Worst ever Porsche? | The Car Podcast #96

The Land Rover Defender is a classic British off-road SUV known for its rugged, utilitarian design and strong towing capability. In this segment, Chris Harris uses it to set up a question about whether Defenders should be equipped with a tow bar, especially in rural versus urban use.

A tow bar is the hitch receiver fitted to a vehicle that allows you to attach a trailer or towing equipment. It’s a key part of making an SUV actually usable for towing, like pulling a dinghy or small boat.

In electrical connector terminology, the “female end” is the part with sockets/holes that accept the matching “male” plug. The host is discussing a trailer-light or accessory plug connection and the terminology used for the two halves.

A Haynes manual is an aftermarket repair guide series that explains how to service and troubleshoot cars with step-by-step instructions. Here, it’s referenced as the kind of book that would use older terminology for electrical connectors.

The Volvo 240 DL is a classic Swedish family sedan from Volvo’s 240 series, known for its boxy, durable design. In this story it’s used as an example of a “car” that a teenager might be mistaken for driving like a farm vehicle.

The 1968 Ferrari 312 is a legendary Formula 1 car from Ferrari, notable for its 3.0-liter V12 engine architecture used in that era. The hosts also reference its distinctive “spaghetti” exhaust/header look, and the story centers on Derek Bell driving it again after decades.

Derek Bell is a British racing driver known for long endurance and historic racing careers. In this segment, he’s specifically mentioned as driving the 1968 Ferrari 312 again after a long gap since 1969.

Oversteering is when a car’s rear end loses grip and the car rotates more than the driver expects, often making it feel like it wants to “turn itself.” In this segment, they describe the Ferrari 312 as essentially oversteering in every gear, emphasizing how lively and challenging it felt.

The Volvo 745 estate is a classic Swedish wagon known for its long, boxy shape and practical, durable “family car” roots. In this segment, it’s being used as a playful hill-climb-style car, which highlights how even a big, old-school wagon can be made to feel lively.

A “lip” is an aerodynamic add-on at the front or lower edge of a car’s bodywork. A Sonax lip here is being referenced as a styling/handling aid that changes how the Volvo 745 estate looks and potentially how it affects airflow at speed.

James Vowels is a racing driver associated with the Williams team, referenced here as someone who can drive an F1 car very quickly. The segment uses him to emphasize how skilled the drivers were in the hill-climb setting.

“Damon” here refers to Damon Hill, the former Formula 1 World Champion. The host notes it’s been 30 years since he was champion, framing his emotional reaction as a big moment for classic racing fans.

Stefan Johansson is a Swedish Formula 1 driver known for racing in the 1980s and early 1990s. Here, he’s described as piloting a Ferrari F1 car up the hill, emphasizing his continued skill and the event’s “classic F1” appeal.

A hill climb is a motorsport event where cars race against the clock on an uphill course, usually on a road or mountain route. Because the track is short and twisty, setup and driver technique matter a lot, and even unusual cars can feel dramatic.

The Ford GT40 is a legendary mid-1960s endurance racer built to beat Ferrari at Le Mans. The host specifically calls out the “1966 Le Mans winning” GT40s and describes their striking colors and sound, which is why they’re such a big deal to enthusiasts.

Hay bales are used as a low-cost barrier and energy absorber along the sides of some motorsport courses. They can also create a visual “speed” effect in photos and video, which the host jokes about while discussing how the scene looks.

Goodwood is a major British motorsport and car-enthusiast venue, known for events that mix racing history with modern supercars and collector cars. It’s a common stop for car shows where people bring rare cars and talk enthusiast culture.

The British Grand Prix is a Formula 1 race held in the UK, typically at Silverstone. It’s one of the sport’s most historic events and a major draw for motorsport fans.

“Silvers and circuits” appears to refer to a motorsport venue or organization connected to Silverstone and circuit events. The speaker mentions the person who “runs” it while discussing crowd demographics.

