991 vs 997 in the flesh
11-06-2012, 01:47 AM
#166
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: PA & FL - '12 Carrera GTS
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I was invited to a charity tennis event in Delray, FL last February where Porsche had a large display of their entire line of cars including the launch of the 991. I had driven my ZO6 and parked right outside of where the Porsches were displayed. I had arrived early and one of the Porsche reps was nice enough to give me a guided tour. I remember saying that the 991 looked larger than my ZO6. He said no way, so he opened the side gate and told me to drive my car next to a 991 coupe. It turned out I was right and the 991 made my Vette look small by comparison. It was similar to the pictures posted here of the 997 next to the 991. I was turned off then and I was turned off again by the look of the 991 when I made my decision to buy a 911 GTS instead.
To each their own, but IMO, the 997 is more of what a sports car should be as opposed to the 991. I prefer the sportier look and feel of my 911 GTS over the 991, even though the 991 is a very nice car. It just feels to me that it is more of a very capable touring car than it is an overall sports car (it is more comfortable inside).
To each their own, but IMO, the 997 is more of what a sports car should be as opposed to the 991. I prefer the sportier look and feel of my 911 GTS over the 991, even though the 991 is a very nice car. It just feels to me that it is more of a very capable touring car than it is an overall sports car (it is more comfortable inside).
11-06-2012, 03:09 AM
#167
Nordschleife Master
As Ferry said, good designs pass the test of time. A good design yesterday, will still be considered a good design tomorrow, and will not 'get run over from behind'. OTOH, a bad design today, may not pass the test of time...
11-06-2012, 04:37 AM
#168
Drifting
12-09-2012, 12:54 PM
#169
Went to the launch - it was crowded with little kids sitting in the drivers seats. While I was waiting to sit in one, a kid spilled a soft drink on the ventilated seats! It soaked in really thoroughly - I would not want that car. I did not want to sit in one anymore. I looked under the engine bay - big disappointment. What is with the twin fans on top, this is not an air cooled motor. It looked like the cheap fan mounted in my dormroom window in college. Then I looked at the ridiculous sunroof in the open position. It looked like an older gentleman wearing a tennis visor on a sunny day. A 997 carrera 4GTS was parked at the other end of the showroom, what a stunning car. 991 looks better in pictures, up close it looks like aunt Edna.
12-09-2012, 12:57 PM
#170
I was invited to a charity tennis event in Delray, FL last February where Porsche had a large display of their entire line of cars including the launch of the 991. I had driven my ZO6 and parked right outside of where the Porsches were displayed. I had arrived early and one of the Porsche reps was nice enough to give me a guided tour. I remember saying that the 991 looked larger than my ZO6. He said no way, so he opened the side gate and told me to drive my car next to a 991 coupe. It turned out I was right and the 991 made my Vette look small by comparison. It was similar to the pictures posted here of the 997 next to the 991. I was turned off then and I was turned off again by the look of the 991 when I made my decision to buy a 911 GTS instead.
To each their own, but IMO, the 997 is more of what a sports car should be as opposed to the 991. I prefer the sportier look and feel of my 911 GTS over the 991, even though the 991 is a very nice car. It just feels to me that it is more of a very capable touring car than it is an overall sports car (it is more comfortable inside).
To each their own, but IMO, the 997 is more of what a sports car should be as opposed to the 991. I prefer the sportier look and feel of my 911 GTS over the 991, even though the 991 is a very nice car. It just feels to me that it is more of a very capable touring car than it is an overall sports car (it is more comfortable inside).
12-09-2012, 12:59 PM
#171
I "sprang" for the 2012 GTS because I prefer the 997 body style. If you like the 991, go get one. They're all over the lots.
12-09-2012, 01:02 PM
#172
Financially, I do agree with you. However, that might be the best 911 to buy in the coming months (outside of GT3).
991 is disappointing in so many fronts, it basically is NOT an enthusiast car anymore, it's a very capable sports GT car meant for people who wanna buy it for show, it's their first luxury car purchase, and probably never bother tracking or even opening up the hood. Different demographic.
991 is disappointing in so many fronts, it basically is NOT an enthusiast car anymore, it's a very capable sports GT car meant for people who wanna buy it for show, it's their first luxury car purchase, and probably never bother tracking or even opening up the hood. Different demographic.
12-09-2012, 01:05 PM
#173
Looking at the 991 on my dealer's showroom floor, sandwiched between a 997 GTS and a Cayman R, I was struck by how quickly I would have chosen either of them over it. Maybe that will change, but it looked soft to me. I'm sure it's a fantastic car, certainly leaps ahead of my little 05 C2, but - and this is entirely subjective obviously - it didn't move me in the same visceral way.
To each his own. I'm sure those who buy 991s will be thrilled with their purchase, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if I join them at some point down the road, but I'm in no rush.
To each his own. I'm sure those who buy 991s will be thrilled with their purchase, and it wouldn't surprise me at all if I join them at some point down the road, but I'm in no rush.
12-09-2012, 01:09 PM
#174
Thanks for your empathy my friend, but don't shed any tears for me. I've been enjoying my '12 GTS Cab for several months now, at a very good discount, while those waiting for a new 991 Cab, with a manual, are still, well, waiting...... And waiting for a non-discountable 1st year model, which more likely than not is going to have some significant issues.
12-09-2012, 05:39 PM
#176
Burning Brakes
Well I've owned both as daily drivers, along with six other 911's since 1987. Whether they are GT's or sports cars is the proverbial "how many angels can dance on the head of a pin?" type of argument. I believe they were all fabulous cars with each new model offering more performance than the previous one. I have now driven my 991 6,000 miles and like it more with each mile. I would not consider returning to my 997.2. I also have a 993 that is a very different driving car. The fact that I love this car so much probably has more to do with me than with the car. I would argue it is the most beautiful Porsche ever made, but I would not argue that it is superior to the 991, or even the much maligned 996 for that matter. I have driven a 996tt and it was just an astounding car. So if after driving both for more than a few test miles you prefer the 997, so be it. Just realize it is likely more about you than the car. I am now looking for a 356 Speedster. I am confident that all here will agree that it is a sports car, and yet it couldn't post numbers in any performance category equal to a Dodge Neon...go figure.
