991 PSDS review
#151
Burning Brakes
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I think many respondents not familiar with the Sport Chrono option do not realize that the "normal"
mode of the 991 is really an "ECO" mode programmed to maximize fuel mileage and avoid the gas guzzler tax. It is perfectly acceptable in normal street driving but certainly not on a race track if performance or lower lap times are wanted. The change from "Normal" to "Sport" or "Sport Plus" totally changes the character of the car. It simultaneously changes throttle response, suspension stiffness and gear change levels. Until you actually experience the placid "*****-Cat" normal change into a frenetic Tiger in Sport Plus, you cannot imagine the difference in character. It is almost like having 3 different cars. After racing a 911GT2 MT Race Car in IMSA, PCA and SCCA for many years, I find the Automatic features of the PDK (and even the much maligned Tiptronic) to result in lower lap times for most of my students and myself as well - much faster learning, permitting more attention to be paid to perfecting the other skills such as braking, acceleration, track line, traffic, passing, watching mirrors, etc.
mode of the 991 is really an "ECO" mode programmed to maximize fuel mileage and avoid the gas guzzler tax. It is perfectly acceptable in normal street driving but certainly not on a race track if performance or lower lap times are wanted. The change from "Normal" to "Sport" or "Sport Plus" totally changes the character of the car. It simultaneously changes throttle response, suspension stiffness and gear change levels. Until you actually experience the placid "*****-Cat" normal change into a frenetic Tiger in Sport Plus, you cannot imagine the difference in character. It is almost like having 3 different cars. After racing a 911GT2 MT Race Car in IMSA, PCA and SCCA for many years, I find the Automatic features of the PDK (and even the much maligned Tiptronic) to result in lower lap times for most of my students and myself as well - much faster learning, permitting more attention to be paid to perfecting the other skills such as braking, acceleration, track line, traffic, passing, watching mirrors, etc.
#152
Race Car
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: With A Manual Transmission
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Tiptronic is not as fast as manual at anything other than 0-60, 1/4 mile.
The shifting is horrible, balance transfer when it downshifts in corner exit.from being in the wrong gear. It's terrible on track and while relieving the driver of some responsibilities, also promotes slow reactions and bad anticipation because the car reacts slow.
The shifting is horrible, balance transfer when it downshifts in corner exit.from being in the wrong gear. It's terrible on track and while relieving the driver of some responsibilities, also promotes slow reactions and bad anticipation because the car reacts slow.
#153
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Your point is accurate, but just as true for most car comparisons as it is for the 991 vs 997. Just take a look at the Nurburgring on a day it is open to the public. You will see Ferrari 458s and their ilk being soundly lapped by locals in their VW Golfs.
#154
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Tiptronic is not as fast as manual at anything other than 0-60, 1/4 mile.
The shifting is horrible, balance transfer when it downshifts in corner exit.from being in the wrong gear. It's terrible on track and while relieving the driver of some responsibilities, also promotes slow reactions and bad anticipation because the car reacts slow.
The shifting is horrible, balance transfer when it downshifts in corner exit.from being in the wrong gear. It's terrible on track and while relieving the driver of some responsibilities, also promotes slow reactions and bad anticipation because the car reacts slow.
#155
Race Director
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: KC ex pat marooned in NY
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Just did a porsche track day at monticello raceway with the new 991/991s. Cars are fast, sound good and generally outperform their 997 counterparts. The 991s will outrun a 997gt3, no doubt. I found the ptv very unintrusive and the pdk in sport plus pretty flawless. I personally like the 6mt, but I calls 'em like I sees 'em!
Granted, it's better than a 997 in every catagory, but just a little better.
If I had a good 997 or a good deal on one, I'd hold .
c
Granted, it's better than a 997 in every catagory, but just a little better.
If I had a good 997 or a good deal on one, I'd hold .
c
Last edited by TT Surgeon; 06-10-2012 at 11:37 AM.