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I unfortunately have to replace my 997.2 C2S Cab. I've dearly loved it for the past 8 years but a sudden stop event forces me to look for a replacement. It's hard finding another 997.2 fit the same way so I'm opening my aperture to consider a 991.1 or even a 991.2.
The tech specs say the 991 is just 2 inches longer than the 997 but numbers don't tell the whole story. I have to confess, the lines -- and particularly the rear slope -- of the 991 don't grab me like the 997 did. I would love to hear from people who have migrated from a 997 to a 991 what their experience was, what they liked, what they didn't like, etc.
This car would be a semi-daily driver and road trip car. I added about 65,000 miles to my car in the last 8 years. I don't track (my local club likes that since it makes me available to help out at HPDEs).
can't speak to somewhat subjective issues like sound and looks as they mean nothing to me. I bought mine because it is far and away, IMO, a much better car for driving and that's all that matters to me. added a softronic tune and DSC suspension controller and I am gold.
I have driven but never owned a 997, however, by all accounts, the 991 is a far better and more comfortable daily and road trip car than a 997. The 991 is a more refined road car, more spacious, has better performance....etc.
In terms of negatives, the 991's steering has been the primary criticism to those who love the telepathic feel of the hydraulic setup in the 997 and earlier cars. Porsche migrated to electric steering system in the 991, so 1st generation and a step backwards in terms of feel and feedback, but that's in comparison to the 997, not a general statement as the 991 steering is accurate and precise.
I have driven but never owned a 997, however, by all accounts, the 991 is a far better and more comfortable daily and road trip car than a 997. The 991 is a more refined road car, more spacious, has better performance....etc.
In terms of negatives, the 991's steering has been the primary criticism to those who love the telepathic feel of the hydraulic setup in the 997 and earlier cars. Porsche migrated to electric steering system in the 991, so 1st generation and a step backwards in terms of feel and feedback, but that's in comparison to the 997, not a general statement as the 991 steering is accurate and precise.
the steering was improved (among a host of other things) when the 991.2 came out although I have no direct experience with the 991.1.
I traded in my 997.2 GTS vert for a 991.2 targa gts in 2018.
I would not have traded my 997.2 for a 991.1 as the "upgrades" to the engine, interior and technology were not significant enough to overcome the price delta together with, in my opinion, the better looks of the 997.
However, the 991.2 upgraded the 997.2 in almost every way and was worth the cost of admission - and losing the better looks of the 997. In the Porsche world it makes alot of financial sense to skip at least one generation before "upgrading." The picture attached is the only one I have of my ex 997.2 and current 991.2 together. I love my 911 991.2, but the 997.2 shape is better looking.
For instance, i would take a low mileage .1 S over .2 base (400 vs 375 HP). To me a sports car should have at least 400 HP (also the S has big brakes and a myriad of other things that make it better). If an extremely low mileage S .2 with a MT is in range go for it as tuned they are 500HP and come with the brakes and other bits to handle the tuned HP. Im guessing the delta between a low mileage .1 S with MT and a low mileage .2 S with MT is 20k. I have owned a .1s since 2015 coming from a 964 and have no itch to upgrade as 400hp on the street is plenty for my skill level. I have driven the .2S and 992S and power delivery with a turbo car is drastically diffèrent. The 992S I would not own.
The steering software in the 991.1 really holds it back but can be remedied.
The steering rack ECU of the all but the earliest 991.1 cars come preloaded with different software profiles for different car trims: 911s, 4s, GT3 etc. The steering rack is shared.
Many on this forum have switched the software config to “GT3” and it makes the steering so much better. Still not as good as the 997.2 but close enough that it doesn’t bother me anymore.
The software change can be done with the ThinkDiag tool which is about $75. You don’t need a PIWIS to change it.
Now that I have fixed the steering software, I have no desire to go back to the 997.2. I always thought the 991.1 was better looking anyway.
I bit the bullet on a 2013 991.1 to replace my 997.2. At the time of the accident, my 997.2 had the 18-inch winter wheels on so I still have the 19-inch factory Carrera IIs in my garage, albeit with summer tires on. Anyone have any experience using these on a 991 with snow tires?
I bit the bullet on a 2013 991.1 to replace my 997.2. At the time of the accident, my 997.2 had the 18-inch winter wheels on so I still have the 19-inch factory Carrera IIs in my garage, albeit with summer tires on. Anyone have any experience using these on a 991 with snow tires?
If you are asking if you can use 19 inch wheels as your winter set (with winter tires), then it comes down to the offset, and if they will clear the brakes.
What are the specs of the wheels (from the 997.2)?
I suspect that the offset will not be ideal.
The steering software in the 991.1 really holds it back but can be remedied.
The steering rack ECU of the all but the earliest 991.1 cars come preloaded with different software profiles for different car trims: 911s, 4s, GT3 etc. The steering rack is shared.
Many on this forum have switched the software config to “GT3” and it makes the steering so much better. Still not as good as the 997.2 but close enough that it doesn’t bother me anymore.
The software change can be done with the ThinkDiag tool which is about $75. You don’t need a PIWIS to change it.
Now that I have fixed the steering software, I have no desire to go back to the 997.2. I always thought the 991.1 was better looking anyway.
Excellent post and information. Is the steering switch pretty straight forward (easy) with the ThnkDiag? I think I am going to order one for this reason. Can you tell of other enhancements available with the ThinkDiag?
If you are asking if you can use 19 inch wheels as your winter set (with winter tires), then it comes down to the offset, and if they will clear the brakes.
What are the specs of the wheels (from the 997.2)?
I suspect that the offset will not be ideal.
I believe (am at work now so not able to look at them right now) I'm dealing with
- Front - 8 x 19 ET 57
- Rear - 11 x 19 ET 67
For the 991, I think the standard wheels are
- Front - 8.5 x 20 ET 51
- Rear - 11 x 20 ET 70
So it would seem to me like a couple 3mm spacers in the back should make things work?
02-23-2024, 12:25 PM
991.1 or 991.2 versus 997.2
