My car blew a tire so when I picked it up they let me drive a 991S without a salesperson.
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It was a base S/PDK with no sport chrono. So this is what I think:
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Outside looks very nice especially with the 20” wheels. The turbo version will be a killer I’m sure. Although the car is lower, it is very easy to get into and feels larger when sitting in it. It did not have the new suspension option but was incredibly flat in turns. No question about it the S seems faster and more solid than the 997. Overall the car feels somewhere between a 997 and GT cruiser like a Jag. If my eyes were closed I might not think that I was in a Porsche except for the very nice power rush. BTW the sound even without the sport exhaust is excellent.
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On the negative, the interior is not all that great and maybe with a lot of leather would be a nicer place. The gauges are a little more detailed or higher resolution but there are even more buttons and some of them smaller than you would expect. The cabin is different but I would not say better. If you like the old 911 go cart feel, this car may not be for you. Definitely feels a little less connected.
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I’m sure the next turbo will be a monster and I will probably have to kill someone to get one. But, there are compromises…..


Note - had to make up a stupid title or this would be placed in the 991 section.

 

Good review.. Good thing you test drove with out the salesperson.

 

I completely agree with you. I was torn btw waiting for the new turbo or getting the new 12...but I wanted the more "sporty" feel...so went with the 997.2!

 

I checked out a new 991S at a PCA dinner. You are correct on the new exhaust sound. Much nicer, throatier with what almost sounded like a cam effect. Maybe a lumpier idle is a better description.

 

I drove a 991s last weekend as well. The steering is not where it should be. It feels ghosty - oddly disconnected to the road. I'm sure they'll fix that in time. Really liked the rest of the car, including the interior. If I had never driven a turbo, I'd be tempted. As the OP said, Exhaust sound is much more fun, at the asme time the interior has less background noise.

I'm also going to get another manual when the time comes. The PDK was amazing, but I still enjoy rowing. All in all, I was happy to get back into my 997.1 tt

 

We went back to the dealer yesterday to have the bosses 4S cab serviced and she sat in a 991 all leather launch edition, said it was a "snore" and didn't even want to test drive one!

And I have to agree, the interior is just boring, very angular and and does not feel special or iconic as does the 997.

Even if you buy the improved performance aspect, you still have to live in it.