Carcam

I'm very lucky to have a good job and wife that indulges my love of cars. I went from a 911 turbo to an M3 to a Boxster Spyder to a GTS to my new 991S, over a few years of course. My friends are surprised I gave up my GTS since it was and probably will always be the best looking Porsche I have owned.

First of all, I'm probably older than most here (pushing 60) and follow closely along the aging demographic of Porsche marketing. I'm a sucker for keyless go, ventilated seats, auto headlights, little road/tire noise, comfort seats, etc.

The GTS was a more vibrant, sporty ride with seemingly more power at higher rpm. It's definitely edgier, more involving and truer to the character of the traditional 911. When some say the 991 has lost it's 911 soul, I understand that since it is so much different then the 997.2.

When I drove the GTS fast- for a fun mountain trip or a quick trip in the country, I absolutely loved it. It's an incredible sports car by any measure. When I drove it everyday to the office, slow around town or in traffic it was less fun. Not ideally suited for the mundane requirements of daily commuting, like a caged animal wanting to be let out.

The 991 seems to fit my lifestyle better at the moment. I can drive it comfortably everyday and hit it hard on weekends in the mountains. I can't say the 991 is better in every way because I miss some things about the GTS. If I was younger, the GTS would get the nod but I'm really liking what Porsche did with the 991- interior, refinements, quieter more comfortable ride, etc.

I do think the GTS will be like the 993 S in a few years and be worth more resale than the 991's. It's a special car, wide body, power kit, etc.

But I still love my new car and can't wait to go out and drive it. It's still a 911 at heart.

alexb76

Congrats on your move, and kind of jealous you could transition cars that quickly and easily!

You basically confirmed that 997 is more sporty, while 991 is more GT! and that exactly suits your needs and that's great... but for purists, it's a departure from tradition, and I wish there was different variants of the same car to suit different needs. I guess enthusiasts have to wait for GT3.

Cheers!

mzn50

Good post.. Although I have not tested the 991.. I truly beleive the car is built for the demographics of a smother ride ..quieter.. Better mileage ..better laid out interiors .. What the ?...did they build a family ..station wagon.. ?

No not really.. But they now put out what..... 35,000 911's a year ?.. The " I would like a softer ride" .. More everyday car..voice may have seemed to influence the 991.. Look at their recent magazine and TV ads..And I'm sure Porsche knew exactly what they wanted out of their new release.. And nailed it.. For the demographics ..

And at 35,000 built yearly... It's an amazing car.. Everyone of them..


My 2 cents but I think this 997 vs 991 debate..is just starting and will go on and on.

blake

+1, and I bet it will be a beast...

Thanks Carcam for the write-up! Enjoy the new ride...

-Blake

alexb76

Funny you said that, I was just riding with my younger sister, and she said, "why there are so many Porsches around? when I was younger only unique people drove Porsches".

They have seriously dilluted the brand wait for Cajun to come out and it'd be even worse! Damn it!

Alan C.

Nice post on the GTS to 991S transition. Like you I am in that upper age group. I'll hit 65 next month. I drove a 991S recently and agree it is a very nice car. I didn't get enough seat time to make a definitive opinion on the GTS vs. the 991S but I will say that the 991S is a very nice car. It goes about it's business without upsetting the driver. Kind of like having a guiding hand.

Congratulations on the new ride.

LastMezger

Haven't you been keeping up...the small SUV is going to be called the Macan!?!

alexb76

oops sorry, even a better name! LOL

GSIRM3

I am 60 and have a GTS also. I have driven the 991 and think it is a great car, but I like my GTS so much that I do not have any desire for a 991, at least not yet. The GTS is a perfect 911 for me, but congratulations on your new 991.

mzn50

That's how diluted the Brand has become.. We even get confused one what "nut or spice" its called ...lol

That one lads made me laugh..

TommyV44

That made me smile........I'm holding out for the walnut! what a shame.

Tom

mdrums

I'm 46...love my GTS. I consider myself a young 46, kid at heart that loves to still goof and play around. I drove a loaded up 991S a few weeks ago...around my streets that I'm familiar with by myself with out the salesman with me and the 1st thoughts that came to my mind where plush, refined, cushy, comfortable, everyday use, modern, masks speed, quiet, tame, luxury. This is the 991S to me.

It didn't feel edgy, more sporty, faster, harsh, loud, to me compared to my GTS or the GT3's I've been in or even the last 2 Carrera S cars I've had. I appreciate the 991S and am very interested in the GT3 991 models and the refined speed they will have. However after looking at the sticker price of 4- 991S cars at my dealer I'm in sticker shock and am afraid Porsche will price the 991 GT3 out of my league.

Chaos

Great comparos

Mbiondo

The Walnut, pronounced "Wall-noot", will be a mid-size, four door sedan, based on the Panamera, only smaller.

SAN997

All of the major sports car brands are becoming more "GT": BMW M3, Porsche 911, Subaru STI, etc. The reason is, car prices are increasing much faster than inflation or wages, so the buyers are becoming older and older by necessity. Older buyers don't want to shift and they need cushy suspension for their backs.

I haven't driven it yet, but from the reviews, it seems the C7 Corvette is actually more of a true sports car than before, even though the demographics are the oldest of any brand. A bit of a paradox. Sure the interior is upscale, but most are still sold with a manual, and the chief engineer said that the 911 was the benchmark for steering feel, handling, etc.

If I ever upgrade the 997.1 C2S, it will be to either a 997 GT3 or a 997 Turbo. The 991 series does not offer anything of improvement in my book.