My review of the 3.4 base MT part II
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Out of curiosity, since your references of GTS and GT3 are stated why did you opt for the base 991 vs the more powerful S.
That said it's interesting to hear some of the minus points associated with the new 991.
I didn't have the same feeling about the electrical steering but then I didn't drive it for extended periods of time.
The electrical hand brake though... is killing me, especially on a manual!
Oh btw how is it on hills and the like, I know there's a system which prevents roll-back but I'd like to get your opinion on this.
Cheers!
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tromero,
Thanks for the honest and perceptive review. Your background with the 911 and the fact that you're making these comments as an owner of the 991 adds a lot of credibility. As a possible future car, I'm continuing to hope that I'll grow to love the 991, but your review raises doubts, since it reinforces my impressions from my two test drives so far (will probably do another test drive of a base with MT soon).
The 991 is undeniably a great car, but not necessarily one that everyone will/should prefer over the 997. For those who do have a 991, I sincerely hope they love it (or grow to love it), and if not there's always the option of selling it and getting something else.
My local dealer has a beautiful white GTS with aerokit that's been sitting there for many months with no takers. I salivate every time I see the car. I told him that if he gets to the point where he can discount it massively, I might become irrational enough to buy it. I'm also on the lookout for a used GT3.
And BTW, after a couple thousand miles, I'm also less excited about Cayman R than when we first got it. Don't get me wrong - it's a superb and pure sports car - but I still prefer the feel of the 997, since I feel that the CR needs considerably higher speeds (eg, the track) to be truly engaging. It's my wife's DD, and she prefers it to all of our other cars, so no regret about getting it, but it's interesting to see how our impressions and feelings change with time.
Thanks for the honest and perceptive review. Your background with the 911 and the fact that you're making these comments as an owner of the 991 adds a lot of credibility. As a possible future car, I'm continuing to hope that I'll grow to love the 991, but your review raises doubts, since it reinforces my impressions from my two test drives so far (will probably do another test drive of a base with MT soon).
The 991 is undeniably a great car, but not necessarily one that everyone will/should prefer over the 997. For those who do have a 991, I sincerely hope they love it (or grow to love it), and if not there's always the option of selling it and getting something else.
My local dealer has a beautiful white GTS with aerokit that's been sitting there for many months with no takers. I salivate every time I see the car. I told him that if he gets to the point where he can discount it massively, I might become irrational enough to buy it. I'm also on the lookout for a used GT3.
And BTW, after a couple thousand miles, I'm also less excited about Cayman R than when we first got it. Don't get me wrong - it's a superb and pure sports car - but I still prefer the feel of the 997, since I feel that the CR needs considerably higher speeds (eg, the track) to be truly engaging. It's my wife's DD, and she prefers it to all of our other cars, so no regret about getting it, but it's interesting to see how our impressions and feelings change with time.
Last edited by Manifold; Apr 12, 2012 at 05:29 PM.
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Perspectives.
With no tracking experience and no plans to track, my primary use for the 991 is a daily. In that regard it does very well. I do believe if Porsche could've of stayed with hydraulic steering and kept everything else the 991 would've been better off for sure. As it is, the steering isn't as natural going down the highway as it was in my old 997.1. The new steering is good, but not great.
I really like the new car, but it is different than the 997. If someone wants more sport and less comfort it looks like Porsche is going a different direction than they are. Those folks would be better served buying a 997.
To me, the 991 is more a day to day car with very good sport versus a sports car with the ability to drive it day to day. The 991 is definitely more friendly for day to day but less visceral in a mechanical way and that is different than what we get with the 997.
It's hard to make an all inclusive statement about the direction Porsche is taking their cars because that has to be based on an individuals priority for the car. Tracking, day to day, etc. That priority varies from person to person. So the changes are good or bad depending.
If I wanted a weekend warrior I would go buy a 997.2 TT if I could. If I want a DD 911, then the new car would win hands down for me. People just need to decide which way they want to go with it.
I will say, that the extra options, do make a very large difference in the way a 991 feels. Even between S models. I test drove a basic no frills CS (no pdcc, etc, etc) and the feel of the car was different than the one that did have those options. People looking at the 991 need to really appreciate how different the car behaves in Sports mode vs standard driving mode. The difference is quite noticeable.
.02
With no tracking experience and no plans to track, my primary use for the 991 is a daily. In that regard it does very well. I do believe if Porsche could've of stayed with hydraulic steering and kept everything else the 991 would've been better off for sure. As it is, the steering isn't as natural going down the highway as it was in my old 997.1. The new steering is good, but not great.
I really like the new car, but it is different than the 997. If someone wants more sport and less comfort it looks like Porsche is going a different direction than they are. Those folks would be better served buying a 997.