EV stands for “electric vehicle,” meaning the car is powered primarily by an electric motor(s) and a battery rather than a gasoline engine. In performance contexts, EVs can deliver instant torque and allow different chassis tuning than traditional cars.

This appears to be a mis-transcription of a Porsche prototype/phase identifier (the speaker lists “phase one” and “phase two”). In context, they’re talking about different development stages of a specific E6-related project and why those changes matter.

“Phase two” is the next development stage after phase one, typically involving further engineering refinement and validation. In this context, it’s part of a structured prototype program where the team learns from driving the car regularly.

“Phase one” refers to an early development stage of the prototype program. The speaker contrasts it with “phase two,” implying staged engineering changes and validation before the car is finalized.

A “braking point” is the exact spot on track where a driver starts slowing for a corner. Choosing it well is crucial because it affects corner entry speed, balance, and how much grip you have left for turning.

A chicane is a sequence of tight turns that forces cars to slow down and change direction quickly. It’s often used to reduce speed in a section and test braking stability and steering precision.

Weight distribution is how much of the car’s mass sits on the front vs. rear axles (and sometimes left vs. right). It strongly affects balance—how the car turns in, how it stays stable under braking, and how it behaves when you lift or add throttle.

In this context, “lock” refers to steering lock—how far the steering wheel is turned. More lock typically means tighter turning, but too much too quickly can overwhelm grip and cause the car to understeer or scrub speed.

A rear-engine vehicle places the engine at the back of the car instead of the front. That layout changes weight distribution and typically affects handling balance, traction, and how the car feels in corners.

The Renault 5 Turbo is a hot hatch built around a turbocharged engine, known for being a small, loud, characterful performance car. In this segment, the host argues that the original combustion engine is the weak point, and that the electric motor does the work more smoothly.

A flat-six is an engine with six cylinders arranged in two banks horizontally, like a “boxer” layout. It’s often associated with smoothness and a distinctive sound, and the host contrasts it with what they consider a worse engine in the Renault 5 Turbo.

An electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical motion to drive the wheels. In conversions or hybrid setups, it can mask weaknesses of the original engine by providing smooth torque and response.

A V12 is an engine with 12 cylinders arranged in a “V” shape, typically delivering smooth power and a distinctive high-end character. The host mentions it as a benchmark for engine sound/quality, implying the car in question doesn’t live up to that standard.

An alternator is the engine-driven generator that powers the car’s electrical system and recharges the battery while you drive. If the alternator “shit itself,” the battery can’t be kept charged, so the car may eventually lose power.

A “tapeworm tablet” is a veterinary deworming medication used to treat tapeworm parasites in dogs. The host mentions it because travel requires an appointment to get the paperwork and treatment done.

The Ferrari 360 Spider is a mid-engine V8 Ferrari with a retractable hardtop, and it’s a well-known modern classic. In this segment, the host also mentions “x288 KRK,” which appears to be a specific UK press-car plate/identifier tied to that particular example used by the media.

A “press car” is a specific vehicle provided to journalists/media for coverage, often before or around a model’s launch. The host’s point is that this Ferrari 360 Spider was the UK press car, tying the photo to a particular media moment.

“Chrome limb” here refers to a photographic printing plate/film used to reproduce the magazine image. The host contrasts it with the “proof” and the “negative,” explaining the workflow from an original image to a print-ready template.

“Hot pressed” describes a traditional print-production step where materials are heat-pressed to transfer or set the image/plate. The host uses it to explain how the magazine’s image production evolved, while still relying on a negative-to-positive workflow.

A “negative” is the photographic film/image that stores the scene with inverted tones, which is then used to produce a positive print. The host explains that even after changes in production, the magazine still effectively worked from a negative to create the final image.

A “500 mile limit” is a fleet-use restriction that caps how far a company car can be driven before it must be returned. Here, it’s used to explain why they sometimes drove the car up to the limit and then had it trailered back.

