I'm just jumping back in to the world of 911's, and loved my old 996 because it felt to tight and small real estate-wise. So I bought a 2007 C4S 6 speed. I love it SOOOOO much I'm thinking of getting into a step up before I transfer it and lose the sales tax.


So I'm looking at a 2012 GTS. More power (408HP). But no 4WD which I think is more thrilling when you punch it.


Or a stunning 2013 C4S. Much more modern. A little less power at 400HP. I drove a 991 Carrera S and strangely enough it didn't feel much "quicker" than my C4S which is only 355HP.


Perhaps the 2012 GTS will be more visceral because it's a little smaller. Can you give me your honest experiences?


FWIW I'm getting a manual transmission in any case.

 

I came from 2 993s and before that a 964 and a 930 into my first water cooled car, a Boxster S in 2013. THAT car felt big compared to the others.
Both the 997s and 991s are big.
I would go with the latest technology if you're "living in the present". I didn't own a 997 but drove several (including a manual GTS) and I wasn't overly impressed with it (I was DDing a '97 993 then).
I was impressed with the 991. I ended up ordering a TT, but I'm sure the GTS would have been more than adequate for my limited skills.

 

I had the same concern when it was first introduced. For daily driving I prefer the slightly larger 991 to the 997 I owned. It's plenty quick and nimble around town, and comfy on the open road.

 

I think it depends on perspective. Compared to a 993 or 996, I guess it might.


Compared to my Raptor, or my wifes' ZL1, it's tiny. I drove the ZL1 175 miles yesterday, just to make her happy. I REALLY wanted to take my car instead.

 

Too big.. no. I'm 6'2" 205 lbs and the little extra room is nice to have. Nice to be able to put some things behind me on the "seats" and the creature comforts are really nice to have in a DD. Had a 997 Turbo. Great car. Too noisy and the lack of features made it tough, at times, to be a true great DD. 991 solved all these "problems" for me.

 

I also like the extra room, being a bigger guy, not too big...just right

 

If you're that concerned about the car feeling too bid why not test drive a Cayman as well as the new 911. There is a thread comparing the 2 cars on the forum. For me the 1st gen Cayman S cabin feels lot more tight than my 991 and it definitely feels more nimble at low speeds, but the extra power in the C4S is really nice and the 991 handles incredibly well too. With the Cayman you'd get a smaller and lighter car with modern technology if that's what you're looking for.

 

+1

 

The C4S will be quite wide, which you may notice garaging it or driving up tight driveways. My Targa 4S, the same width as the C4S, is only 3" narrower than my wife's ML350.

 

I showed my 991s to my brother in law and he thought the size was good and that the old 911's were too small. Too small is an MG Midget. They are definitely fun to drive but not practical. Many people I talk to, the salesman, other older 911 owners like to refer to it as a "touring car." I am not sure, it is my first 911 but a touring car makes me think of me sitting in the back seat with a driver up front. The car is not too large, it is most likely the size it is to hold the car to the road with all of that extra power cars are getting over the years. I have a center console boat and it looks very large sitting in my driveway but it becomes very tiny in the ocean.

the current Porsche 911 is the culmination of 50 years of constant change and design improvement. It is also the fastest and best gripping and these are the results of living in today's world with engineering improvements. The car is just the right size and is a much better choice over the Boxter and Cayman IMO. The added cabin space is nice and there is actually enough room for 3 adults. Two-seater cars are fun but they offer little in practicality. When I am driving, especially on long trips, the back seat is great for reaching back and grabbing what I need. A two-seater with two people makes this difficult. I doubt the 911 will get any bigger but it will always improve in performance. It is the perfect size and style.

 

Cool cab...congratulations!

 

Same size here. Sums it up for me.

 

The 991 is too big IMHO and moves away from the characteristics that made the 911 an icon.

My 997 feels like an actual 911 with nimble handling and perfect steering with excellent feedback. The 991 911s I've driven feel noticeably bigger, less nimble, numb, and less connected to the road than my 997.
With the 991 generation, the 911 became a sporty grand touring luxury car rather than a sports car. The GT3/RS are the only 991s that still feel like sports cars. I don't want to rile up everyone on this board, but this entire thread consisted of basically one opinion, so room should be made for contrasting views.

The 991 911 is still a fantastic car, just not what 911s used to be.

 

Too big? No.

Geared to tall? Often.

 

Ask the 997 GT3/RS crowd about the size and a "proper" gearbox. The 991 GT3 has its own criticisms.

The argument can made against all 991's, and each generation after the last one. Now it's NA's versus the upcoming turbos. Many options of 911's of the past, present, and future to choose from. Find one that you like best.