992.1 T vs GTS vs Targa vs 992.2 C2

[Crumpet]

Sorry for the long title, I didn’t quite know what to put!

Essentially I’m looking at all the above; a 992.1 T with manual gearbox, a GTS (not 4), a Targa 4 GTS and also a 992.2 base model.

It’ll be replacing a DB11; a beautiful and lovely machine but just really lacking driver involvement. I think it’s the steering and GT-like handling that’s not working for me and a drive in a 992.1 GTS was a joy - like a go-kart in comparison.

Short of driving every single model, which isn’t that easy to find them all in one place, can anyone try and steer me in the direction of what I think I might be wanting?

Which has the best feeling steering?
Will a base model feel too soft in the corners compared to a GTS?
Is a .1 T with the 7-speed manual shorter geared than the new .2 6-speed equivalent? That seems to be the main complaint.

I’d only introduced the 992.2 base into the mix because they’re working out well on a PCP for a three month old car.

I feel like I’ve maxed out watching YouTube videos and not gaining from them any more!

[Sy1441]

Does it need to be a manual? I'm thinking of selling my 992.1 GTS.

[Crumpet]

No, I think for the GTS I was preferring PDK. But mainly because the Porsche salesman scared me off buying a manual GTS as they’re not popular in the used market - which seems odd to me as I’d have thought it would appeal more to the ‘drivers’.

[Beanie]

Im in a 992.1 C4S its a really nice car, however, recently drove the 992.1 C4GTS PDK, awesome car. I'd go 992.1 GTS or 4 GTS

[Crumpet]

Beanie said:

Im in a 992.1 C4S its a really nice car, however, recently drove the 992.1 C4GTS PDK, awesome car. I'd go 992.1 GTS or 4 GTS

Ok, that’s the kind of info I’m looking for! How is it noticeably different to a C4S? Harder and sharper?

I loved the GTS I drove so maybe I should just go for one of those….it’s just that PCP residuals look stronger on the 992.2 base models than on the 992.1 GTS models; I fail to see how they’ll be in stronger demand than a well specced GTS in three years.

[Cheib]

If you want the best steering don’t go for the Targa…4wd plus additional weight which is all in the wrong place. Don’t know about 992.1 but in 991.2 it was considered the worst car to drive.

[Crumpet]

Cheib said:

If you want the best steering don’t go for the Targa…4wd plus additional weight which is all in the wrong place. Don’t know about 992.1 but in 991.2 it was considered the worst car to drive.

Jayemm in his recent review of the Targa wasn’t a fan of the steering at all! Guess I’d better rule that one out then! One down, three to go.

[Hobo]

Maybe go drive them all.

Having owned a 991.2 GTS (Coupe) and a 992.1 Targa GTS, I'd say the latter handled much better than the former.

[diametric123]

Owned a 992.1 C4 GTS for about 15 months now. Just returned from a tour with several other 911s (991 GTS, 992 GT3 Touring, 992 ST, 996 etc) through Brecon Beacons and associated hills last week

Personally I think the GTS is an awesome drive. Just 'enough' but never too much. Fantastic in the twisty roads. Very comfortable cruising on some A Roads. Absolutely delivered all the 'instant power' I ever needed when overtaking. Others will argue but I think the handling is outstanding and I've never for one moment felt the steering or car were heavy. Great balance between an everyday driver (which it is) and then a raw sports car when you need it

My only only criticism is engine noise - there just isn't enough of it inside the car. Give me a GTS with the noise of the GT3s I was following and I'd be signed up for life

[Crumpet]

diametric123 said:

Owned a 992.1 C4 GTS for about 15 months now. Just returned from a tour with several other 911s (991 GTS, 992 GT3 Touring, 992 ST, 996 etc) through Brecon Beacons and associated hills last week

Personally I think the GTS is an awesome drive. Just 'enough' but never too much. Fantastic in the twisty roads. Very comfortable cruising on some A Roads. Absolutely delivered all the 'instant power' I ever needed when overtaking. Others will argue but I think the handling is outstanding and I've never for one moment felt the steering or car were heavy. Great balance between an everyday driver (which it is) and then a raw sports car when you need it

My only only criticism is engine noise - there just isn't enough of it inside the car. Give me a GTS with the noise of the GT3s I was following and I'd be signed up for life

Good to hear! Although it’s an everyday driver I’m actually only home for two weeks at a time and don’t have to commute in it so I can accept things slightly more on the extreme side. My wife might argue otherwise and loves the Aston.

I hope you don’t mind but I checked your ‘garage’ and you’ve an extensive car history there including Astons and Ferraris. My main concern switching to Porsche is that they’re a not quite as ‘special’ as an Aston with a V12; how do you find that? They’re a bit more……I dunno…..mundane, especially if they don’t have any of the nice interior touches and just have the rubber dash! I’ve always been into the engine and noise of a car but have recently been more interested in handling and feel - I was particularly impressed by a friend’s GR86!

