When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Makes me wonder how long parts will be available to keep "classic" 911's on the road. I'll pay within reason to keep my GTS alive rather than even give a battery driven 911 a scant look.
I can see the benefit of the size for everyday use . I love my 997 , but when I go for a rip in the Panamera I cannot deny the greatness ! So the newer cars are some where in between ?
Likely more buyers for the larger more tec cars than a ***** out small racer ?
I can see the benefit of the size for everyday use . I love my 997 , but when I go for a rip in the Panamera I cannot deny the greatness ! So the newer cars are some where in between ?
Likely more buyers for the larger more tec cars than a ***** out small racer ?
But why? If you want space, then like you say, the Panamera exists, the Macan exists, the Cayenne exists. The 997 isn't small by any means - compare it to a Cayman or an older 911 or a 914 or a 928, which was actually designed to me a GT car and is way smaller than the current 992.. The rear seats still aren't very usable, so what's the point of making what should be the sports car of the line into a large, heavy, less sporty car....or maybe Porsche changed their minds on how the product line should be viewed and the Cayman is now the Porsche sports car and the 911 the GT car... ironically, the 928 was supposed to replace the 911 in the 80s as the Porsche sports car, but never did - now the 911 has replaced the 928 as Porsche's GT car - hmmm?
Porsche is a consumer products company trying to make a profit. 'Nuff said. GT vs sports car vs vanity showcase vs... whatever... none of this really matters as they are just trying to take as much out of our collective wallets as they can. I am OK with this, as that is how this whole system works. What kills me is that buyers actually drink the coolaid.
I have been thinking long and hard about what I would buy should I ball up my current 911. The used market is nuts. I still want a sports car... so right now, if I had to pull the trigger, I would try and buy a Lotus Emira. That is about as close as one can get to a true sports car... small, light, track ready, and fun.... at least I hope so.
Porsche has purposefully and carefully moved the line upscale. They have repositioned their 911 to be an upmarket fantasy car. A new one is simply out of reach of typical enthusiasts. It still remains a question if they can continue to build fantasy cars in higher volumes than say Ferrari. As I have always noted, it is enthusiasts that make the brand and posers that make the money. Porsche must continue to feed the enthusiasts otherwise they are taking a longer-term risk. IMO of course.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Last edited by Bruce In Philly; 07-31-2024 at 12:28 PM.
Porsche is a consumer products company trying to make a profit. 'Nuff said. GT vs sports car vs vanity showcase vs... whatever... none of this really matters as they are just trying to take as much out of our collective wallets. I am OK with this, as that is how this whole system works. What kills me is that buyers actually drink the coolaid.
I have been thinking long and hard about what I would buy should I ball up my current 911. The used market is nuts. I still want a sports car... so right now, if I had to pull the trigger, I would try and buy a Lotus Emira. That is about as close as one can get to a true sports car... small, light, track ready, and fun.... at least I hope so.
Porsche has purposefully and carefully moved the line upscale. They have repositioned their 911 to be an upmarket fantasy car. A new one is simply out of reach of typical enthusiasts. It still remains a question if they can continue to build fantasy cars in higher volumes than say Ferrari. As I have always noted, it is enthusiasts that make the brand and posers that make the money. Porsche must continue to feed the enthusiasts otherwise they are taking a longer-term risk. IMO of course.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
This. Simply this. Completely this!!!
FWIW, I 3d modeled my garage, stand alone tools, and tool chests as well as Pam's and my cars (with jacking pads) when I evaluated what lift would fit in my small space. Then I modeled several two post lifts before I found one that would fit, with fractions of an inch of clearance.
But back on topic based on the above modeling ... Pam's GLA45 that seats 5 while carrying groceries is one inch wider than my 997.2 C4S, and it is one inch shorter.
In other words, our 997s are not small. And compared to a Lotus, they can only be considered marginally as sports cars.
But the 997 is one lovely car, bridging gaps between car types in a way that obviously works for the majority of people who may read this.
Hey, I love my 997.2. I love working on it, driving it... all kinds of ways. But they are just getting too big and expensive... just not there anymore.
Porsche is a consumer products company trying to make a profit. 'Nuff said. GT vs sports car vs vanity showcase vs... whatever... none of this really matters as they are just trying to take as much out of our collective wallets as they can. I am OK with this, as that is how this whole system works. What kills me is that buyers actually drink the coolaid.
I have been thinking long and hard about what I would buy should I ball up my current 911. The used market is nuts. I still want a sports car... so right now, if I had to pull the trigger, I would try and buy a Lotus Emira. That is about as close as one can get to a true sports car... small, light, track ready, and fun.... at least I hope so.
Porsche has purposefully and carefully moved the line upscale. They have repositioned their 911 to be an upmarket fantasy car. A new one is simply out of reach of typical enthusiasts. It still remains a question if they can continue to build fantasy cars in higher volumes than say Ferrari. As I have always noted, it is enthusiasts that make the brand and posers that make the money. Porsche must continue to feed the enthusiasts otherwise they are taking a longer-term risk. IMO of course.
Peace
Bruce in Philly (now Atlanta)
Agree it's about profit and marketing. I'd probably buy a 993 TT or a 964 speedster or 993 RUF R-Turbo since my 997 sees only occasional use anyway and is inspired well into the 6 figures.
I am not sure the 997 is that much smaller than the 991. It is 2.2 inches shorter in lenght, and about the same width. The difference is the wheel base is 4 inches longer:
The 992 is supposedly 1499 mm long, but 1978mm wide.
The 991 certainly feels 'bigger' and 'wider' than my 997, but I think that I am probably feeling the wheelbase difference, along with the interior seemingly feeling bigger.
4" wheel base is huge when it comes to handling. The actual length of the car is not that important when it comes to handling and performance. Keeping the overall length from growing while growing the wheelbase is um... trickery.
When you increase the wheelbase, the car becomes more stable going straight. However, it is not good when turning.... shorter wheelbases are more twitchy, which is what we like.... or should like if you are an enthusiast. Longer equals more boring.