the cars i have had ( see my profile) a 911 is a car YOU CAN DRIVE. people are less likely to key it, spit on it, or even notice it, and you can have fun with it at normal speeds on public roads, without any issues. i have had 2 of my 5 911's show over 150,000 miles on the clock, and they had only had valve guides and seals done. not many 308s and NO v8 lambos can make that claim, without having to have extensive engine and trans axle overhauls. i will have more Ferrari's, its in my nature. but a 911 is a "fun" and useable car. 84-89 being my fave. but i am a gearhead, and no a " pushy " guy.

 

Dunno what I'd buy if I had the cheese. Maybe one of each. I love both brands, AND Corvette. Not likely to become a pressing issue anytime soon. Unfortunately.

 

Any car can be liked for the wrong reason. Many buy Porsche's, Ferrari's, Lambo's, AM's etc to show. Many of those same owners have no clue about the car's engineering or design, they just like to wave the badge and name drop.

Porsche's aren't for the extroverted like a Lambo is. Lambo's are loud and brash on the outside and don't apologize for it. Swoopy lines of a Ferrari is also somewhat of a 'look at me' exterior. The 911, being the same basic shape/design since the original...is subtle and follows a different philosophy. Performance wise, they can do much of what the loud L and F cars can do, but in an 'under the radar' way. I find Porsche to be about quality engineering with solid reliability to go along with the stellar performance. The 911, it is what it is, everybody knows it...and it doesn't need to advertise; much like a quality watch, it doesn't need diamond encrusted faces that are bigger than a grandfather clock, it just is.

 

That is the great thing about my Maserati GS.
Daily driver like a 911, fast, more practical and roomy than a 911...but with the Italian flair and that amazing engine note!
My Maserati gets about as much attention as my Ferrari Maranello, but seems to be mostly thumbs up...you are seen for being an enthusiast...not a prick...something porsche lost about 20 years ago.

 

I have owned probably more cars (132 in the last 10 years alone), than most people on this board and that includes 4 Ferrari's 3 Maserati's and a Lambo, and no car I have ever or probably will ever own gives we more pleasure than my current 06 997S cab, now that car was taken apart supercharged and has close 120K in upgrades, it is fast as hell, runs like a top, has booster seats in back for my twin boys, and it still looks like a stock car. It is my 39th Porsche, and yes I am a gearhead, but also a true car lover. It is not the car that makes the ass, the ass was there all along.

 

Man you saved the best line for the end!!!!

 

Good question. Don't know the answer but I see the same thing in HK.

In this respect, Porsche seems like an upmarket BMW

 

I am known as a Ferrari lover so I seem to suffer more than my fair share of harassment when I drive Porsche (which I do a lot). Can never really understand where this comes from.

I have recently stepped back from current Porsche to air-cooled and to my great surprise am receiving a lot of Beetle quips. I don't really think of Beetles when driving my 930 Turbo SE, 993RS, 993 3.8 Cabrio.

 

Young and ambitious??? Hmmm...my old boss described me as that. I would take a GT2 over a F430 or Gallardo. It would be a hard choice against the Scud since the GT2 could be a everyday driver without issues (i.e. blend in a little bit, but still look good). I've always liked the 911.

 

You have apparently never seen my wife drive hers.

 

The 911 IS an icon in the auto world. It is the standard other carmakers try to meet. It's not about showing others your success (that's what Ferrari's and Lambo's are for), it's an intrinsic achievement and feeling. The 911 has been a pillar in the automotive industry with it's familiar and legendary status/shape. The 911, in its many configurations have won many different races from rally to road. It's quality, it's iconic, it's got a badge, it's got pedigree, it's got power, it's got grace, and it's got practicality to boot. Translate that to business, and it's a good position to be in, to be good in so many dimensions.

 

Maybe it is that ambitious but not completely successful people lust for Porsche....and the real winners drive Ferraris!
Doh....yes I did!

 

Ambitious? Damn, I always bought my Porsche's (and any other make) because of the car that they are. I was not being ambitious (at least I dont think so) I just wanted the best model for my intended purpose.

Heck in 1985 I wanted the fastest domestic car available. I ordered a 1986 Buick Grand National. I drove it for two years and 75k miles. I got exactly what I wanted. Later when I wanted a Ferrari I had my two kids in mind, so I got a Mondial t coupe (four seats) and I got what I wanted. The perfect fit. When I wanted a fun car for my wife that I would never need to do anything to... I got her a late Boxster. That was about as anti-ambitious as I could be! When I watched the 24 hours of Daytona, then 24 of LeMans & 12 of Sebring etc., etc and saw the GT3 beat on anything that came close to it... I bought the GT3. It was/is exactly what I wanted. I wanted the car I saw dominate. Its perfect. Same goes for my luxo cars, and vintage stuff. They all perfectly fit the bill.

I can see people wanting Porsche's and having them as an ambition but some people still buy them for just what they do - and what they are. No ambition needed really.