If truly, what is in a name, than why did you bring it up and raise that question? Why do you care if I call my car a 911 and why do you question my right, or Porsche', to do so? I am happy to call my car a Porsche, a Carrera, a 911, or a 991. You should be happy for me. And for yourself. If you want to say your 911 steers better than mine because it is hydrolic - have at it. But don't say my car is less of a 911 than yours. I do care!

And I am particularly unhappy with those who would express a negative opinion, as opposed to fact, and are fundementally uninformed enough to do it. The 996 and the 997 are the same great car, with evolutionary updates and different front lenses. Using the differences between them as a yard stick to measure changes in driver's dynamic is absurd. To borrow from theater, it is like calling an Ox a Bull. He is happy for the complement, but would rather have restored what was rightfully his!

If you don't like the 991 fine. If you don't like people questioning the wisdom of buying the last of the 997.2s when a brand new car is on the way, I can understand your concern. If you feel left out now that all the attention has shifted to the 991 and yours is just the last run of the last version of a good car, I feel your pain. But those insecurities are your problem. You bought a great car. Move on.

If you don't like fly-by-wire steering OK (but almost everyone, including, I think, the 997 has been fly by wire throttle control for some time and I don't here anyone saying that that makes the car less of an anything - but it truly feels differnt than direct linkages used to). We can debate that all day long and that is just fine. If you think the 991 is the next Edsel, we can debate that too, preferably over a beer but only one - I am driving). Time and sales numbers will tell in retrospect, but we can good naturedly argue about that 'til the cows come home.

But don't presume to appoint yourself judge for everyone on what is, what isn't and to what degee, something is a 911. It is not your place to question something you, by your own admission, know little or nothing about. Again, you like the 997 better - great. For you.

And, not for nothing, my firm and I do a great deal of trademark work for some very large and brand-savvy companies so you will never get me to agree that there is nothing in a name. I dare say, with the way Porsche gaurds its name and reputation, and with its prices so linked to both performance and image, you will not get much agreement out of them either. And feel free to call Coke, Disney and Apple if you need a greater sample size.

 

You make a valid argument that I'm inferring that the 991 represents a break from the 911 lineage, based on the assumption that the 996/997 drive more like the older generations than the 991. But that assumption isn't based only on speculation, it's based on hearing the opinions of many people over many years, along with my own driving impressions from the 996/997, 991, and many other cars. It's possible that when I drive some older 911s, which I hope to do sooner rather than later, my view will change, but I predict that won't happen. We'll see.

If you consider your 991 to be a 911, that's fine, and it's up to you. I'm glad that you love the car and consider it to be a 911. We're not really trying to settle a question which has an entirely objective answer, so different opinions are OK. And when I'm driving a 991 in a couple of years (base, GT3, Turbo?), feel free to make fun of how I had all these reservations back when the 991 first came out.

 

OK, we should let this thread just die. It's obvious there are insecurities on both sides about their vehicles, and both are good....


The 991 is just better!

 

No insecurity here. I can get a 991 if I really want it. Question is whether I prefer it to the 997. That's all.

OTOH, if I recently got a 991 and was hearing lots of criticism of it, I might be inclined to second-guess my choice. Maybe we need a '991, Criticism Prohibited' section so that 991 owners don't have to hear this stuff which is of more interest to potential 991 owners. Seriously.

 

I must have missed something, or several somethings. I did not see or read anthing that would qualify as "lots of criticism." Indeed, if we use the article that started this thread, there are two pages of praise and two clauses of tepid. Some articles and posts like it and some don't. Some like it but like other cars better, either perfomance for the money (GT-R), styling (R8 - but I don't agree), exotic (458) or just wow (the new Lambo). All are as valid as any other opinion (except for the GT-R in terms of performance for the money - that is more factual). But, other than on this site, and at a reasonably low level, I have heard very little actual criticism.

 

The strong reactions in 6speed suggest that some people feel there's 'lots of criticism' of the 991. But I agree that no one has trashed the car. The actual opinions range more from lukewarmly appreciating it and wishing it was something different, to loving it and saying it's the best 911 ever. That's not bad, but it would have been nice if the car had been more universally loved.

 

I'm a cheap date so you should be OK

Hahahaha... like you'd be able to stay away.

You think a 991 owner starts a thread about a glowing review of that vehicle to attracted posts from individuals whom don't like the 991?
What you think we need the balance of your voice of "reason"...

There isn't another section which gets as much negative posts aimed at the designated model as the 991 section does... and make no mistake about it, nor would it be tolerated!

Why don't you try this on the 997 Turbo, 996 or GT-R section... see what happens.

I know, I know... I wasn't going to get involved.

 

It's OK, I like it when you get involved. You usually entertain me, and sometimes I agree with you too.

Please review this thread from the beginning. The OP cited an article which praised the 991, but also raised questions about its departure from the 911 tradition and its potential lack of timelessness. I believe he did it in good faith, and expecting a discussion which will cover both positive and negative aspects of the car.

As far as negative comments in other sections, those cars are old news, so there won't be much of it. But sometimes negative points are mentioned, particularly when a potential buyer is asking for opinions. And you may see more of that when new Boxster and Cayman come out, if people are disappointed with some aspects of them. I hope not, since visually they're very compelling.

 

Funny, I recently saw an article in a Motor Trend publication (I know, not the most authoritative source) about the new Boxster. I just skimmed it, so don't quote me, but I believe it was the same story - great car, but the author wonders if it has departed too far... LOL

 

Zeitgeist!

ChuckJ

 

I saw some comments along these lines noted in 6speed also. Can't remember which publication was cited, but comments were made about longer wheelbase, less lively dynamics, and more numb steering. Still a beautiful car though, so I'll remain hopeful until I drive it.

 

Found a link:

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...xster_s_drive/

 

Yup, I do remember reading this. Very similar story to the 911. Some people will like the new Boxster more, some less. As you might suspect, I like more of a thrill-ride sort of Porsche, but am not ruling out the new Boxster/Cayman until I drive them. If it's thumbs down, we can always keep the Cayman R, which is a heck of a car (though I still like the 997 more).

 

Interestingly this quote appeared in their cab review:
"This is the drop-top version of the all-new 991 series 911. Our own Angus MacKenzie declared the coupe "The Best 911 Ever." And after spending a day twisting and turning in the 911 Cabrio across the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Spain's Grand Canary Island, we found absolutely nothing to suggest otherwise from the coupe's topless twin."

Proof positive, it is a 911! Thank God, I thought I had bought an impostor.

ChuckJ

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...#ixzz1tHdHPO00

 

That was the best comment I have read in any thread in a long time!
You are a genius.