Second thoughts – moving back to ICE

[bluedonkey]

I just got my Taycan RWD yesterday - traded a 991 Targa on it - and I’m second guessing that decision.
I already miss the open roof and the better off the line performance. Plus the cooler styling.

it doesn’t help that the electronics and charging experience are so buggy.

I’m going to give it an honest try and see how it goes. Worst case I order another Targa and trade this against it.

For the record I’m a huge believer in EV tech and torque and really do want to love this car.

So far my big complaints are the giant size and the difficult ingress/egress. And the myriad of apps that overcomplicate the experience. Why aren’t connect, charging and my Porsche one unified app?

it pains me to say Tesla is really ahead in this regard.

Absolutely agree, the software, both in the car and the apps/web experience are really spoiling an otherwise great experience.

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[DerekS]

Absolutely agree, the software, both in the car and the apps/web experience are really spoiling an otherwise great experience.

It's improved for me a great deal once I made sense of the timers/profiles concept for scheduling and limiting charge.

I think it should be completely revamped for simplicity as follows:

- Charge to 0------------|----100 slider control
- [X] Limit charging between [Time] and [Time]
- [ ] Use advanced charging profiles and timers

 

[DerekS]

Also I should add I am no longer considering return to ICE.

I had a little "letting go" to do on my beloved Targa, methinks, but now that I'm embracing EV life I think the Taycan is terrific and the only EV I'd want from the current available offerings.

The car seems to be getting more responsive as it breaks in (is that possible, or is it in my head?).

 

[bluedonkey]

We've done long trips, and around town. Freeways and some windy roads, as well as some beautiful sweeping curve roads that were a total blast to drive. My one comment about the Taycan compared to other EVs I've driven is that I think Porsche made a big mistake not including paddles that connect to the regen braking. I get what they were trying to do, but the ability to play with the regen is the closest thing I found to the engagement of driving a car with a gearbox.

When you don't want it (traffic or long freeway sections), knock it into auto and leave it be, but when you get to the curves, having the option to play with the regen strength on the fly makes driving an EV much more engaging. Maybe not as efficient for range, but a lot more fun to drive.

 

[bluedonkey]

I've been driving EVs for a few years now, and there's no going back. The few times I've had ICE loaners or rentals I've immediately missed my EV.

The home charging I have worked out, but I am still waiting for an explanation of why Electrify America think the Taycan is "plug & charge" compatible, but mine certainly doesn't work that way - I need to start it with the app every time.

Just too many random bugs, and also the layout of the menus is a little too "tablet" for me. I think they could have done much more with the center display than they have (I will say the instrument display is fantastic and I've had no problems with that part at all). Even with the bugs, the Taycan is the best EV I've driven by a long way.

 

[KensingtonPark]

I think, ironically, Musk said it best when he said that once you’ve driven a proper EV, going back to ICE is going to feel like driving a jalopy. Except, I suppose, he was speaking of a Tesla at the time, and I’m experiencing it in a Taycan…

 

[David Baldwino]

Virgin Porsche order - I wish I could comment on anything Porsche, unfortunately my uk spec 4S Turismo is now delayed until September from this months forecasted delivery so I guess we could even see Santa Claus delivering it at this rate. complete with a handful of resistor chips to retro fit.
I hope the bugs aren't as annoying as some of you say, I hope the UK charging system gets a move on ( joke ) , I hope I don't regret spending £21,500 on extras - how expensive can anyone make a bike rack prep? Then £1600 for the bike rack OMG!
For the transmission, engine noise, vibrations and back pain, I will keep the Defender 90 TD5 and for now, the full fat V8 Vogue but you guys talking about the 911 / 993 burner cars has given me an itch.... And so starts another lengthy and expensive procurement problem! Thanks.

 

[DerekS]

Why do some Taycan drivers struggle with the ownership experience? Why are we comparing EV's to ICE sports cars.

I've had EV-envy for a long time and I've stuck with the Targa waiting for the "right" EV to come along. I finally compromised and went with the Taycan, as the Targa was getting up in years and use.

I'd certainly love to have a Targa -and- a Taycan given unlimited resources and space, but I'm a one-car-at-a-time person.

I agree with your point that comparing a Targa to a Taycan is apples/oranges and perhaps unfair to both vehicles.

 

[RBGtaycan]

We've done long trips, and around town. Freeways and some windy roads, as well as some beautiful sweeping curve roads that were a total blast to drive. My one comment about the Taycan compared to other EVs I've driven is that I think Porsche made a big mistake not including paddles that connect to the regen braking. I get what they were trying to do, but the ability to play with the regen is the closest thing I found to the engagement of driving a car with a gearbox.

When you don't want it (traffic or long freeway sections), knock it into auto and leave it be, but when you get to the curves, having the option to play with the regen strength on the fly makes driving an EV much more engaging. Maybe not as efficient for range, but a lot more fun to drive.