“Trailer it back” means transporting the car on a trailer instead of driving it. In this context, it’s a workaround to avoid exceeding the fleet’s mileage limit.

The Citroën DS is one of the most iconic French cars ever, celebrated for its advanced design and engineering when it debuted. Here it’s referenced alongside the CX to show how deeply Max’s family was into Citroën’s “French” identity.

The Citroën CX is a classic French executive car known for its distinctive styling and comfort-focused engineering. In this episode it’s mentioned as part of Max’s family’s long-running Citroën obsession, setting the scene for why French cars matter to them.

A vinyl interior means the seats and/or trim are covered in vinyl, a synthetic material that’s durable and easy to clean. In older cars, vinyl was common because it could look good and resist wear better than some fabrics.

“Roof that would roll right back” describes a retractable roof design that opens the cabin to the air. It’s essentially a convertible-style feature, and it’s part of what made the car feel special to the speaker.

“Gears that came through the dashboard” refers to a dashboard-mounted gear selector arrangement, where the shift mechanism is integrated into the dash rather than coming from the center console. This kind of layout is a distinctive design detail that can change how the car feels to drive.

“600 cc” is engine displacement—600 cubic centimeters—which is a measure of the engine’s size. Smaller displacement engines typically feel more rev-happy and can be perfectly adequate for lively driving on smaller roads.

Body roll is how much the car leans to the outside of a turn when cornering. More body roll often means softer suspension or less lateral stiffness, which can feel less “planted” but still be part of a car’s character.

This is a humorous anecdote about insects entering the cabin through an open roof. It’s not a technical automotive term, but it’s a memorable “real-world” scenario tied to the car’s open-roof design.

The Citroën 2CV is a quirky, lightweight, air-cooled small car known for its simple design and long-running production history. It’s often discussed because it represents a very different approach to motoring—focused on practicality and affordability rather than performance. In the podcast, it’s brought up as a “first time car love” story, which fits its reputation as an accessible classic.

The Porsche 911 is a long-running sports car famous for its rear-engine layout and distinctive driving feel. It’s significant because nearly every generation has become a benchmark for sports-car balance and performance. It often comes up in podcasts because owners and drivers compare their personal experiences across different 911 eras.

The Ford Escort is a long-running compact car line that became a staple of British motoring. Here, the host remembers it as his first car, emphasizing how early “car love” can start with something humble.

“L” is a trim level designation used on some Ford Escort variants to indicate a more basic equipment specification. “Mark” refers to a generation/update of the Escort model line, which affects bodywork and parts.

“Angle of roll” is how much the car leans to one side during cornering. A “45 degree” roll angle is an exaggerated, dramatic way to show lateral load and body movement, implying the car is being pushed hard through a turn.

The “apex” is the point in a corner where the car is closest to the inside line. The speaker describes the SD1’s position at the apex while fully loaded, emphasizing how the car is shown to be committed through the turn.

The Ford Sierra 3-door is part of the Sierra lineup, a popular Ford model known for its distinctive shape and role in 1980s touring-car culture. It’s mentioned in the podcast in connection with a specific “Drive Stories” feature and the Sierra Cosworth theme. That kind of reference usually points to how the car was presented and remembered in magazines.

The Ford Sierra Cosworth is a performance version of the Sierra, best known for its rally-bred reputation and turbocharged power in the 1980s. In this segment, it’s discussed as a magazine “Drive Story” car that was portrayed as extremely fast for its time, with specific claims about speed and horsepower.

“Drive Stories” refers to a magazine feature format where journalists describe a specific car’s performance and impressions from an actual drive. Here, it’s used to anchor the Ford Sierra Cosworth article and its claimed top speed and power.

The Ford Sierra 3-door is the three-door variant of the Sierra, a model that became well known in the 1980s and featured prominently in period magazine coverage. In the podcast, it’s specifically tied to the “Drive Stories” feature about the Sierra Cosworth and its claimed high-speed performance. That makes it a reference point for how the car was marketed and remembered.

