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I am about to be doing almost exactly your commute...140 round trip and I chose the 991 to do the commute daily. Traded in my RS7 for a 991 Carrera S. I think it will be great for it. Not sure about the tire noise thing. Hadn't noticed at all. But can't be any worse than my other cars. My RS5 it is more noticeable. Ventilated seats you are really going to want. Visibility is fantastic and its very easy to put it in holes in traffic and change lanes without any second guessing since you can see everything.
The car is great for the stated purpose provided your body habitus or condition is not an impediment. Trying to be objective and politically appropriate. Too tall, heavy, old, or bad back etc should factor in your decision.
I need honest input. I drive about 150 miles a day round trip to work - Philly to Princeton. Mostly highway. I'm thinking about a 991 as a daily commuter. I know its not the most economical choice etc, but I spend a lot of time in the car and I'd like one that I really love.
Anyway - what do you think? Is a C4 991 w/ PDK / PASM an option? Would it just beat me up with the noise and harsh ride ? Or is it a good cruiser I can also enjoy on the weekend back roads.
I have a Cayenne S for Home Depot trips etc - I'm really just asking about the quality of the commute.
Thanks
Jeff
I just got back from a run up to just north of Philly and back to DC in my C2S, PDK, Sport PASM, PSE. Some fog, some sun, one good downpour. Just over 300 miles, one stop each way to stretch and keep the tank full and the bladder empty.
27mpg overall. Would have been better had I not found a few occasions for play. The seats fit me perfectly, the AC cools perfectly, the seat ventilation keeps all the right parts cool. For me my 991 is every bit as good a "trip" car as my Infiniti and good for way more grins.
If tire noise intrudes, I put it in sport and drown it out with the drone of the "sound symposer" and PSE. Well not really, but PSE through the Baltimore Harbor tunnel- hard to beat.
You will have an even smoother ride with PASM, give up no "over the road" handling worth bragging about and be more secure in the wet and particularly when the temps are low with 4WD.
"Horses for courses" is an age old adage for a reason. The perfect way to commute in traffic on the super slab for that many miles each day is in the back of an A8L, or better yet, in a Roller. Let somebody else burn up their mental energy dealing with the squirrels on the road. Save your energy for your livelihood. If you must drive, drive something that is quiet, safe, fun and responsive. The Porsche is a terrific car. I haven't been without one since 1986, but there are better cars that are fun to drive than a 991 in the particular application that the OP inquired about. If he was asking a bunch of P car enthusiasts in hopes of an answer he wanted to hear, well he got it.
I appreciate all the input. There is no perfect car for my situation, which is why I have multiple cars. Acura for the commute, a Boxster S and Ferrari 308 as toys and the Cayenne S as the family hauler and tow vehicle for the race trailer. I'm actually looking to thin the fleet and get down to just one car for me. My wife will hang onto the Cayenne. I'm looking for a car that can commute and still be fun on the weekends. My hope was a 991 C4 could fill both needs. Hard to find people with experience in long hauls with 991s any place but a P-car forum. Again - all opinions greatly appreciated!
Thanks Guys - Both you guys look to live in areas that get snow - do you drive your 991 year round?
One of the towns you mention is my home. During the winter there was a total of about two months where I did not drive the 911 due to weather/road conditions. Instead I drove my suv. It would have been doable but I would have needed to buy winter wheels and no doubt fix up damages associated with potholes and possibly fender benders associated with slippery conditions. Since I have a beater truck, I choose that for when things get dicey.
1. My last Porsche was a 996 C4S. I finally got rid of it around 95k miles.
2. Currently have a 991S .... the best daily driver
3. In winter, get 19 inch rims and snow tires. My car has better traction on my driveway than my wife's 450 GL with all season tires.
I only drive 40 miles each way, but it is every day; rain, shine, summer or winter.
I will never drive another type of vehicle as my DD until I am literally too old to sit down in it.