tgcrun

Whoa, I'm gonna run out tomorrow and cancel my 991 Cab order! I'll just wait 7 years and hope the next new 911 is a REAL 911.

SSST

Why would you do that. It's a Porsche and a great car.

I think the point here is that it is the opinion of many (me included) that Porsche has engineered too much of the 911 out of the 991. It is the opinion of many others that this makes it a better car.

There isn't right or wrong. Just personal preference and opinion.

From one can guy to another, I hope you love the new cab.

tgcrun

Can guy? Do you have an "ASSMAN" license plate like Kramer? Actually, I'm so looking forward to my Cab. I've had an '86 Cab, an '87 Targa, a '90 C4 Cab, and an '05 base Coupe (big gap due to kids and career change) and now have an '09 C4S Coupe. They are all great cars, they are all different, and I've loved driving them. I'm keeping the 997.2 (wife's car), and I'm sure I'll enjoy driving the 991 as much as the 997. Probably more, because she hardly ever lets me drive the 997.

SSST

iPad. What can I say.

tgcrun

Been there.

As you said, it's a Porsche and it's a great car, no matter what the year, model or generation. In my opinion, there is not a better car out there for the money, and it's great that Porsche offers something for everyone. Hopefully, for those that aren't enamored with the initial 991 offerings, there will be something in the future that will restore their faith in the Porsche brand. Until then, I'll be cruising in my Cab and having a blast. Meanwhile, is there a way to skip May and June so that July gets here faster?

CarManDSL

When the 996 came around it was not a 911 anymore.
Now the 991 is no longer worthy of 911ness.

It seems whenever Porsche steps forward, some folks want to step back or stay the same. They want the nice new car but the old 911ness of whatever generation/model was their favorite. It just doesn't work that way.

I loved my '81 924Turbo, '74 914/4 and my '70 914/6GT in their day. I love my '99 996 as a daily/track car for 14 years now and I can't wait to finish my 962 build. The 991S is scheduled for May 10 completion and will be equally loved for WHAT IT IS.

IT IS A 911 . . . just a little different than before . . . better in so many ways . . . but never perfect. Just like every previous car Porsche has ever built, some will like it and some won't . . . and that is OK.

mclaudio

I like your post and your diverse Porsche experience. Sometimes, I get my fill of the air-cooled-911-or-go-home mantra. In spite of owning 10 911s, my favorite Porsches to drive so far are the 914s and 944s. I may get a base 991 as a purely street daily driver in a few years when my current DD is due for a replacement.

nkhalidi

Frayed - varsity here from Roadfly. Like you I had an early 7S that I really liked. Same need: modern car for daily commute as well as occasional (fewer than 10 per year) track days.

I bought a Cayman R last fall. This isn't the place to get into the relative merits of a 987 for your needs, but the point is that there are cars other than a 911 (albeit few) that serve the dual purpose well. I considered a 997 variant or waiting for 991, but in the end I opted for the relative low liability of a last-gen 987. After having put 7k commute miles and a couple track days, I'm satisfied with the CR.

It's a matter of how much technology and innovation you want between yourself and the road - some like more, some like less. Personally I prefer to have big cars and trucks fairly whiz-bang, but sports cars more simple.

MSR Racer

Just to add a footnote to what everyone is saying here. I drove the 991S and stepped back into my 997.1 C4S, and I thought what a great car the old one is still. The 991 absolutely fantastic in its own right but there is no quesiton that the game has moved on to a different level and another arena. It is likely the best all-round sports car in the market today yet so different from the old car. So there is no choice here: you cannot have it both ways without keeping both. I decided to keep my Targa and get the new one as well. I will try to hang on to both for as long as I can although circmustances may force me to sell the 997 at some point.

frayed

Hey varsity, how's it going? A buddy here in Austin had a Cayman S that I drove for a weekend. It was fun, but I guess I just didn't 'get it'. My favorite car so far has been for 997S since it retains the edginess of a 911 but has adequate refinement. So, I think the GTS would be worth looking at. I might pick one up and drive it until the GT3s arrive and re-evaluate.

I don't have the depth of experience as you. But I do pride myself in keeping an open mind wrt to advancement. But the initial 991 offering simply didn't light my fire. I think the 991 is a brilliant car, but not for me. Shoot, I even liked the center console. I'm not sold on PDK though, and would probably opt for a manual.

I guess I agree with what some of the mags have been saying. . . better car but not necessarily a better 911.

tmg57

How about the introduction of the 964? 4 wheel drive, power steering, coil springs, ABS, speed activated spoiler! The Porsche purists survived then and they'll get through this.

skinzy

So if the 991 is no good what else do you get for your " I wanted a modern sports car for the daily commute"? Every review I have read says its better in every way. They must be liars?

jrt600

The other day I test drove a 991S with the manual transmission...and I must say that I agree, something is definitely lacking. Going in I expected to be disappointed with the steering (I wasn't, frankly it's pretty good given what they've changed). Surprisingly, what did disappoint me was the manual transmission. Rowing through the gears you definitely notice that it's missing the mechanical perfection of the 997. This just isn't a car that would start my day off on the right note on the drive to work like the 997 did (and the Cayman S did before that).

KBS911

The 991 does not seem to be stirring the soul like the 996 to 997 transition. Not to say it is not better/faster, just not enough to have late model 997 owners fawning. Just returned from our Florida Zonefest where a 991 was strategically positoned. Not a lot of lookie lou's, but lot's of comments to the effect, I drove it, but it didn't wow me, or I'll see what the GT3 brings to the table comments. I think it will do better as time goes by. Right now there does not seem to be a passion for the transition, but I think new buyers or folks coming off lease will be happy with the "new" 911.

disden

I have to admit I have been very pleased with my 991. I even decided to join this forum to discuss the car/porsches with others who are also into the brand. Unfortunately I have to admit that joining this forum was a mistake. All I have read is disdain and venom towards the car I purchased from people who supposedly support the brand. I guess I shouldn't go to any Porsche Club meetings either because I assume I will be ridiculed for my taste in cars from people such as yourself. At least my wife is hot.