A “big wing” is a large rear spoiler designed to increase aerodynamic downforce, improving stability and grip at speed. In the segment, the Ford Sierra Cosworth is described as having a prominent rear wing, which is a key visual cue of its performance focus.

A touring car is a race car based on a production model, typically competing in touring-car championships. The segment uses “touring car” to frame the Ford Sierra Cosworth’s motorsport credibility and mainstream performance image.

“Ricciaro seats” refers to a specific brand/model of aftermarket or special-application car seats. In enthusiast circles, seat names like this usually point to a particular design (often supportive bucket-style) and intended use, such as track driving or a sporty cabin feel.

The BMW E46 M3 is a performance version of the 3 Series, built around a high-revving inline-six engine and known for sharp steering and balance. In this segment, Chris Harris describes it as feeling “perfect” on a small circuit, with the car’s sound and acceleration matching the 911 in his mind.

The glove box is the dashboard compartment used to store documents and small items. In this anecdote, it’s where the speaker says there was money left for him to cover travel expenses, illustrating how the car launch process worked at the time.

Val de Vienne is a racing circuit in France, known for hosting smaller-scale motorsport events compared with the biggest venues. In this segment, they mention doing a race there, which frames the discussion around European track culture.

Le Mans refers to the famous French endurance-racing venue associated with the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Here, they’re recalling a shop visit at Le Mans, which ties the conversation to motorsport culture and the event’s fan ecosystem.

An “on-board” is race footage filmed from inside the car, typically mounted to the driver’s view or dashboard area. It’s used to show exactly what the driver is doing—steering, braking, throttle, and line choice—so it’s especially meaningful when the host says it’s among the best they’ve ever seen.

The Porsche 928 is a grand-touring Porsche from the 1970s–1980s era, famous for its V8 and its “luxury GT” direction compared with the 911. Here, the host differentiates between the 928’s manual and automatic behavior, saying they prefer the automatic and find the manual overrated—so it’s central to the “worst ever Porsche” discussion.

In this context, “manual” means a gearbox that requires the driver to shift gears themselves (as opposed to an automatic transmission). The host is using it to compare driving feel and how well the car “keeps up with the times.”

“Automatic” here refers to a transmission that shifts gears without the driver manually selecting them. The host argues that the automatic is “fantastic” in the Porsche 928, implying it suits the car better than the manual for their taste.

The Aston Martin Lagonda is a luxury car line from Aston Martin, known for its distinctive styling and status as a more unusual, high-end model. It’s brought up in the podcast in the context of seeing it around the time of a specific film, which highlights how memorable and recognizable it was. That kind of mention usually points to the car’s presence in popular culture and its standout design.

A carbon fiber racket uses a composite frame made from carbon fibers, which can be stiffer and lighter than traditional materials. In tennis, that stiffness can change how the racket flexes on impact and how the ball feels off the strings.

“Vibrasorb” is a brand name used on some tennis rackets for vibration-damping technology. The idea is to reduce harshness and vibration transmitted to the player’s hand.

The Porsche 924 is a front-engine Porsche from the late 1970s/early 1980s era, known for being a more affordable entry into the brand compared with the 911. In this segment, the host specifically contrasts the American-spec 924’s lower output and overall feel versus the European version, which is why it’s part of the “worst ever Porsche?” discussion.

“American 924” refers to the U.S.-market specification of the Porsche 924. U.S. emissions and tuning differences often reduced power compared with European versions, which is exactly what the host is pointing out with the horsepower comparison.

Horsepower is a measure of engine power output. The host uses the “95 horsepower” figure to argue that the U.S.-spec Porsche 924 was significantly detuned versus the European version.

The Porsche 997.2 GT3 is a track-focused 911 variant known for its high-revving character and sharp handling. The “997.2” generation matters because Porsche made meaningful running changes during the 997 facelift era, and the GT3 is tuned specifically for driver feedback and lap times.