To me, the 991 is more a day to day car with very good sport versus a sports car with the ability to drive it day to day. The 991 is definitely more friendly for day to day but less visceral in a mechanical way and that is different than what we get with the 997.
It's hard to make an all inclusive statement about the direction Porsche is taking their cars because that has to be based on an individuals priority for the car. Tracking, day to day, etc. That priority varies from person to person. So the changes are good or bad depending.
If I wanted a weekend warrior I would go buy a 997.2 TT if I could. If I want a DD 911, then the new car would win hands down for me. People just need to decide which way they want to go with it.
I will say, that the extra options, do make a very large difference in the way a 991 feels. Even between S models. I test drove a basic no frills CS (no pdcc, etc, etc) and the feel of the car was different than the one that did have those options. People looking at the 991 need to really appreciate how different the car behaves in Sports mode vs standard driving mode. The difference is quite noticeable.
.02
Last edited by hed; Apr 12, 2012 at 07:34 PM.
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Perspectives.
With no tracking experience and no plans to track, my primary use for the 991 is a daily. In that regard it does very well. I do believe if Porsche could've of stayed with hydraulic steering and kept everything else the 991 would've been better off for sure. As it is, the steering isn't as natural going down the highway as it was in my old 997.1. The new steering is good, but not great.
I really like the new car, but it is different than the 997. If someone wants more sport and less comfort it looks like Porsche is going a different direction than they are. Those folks would be better served buying a 997.
To me, the 991 is more a day to day car with very good sport versus a sports car with the ability to drive it day to day. The 991 is definitely more friendly for day to day but less visceral in a mechanical way and that is different than what we get with the 997.
It's hard to make an all inclusive statement about the direction Porsche is taking their cars because that has to be based on an individuals priority for the car. Tracking, day to day, etc. That priority varies from person to person. So the changes are good or bad depending.
If I wanted a weekend warrior I would go buy a 997.2 TT if I could. If I want a DD 911, then the new car would win hands down for me. People just need to decide which way they want to go with it.
I will say, that the extra options, do make a very large difference in the way a 991 feels. Even between S models. I test drove a basic no frills CS (no pdcc, etc, etc) and the feel of the car was different than the one that did have those options. People looking at the 991 need to really appreciate how different the car behaves in Sports mode vs standard driving mode. The difference is quite noticeable.
.02
With no tracking experience and no plans to track, my primary use for the 991 is a daily. In that regard it does very well. I do believe if Porsche could've of stayed with hydraulic steering and kept everything else the 991 would've been better off for sure. As it is, the steering isn't as natural going down the highway as it was in my old 997.1. The new steering is good, but not great.
I really like the new car, but it is different than the 997. If someone wants more sport and less comfort it looks like Porsche is going a different direction than they are. Those folks would be better served buying a 997.
To me, the 991 is more a day to day car with very good sport versus a sports car with the ability to drive it day to day. The 991 is definitely more friendly for day to day but less visceral in a mechanical way and that is different than what we get with the 997.
It's hard to make an all inclusive statement about the direction Porsche is taking their cars because that has to be based on an individuals priority for the car. Tracking, day to day, etc. That priority varies from person to person. So the changes are good or bad depending.
If I wanted a weekend warrior I would go buy a 997.2 TT if I could. If I want a DD 911, then the new car would win hands down for me. People just need to decide which way they want to go with it.
I will say, that the extra options, do make a very large difference in the way a 991 feels. Even between S models. I test drove a basic no frills CS (no pdcc, etc, etc) and the feel of the car was different than the one that did have those options. People looking at the 991 need to really appreciate how different the car behaves in Sports mode vs standard driving mode. The difference is quite noticeable.
.02
It seems to be the consensus from most 991 owners... that is until they pass the engine wear-in stage and they can hit that sport/sport+ button!
I found that this button changes the character of the car from a comfy DD to an exciting and powerful sports car that puts a smile on your face.
This is the Jeckel & Hyde factor... many have been referring to.
But I'd like to hear what you guys who are actually driving it right now think of this.
Cheers!
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If you live to tell the story
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I hope you will come to love, not just like your new ride. It does seem like some of the 991 is still to be had on tap, as you in your mind compare a spirited drive in the GTS to a break-in period 991 that you haven't fully opened up? I think correct as you mentioned to give it some time. However, ill-feelings may be hard to reverse.
Last edited by fbroen; Apr 12, 2012 at 10:45 PM.
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I hope you will come to love, not just like your new ride. It does seem like some of the 991 is still to be had on tap, as you in your mind compare a spirited drive in the GTS to a break-in period 991 that you haven't fully opened up? I think correct as you mentioned to give it some time. However, ill-feelings may be hard to reverse.
tromero, crank that sucker up soon!
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