rpilot

All else being equal.. is the 991 base or the 991 S the quieter ride overall? I am aware of the differences in the normal / sport , sound symposer on / off, but between these two cars only (ie: no comparisons to the 997, 996 etc.) which one is quieter as a DD? I have some dB numbers from insideline testing the 991S but i cannot find numbers for the base 991. Has anyone driven these back to back and noticed differences? Or driven both extensively to notice a difference?

fester

don't get PSE and it'll be quieter... but not getting PSE would be a bummer!

rpilot

I wasnt planning on getting PSE anyway .. I really just want to know which one is quieter, all else being equal... assume no PSE, both set on normal (ie: sound symposer off) or both on sport for that matter. Thanks.

sfo

S has wider tyres and bigger wheels so road noise will probably be higher than C2's narrower tyres on 19" wheels.

In addition, C2S has PASM as standard.

chuckbdc

I suspect that any difference you find will be due to the tire brand more than anything else. Tht is- so long as don't push the "Sport" button and activate the sound symposer to get more intake noise piped in the rear of the passenger compartment. The 3.4 and 3.8 sound 90% the same in normal driving, with a bit deeper growl form the larger engine and a higher pithed on from the 3.4 at high revs. With PDK in its "normal setting, the 991s are very much quieter than the older cars- untill you get them above about 5500rpm. In the S you get some additional sound due to a muffler valve opening (not sure about the non S).

I have no time in a Carrera with the standard 19 in wheel and Goodyears to make a comparison, but I don't find noise a bother at all on my S with 20 in Pirellis. In fact - the car is sedan like- until you let the dogs out.

AudreyH

Hey, According to my experience i think there is not a big difference between both,its all depends on the tire or wheels(size), how old is your engine and vehicles you are using.

Bob Rouleau

More road noise with the 20 inch wheels based on the cars I have driven recently.

GSIRM3

The Lexus is probably your best bet.

rpilot

Based on this information, can I make these assumptions accurately??

1) 3.8 slightly louder than 3.4 overall

2) 3.8 slightly quieter than 3.4 as a DD at lower speeds (considering that there is more power from 3.8 at lower rpm)

3) Larger wheels maybe a bit louder..

Also, how does PASM figure in sound wise???? does it make the Larger wheels any quieter in addition to improving ride quality ?

chuckbdc

Part of the reason the 3.8 seems louder overall is that your adrenalin is more easily elevate so your hearing is more acute.

I would think it is the specifics of the brand and tire tread rather than wheel size. For example, if you replace OEM tires with Michelin Supersports the car will be quieter inside.

I have not been in a 991 without PASM, but don't see why that would affect noise much as the impact is to condition damping response.

Galion

From my experience and under normal driving conditions, no difference between the two in terms of "quietness" I had a 991 Base with 19" Good Years, currently own one with Pirelli 20"s and had driven the "S" extensively. Above 5500 RPM, I agree the "S" has a deeper growl, the Base a more high pitched sound, like a Formula One race car
PASM vs No PASM has nothing to do in the equation.
Even though the 991 is much quieter than the 997, its by no means a quiet car, this is a sports car not a family sedan.

LastMezger

+1.

Alstoy

There probably is a difference. But, trying to figure that out is like the 19 vs. 20 comfort question. It will depend on the tyre, weather, road condition, and the options on the cars. Having said all that, I did not notice a great difference between the two during normal city driving. Driven hard, I might have but I was not paying attention to that aspect. Cheers.

TOporschefan

If you are looking for a quiet car-this is likely not it. While it is extremely comfortable at most cruising it is certainly not a Japanese luxury car.

aamersa

The 991 S is not quiet in any mode even with PSE off. I can't imagine the base being any quieter. The engine just loves to make noises and it can give you a headache if not in the mood. For quiet best bet german-merc, japanese-lexus.