The Porsche 944 S2 is a performance-focused variant of the 944, known for its more refined, modernized feel compared with earlier 944s. The speaker highlights the S2’s styling and dashboard shape, which is part of why it became a memorable “enthusiast” Porsche even though it’s not a 911.

A four-cylinder engine means the engine has four combustion chambers (cylinders) arranged to produce power. In this context, the speaker is emphasizing the 944 Turbo’s engine layout as part of why it felt impressive at the time.

The Volkswagen Corrado is a late-1980s/early-1990s sporty coupe, and “2.7” refers to the 2.7-liter VR6-engined version. In the segment, it’s compared against a Porsche 944-era choice to argue that the Porsche badge mattered, and that some buyers preferred having the Porsche nameplate.

An airbag is a safety device that inflates rapidly in a crash to help protect occupants. The host specifically complains about the “heaviest airbag ever fitted to a car,” arguing that its weight contributes to the Porsche 964 Turbo’s heavy, awkward feel.

Turbo lag is the delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger producing meaningful boost. The host says the Porsche 964 Turbo has “tragic turbo lag,” meaning it doesn’t respond instantly, and the power arrives suddenly later.

Boost is the extra air pressure a turbocharger creates to increase engine power. The host says the car delivers its full boost for only about 300 rpm, meaning the turbo’s strong effect is narrow and the power delivery can feel abrupt.

Traction control is an electronic system that reduces wheel spin by cutting engine power and/or applying brakes when the tires lose grip. The host notes there’s “no traction control,” implying the car can be harder to drive smoothly because it relies more on the driver to manage grip.

The Renault Clio 182 is a hot hatch built around a high-revving 2.0-liter engine tuned for sharp throttle response and driver-focused handling. In this episode, it’s used as a benchmark for quick acceleration on a road, showing how the speaker felt the Porsche they’re discussing couldn’t match a fast small car.

“Turbo S” is a performance trim/variant name used by Porsche to indicate a higher-output, more track-capable version of a turbocharged model. In the episode, it’s referenced as the target feel after modifications—new steering wheel and suspension—so the car behaves more like a top-tier Porsche turbo.

Suspension is the system that connects the wheels to the body and controls ride comfort and handling. The host credits new suspension (along with other changes) for transforming the car’s driving feel, which is why it’s central to their “it’s a lot of work, but it works” point.

The BMW E30 is the 3 Series generation (1980s-era) known for its classic rear-wheel-drive layout and huge enthusiast support. Here, the host calls it a “magnificent” car and compares how it drives versus another classic Porsche, making it part of the episode’s “best 80s cars” debate.

An exhaust pipe is part of the exhaust system that carries spent gases from the engine toward the muffler and tailpipe. The host mentions it as a detail on the car listing, implying the car has specific exhaust-related hardware that stands out.

The Peugeot 205 GTI is a hot-hatch from the 1980s known for its small, punchy engine and sharp, driver-focused handling. In this segment, they’re debating which engine size (1.6 vs 1.9) is the better choice for an enthusiast-spec 205.

The Volkswagen Golf is a mainstream compact car line that became a long-term reference point for everyday usability and broad appeal. In the podcast context, it’s grouped with other 1980s icons, suggesting it’s being remembered for its role in that era’s car culture. It’s often discussed because it’s both common and influential in how compact cars evolved.

The Peugeot 205 GTI is a compact hot hatch from the 1980s that became a benchmark for fun, responsive driving in its class. It’s significant because it’s widely remembered as an enthusiast favorite and a symbol of the “hot hatch” era. In the podcast, it’s named as one of the defining cars of the 1980s.

“Phase 1” refers to an early production update stage for a model, where interior (and sometimes exterior) details changed over time. In this segment, they’re asking whether a “Phase 1 interior” can be fitted to a later 1.9 car, implying there are identifiable trim/fitment differences by phase.