Slapshot1

I've been considering purchase of a 2012 (997.2) Carrera 4 GTS. However, what I started out wanting was a great sport touring car. I wanted performance, but also real comfort. The difficult part is, there aren't a lot of those, and most are made in Great Britain and Italy and either cost way too much, aren't reliable or well made, or all of the above.

I have ended up looking at Porsche cars because I know how well designed and built they are, and their reliability. A couple friends, longstanding and significant members of the local Porsche club have advised me against buying any 997 series because they are simply too track oriented, and advised me to wait until I can afford a 991 series Carrera 4S saying they can be set up for a much greater degree of comfort for daily driving.

Am I getting the right information? This car would be a daily driver at least seven months of the year. Thanks for any help with this.

LavaGTS

It's more comfortable.

Mark993TT

Needsdecaf

Would disagree with your friends. A 997 is no way track oriented at all....assuming normal Carrera models.

Having said that, no doubt the 991 is more comfortable. The longer wheelbase smooths out the ride. There is more sound deadening and more interior space.

Now, having said THAT, it's not a Lexus or a Mercedes. There is plenty of road noise, and it's still a sports car. You're going to feel the impacts, it's low to get in and out of, it has **** cup holders and a small trunk. So don't expect it to be like a 6 series coupé or anything GT oriented. It gets called the GT here as a tongue in cheek jab by the older Car crowd, but it's not a GT. It's still a sports car. For better and worse.

I think by your description you'd be better off in a 6 series, an E Class Coupe, an S5, maybe a Lexus RC. Those are GT Sports Tourers.

Dennis C

subwoofer

Comfort. It is all relative. My 991.2 is comfortable to drive but it is not a sport sedan or a highway cruiser. Nor is it quiet with lots of space for storage. Sure is fun to drive though.

Slapshot1

Thanks for your input. And I don't disagree with your conclusions. I've looked at all of them, and others. An SL63 AMG was a contender until I talked to five independent Mercedes repair shops and they told me that the price I paid for the car would be the cheapest part of my investment. An S5 isn't quite enough to satisfy me, its a very nice car, just a category below where I want to be. I did check out an R8, and thats simply too far performance oriented to be an every day car. I test drove two Lexus RC, and that was nearly the answer, but they have a performance issue with their transmission and drivetrain interplay that would rive me crazy, and has resulted in the sale of three cars I personally know of. A Lexus LC500 would probably be ideal, but they are out of my price range by a lot. I've also test driven two different Maserati Gran Turismos, and while I really enjoyed them, the mushy brakes, and some other things just make them a no go. As far as BMW 6 series cars, those have been universally considered the single worst class of cars BMW ever made. Even the M6's got trashed in reviews. Too big, too heavy, inadequate performance, and less than expected handling quality. And I'm a big BMW guy too, but no way would I go near a six series. And so, I ended up looking at Porsche 911's by default, with everything else simply failing to make the cut, and out of the great respect I have for Porsche design, build quality, performance and reliability. And I do understand they are hardly sports touring cars, I'm simply running out of options. And, agreed, either a 997.2 model now, or a 991 model a bit later, when I have more funding, may certainly not be an ideal option either. .

chuck911

Between yesterday and today you could have just driven one of each, and then you would know. Might as well, there is after all no other way.

13mit

You're looking at very different classes of cars. An M6 or any 6 series car is not even comparable to a 911 nor are the Lexus LC500 or Maseratis. All of those are much heavier, more sports touring style vehicles. And if you're looking for comfort on long drives, that's the type of car you should probably go with.

You mentioned you looked at a S5...why not a RS5? That seems like it would fit your bill exactly. Either that or even an RS7. Both have very decent power and are super comfortable to drive.

Dennis C

Not sure about your price range, but what about an Aston Martin Vantage V8?

Hurricane

I cannot speak to the comfort of the 997 because I have only autocrossed it, not really done any long trips on it. However, for the 991, I have done many weekend trips and have found it to be quite comfortable. If comfort is a priority, seek out a PDCC equipped car, stick with PASM instead of SPASM, and consider Bose over base and the get the wonderful Burmester if you can find one so equipped.

Upscale Audio

I just traded in a 997 C4S for a 991 GTS two weeks ago and I enjoy the 991 comfort and quietness but I miss the visceral feel of being in a smaller package that the 997 had. The 991 is a bigger car. The 997 more like a go kart. I know the 991 is faster and more capable but the 997 feels more connected especially with a 6 speed. The 991 certainly will be less fatiguing on long drives.

subwoofer

awrryan

ipse dixit

Is water wet?