barihunk

I know this comparison isn't fair, but I've been lurking around these parts contemplating swapping my DD (335i coupe) for a 991 C2 (no, not the C2S and yes I've read the posts here referring to the 335). I've got quite a bit of experience in an SC (not mine, but I do love it!) but not much in any modern 911. I was wondering if anyone around these parts has experience with both these cars who can give me some opinions on this switch, especially for DD duties (I already know which I would prefer around a track).

IMO the 335i is an extremely live-able car, with peak torque available from ~1400rpm up. I especially like the "at speed" acceleration on the highway for overtaking. A cursory look at C&D tells me that the 335i does 30-50 in 7.9s and 50-70 in 6.3s while the 991 C2 does the same in 12.6s and 10.6s respectively. This jives with what I frequently see here, that the C2 is low on torque for "normal" driving. However, the throttle response on the 335i is, frankly, quite unresponsive, where I am guessing the 991 has an edge.

I've not had nearly enough seat time in a 991 to really form a solid opinion (lack of available C2 coupes in my area) but if anyone here has experience living with both of these (or even the 135), I'd love some opinions. Things like whether the faster shifting PDK "makes up" for the lower "in gear" acceleration by enabling fast downshifts, how live-able these are as DDs, etc.

Thanks!
B

MayorAdamWest

You can always down shift in either car, which makes those times not as useful. That's not to say that the 335 won't be faster in a straight line. It's probably fairly close, but as soon as a turn is involved, you'll understand why all of us love porsche's.

Gruson

I have driven both. The base 991 does not feel that fast at lower speeds, like it's missing the low end torque. However, once you get going around 40mph and keep the RPMs high, it feels a lot faster and can really haul. The S version feels a lot faster to me at any speed but costs a lot more.

The 335 felt quicker to me at the lower speeds and slower at higher speeds. I drove a 335is model though. I almost bought it but wanted a Porsche again. Downshifting in the 991 feels great and faster than the 335 for sure.

As for a daily driver, both are fine unless you have people in the back. The 991's back seat is smaller and really for kids only IMO. On another note, the 997 base felt quicker than the 991 base to me at all speeds. Go to a dealer and try it out!

zirrah

335i has all that torque through out the range so it will feel faster without any effort. I'd ignore those silly passing times though, they're all done in top gear. Which in the 991 is likely 7th. Personally, if you own a sports car and you're passing someone without downshifting, you ain't livin. Passing someone is exactly one of those times in everyday driving when you can take advantage of what the car has to offer. Doesn't matter to me whether it's with PDK or a manual.

For me these are the stats that matter in this comparison, having driven a million 335i's, M3's, etc.

E90 335i = 300hp 300ft/lbs of torque & 3560lbs of curb weight (heffer)
991 911 C2 = 350hp 287ft/lbs of torque & 3042lbs.

So 13 less ft/lbs of torque and 50 more hp. And it's 500 lbs lighter. When you test drive, just down shift.

991 all the way if the room of the 335 isn't a factor for you.

DrJay

In a moment of weakness I test drove a 335i and found it to be incredibly boring and uninspiring. I did like the new and improved iDrive though. IMO that is the one of two areas the Porsche loses to the BMW. The other is rear seat room. If you don't need the backseat for anything, get the Porsche and never look back.

jmct

B,

I didn't get this part of your post. It is saying a 991 takes 12.6 seconds to go from 30 to 50 mph?

Edit: if I read Zirrah's post correctly "at-speed" means in top gear so that is a kind of strange statistic for a 911 going 30 mph. Especially if it was done in 7th gear which is an overdrive gear, but even in 6th. You would think the comparison only makes sense if the gear ratios were matched, otherwise it is really apples and oranges. Anyway, get the 991, that is my advice, it's in a class by itself.

Alstoy

I have a 325i and a 997 c2. While they are not the perfect example of the comparison that you are looking for, I love them both. I struggled over getting an M3 or 997 and decided to keep the BMW. I truly enjoy driving both but they are very different. The 335 is a great car and so is the M3, but I love the Porsche.

barihunk

Thanks for all the replies

This just occurred to me and I should have included this in the OP, but one point of concern is that my commute is barely 6 miles and the 335i doesn't even warm up by the time I park my car at work during the winter months. I don't like to rev the engine before it warms up, and even keeping the revs below 3k rpm I feel like I'm going somewhere in the 335. I just can't imagine what that will be like in the 991.

I guess what I'm contemplating really isn't about the peak HP/torque ratings (no contest here) but really the shape of the torque curve, or in another words turbo vs NA. Which is a stupid question I guess.

Obviously since I'm posting here I'm 991 all the way (!), just wondering what I'll be missing (if at all) of the 335i.

DrJay

You'll be missing nothing. Go get the 991.

Gruson

Go to a dealer and check it out. You also need to ask yourself if it's worth the $45k more! 335 is a great car at a really nice price IMO. They feel different for sure.

carsrmyvice

I think you are over analyzing. I do it all the time. I too am looking for a 991 c2. I have had several BMWs including a '04 330' , '11 328, '11 x5 50i. I nearly bought a 2011 335is and took an extensive test drive. I recently took a test drive in a 991 c2 that left me grinning ear to ear the rest of the day. I could be biased because I am getting bored with BMW. Torque is great. My morbidly obese x5 has that wonderful 4.4 tt that puts out 400hp and 450lb ft torque. The result is a car that has low end punch much like the 335. But I often have more fun thrashing the 328i inline NA six, which is a slower car on the street anyways. Point I'm trying to make is that driving pleasure is my north star in this next purchase. Getting the chance to flex a really good NA flat 6 is a whole lot of fun in real life and foolish numbers like those in C & D are completely irrelevant in my experiences. I say go outside and start the car before you have breakfast if that's what it takes to get it up to temp! I have come to the realization that I could not possibly regret getting a 911. Something I cannot say about most of my expenses. End rant.

DOCX51

Traded in my 135i DCT vert (with factory performance pack) after owning it for 2 years. Comfortable, fast car. DCT is OK, but not as direct as PDK and no mechanical lock diff. Quite heavy and convertible has poor torsional rigidity. In short: BMW is a liveable car, but no sports car. Very happy with the 991 Carrera S X51 PDK since January 2013!

19_hole

I have both a 2012 3.4l 991 7sp and a 2012 335ix couple 6 sp. They are completely different animals. Yes, the 335 is pretty quick, it is moderately quiet and fun to drive. But the 991 while lacking a bit or the 335's torque is a lot more fun to drive. It is much more responsive and if you don't mind a 7th to 5th downshift at 65-70 it doesn't have any issue with passing on the highway.

I actually find tha tthe 991 gets much better fuel economy too.

Jacky328

Can't more agreed!rockon:

autobahnA8

My past 3 daily drivers have been: 335i, 997 C2, 991 C2S. I also only have a ~5 mile commute. Get the 911, you'll be happy. I did enjoy the 335i, but the 911 is a whole different animal. I don't think you'll be starved for power or miss the turbo in any way shape or fashion.

You might be able to find a gently used 2012 991 C2S for the same price as a new 2013 991 C2. Drive a few and you'll know.