MJBird993

Just a quick report for you 997 guys and gals who may be thinking of going to a 991. I know, there are plenty of reports on this; I just thought I'd throw in my 2 cents.

I sold my 997 two weeks ago. It was hard to drive the 991 and not make instant comparisons. It was a base 997.2, the 991 was also a base car, both with proper manual transmissions.

The 991 sport seats were not quite as tight as the sports seats in the 997. I couldn't adjust them quite to my liking though - the front cushion felt too high, even when fully lowered. I have the same issue in the Panamera, FWIW.

The 991 is a larger car, but it doesn't really drive larger. In fact, it might actually be a bit lighter than the 997. The interior bits didn't seem to be any better or worse, although I don't care for the center console. It's a bit too high and busy for me (yes, I know, the Panamera is even busier, but that's the theme of that car ). The shifter was also a bit higher, but it has shorter throws and the transmission has better synchros. The clutch felt the same, the excellent Porsche brakes felt the same.

The big difference was in the comfort. The 991 rides better, takes out the bad bumps better with a more controlled suspension; it has less road noise and a much (much!) better exhaust note. The electric power steering did feel a bit artificial, but to be honest, I never liked the steering on the 997 - I thought it was over-boosted. I would have to put a lot more miles on a 991 to really shake-out the steering. I absolutely despise the electrically assisted steering on the new BMWs, and I sure hope Porsche did a better job with it.

In summary, the 991 is the continued evolution of the 911. It is more comfortable and a bit more civilized (i.e. less "raw") but in turn, it continues to lose the charm that the old air-cooled cars had. But really, those old air-cooled cars were pretty primitive.

These new 911s are also getting really stupid expensive. However, I'll bet with all of the dissatisfied 991 buyers trading them in and the subsidized leases coming due in a few years, they will be a bargain in the used market.

malexgcab

Thanks for the review

petee1997

I wouldn't count on many dissatisfied owners trading their 991's. I am now on my 7th Porsche since 1983. This is by far the best, especially the S with sports chrono and PDk. This car can do it all from DD to track car. To top it off, it is the best looking 911 ever.

Para82

I'm interested to hear the exhaust note of the 991, that's a big selling point for me when I buy a car...

MJBird993

I'm sensing sarcasm here, Para.

Redline911

However, I'll bet with all of the dissatisfied 991 buyers trading them in and the subsidized leases coming due in a few years, they will be a bargain in the used market.

What are they trading their 991's in for?

SARGEPUG

Those "old air cooled cars" are primitive, but DAM they are a blast to drive! I of course speak from experience!
Also, relative to they day, they were always highly advanced. When the '84 3.2 Carrera came out, it was the fastest standard production car of it's time. Had "cutting edge" cpu system, etc, etc. Again, it's all relative.

I am curious about your 997 overboosted steering comment. Mine does not feel like that at all, but I have a 997.2 C2S with SPASM, so it's tough to compare to a base 997 C2.
I've heard the same negativity about the BMW electronic steering system, even down to a MotorWeek test of the new M6. They close to hated it!
My friend just climbed out of an '06 C4S and into a 991 C2S. He loves the car and I will soon be testing his S against my S.

pissedpuppy

totally subjective. like favorite colors ,etc.

Para82

No i'm dead serious. I've looked at the 991, sat in the 991, that was all fine, didn't really catch my attention anymore than a 997 would in fact the versions I saw looked slightly akward to me. (Though I think the 991 GT2 Spyshots on Autoblog is the best looking 911 to date).

But really I've NEVER heard a 991. And everyone is raving about the exhaust. I'm big on sound, almost as important as speed and handling for me.


BTW here is the GT2 ... http://www.autoblog.com/photos/porsc...gt2-spy-shots/

Mudcat

991 GT2...drooling with anticipation.

CORSASCHNELL

These huge car companies don't make new products at great expense because they feel like it. As you know in business everything is market driven. Customers worldwide demand a more comfortable and compliant ride, less noise, no manual transmission, etc. and Porsche has complied.

Car enthusiasts always want a "race car" but they really don't. I have had a couple of exotics and the small cabin, high level of noise, buzzing through the body give you a headache after a one hour drive.

Some may say the 991 is a softer Porsche but the proper word is more refined. IMHO, the exterior design is marvelous and I love all 911 designs.

sandwedge

I like the looks of it from certain angles. This is one angle I can't warm up to. I've tried but it's not happening. Sends Panamera and 996 signals at the same time.

CAlexio

White lights look great with brown

fskof

Wait for the 991 GT3

sandwedge

Is the 991GT3 wb? Tail looks nice and fat.