In a nutshell, my 09' 997.2 3.6 6 speed was my first 911 (I'm 6'6" - first one I was comfortable in).

997.2 was 997.1 with some small mechanical updates. 997.1 was apparently based on 996 (intro'd 98') - chassis/suspension etc..

So does it stand to reason that going from 997.2 to 991 is like skipping 14 years of development? Because it fells that way...

As a car nut and generally curious person, I can't put my finger on what it is that makes the new car so different from its predecessor. The longer wheelbase prob. contributes to the better ride, slightly less eager turn-in and near absence of front end bob (the front end doesn't even feel that light anymore..?) Yet the weight distribution isn't that far off the 997.2 and the exterior dimensions aren't radically different. I think a lot of it is down to the interior as well. The windshield shape and rake is much more conventional. The top of the doors are higher, and the dash board is much-much farther away (I have to really reach to open the cupholders). The seats are wider and more conventional and the dash makes the car feel large.

The engine is similar in character than the 997.2 DFI 3.6 although more highly strung with more top end power.

IMHO suspension dictates a lot of a car's character. Just firming up the springs and dampers alone will make the 991 feel more 911ish I think. (I won't be doing that b/c it's my DD). So I think GT3 etc. will be more "familiar" feeling (especially with special seats, steering wheels and shifters).

The thing I love most about 997.2 (especially in silver) was that it was like a Prada tuxedo jacket. You could dress it up and wear it to a white tie event, or pair it with jeans at a nightclub. It was a swiss army knife and very unpretentious at that. The new car isn't your favorite comfortable pair of jeans. Still 100% fun to drive, but with all the tech they put in the car, it feels like a more mature offering all together. Did anyone notice even the wipers move a tad when you remove the key to prevent them from getting stuck in one spot?

I love the 991, and at the same time miss my 997. But if the 997 was my weekend garage queen, I'd be a tad bit disappointed with a base 991/S. It replaces some alluring quirks with undeniable practicality - and I imagine there is a whole slew of 911 faithful who couldn't care less about the car's practicality and therefore won't see this as a fair trade. Lets hope the GT3XX or club sport or aftermarket offerings help bridge the gap. The new car really is impressive, but messing with the formula is like trying to improve Coca Cola - not so easy.

Regards,
DRP

 

that's what she said!

 

dammit! Beat me to it.