2 months ago I went through the same decision. I had my '04 645 Ci Cabrio for 7 years, and was looking to replace it with a CPO Porsche (which I plan to similarly drive for many happy years!).

There is a huge supply of 997.1's out there at very reasonable prices, but I was strongly urged to only consider the 997.2's based on the new DFI engine and upgraded 4 wheel drive system on the Gen 2 models.

I only looked at the C4S Cabrio's, and when I looked at the price differences for a similarly spec'd 991, the difference in price was too big in my mind. It was also suggested to me that the depreciation of the Gen 1's may be greater based on some of the issues with the M97 engines which have been replaced with the new DFI 3.8l engine in the S models of the Gen 2's, but I guess I will eventually see if the 997.2's will see as much depreciation as the 997.1's.

But with your budget in the mid- $70k range, I think you will have a geeat selection of highly spec'd 997.2's to choose from, at a pretty hefty discount to the same 991's, especially if you buy CPO for additional piece if mind. Either way, you simply cannot lose when you end up with a Porsche. Happy hunting, and enjoy all the test drives!

 

Drive all of them.

The 997.1 felt too dated inside.
The 991 was not quick and nimble the way a Porsche should be IMO.
The 997.2 was just perfect. Much more exciting to drive than the 991.

 

For the 991 an S is the only way. Standard 991 is weak and down on power. My 07 997.1 felt more powerful and better handling. I would second the 997.2 and look for TT or GTS. GT3 may not work for a DD.

 

my advice is just not to buy a new car...ever

 

+1

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OK, so I test drove a 991 and another 997.2. Specifically, since I wanted to drive the manual 991, I test drove a 2012 991 cab (they didn't have a 991 manual coupe). I kept the top up for the first half of the drive so it would feel a bit more like the coupe I wanted to drive. I have to say it was so tight, that half way through the drive, my salesman suggested I lower the top to see what that was like. It was truly amazing to me how little flex the body had and how the wind did not blow you around. But let's forget about the convertible aspect of the 991. I only mention it because I was surprised what a coupe-like ride it had. Anyway, the handling and power were excellent. And the interior was really nice. One of the reasons I wanted to consider a used 911 was because the Cayman interior is nice, but a little spartan. I felt like the difference between a 991 interior and a 997 interior was about as significant as the difference between a Cayman interior and a 997.

The one thing that I didn't love right off the bat in the 991 is the steering. It is a little light and sterile for me. It didn't ruin the driving experience, but it just felt very light for a sports car.

After the 991 'vert, I did a quick spin in a PDK 997.2 Carrera S. Yes, very different animal, comparing a PDK to a manual, and a 997 to a 991. I will admit that I lost most of my lust for this 7,000 mile 2012 911S that I had been waiting for another price drop to put in my budget. I'm just not sure that I would be long term happy with a PDK, despite it being a fantastic transmission. I don't doubt its superiority, but it just doesn't involve the driver like a clutch and a stick shift. And the snick-snick tight stick shift on these current Porsches is really superb.

So after driving the 991, I must say that when I got into the 997, the interior just didn't look as good to me as it used to. I guess the 991 feels roomier; they both feel a lot roomier than the Cayman. But the 991 is just more luxurious, and in a sporting way.

So my current leanings are towards a 991. It certainly feels bigger and heavier than a Cayman S, but not in a bad way. And it's just a much nicer ****pit to hang out in. I will ponder this a bit more, but I may have eliminated 997.2 cars from consideration. Yeah, as usual, I am gravitating towards the newer and more expensive models. What a big surprise! lol

 

Porsche did it again. Hit the target customer with the new model. The bmw driver to move to porshce

 

Glad you test drove them, many do not. If I were to get a Cabrio I would get the 991 for sure, it is so clean looking. A manual was a must for me, I do not care that the PDK is faster, the Manual for me is much more fun.

Good luck on your search, take your time, you will find what you want!!!!!!

 

+1. I test drove the 981s in both variants, base 997.2, and 997.2s. I couldn't stomach the 991's because optioned out for the same 997.2s I ended up buying they were about 110k new.

I'm a huge fan of the exterior of the 991 but I'm still not sure I'll "trade up" to it unless there is a particular model I end up really lusting after.

+1 too. As mentioned, didn't drive the 991 but maybe I should have. A lot of what I read had me guessing this and again, I hate buying new.

Back on topic, glad you drove them! All that matters is what is right for your end.

 

I don't know if I am weird or something but I just cannot enjoy a non S model as much.

997, 991, whatever. the feel of an engine, suspension and brakes on an S model will win me over any time.

then again, I have NOT driven a 991 other than around a parking lot so I am lost there... are you sure you want a bigger, less sporty car? talk about throwing the Cayman out the window

 

I agree the 991 is more luxurious, the interior feels roomier and it rides more comfortable. The steering feels better on the 997 but everything else goes to the 991. If you are in the market for one, a used 991 is a good choice. If you already own a 997, you are not going to miss that much going to a 991. If a coupe is what you are after, 911 all day long, although I do like the 981 but in roadster form (Boxster).

 

If you are going to spend $70K on a car and be ok with it, you might as well spend a little more and love it! Good luck in you decision.