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?

 

 

GTS or GT3 for weekend car. I would go with a GT3

 

 

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.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

To each his/her own, but you asked for thoughts, and mine would be for a weekend toy you should try a Boxster/Cayman before making a decision. Particularly if you can get your hands on a 981 Spyder.

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.