Test drove a 991S today
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Point Dume, CA
Test drove a 991S today
I had some time off today and took the opportunity to test drive some cars. Two sports sedans on the 'practical side' - BMW F10 M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG and two sports coupes on the 'fun side' - Porsche 991 S and Audi R8 4.2.
I will cut to the chase, the Porsche won the day. I was expecting to like it, but not this much. The car I drove was a 2012 with PASM-S, PDK, and the Sport Design steering wheel.
First off, I came away so impressed by PDK. It's really, really good. Much better than BMW's M-DCT or Nissan's double clutch in the GTR. Originally I didn't want PDK, now I'm committed to it if I do get a 991.
Second, the character of the 991 was a lot different than I expected. I've driven a few others 911s - a 997 GT3, a 600hp 964 Turbo 3.6, and a 996TT. The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast. I really doubt I could ever extract all of the performance its capable of delivering on a track. It's kind of scary that the bar has been set this high by the "regular" 911.
I will cut to the chase, the Porsche won the day. I was expecting to like it, but not this much. The car I drove was a 2012 with PASM-S, PDK, and the Sport Design steering wheel.
First off, I came away so impressed by PDK. It's really, really good. Much better than BMW's M-DCT or Nissan's double clutch in the GTR. Originally I didn't want PDK, now I'm committed to it if I do get a 991.
Second, the character of the 991 was a lot different than I expected. I've driven a few others 911s - a 997 GT3, a 600hp 964 Turbo 3.6, and a 996TT. The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast. I really doubt I could ever extract all of the performance its capable of delivering on a track. It's kind of scary that the bar has been set this high by the "regular" 911.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 15
From: Southern California
I had some time off today and took the opportunity to test drive some cars. Two sports sedans on the 'practical side' - BMW F10 M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG and two sports coupes on the 'fun side' - Porsche 991 S and Audi R8 4.2.
I will cut to the chase, the Porsche won the day. I was expecting to like it, but not this much. The car I drove was a 2012 with PASM-S, PDK, and the Sport Design steering wheel.
First off, I came away so impressed by PDK. It's really, really good. Much better than BMW's M-DCT or Nissan's double clutch in the GTR. Originally I didn't want PDK, now I'm committed to it if I do get a 991.
Second, the character of the 991 was a lot different than I expected. I've driven a few others 911s - a 997 GT3, a 600hp 964 Turbo 3.6, and a 996TT. The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast. I really doubt I could ever extract all of the performance its capable of delivering on a track. It's kind of scary that the bar has been set this high by the "regular" 911.
I will cut to the chase, the Porsche won the day. I was expecting to like it, but not this much. The car I drove was a 2012 with PASM-S, PDK, and the Sport Design steering wheel.
First off, I came away so impressed by PDK. It's really, really good. Much better than BMW's M-DCT or Nissan's double clutch in the GTR. Originally I didn't want PDK, now I'm committed to it if I do get a 991.
Second, the character of the 991 was a lot different than I expected. I've driven a few others 911s - a 997 GT3, a 600hp 964 Turbo 3.6, and a 996TT. The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast. I really doubt I could ever extract all of the performance its capable of delivering on a track. It's kind of scary that the bar has been set this high by the "regular" 911.
Gary, who felt the same way the first time he drove the new PDK
Race Car
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,629
Likes: 346
From: Maryland USA
I had some time off today and took the opportunity to test drive some cars. Two sports sedans on the 'practical side' - BMW F10 M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG and two sports coupes on the 'fun side' - Porsche 991 S and Audi R8 4.2.
I will cut to the chase, the Porsche won the day. I was expecting to like it, but not this much. The car I drove was a 2012 with PASM-S, PDK, and the Sport Design steering wheel.
First off, I came away so impressed by PDK. It's really, really good. Much better than BMW's M-DCT or Nissan's double clutch in the GTR. Originally I didn't want PDK, now I'm committed to it if I do get a 991.
Second, the character of the 991 was a lot different than I expected. I've driven a few others 911s - a 997 GT3, a 600hp 964 Turbo 3.6, and a 996TT. The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast. I really doubt I could ever extract all of the performance its capable of delivering on a track. It's kind of scary that the bar has been set this high by the "regular" 911.
I will cut to the chase, the Porsche won the day. I was expecting to like it, but not this much. The car I drove was a 2012 with PASM-S, PDK, and the Sport Design steering wheel.
First off, I came away so impressed by PDK. It's really, really good. Much better than BMW's M-DCT or Nissan's double clutch in the GTR. Originally I didn't want PDK, now I'm committed to it if I do get a 991.
Second, the character of the 991 was a lot different than I expected. I've driven a few others 911s - a 997 GT3, a 600hp 964 Turbo 3.6, and a 996TT. The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast. I really doubt I could ever extract all of the performance its capable of delivering on a track. It's kind of scary that the bar has been set this high by the "regular" 911.
Rennlist Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,298
Likes: 312
I was all against PDK, reason I didn't trade my Turbo for a Turbo S. Then decided to try it in my 991 knowing I would only have it until the new turbo came out. I am sold, its a great transmission. Aggressive downshifts and everything.
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 0
From: Ontario - Ottawa area
great little write up - i took the 991S around a few blocks & walked over & traded my turbo on the spot. i had owned a SMG'd M3 so was suspect about the PDK, originally thinking i would take the manual 991s they had, but again, after a few minutes with the PDK, i was SOLD. shift it manually all the time - amazing location and response is fantastic
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 5,430
Likes: 164
From: Upstate NY
I hadn't driven a 911 since I sold my 94 Carrera, when I drove the 991, I would get to a curve and the car just dared me to take it tighter! The front suspension is to die for! The car begs you to drive it harder!
I am one apply camper!
I am one apply camper!
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Instructor
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 212
Likes: 0
From: Frisco, TX
I drove the 991 again today and really enjoyed it more this time around. Previously I thought the steering was lacking compared to a 997. It's just different but I liked it.
I then drove a 991 S and shouldn't have...now that's what I want! The extra horses and torque makes it that much more fun.
I then drove a 991 S and shouldn't have...now that's what I want! The extra horses and torque makes it that much more fun.
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 941
Likes: 0
OP-That is one of the most succinct and to-the-point reviews I've read in a long time. I also found myself at the Porsche and Audi dealer yesterday. Drove the R8 and the new S8, and a base 991. I know the S8 is not a good comparison, but I've been watching too many Transporter movies. It does get a bit subjective and I can't put in exact words why I keep coming back to the 991. It is an affliction, I tell you.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 232
Likes: 4
great little write up - i took the 991S around a few blocks & walked over & traded my turbo on the spot. i had owned a SMG'd M3 so was suspect about the PDK, originally thinking i would take the manual 991s they had, but again, after a few minutes with the PDK, i was SOLD. shift it manually all the time - amazing location and response is fantastic
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,157
Likes: 92
From: Port Orange, FL
RaceLap: "The 991 had this pent up anger that was new to me. It just wants to chew up the road. It's easy to drive in traffic and the ride is firm but not punishing... but it's never mild mannered. It tolerates slow driving but it's constantly looking for chances to go fast."
Racelap summed up the 991C2S perfectly. The only 911 I've ever driven that makes me feel like a restrained hooligan in normal traffic.
Racelap summed up the 991C2S perfectly. The only 911 I've ever driven that makes me feel like a restrained hooligan in normal traffic.
