Car swap dilemma!

[S8yot]

I find myself with the opportunity of being able to swap my 2006 for a Porsche 996 Targa. Always fancied a Porsche but previously couldn't have managed with two doors and very restricted boot space.
Porsche looks gorgeous but....I think the S8 is better quality and while it may not be involving, it is generally a much nicer place to be. I won't even start about the lack of toys!
I am very precious about the S8 (bar a couple of stone chips it's immaculate) and although I try and ignore it, parking is a big issue - I get really edgy going anywhere I'm not confident in finding a space without another car within 10 feet.
What to do?
This is probably only about the sixth time I've posted but would really appreciate any comments, especially from anyone who has any experience of the Porsche.
Mike

[PsYcHe]

Well....Having driven a couple of 911 variants on their Silverstone test track, they're great cars and usually not too badly specced.

However... I couldn't see myself doing a 3 hour drive in one and feeling fresh at the end. If it's a weekend/short commute car, then go for it, I think everyone needs to own a 911 at some point, but I feel you'd miss the 8 after a while.

[47p2]

I've driven 911s 996s and owned a 944 Turbo. The 944 was fun to drive and great for a while, but I couldn't wait to get back to a big comfy car after owning the 944 for 2 years and I would never go back to a Porsche now. You could find that although the 996 is shorter it isn't really any easier to park, the restricted rear view makes it a right pain in the butt for reversing into spaces, then there is the added factor that a Porsche is a bigger better target for vandalism/theft than an S8

[S8yot]

Thanks for the replies - it's very difficult. Others I've spoken to have said you should have a 911 at some point but interestingly these are people who've never had one themselves. If I was comparing my old D2 S8 the choice would have been a lot easier but the D3 one hell of a formidable car. I regularly have a two hour cross-country journey and the Porsche would be great fun but as you've said I'm not sure how I would cope with the ride, noise and relative discomfort when not being driven enthusiastically.
The "Q car" status of the S8 also seems to be both it's greatest strength and weakness. Pretty much everyone rates the Porsche but only a select few (generally A/S owners) appreciate the car's qualities.

[Singh]

The interior on the 996 is dreadful, if it were a 996 Turbo though - I'd overlook the interior. Stunning cars, I'll eventually end up with a 997 Turbo S, give me a few more years.

[daviesbike]

dont do it you will regret it with in 24 hours !

cls merc lasted me 24 hours was no where near the same as the W12
CLK 55 AMG 24 hours and was glad to be back home inside the W12 again
BMW 730 again was so glad to be back in the audi

if it was a week end toy yes as a swap no i would not entertain it

if you have a friend that has a 2 seater sports car borrow it for 24 hours and that will settle your mind no problem u will be glad to get back on board HMS S8