dertub

Rattles? Squeaks? Really? I started with an '02, sold it and now drive the '04 GT3 daily. I have the 3 RS's but don't drive them every day. I have never heard a rattle or squeak, period. Maybe in my old Corvette, but never in a P-car.

ADias

It is interesting to see, even in this forum (supposedly populated by sports car enthusiasts), posters openly embracing more comfort, softer suspension, more relaxed driving, and so on. PAG really knows their customers.

Another point - many of these people now embracing GT characteristics used to profess hard core features, such as stick shift shifting instead of PDK. Now they are ready to accept a car that has broad steering control, almost driving itself. Funny!

Galion

Maybe I have it all backwards, but I do love a sports car feel, I currently own a 10 Subaru STI and a 11 Mini JCW, both with manual transmission (I know, they are in a whole different level from a P-Car) but I really enjoy driving them, they push hard off the line, handling is superb, very comfortable for a long trip and both sound beautifully with the stock exhaust, BUT they are not a Porsche 911, period.

I am really looking forward for the 991 to be fast and good handling, but also a solid comfortable cruiser, I guess I am getting old.
I just put a hold on my 991 order, planning in driving it first.
Even though this is my dream car, I just can't justify having such an expensive machine that can only be fully enjoyed in the track.
Will keep you posted if the Panny rings to me.
Thanks for your advice.

ADias

I regularly drive a 997 long, 1000-2000 mile, road trips. Very comfortable car.

Road trip comfort is not a cushy ride, but rather it is a controlled ride. A soft cushy suspension car filters the high frequencies on the road surface and may appear comfortable - it is not, as it does not handle the low frequencies well. I drive 300 miles non-stop on a 996 or 997 and arrive fresh. The same route on a cushy sedan makes me tired. Perceptions are not always reality.

utkinpol

a truly eye-opening experience is to get a ride in a proper cup car with 1k+ lbs springs. after that it is very difficult to start thinking of something else...

ask

Hey, that's my car! (997.2 C4S PDK).

As others have pointed out, the 991 is supposed to have much less "noise".

Honestly I felt the same way you did the first day or two after I bought mine; it's more "work" at first to drive than an average sedan. However – it didn't take long to get used to and now it's just the opposite. I'm super comfortable in the 997 and when I drive some "regular cars" I almost get motion sickness and feel like I can barely steer it in the direction I need to go from everything being so soft, loose and sloppy.

alexb76

Maybe you're the target market for 991? A bigger, more comfortable, luxurious interior with sound damping all over to dampen the sporty feel, and probably with less rattle, etc...

Panamera just doesnt' do it for me visually, although good performing sedan.

I say, wait to drive both and then decide.

MSR Racer

Agree with ask. I moved from BMWs to Porsche. Later generation BMWs, especially 3- and 5-series cars have become increasingly more refined and I found them boring to drive. My first 911 was an "eye-opener."

For a sports care, ride comfort is oustanding, and unless you are constantly hitting rough tarmac, it feels better than my current '11 5-series beemer. Then you press the sport button and floor the throttle, it will take off like a rocket. This combination is unmatched and not available at this price range from any other car maker.

beowulf

You're disappointed with the Porsche but enjoy the Subaru and JCW detritus? LOL

1BlinkGone

I have not driven a 997.2 C2 or C4 yet. But I can tell you that I drove a 2011 CaymanS that exhibited NONE of the issues your test drive did. What it did was plaster a big grin on my face.

Sorry to hear of your experience. Maybe you need to give one more subject (a different car) a spin. (like getting a second opinion...) And make sure you you are not in Sport or Sport Plus mode.

Galvano

I'll offer a dissenting view: If you are trying to decide between a 991 and a Panamera you really want a Panamera.

Cowhorn

You may want to visit your local Lexus dealership.

street

I had a full lea '07 and that was a rattle trap. I skipped lea on my '10, and it's totally rattle-free. I've been given a Pana loaner about 6 times. Nice car, but it's no sportscar. Curiously, it weighs less than an Audi S4, but feels much heavier. I can't stand the rear view -- from inside, I mean. Hit or miss in reverse.

insite

I second that. Porsche is supposed to provide an involved driver experience. If you find that experience exhausting, you may prefer a car that isolates you from the road. Try an IS-f & see if you like it better.

Backmarker

just don't browse the 996 gt3 forum whatever you do