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^^definitely agree with the above sentiment. I have 5 kids and a Carrera T with LWBS. 991.2 was never a family car, that’s why I have a minivan…plus one passenger at a time in the car is more than enough! If I were wanting a manual I’d definitely go with the new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing. Like above I had a CTS-V wagon with the six speed and it was epic. I love and drive my T more but that caddy was something else: huge, V-8 SC engine, fast, fun, and completely unique. Only reason I sold it was because it started to become too collectible and I felt guilt driving it which is not my style.
I know they are not MT but how about Ford Raptor or Ram TRX?
Lots of space to haul stuff, quad cab for passengers and they are tool vehicles so you can't get too upset with scratches etc.
Also keep the 911.
I find my golf the ultimate in practical. Its an ugly little thing but good or even great in so many ways.
Originally Posted by koala
Decided to poke around to see what sort of performance "family" vehicles out there have a MT. The "list" is not very long.
BMW M3 Sedan
Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
Golf R isn't that practical. I have one as a daily driver, the cargo space is laughably small if you're actually using the back seats for passengers. The front trunk in the 911 probably has as much usable space as the Golf trunk.
Thanks for all the responses and suggestions. Since I'm not in a rush to replace the 991 just yet, I have a great list of cars I need to test drive.
1. BMW E39 M5
2. Audi RS
3. Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing
I'm leaning towards the older cars that have less technical assistance (automatic transmission, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, etc). If I decide to get a car with the newest tech, I may just go with an EV.
Thanks again!
--
J
Hope you have a big piggy bank if you decide on the M5. Could be a very costly ownership experience.
I LOVE Audi RS lineup or for that matter the E63 wagon but the OP wanted a manual. If no manual then there are endless new car choices. Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo, Cayenne, Macans, Taycans. Then there’s the BMWs, Audis, Cadillac, Alfa Romeo, Masaratti, and even Ferrari FF. Older sports sedans with manuals are definitely out there but the new ones are slim pickings:
Audi: none
Porsche: none
BMW: M3/4 = ugly
VW: Golf R
Cadillac: CT4-V Blackwing or CT5-V Blackwing
im sure I missing one or two but those are the new car choices. But if you want an older car the list is almost endless and is about compromises in tech, performance etc.
OP: I know your goal is to have a sporty car with a manual and "991 feeling", but hear me out:
I have two kids too and got my first 911 (997) when they were toddlers, they love the back seat! The kids got big and they didn't care for the back seat, bummer but never considered selling it because of it. A few years forward, I traded the 997 for a 991, they are now teenagers and starting to drive.
Moral of the story: Kids were never a reason to sell my Porsche, they loved it even when they didn't fit in the back. I believe you'll regret selling the 991 because there's no substitute.
Last edited by Guards_Red_991; 08-08-2021 at 08:01 AM.
The GM magnaride is great and it seems they have finally figured out how to deal with their suspension settings with a dial on the steering wheel. The manual CT4 V blackwing also gets titanium con rods for faster revs. They are doing some great stuff with aero too. And no fake grills (ahem, Audi…)!
Caddy has already come out and said these are their last gas powered high performance cars which is very sad, they can go so much further with it and I’m not interested in a high performance EV that can’t be tracked for more than 2 laps.
A manual version of either caddy will surely hold value well - they won’t make a ton of them and there will be high demand on the used market.
I am trying to plant the seed with my wife for her to get a blackwing for her next car but she is so used to never needing gas she might go EV again… boooo
This forum makes people forget that Japanese cars exist. Check out a Civic Type R or STI; both exceptional practical sports cars available in manual.
The 2022 STI has yet to be unveiled but I expect it should hit all the notes you're looking for.
If you're like many others on this forum and just can't possibly fathom driving a Japanese car, really seems like the choice is limited new(er) Cadillac or M3, or older Audi. If JUST (German) 4 doors and a manual transmission are the requirement, then you should really try to find a B7 Audi RS4. There are not many around and they are in high demand, but you WON'T find a better car at any price point that meets that criteria. They are also as reliable as you can expect- you just won't get all the bells and whistles of a modern car (although much of that could be solved with an aftermarket head unit that supports CarPlay/AA...). But it's been considered by many to be the best sports sedan ever built, and the engine is a masterpiece (*doesn't suffer from the timing chain issues the other 4.2L Audis do either).
Or, you should just really consider moving on from the manual requirement. I get it, I am/have been the same way. Thing is, now that I've owned several cars with exceptional automatics, I don't really care about a manual as much. They have their unique appeal but I've come to realize they are NOT necessary to enjoy driving.
If cost is not a concern, then my suggestion would be to keep the 991 as your "fun" car and get a nice modern 4 door like a Panamera, Macan, Audi S/RS, Giulia Quadrifoglio, etc. you can fit the kids in AND is good to drive. If cost is a concern and you have to move the 991 to give the financial headroom, then consider getting a cheaper "fun" car with a manual that lets you get your 3 pedal fix on the weekends. This opens up the door to things like a Subaru WRX, BRZ/FRS, Nissan 370Z, the list goes on.
Or just get a new Japanese car that fits the bill perfectly and be done with it.
Last edited by manifold danger; 08-08-2021 at 09:04 AM.
"Spoiler alert - the e39 m5 is probably the most overhyped sports sedan ever. It drives like a boat and is 20yrs old now ... which is to say most of them are worn out even with lowish to moderate mileage. I owned a very nice '03 M5 several years back and after a 911 GTS, I wouldn't even waste my time with it but I guess there is only one way to find out if you'll like it.:"
I have one and while not perfect and at 146k miles, its not worn out and very fun to drive. By one, budget $5k for a suspension and brake overhaul and boom.
You don't mention budget, but of 40k is a good spot you could also look at something like these:
"Spoiler alert - the e39 m5 is probably the most overhyped sports sedan ever. It drives like a boat and is 20yrs old now ... which is to say most of them are worn out even with lowish to moderate mileage. I owned a very nice '03 M5 several years back and after a 911 GTS, I wouldn't even waste my time with it but I guess there is only one way to find out if you'll like it.:"
I have one and while not perfect and at 146k miles, its not worn out and very fun to drive. By one, budget $5k for a suspension and brake overhaul and boom.
You don't mention budget, but of 40k is a good spot you could also look at something like these:
Finding a good one would be tough. They were fairly limited and the e9x while good cars for their day, they leave a bit to be desired in driving dynamics compared to the newer performance cars available.
"Spoiler alert - the e39 m5 is probably the most overhyped sports sedan ever. It drives like a boat and is 20yrs old now ... which is to say most of them are worn out even with lowish to moderate mileage. I owned a very nice '03 M5 several years back and after a 911 GTS, I wouldn't even waste my time with it but I guess there is only one way to find out if you'll like it.:"
I have one and while not perfect and at 146k miles, its not worn out and very fun to drive. By one, budget $5k for a suspension and brake overhaul and boom.
You don't mention budget, but of 40k is a good spot you could also look at something like these:
e39 m5 is a really neat car. The engine is a gem. Steering lacks feel and precision - since it’s recirculating ball - and the car is big and heavy compared to a 911. It’s not a substitute for a Porsche by any means, but it’s a great sports sedan.
08-07-2021, 11:37 AM
