Hi I've been perusing the 991/997 GT3 forums for a couple of weeks and had a few questions for the group. Does anyone know what the drive train loss is from the rear wheels to the engine. I know in most front engine, rear wheel drive cars it varies between 12.5% - 15%. I'm coming from cars that have between 500 – 600 hp at the crank and weigh no more than 3300 lbs. I live in the Denver area where you lose an additional 15% N.A. in power because of the elevation. My concern is that 400 hp just won't be enough power. Also, does the S coupe weigh in the vicinity of 3200lbs +/- depending on options: sun roof etc... I'm considering the automated manual because I think that will offset what might be considered a "power shortage." Thanks so much. Bob

 

Hey Bob, welcome to the forum. Lots of great people here with tons of great info. I can't answer your question directly, however I can relate my experiences. I had a 997 and moved from Florida to Divide Colorado, which is behind Pikes Peak. My house was right around 9000 feet. I drove down to the Springs daily and can say without question that ther e was a tremendous difference in my car from Florida. I would really have to drive it hard to have 'half' the performance I had in FL. The car was still amazing and tons of fun on the mountain twisters but it just too forever to get up to speed. It made all the right sounds,handled great and all but the power just wasnt there. I used to tell my wife all the time that I wished I had a Turbo to help offset the power loss.
So to your point I'd expect you to feel a big difference from what your used to. I'd still take my Porsche back to Colorado in a second though, as I truly loved those drives through the mountains!!

 

Thanks for your feedback it is much appreciated. Colorado is tailor made for driving high performance cars.

 

The 991 Carrera S PDK is fast as hell. I just raced one in my stock 2010 GTR didn't beat it by much. I just picked up a 997.1, if I had done my homework I probably would have picked up the Carrera S for $10-15k more, it looks weak on paper, but it puts a lot of that power down to the ground... You probably want ot test drive it

 

Welcome to the forum, Bob.

JR429 is correct; the C2S gets the power to the ground, which makes all the difference in the world.

My last car was the 505HP ZO6. I loved that car, even though it was always plotting to kill me. First and second gear were useless on the street, but on a well-prepped dragstrip with drag radials, the car was capable of breaking into the ten-second bracket.

I also had a supercharged 2003 Mustang Cobra that was modified to the point of 600+ RWHP. The car was totally useless on the street, but was killer from a forty-mile-per-hour roll on the highway.

The Mustang once ran a 10.68 with drag slicks; it was like being shot out of a cannon and the car's major instability going into the traps at 134 MPH made for a real white-knuckled ride. WOW!

That being said, I would take my new C2S over those cars any day of the week.

Its ability to get the power down to the pavement whenever you really need it is worth the price of admission alone.

Hope this helps. Enjoy!

 

If you are use to that sort of power with that weight, I would wait for the Turbo or GT3. I think you might be even happier with the Turbo since it will have more torque.

My buddies that come from cars like Z06s, don't like anything but the turbos after they drive the 911 range.

But everyone is different, get out and drive the car and see if it meets your needs.

 

Thank you. You must have had your GTR in 4th instead of 2nd for it to be close......just kidding.

 

Thank you for all of your responses. The rear engine, rear weight bias and PDK is a great equalizer. At a mile high, the power loss is so great that I've never had a problem putting the power to the ground, especially when the tires are both sticky and warmed up. (Nitto 05)

 

Handful - I think motortrend reported the 991 Carrera S PDK running high 11's through the quarter mile. That is very quick, faster than my AMG car with an extra 100 horses. Don't discount the 991 PDK, that thing is a monster in disguise.

 

Welcome to 6!
It will be interesting to see which way you end up going... personally I'd say get the Turbo it is very, very easy to bring that to the 650+ hp you've grown accustomed to.

Cheers.

 

Thanks, I'm looking forward to learning how X51 positively effects performance and if the upgrade is worth it.