Cajun Martyni

I've been deciding between 997.1 or 997.2, and that's probably where I'll land. But in another thread I saw someone suggest that there wasn't a lot of price difference between the really nice, low miles, later model 997.2's and some 2012 991s with similar miles. Is that true and, if so, why? Obviously the 997.2s may have some more options, many of which I won't care about. So I have to ask, what are the thoughts between the two? I've done a search and didn't see this discussed as a thread, though I expect that it has been talked about a lot. If I buy a 997, it would be an "S". 997.1 would be manual. 997.2 (or 991) would probably be PDK. In addition to performance (and I do like some comfort) minimizing cost of ownership/value drop in 3-4 years and 25,000-30,000 miles of driving is a big consideration for me. I've also posted this question in the 997 forum. Thanks.

kosmo

thats a loaded question with no right or wrong answers.
However if you have to pick b/w a .1 vs a .2 I'd opt for the latter because of its improved electronics (PCM).
Lastly if it was me I'd pick a '12 Base, CPO car.

STG

Yes, loaded like 4th. of July fireworks depending on who you ask.


Basic rule, buy the newest generation car you can afford. In this case the 991.

Much more advanced than the 997's

sebis

I concur, I have been driving several 997.2 S models in the past couple of months and while I had a blast on the test drives something didn't feel right to me sompared to my Macan. Yesterday I got to drive a base 991, what a difference. The chasis is more rigid, the interior is so much better than 997 and it inspires more confidence. The 997 feels so dated in comparison, I guess having the Macan spoiled it for me.

The 991 I drove was a really basic model, no options and I had a blast, in addition, the normal exhaust on the 3.4 engine sounds better than 997.2 3.8. Can't wait to drive one with Sports Chrono and PSE.

Cajun Martyni

The question is genuine. I'm not trying to be a "stir stick" by asking. And I ask with all due respect to all 997 and 991 owners. These are all WONDERFUL cars and it is a true privilege to have the opportunity to try to choose between them. Just trying to make the best decision that I can.

chuckbdc

You are choosing between two different cars that share an an engine, an architecture, and a heritage. Beyond that the 991 is an entire generation ahead of a 997 in its design and capability in terms of any performance parameter you choose. My advice is that if they in equal condition, and if the difference is not instantly desirable to you when you drive them back to back, pick the one that best fits your sense of value.

Austin997.2

Coming from a guy with a 997.2, which I love, get a 991. The newer the better unless you want a classic. The sole reason I got a 997.2 was cost.

rodsky

Coming from a Ferrari 250 GTO, I just drove a Cayenne TT and realized now what a piece of junk the 250 was. It didn't even have BT, Burmester or deviated stitching. I now have the 250 on Craigslist. Plus the TT I drove only had the 14 way seats. Cant wait to get one with the 18's

In all seriousness, I'd pick a 991S over a 997.2S - but what you are seeing is comparable pricing for a late model 2011/2012 997.2S or GTS vs a base 2012 or so 991. They are different animals and the newer car is definitely more modern and GT like. The older one, Spartan, twitchier, sportier. One guy just posed that question on both forums then drove both and sold his 991 base for a 997.2S. Some people thought he was nuts. Maybe he was but he liked the 997.2S better. Newer is generally better but I'd keep my 997.2S vs a base 991 and I'd take a 993 over a 996 etc.

STG

What is your max budget? This will help clear things up.

The better car no doubt is the 991.

Fine, there are the older 993's etc. that have their own appeal but if you're looking for the most current and technologically advanced generation out there 991 is the way to go.

Team Plutonium

I had a 991S and now a 997.2TT... the 991 is miles ahead when it comes to comfort, luxury, and tech - no question about it. The longer wheelbase makes for a much smoother ride and feels less busy, same with the electric steering which I found perfectly acceptable even on the track. I made the switch only because of the turbo motor and its modding potential. And while I actually prefer the spartan more focused look of the 997 cabin, the majority including my (semi-angry) wife prefers the more spacious 991 feel. Comparing a 997.2S to a 991S the 991 will win in pretty much every category (IMHO).

tomc_mets

I own a 997.2S & love it, but I'll echo what most have said, get newest car you can @ your price point...T

STG

You make some great points about the longer wheelbase and bigger cabin size. The feel is a lot more different than the numbers alone suggest.

jimbo1111

Let me start off by saying. You can't go wrong with either one. I would choose a 997.2 over a 997.1 for reliability issues and the added performance. I don't believe the 991 has that great of a cushion over the 997.2 in added performance though. Both offer a PDK and last I checked they are within a few tenths in acceleration.
Price wise. A low mileage 997.2 is about 7k to 12k less than a 2012 991. I was just doing the math not to long ago. One thing I noticed is that there are far fewer 997's available for resale than the 991's. There could be one of two reasons for that. People are keeping them or much fewer vehicles available because they fall into the recession years where less were sold. The latter I believe is true. That being said. I think you would be happy with either car. I would be. For now LOL. The great news is you can always move up without loosing to much equity in a few years. As many have stated here. If you have the added funds than go for the newer car. These cars are like Rolex watches. Enjoy what you can afford and trade up when your ready. Think of it as an heirloom for yourself.

solomonschris

Test drive a 997.2 on a concrete road surface and try to have a conversation or listen to music. Try the same in a 991. In terms of performance, they both far exceed what you should ever attempt on public roads. With the exception of a brief period when Porsche was struggling to meet US emissions standards, every new Porsche 911 model was more powerful, more efficient, anod better handling than the model it replaced. This is true of the 997.2/991 change as well.....Chris

Larry Cable

this might help: