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I've been doing some research on the Porsche 991 and have been consuming all the reviews and media hype about it. Most of the content is dated back to when they were first released, but I've also found some newer reviews. The amazing thing is, it seems like everyone loves the 991 - there are very few criticisms out there, especially if you don't consider GT car comments to be negative.
Coming from an e46 M3, which is one of the most beloved BMW's of all time, I'm used to people complaining about SMG, rod bearings, subframes, and other issues. But with the 991, what's the worst they can say? Maybe that the electric steering isn't the same as the older hydraulic systems? But to me, that's not a big deal. Overall, I'm feeling really excited about the 991 and can't wait to experience all that it has to offer.
If you care to delve into more of the critical commentary about the 991, you might consider going through the 997 Rennlist forum.
Common comments focus on the increase in size (bloated is the term used) as being a negative; increased isolation relative to the 997 and previous 911 generations; electronic steering (as you've noted).
In studying the 991 market, my sense is that there are so many "bland builds" - that must have been the result of dealerships spec'ing the cars to reduce sales risk. Specifically - so many of the same colors - silvers, whites, red, black. Very high percentage of PDK's (often quoted as being 85%.) Not very many full leather interiors. Comparatively sparse optioning.
A 991 with a great build can certainly be an outstanding 911.
i mean from the reviewers not many say negative things but they all say the same stuff oh the GTS is the true sweet spot of the 911 line up, has the 991.2 lost is character because its turbo??? truth is these cars are kinda the pinnacle of engineering of their time even now they do their jobs so well that its hard to find a car that offers this level of performance for the cost and build quality of any 991 generation. i think what sucks is that the newer machines will never be considered classics imo. 991 is Porsche going full commercial and becoming a big time company and never looking back. i find the 991 interesting because its chassis that they invested a lot in to modernize the 911 its very clear internally a 992 is pretty much the same as a 991 engine and suspension for the most part. i have a feeling the 991.2's/992 will end up sorta like a the 2.5 gts 718 they will get rid of the turbos and go back to the NA.
A lot of car magazines, in particular Car and Driver, will hardly have anything negative to say about anything ever. They might be critical of some aspect, but overall still hype up whatever they’re writing about. In general, the 991 was overwhelmingly well received, except for a few points such as the early year EPS numbness that you mentioned. It’s a lighter platform than the 997, which was a reverse of previous gens increasing weight over the prior gen. It’s more stable and turns faster lap times, and only gets better with every year of production. Sure, it’s larger, another common complaint, but this resulted in better ergonomics and more comfort; it’s also a more balanced chassis that is easier to drive fast. To me they’re a very beautiful iteration of the tried and true, and I’m really happy I picked one up.
That's the funny thing about the evolution of the 911, the newer version is simultaneously better yet somehow smooths out or improves some aspect in the older generation that people enjoyed, keeping the older ones desirable. I'd honestly love to sample them all. I've yet to drive a 996 for example, which by today's standards likely counts as quite a 'raw' experience .
I think one of the more negative reviews was from Evo, but even then overall, it was still rated as a fantastic car. All in all, any 911 you can get is going to be amazing!
I don't hate it but it does disappoint.
Driving dynamics and the NA soundtrack are great.
The interior is lackluster.
Build quality in general is mediocre.
Realistically the worst thing that can be said is someone didn’t get to drive it enough. There is no car without flaws, including 911s. IMHO it boils down to personal taste. There are enough variants of the 911 to make everyone happy. Good luck as you seek the right one for you.
Check out the 997 forum for more criticism of the 991. I doubt many folks have owned or driven both but will still share their opinion based off what they read or see on the internet nowadays. In my opinion the 991 is a significantly better daily than my 997, and in most other categories. Congrats on your new car!
The car media has nearly always been positive about the 911. Past and present.
Porsche created a style that is worldwide recognizable, people comment on mine at traffic light and gas station stops. You wouldn’t think that at one point Porsche was going to kill the 911.
My ‘19 C4S is well put together, free of rattles (no sunroof helps), has the right equipment (I ordered) and is driven. Mine was likely one of the last 991.2 C4S manual built before they shut the line down to switch to 992 production.
I have owned both 997 and 991. My experience with the 997 was great, not without many flaws but still loved owning it. On my second 991 now.
OP You’ll have to share more about what you’re looking for in the 911. it’ll be easier to provide perspective on the 991 attributes that are most important to you. For example some people want tech, some interior, some manual, some cab, and it goes on and on.
Given the limited number of posts by the OP, this feels extra troll-y to me.
I went from a 992C4S to a 991.2 Targa 4. While the 992 improves on the 991 in objectively good ways, it also lost some of the character/DNA that’s in the 991.2. Truth be told, there’s a bit more character with the 991 cars, ie the good kind of imperfect. I don’t make this as some flippant observation as I have spent more time in a 992 than the average bear — I put over 35k miles on my 992 in 2 1/2 years. Taking that experience and regressing back into a 991 has been very interesting.
I do have to say that I LOVE my 991.2 Targa 4. Enthusiast spec — 2018, Manual transmission, PSE, Premium Package Plus, and a bunch of little details that elevate the experience.
I had a 997.1 S and traded up to a 991.1 S. I Like the 997, but at 6’4” the extra room is welcomed. The 991.1 has just enough electronics for daily driving but still feels somewhat retro on comparison to the newer models. The cabin noise in the 997.1 and .2 was considerably louder. I love the NA engine of the 991.1 I feel like I’m in the sweet spot of the combination of modern and retro.
Many have mentioned the 997. I have a 991.1 GTS and a 997 GTS. I write about them here... www.GTSence.com/blog
The easiest way that I describe the difference between them is that the 991 is more T and the 997 is more S.
There are things that I like and dislike about both of them... far more to like though!
02-15-2023, 08:36 PM
Who hated the 991?
