Hey guys new here and first post. I have been reading and reading thread after tread. Watching video reviews on Youtube. I am 53 and this will be my first Porsche and I am stuck in a mind spinning state between the two.
let me say up front either car will be laughing at me saying is that all you got for me. In other words either car I will never be pushing it to where the car is limiting me. I like the more simple 997 series and to me it just looks like a 911 to me the new 991 is nice but in my mind when I picture a 991 I see the 997 style. But Pros for the 991 are lighter weight, As much or more power, better PDK from what I have read, better finished interior and a more feature rich and refined PCM. The CONS more gimmicks that I think take away from the sports car feel. Electric steering, Coasting function. Stopping motor while stopped. Yes I know you can turn it off but still it just takes away from the sports car and makes it seem to me its more of a computer that you can drive. So I guess what I am asking its it worth it to pay the same for 2004 technology or step up and get 2012 technology and just adapt to it. Form all my research the only two things I really like better on the 991 are the more refined PDK and PCM asking those who have compared the two is there really that much difference?
This will be a daily driver split between my Jeep TJ and my Motorcycle and a week end get away car.
Thanks in advance.

 

Have you driven then? If not I'd suggest you drive them both back to back and see which one appeals you. I bet you'll like the 991.

The adage around here has always been "buy the newest porsche you can afford". But for some reason there are a lot of armchair 991 haters and it seems that hasn't been the consensus on the 991. Don't let that influence your decisions. Drive the and decide for yourself. It's really a personal decision that I might add, you are fortunate enough to get to make. Enjoy!

 

There are a number of threads on this topic. Here is my perspective.

Get what you will be happy with, something that meets your requirements and wants.

I just picked up my car end of Feb, I could have grabbed a 12 GTS or 991S for roughly the same price. The 12 GTS would have been something to consider, but to me the 991 was a non-starter for my first 911 (which I will keep). Also neither would have been optioned the way mine is for the same price. Reason being I like the classic style of the 911, especially the 993 and in recent years the 997. I really liked the lines of the 993 and the spartan interior and the 997 is an evolution of that, but still true to form. To me the 991 is straying away from the heritage (interior & exterior). I haven't driven one to comment on the drive/performance. If given the 991 for free or dirt cheap, I'd take it of course. Who knows I may end up with a second 911 being a 991 Turbo in a few years, but as my second one as I love my 997. A 993 would be nice too, but still waiting to win the lottery. BTW, the 997.2 is not all 2004 technology, check out the threads - DFI engine, exterior enhancements, PCM etc.

Maybe you've answered a bit in your post when you speak of adapting to it, sounds a bit like compromise or get used to it. Sounds like a chore.

 

I like the looks of the GTS with the wide body, Personally I like the looks of the 997 better then the 991.
and that GTS is mighty quick,I also think it made hold resale better.

 

The GTS is not 2004 technology. PDK is not much different between the two. PDK only came out in 2009. Its very good on the GTS and perhaps slightly better on the 991. The DFI engine was new in 2009 too. The 997.2 was a big technology upgrade in 2009 with very little cosmetic difference. SPASM and LSD are nice too. Both are great. 991 will make a better DD. 997.2 GTS may be a litlle more fun as a weekend toy with a little more sport feel (better steering feel) and a little more traditional 911.

 

I debated between the two. I ended up with a very good deal on the GTS and don't regret not getting a 991. However, having driven a 991 it's an impressive car. I've seen $16k off on a GTS in my area.

 

Thanks for the advice so far. As for my statement about 2004 technology that was a bit of a stretch. Yes there has been incremental up dates along the way. But still it is basically a long way behind the 991 in technology. Having said that its still more car than I need. Also the more basic not so gimmicky computer stuff still appeals to me.
And strictly on looks alone I love the wide body look of the GTS. I just wanted opinions from here from some that have lived with Porshe's and know way more than I do or will about them. Like I said all I have done is spend hours and hours reading about them at this point. Instead of years and years driving them as some of you have. Please keep the comments coming with each one I get a better and better understanding of the Pro's and Con's of each one. Also let me say the reason I posted it here instead of the 991 section is after months of reading I get a feeling of more knowledge here and feel like more here have lived the Porsche life for years not just jumped on the band wagon.

 

I would buy the 991.

In a year or two the 997 will be dated, and you will wish you bought the newer model. It's funny because if you do a search and look for posts back in 2004/2005 when the 997 first came out, there were lots of opinions about how the 996 looks more exotic with the pancake headlights, the 997 headlights and bumper look retro, the profile too plain, etc.

Pcar owners seem to have a penchance for nostalgia but over time, we all come to realize that the newer model IS better. I don't think anyone today would debate that the 996 is better in any way to the 997.

 

I was at a cars and coffee this morning and my friend just picked up a new 997.2 at a great price. IMO it is more classic and a better looking 911 than the 991.

It's also more fun the drive as a DD and the GTS extra make it even more sweet.

Also, we had about 60 cars today and one topic that was frequent was the price increases for the 991.

A good 997.2 may be a better value.

 

I opted for a 2012 GTS build to my spec. Absolutely no regrets. I could have waited for the 991 but I personally prefer the 997.2 GTS styling, the fact it is the last / best of the normally aspirated 997.2 (save the GT3's and RS's but not sure those fit in your intended use). I like that it is a bit more simple, a bit more spartan, comfortable ride when you want it, crisp when you want it....and as I think you said, more car than I will ever be able to push to its fullest capability. I still am in awe of the quickness of the GTS. No doubt the 991 would similarly impress.

Like others have posted, you should attempt to drive both back to back. No doubt they will feel different. At the level of cars you can choose from, it becomes very subjective.

Good luck.

 

I just bought a new / custom GTS Cab and I'm pleased with the decision. You need to consider the intended use of the vehicle. 2nd vehicle or dd? If it's intended as a dd, and you live in an area with bad roads, you might be happier with a 991. If it's more of a toy car, and expecially if you want a manual, you might be happier with the looksand more classic ergonomics of the GTS. Mine makes me smile every time I look at it or drive it (it's a work of art) but after a couple of days straight I'm happy to get back into my 5 series dd.

 

Especially - sorry, droid app doesn't have an edit function.

 

The 997 and 991 have a significantly different feel, and some prefer the 997 while others prefer the 991. Newer isn't necessarily better, but neither is older. As others have suggested, the key is to drive both as extensively as you can, and pick the one you enjoy most.

As DDs, I think both are comparable and fine, but if comfort is a top priority a 911 isn't the way to go.

 

My main daily driver is Motorcycles I average 30,000 miles a year on bikes. My second vehicle is an 05 Jeep Tj with a soft top lift kit and mud tires. So either one will be like riding in a top of the line luxury land yacht to me.

 

Save yourself a wad of money (20-30K DOLLARS ) and buy a 997.2 / GTS. As you suggested yourself, any recent Porsche will out-drive you each and every time and if you do not care for bragging rights... you will have the perfect fun car without the sucking noise in your back pocket. And it will be a keeper.