I definitely like the REGEN and love your idea of paddles..I miss (a little) my PDK experience and Taycan paddles (w/ several levels of REGEN) would come close. As I am driving and want to slow for a corner, I find myself reaching for paddles that ain't there!

 

[Jhenson29]

The Taycan vs. 911, 918, GT or other variant of a P car is a false comparison.

If I’m cross-shopping a 911 and a Taycan, why wouldn’t I compare them? (Or contrast, really)
That’s literally what cross-shopping is.

Each has its own strengths. Nothing wrong with pointing them out.

 

[epirali]

If I’m cross-shopping a 911 and a Taycan, why wouldn’t I compare them? (Or contrast, really)
That’s literally what cross-shopping is.

Each has its own strengths. Nothing wrong with pointing them out.

Not at all, but can you elaborate on your "use case" or what you are looking for in your next car? It may help others with the when comparisons make senes. For example there is no scenario for me where I can "cross shop" a 718 Spyder and a Taycan, one is an amazing and very capable daily driver, the other one is a fun short term drive car. But for someone else looking for a daily driver a 911 may suit just fine.

 

[sandy lane]

Hi everyone! I would just like to share some thoughts and see if there is anyone else out there..

Moving from ICE to (B)EV was an easy choice. Tesla MS is a great car that made the transition easy. Zero emissions, instant torque, smooth, quiet and fast, at least forward.. When Porsche announced Taycan, I knew that this would be something else. And it was, better handling, and much more fun to drive.

Having driven the Tesla MS for a couple of yrs and a Taycan 4S since its release, I have to admit that there is something missing though. Great fun to drive, despite its weight, the Taycan still feels too heavy imo. And I guess the most obvious “missing thing” is the engine. I didn´t think I would say this, but that engaging feeling you get in an ICE Porsche like 911, you just don´t get that in an electric vehicle, at least not yet. It is not just about the sound, or the transmission, or the vibrations, or that it gives you that satisfaction about the machinery – it is all that put together I think.

I know this isn´t the way forward in terms of CO emission and all that, but I´m considering moving “back” to an ICE like 911. For the fun of driving, that would feel more like a step forward right now..

 

[Jhenson29]

Not at all, but can you elaborate on your "use case" or what you are looking for in your next car? It may help others with the when comparisons make senes. For example there is no scenario for me where I can "cross shop" a 718 Spyder and a Taycan, one is an amazing and very capable daily driver, the other one is a fun short term drive car. But for someone else looking for a daily driver a 911 may suit just fine.

Sure. My use case is basically that...I don’t have one. ?‍

My DD is a Macan S and my wife’s DD is a Taycan 4S.

This is for a third car and doesn’t have any requirements it has to meet. Actually, the fact that it doesn’t have any requirements makes it hard because it’s hard to rule things out. Woe is me. ?

It’s funny you mention the 718 Spyder because that’s on my short list also. ?

My current short list is as follows:

• Lotus Elise
• Lotus Emira (waiting to see what’s released next month)
• Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
• Porsche 718 Spyder
• Porsche 911 S Cabriolet
• Porsche Taycan Turbo

We cross-shopped the 911 (4S coupe) with the Taycan for my wife’s DD also. We test drove both on the same day. But she felt like the Taycan was more practical for her, so that’s what we got.

The fact that I’m strongly leaning toward the 911 right now isn’t a knock against the Taycan. If anything, the fact that the Taycan is on that list at all when there’s already one in my garage is a testament to how great I think the car is.?

 

[epirali]

@Jhenson29 Well its a tough list, how will you ever survive!

I think the fact that you already have a Taycan definitely takes the “lean” to that one off, its almost like you need something very different. I would say small, 2 seater, convertible. Narrows the list down to just a tiny number….

 

[Computerglitch]

Sure. My use case is basically that...I don’t have one. ?‍

My DD is a Macan S and my wife’s DD is a Taycan 4S.

This is for a third car and doesn’t have any requirements it has to meet. Actually, the fact that it doesn’t have any requirements makes it hard because it’s hard to rule things out. Woe is me. ?

It’s funny you mention the 718 Spyder because that’s on my short list also. ?

My current short list is as follows:

• Lotus Elise
• Lotus Emira (waiting to see what’s released next month)
• Porsche 718 Boxster GTS 4.0
• Porsche 718 Spyder
• Porsche 911 S Cabriolet
• Porsche Taycan Turbo

We cross-shopped the 911 (4S coupe) with the Taycan for my wife’s DD also. We test drove both on the same day. But she felt like the Taycan was more practical for her, so that’s what we got.

The fact that I’m strongly leaning toward the 911 right now isn’t a knock against the Taycan. If anything, the fact that the Taycan is on that list at all when there’s already one in my garage is a testament to how great I think the car is.?

A good list . The 992 s and GTS 4 would be at the top of my list looking at your current garage. The best looking car( IMO) not on your list is the new 992 4s Targa , but its not all about the looks lol.
Im extremely envious but full of respect for your list. A nice problem!!!!

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