911 as a Weekend Car?
01-28-2019, 01:49 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
911 as a Weekend Car?
I've always wanted a 911 but I could never commit to one as a daily driver. The back seat has always given be me pause. I currently have a Panamera Turbo and have an itch to grab a 911 as a weekend car. My questions to everyone would be. Given the driving dynamics of a 911 vs the Panamera would the 911 feel special enough? The cars that I'd get would be one of a 911 GTS, 911 Turbo S, or a GT3. Ultimately, I'd like to grab a sports car that feels special every time I sit in it.
Thoughts?
Thoughts?
01-28-2019, 03:49 AM
#2
Burning Brakes
Only you can answer this question but I’ll give you my 2 cents. I’m on my first Porsche, a ‘19 C2 GTS and since you already own a pretty fast Panamera, you’re probably familiar with P-cars in general.
My GTS feels very special to me and I’ve driven some fast cars. To me, it’s more than straight line performance but rather about the overall package. I like tinkering with cars so I’ve modded my car with a few things to make it stage II ready and will probably pull the trigger with Cobb eventually but I digress. If I had a Turbo Panamera, I’d probably go out and buy an Audi R8 V10 and slap on a supercharger. That’s just me...I like variety. If you want a strictly weekend car, check out the .2 GT3 or even something more exotic. As most will recommend, go test drive those vehicles and decide for yourself. Life is short so make a decision and don’t look back.
My GTS feels very special to me and I’ve driven some fast cars. To me, it’s more than straight line performance but rather about the overall package. I like tinkering with cars so I’ve modded my car with a few things to make it stage II ready and will probably pull the trigger with Cobb eventually but I digress. If I had a Turbo Panamera, I’d probably go out and buy an Audi R8 V10 and slap on a supercharger. That’s just me...I like variety. If you want a strictly weekend car, check out the .2 GT3 or even something more exotic. As most will recommend, go test drive those vehicles and decide for yourself. Life is short so make a decision and don’t look back.
01-28-2019, 06:44 AM
#5
Race Car
I just went through a similar experience. I had a 991.2 C2S for a year. It had become a weekend and occasional track car only - I DD my Tesla because it's just so damn easy/comfortable. I had originally thought I'd drive the 911 more but after a year I had to admit I wasn't doing it.
IMHO the 911 is awesome. Such a great compromise b/w performance, luxury and convenience. But if you're only going to drive it once in a while, why not sacrifice some of the luxury and convenience for the thrill of a more exotic experience? That's where I ended up. I considered a 570S but ended up in a .2 GT3 because I just like Porsche so much and it's a far more capable track car. I'll say this - the GT3 is far, far more exciting BUT it's equally less convenient. I miss keyless entry, push button start, parking sensors, etc. I wouldn't want to DD the GT3 but it's easy enough to drive that I've found myself using it more than I expected. I'm thrilled with the "upgrade".
Net/net - I think if I owned a Panny (which in some ways is similar to the Tesla) I'd go with something a tad crazier than a Carrera.
IMHO the 911 is awesome. Such a great compromise b/w performance, luxury and convenience. But if you're only going to drive it once in a while, why not sacrifice some of the luxury and convenience for the thrill of a more exotic experience? That's where I ended up. I considered a 570S but ended up in a .2 GT3 because I just like Porsche so much and it's a far more capable track car. I'll say this - the GT3 is far, far more exciting BUT it's equally less convenient. I miss keyless entry, push button start, parking sensors, etc. I wouldn't want to DD the GT3 but it's easy enough to drive that I've found myself using it more than I expected. I'm thrilled with the "upgrade".
Net/net - I think if I owned a Panny (which in some ways is similar to the Tesla) I'd go with something a tad crazier than a Carrera.
01-28-2019, 07:47 AM
#6
Rennlist Member
I would go for the GT3. I love my Turbo S but you already know fast from driving the Panny Turbo.
The GT3 with the screaming redline capability and raw driving experience is the one that really is different and best for weekends including track weekends.
The GT3 with the screaming redline capability and raw driving experience is the one that really is different and best for weekends including track weekends.
01-28-2019, 07:53 AM
#7
I’m probably coming at this backwards, but I would get the GT3 as an incredible weekend car and sell the Panamera for something like an M5. That would be a great garage, and they will both feel sufficiently different.
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01-28-2019, 08:21 AM
#8
Advanced
Definitely IMHO would go with the GT3. I had a ‘16 Spyder which was an amazing canyon carving car. Loved it. But the wife wanted a few more amenities so I jump over to a Targa GTS. If I had the means I would have something like a Spyder or GT3 for the weekend. Like previous posters have stated you already have a luxurious fast Porsche.
01-28-2019, 09:55 AM
#9
SJW, a Carin' kinda guy
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
“I'll say this - the GT3 is far, far more exciting BUT it's equally less convenient. I miss keyless entry, push button start, parking sensors, etc. I wouldn't want to DD the GT3 but it's easy enough to drive that I've found myself using it more than I expected. I'm thrilled with the "upgrade".”
Of the reasons why it may be a challenge to daily, those three things would not have even occurred to me.
Turning the key is not so bad and the standard rear view camera is good enough for parking.
The only real challenges are the ground clearance (annoying but doable with FAL), noise level (not too bad), suspension firmness (fine by me), and Cup2/sport maxx tires (untenable for me as a daily so I got a second set of wheels with all season tires, but 4S would probably work fine).
Of the reasons why it may be a challenge to daily, those three things would not have even occurred to me.
Turning the key is not so bad and the standard rear view camera is good enough for parking. The only real challenges are the ground clearance (annoying but doable with FAL), noise level (not too bad), suspension firmness (fine by me), and Cup2/sport maxx tires (untenable for me as a daily so I got a second set of wheels with all season tires, but 4S would probably work fine).
01-28-2019, 10:14 AM
#10
If you definitely want a new 911 I recommend trying a manual Carrera T.
Unless you are tracking them I think you will find the GT3 and Turbo S a bit extreme for the street in terms of fun weekend driving.
01-28-2019, 11:01 AM
#11
If you can swing a GT3 then go for it. Unless you want a drop top. I daily a 650M GranCoupe. Admittedly not on the level of your Panny but the weekend car is a 991.1S Cab and the polarizing feel is perfect and makes the Porsche feel so much more special. The 650 is a torque monster and big, heavy highway cruiser just like your Panny.
01-28-2019, 11:17 AM
#12
why don't you rent a 911 for a day and find out? there are specialty rental companies that carry 911s. i haven't driven a panamera so cannot compare but i'm sure if you drive a 911 first hand you will know your answer.
01-28-2019, 11:38 AM
#13
Another great option, depending on location, is renting through Turo. I rented a 718 Boxster S for three days and an M4 for a week through Turo before buying. Ended up with a 981 Boxster GTS and 991.2 Carrera.
01-29-2019, 06:34 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
With a Panamera around, I wouldn't get a Carrera-line car. Sure, it's different—but the Pana would have me looking at either a GT3 6MT or a Boxster Spyder. 981 Boxster GTS or Cayman GTS 6MT would be in the running, also. Underrated, and utterly usable.
01-29-2019, 10:28 PM
#15
Pro
I have a Panamera Turbo S e-hybrid and a 991.2 GTS. They are very different cars and the driving dynamics are totally unique. The 911 will feel special... more connected, dynamic, and “switched on”. The Panamera is no slouch but it’s still a luxury sedan.
