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On paper the 991 seems ever so slightly larger, but side by side the 997 looks so much smaller, I think in a good way. The biggest difference is how crazy high the rear bumper comes on the 991 once you know to look at it.
That's exactly how I see it, and why I think the on-paper dimensions are a little misleading. Technically, the length/width/height are within millimeters of each other, but the 991 has fatter bumpers and a higher belt line that just plain makes it look larger and more swollen. Even my SO, who isn't a car enthusiast but likes Porsches, comments on the size difference when she sees 991s and 718s compared to older gens.
I already look wistfully at how compact the air-cooleds were, so the impression of size the 991 imparts makes it a non-starter for me. (Besides the fact that I don't really value the newer technology.)
No. And as far as tech, get the least amount possible. All tech looks dated in a few years. And is useless. Aux input is all you need.
What I really want is an S that had many options and standard equipment held off. In my mind, PASM, sunroofs, PSM, PDKs, etc, etc, are all things that will break and prevent me from enjoying the car at a later date.
One thing I've noticed - you have to remove the rear bumper to change the engine air filter on a 991. That is insane IMHO.
I think that's insane as well. The 997 was the last generation of 911 which had common things easily accessible by the owner. I think having to take off your rear lights/bumper just to change an air filter is complete insanity. You can't even directly access the oil filter either. You need to take off a panel under the "engine lid"... take out the engine bay cooling fans... then finally you can reach in there and get at the filter.
I think that's insane as well. The 997 was the last generation of 911 which had common things easily accessible by the owner. I think having to take off your rear lights/bumper just to change an air filter is complete insanity. You can't even directly access the oil filter either. You need to take off a panel under the "engine lid"... take out the engine bay cooling fans... then finally you can reach in there and get at the filter.
Insane... insane... insane!
Same, randomly watched a DIY on doing the air filter on a 991 and was shocked at the process... 400% more of a PITA than before.
I agree, having to remove a bumper to change an air filter is pretty silly, but a good money maker for dealers I suppose. Same for a 991 oil change and the extra steps for that. It just leads to broken or stretched out mounting tabs on the bumper and under tray covers. Plus doing it alone could lead to scratches since it’s a big ackward piece. No thanks.
The 997.1 is as new as I want to go. Purity in the modern water-cooled 911 design, and the most "analog" of the bunch since then. Plus, the looks. I like it better than any of the air cooleds, except maybe the 993.
A lot of seat time in 997's and 991's, mostly street use.
As someone that isn't small (6'1", over 200lbs) I must say that I fit in the 991 better. BUT when comparing the driving and feel, they could not be more different. The 997 feels a lot smaller, more engaged and less "assisted" (steering, suspension etc).
Would take my 997.2 GTS PDK over a 991.2 all day; manual 991.1 GTS (w/ PDCC and PTV) and I would have to think about it
Seriously - as a 997 owner - would you trade straight across for an exact apples to apples 991 ? (same miles, colors, options, history, etc)
I'm not paricularly enamored with the 991, but a straight across trade would be like someone handing me $40 grand. Although, a 991 with over 70K miles on it probably wouldn't be worth a full $40 grand more than my '05. And I don't really want another one with sand beige interior, only black.
I started my Porsche ownership with an '04 996 C2. I then jumped into a 2012 991 C2S. The 991 is a brilliant car with cat-claws-on-a-carpet grip but was obviously bigger when slotted into the same garage spot. To me, it also lost some "Porsche-ness" like the slight nose bob and playfulness. The steering feel was also missing. Aircooled guys will scoff that watercooled cars can't compare in driver involvement but this has been my experience. The wife and I have a 997.2 C2S on the way which I hope will be the best of both worlds - close to 991 amenities/tech and engine with 996 chassis characteristics.
I wouldn't for the simple reason that I don't like the looks of it, never mind all the tech "updates". From certain angles it can be mistaken for a Panamera from behind.
This. I feel like I have posted this so many times, but I had the opportunity to buy a better spec'd 991 C2S at a dealer closer to home than my current 997.2 C2S which I had to fly out of state and ship back. But for me, the 997.2 is what I wanted, so it is what I bought. If you prefer the looks of the 991 or want the quicker more advanced car with the better chassis, definitely go for the 991.
Apples to apples, I wouldn't trade my 997.1 C2S for it's 991 equivalent. The 991's that I've test driven felt too plush for me. I would only upgrade to a 991 if it were a .2 6 speed GT3.
04-30-2018, 11:57 AM
