When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
My 914 2.0, in 1973, was more fun on twisty public roads than any of the 911s I have owned since then. You got to use everything it had more of the time.
Being 40 years younger in 1973, fewer cars on the road, and having the top stowed figures into this assessment too!
Having driven on whatever 'twisty' roads I can find for the past 4 years, no matter which you choose will give you great experience and as stated, you will never even get close to the overall potential on public roads. Can you have a great drive, yes you can. Do you need a turbo, NO, as you can't use all the HP/Torque of any Porsche on strictly public roads. The turbo controversy gets me laughing each time it is discussed as everyone is wanting more HP which is more easily gained with a turbo vs.NA yet everyone is wanting the Porsche GT cars which are ALL still normally aspirated cars, even the GT3 Cup Cars. These are the 'silver bullets' that everyone wants and can't get easily due to high demand yet they are still NA platforms. Bottom line, drive the car and enjoy it for what it is..........the ultimate driving machine.
The answer to your question is not more power. Which is what the turbo will provide.
If you want a more engaging experience. Keep your current car. Change the exhaust/ headers. Change the suspension to a better spring rate with sways and end links with your PDCC and take those turns and make that N/A engine wail around the curves.
I’ve owned one normally aspirated 911 and two turbocharged 911s. In my opinion, they are all great on twisty roads! You’ll have fun in any of them!
I enjoy my 991.1 Turbo S the most of the three cars, especially on twisty roads. However, it’s not the power that makes the difference. It’s the stability of the chassis, the PDCC option, the rear wheel steering option, etc. The car is more stable and nimble than you’d ever imagine. I can also say this without flinching: I enjoy PDK in the twisties more than I ever expected. I’ve been a manual transmission guy my whole life until I bought the 991. While I still love manual transmissions, there’s something special about approaching a tight curve and quickly downshifting through 2 or 3 gears. The sensation is even better with an aftermarket exhaust and the top down.
Back to the OP’s original question - personally I’d keep the GTS. While the turbo is fantastic, I don’t think you’d notice a big enough difference in performance for your intended purpose.
The answer to your question is not more power. Which is what the turbo will provide.
If you want a more engaging experience. Keep your current car. Change the exhaust/ headers. Change the suspension to a better spring rate with sways and end links with your PDCC and take those turns and make that N/A engine wail around the curves.
100% agree with this thinking and add the DSC Sport V3 Suspension Controller to that list as it makes a HUGE difference in handling the curves............
I'd ditch the awd 911 for a Cayman or a rwd 911 to get more agility and better handling on mountain roads. In terms of your question, keep the car you have. The turbo is more weight and power, no benefit on a mountain road.
My '18 911T fits that bill . Manual 7 SPD and PCCB's included . Rips it up on our So Cal twistys and Mountain roads. ... Just went on San Diego Porsche club 120 mile back country tour to Idyllwild, this car made for those roads.
No car is perfect. Every one is a compromise in some aspect. For corners, a go kart or a Formula 1 car. For a Porsche a GT4 or GT3RS. IMO the car you already have is pretty good and a few suspension mods would work or you could just trade it for a 991.2 GTS with RAS and rear wheel drive.
Has a manual. The turbo is overkill for the street. The turbo power delivery is different. Better for drag racing if thats your thing. It sounds like my dyson compared to the 3.8. Either car is awesome.