Have been a consistent Turbo owner for many years over several models. Made a job change last year moving to a beautiful part of eastern Pa. Went for taking the train every day into Manhattan to driving all curvy back roads into work.
Made a decision that I needed an every day car (and at the time the wife didn't want a garage full of cars) so I was convinced by my dealer and friend to go with a Panamera 4. Have to say I really like the car and the convenience but over the last year I have been lusting for the power and feel of the 911.
So I have asked my dealer to hunt down a 2011 or 2012 997.2 TT. At the same time he is telling me I really need to drive the new 991 4S as it will do everything I need it to do and the new car is amazing. I am familiar with the 997 TT having had 2 but have not driven the new 991 4S. I'm sure I will like it but will I be wishing for more of a kick in the pants. I don't track anymore and I'm sixty but not dead. What do you guys think? I'm going to try to get into a 4S before the snow flys but was looking for input.
Thanks in advance.

 

I drove both the C2S and the C4S - if you looking for traction for winter driving due to snow/ice then get the 4. Otherwise, the 2S is a ton of fun.

 

It depends what you like more, handling or torque.

 

If you want the 997 turbo, DO NOT drive the 991 ! You'll immediately notice Porsche made a quantum leap ! Sure that turbo wins it on power and torque, but the 991 has got it beat on EVERY other aspect !

 

I agree with bccars. I own a 991S X51 Cab and also a modded 996 TT Cab. TT has the torque and bottom end. 991 is a blast to drive in all conditions. Just be in about 2 gears lower than with the TT and you get almost same effect and if you look at the Nurburgring times the 991S runs circles around the TT's (even the 997 TT's). I'm 70 and just love the 991 but have kept the Turbo also for those days (like Friday last) that I want a car with the torque!

 

I agree with the posters. I was going to get a 997 tt as well. I drove a 2014 C4S and a 997.1 TT (2008) yesterday. OMG!!! There really is no comparison. I want a C4S 991 even more than I want a C2S 991. It is a phenomenal car! I now have to try to find the extra money. Believe me you won't regret it. The turbo had a little more kick to it but all the upgrades of the 991 makes that car incredible to drive. Porsche engineered the heck out of that car. Get a Sports Chrono and drive it in sport plus mode and you will get all the "kick" you are looking for.

 

I'd get a nicely used 997.2 turbo S. I've driven and concur that the 991 models are very nice and have the modern changes one would expect. All that said there is no replacement for the awesome feeling you get with the turbo. You simply cannot overcome ~500lbs of torque no matter how you try to slice it. Given that you're not going to tack, those times are irrelevant. The turbo S is on par with some of the finest exotic sports cars in the world. Plus you get PCCB and other great options at a savings of 30-50k off MSRP.

 

I'm 73 get the Turbo. Check the turning radius of each car. If you want a 991 get the new Turbo or the GT3 with rear wheel steering this makes for a smaller turning radius at slow speeds. Nimble is what makes them fun to drive. 991 is more refined has a broader range from comfort to race mode. I have a 997 and have driven a 991 for a whole weekend. Don't get me wrong 991 is a great car I just don't think you will be happy with a stock 991 over the Turbo.

 

+1..big difference.

 

I can't wait to pick up the 991 C4S! Its amazing how different it is from my 997.2.

 

If I have AWD in a 911 it better be a Turbo !! The 4S with options can cost as much as a base Turbo and at that price level the Turbo S is proportionally pennies more.
UNLESS having a manual gearbox is a must my vote goes to the Turbo.

That said .. the least expensive option is to keep the Panamera and buy NOTHING . One can either satisfy that (quoting the Op) "lusting" for a "kick in the pants" 911 in two ways : 1) buy the Turbo S or 2) keep the savings and buy the 185K car a few years from now as a CPO when they cost 120 (less than a new 4S BTW) .

 

Manual is a must for now. I have been driving PDK in the Pana and it is fun and great in traffic but less engaging. I know manual shift cars seem to be disappearing at Porsche but I want to enjoy them while I can.

 

It is worthwhile remembering that (almost) all of the technology of the 997.2 turbo was transitioned to the 991 C4(S). They are both awesome cars. So your choice comes down to a 100hp difference, NA vs. turbo feel, and the fit and finish of the interior.
You just need to decide what matters to you the most.
Good luck!

 

I wanted a 997.2 turbo and have a 991 C2S cab. I really liked the newer suspension and PDK better. I have spent the last 3 days driving my Dad's 997.2 TT cab. The TT is noticeably faster and a fair bit loader road noise in the cabin on the highway. The exhaust sound above 4,000 rpm is much much better in the 991 with PSE. I also think the difference in handling is noticeable but let's be honest they both handle very well.

I know we all tend to convince ourselves that our decisions are sound and I prefer my car but it would not be hard to settle for the TT. I think the comment that you should decide what you prefer torque or handling is solid but to me not being on track the torque is more obvious then the difference in handling.

 

Two different beasts, IMO. The biggest difference won't only be the 100hp, but the huge jump in torque as others have mentioned (325 in the 4S vs. 516 in the TT with overboost). That's almost 200lb-ft more, which will make a huge difference in how the car drives/feels in any situation.

That said, you'll probably feel more comfortable in the 4S, and I'm sure you wouldn't mind the redesigned interior/features.