[Kickstart]

How about a few sessions at Porsche experience at Silverstone to see what you think

[J77wck]

I am a massive fan of a manual 992.1 T. more than enough for the road but I would take a manual GTS 2 wheel drive because of the power.

[diametric123]

You are 100% correct - every Porsche I have ever driven has been predictable, reliable, genuine - maybe mundane. Last week I was in a 992 ST and it felt just like all the others. I've toured in a 997 Sport Classic, Carrera GT, GT3s, a Singer - they all felt like 'Porsches'. That's the strength of the brand

Now Ferrari on the other hand - even a trip to the shops felt like a wild adventure. The most mundane 5 minutes in a Ferrari was more thrilling than almost all the most exciting times in a Porsche. In my experience they are unique (and I'm including Aston and Lambo in the peer group). However...I've never owned a Ferrari that didn't break down, cost me a fortune in repairs (£10k for a clutch), help me crash (dangerously), have an engine blow-up while I was going round a mountain pass etc.

I drive a 992 everyday because I know exactly what I am going to get. Does it make my heart race - yes to look at (I think best design in years) but no to drive. That makes it a perfect daily / occasional tourer but not the first picture I want to show people when they ask what's my favourite car...

Crumpet said:

Good to hear! Although it’s an everyday driver I’m actually only home for two weeks at a time and don’t have to commute in it so I can accept things slightly more on the extreme side. My wife might argue otherwise and loves the Aston.

I hope you don’t mind but I checked your ‘garage’ and you’ve an extensive car history there including Astons and Ferraris. My main concern switching to Porsche is that they’re a not quite as ‘special’ as an Aston with a V12; how do you find that? They’re a bit more……I dunno…..mundane, especially if they don’t have any of the nice interior touches and just have the rubber dash! I’ve always been into the engine and noise of a car but have recently been more interested in handling and feel - I was particularly impressed by a friend’s GR86!

[neverlifted]

Similarly looking to step out of a DB11, I think best way up from an Aston V12 is a GT3 or a V12 Ferrari.

[Beanie]

Crumpet said:

Beanie said:

Im in a 992.1 C4S its a really nice car, however, recently drove the 992.1 C4GTS PDK, awesome car. I'd go 992.1 GTS or 4 GTS

Ok, that’s the kind of info I’m looking for! How is it noticeably different to a C4S? Harder and sharper?

I loved the GTS I drove so maybe I should just go for one of those….it’s just that PCP residuals look stronger on the 992.2 base models than on the 992.1 GTS models; I fail to see how they’ll be in stronger demand than a well specced GTS in three years.

You hit it right with your guess, sharper, more responsive, a little more go kart feel in a good way of course and not too much for a daily but id say right on the edge. As many say, the sweet spot of the range.

The C4S is a fantastic daily, dont get me wrong, but I think it'll be a 4 gts next for the daily. I'm in north Scotland, so the 4 is important to me as daily.

I did jump out of the gts and then into a 992.1 gt3 rs, that was just mental, great fun, but not entertainable as daily. Also you could have the gts AND the 4s for the price of the gt3 rs, which is just mental.

I'd be gobsmacked if a base 992.2 holds better residuals in future than a 992.1 gts. But im no expert.

Edited by Beanie on Tuesday 6th May 19:36

[turbospud]

the 992.1 gts4 steering feel is not great,contantly tuging away over undulations.

much better in the 992.1 gts 2,possiblly the best road use version

[Crumpet]

Sorry for the delay getting back to this, been busy!

turbospud said:

the 992.1 gts4 steering feel is not great,contantly tuging away over undulations.

much better in the 992.1 gts 2,possiblly the best road use version

Thanks for the feedback, I’d heard the 4 affects the steering and looks like it takes a bit of storage space out of the boot as well - which is actually quite important for me!

I’m currently favouring a manual GTS2 (992.1) and hoping that going back to a manual isn’t going to be too much of a chore! I don’t really drive in traffic so it shouldn’t be that much of an issue.

Edited by Crumpet on Saturday 10th May 10:27

[Crumpet]

neverlifted said:

Similarly looking to step out of a DB11, I think best way up from an Aston V12 is a GT3 or a V12 Ferrari.

Interesting that you’re also looking to leave the DB11. Any particular reason? They’re great cars but feel like they need to be part of a three-car solution (SUV/GT/Sports).

[Goater2]

Crumpet said:

Thanks for the feedback, I’d heard the 4 affects the steering and looks like it takes a bit of storage space out of the boot as well - which is actually quite important for me!

I’m currently favouring a manual GTS2 (992.1) and hoping that going back to a manual isn’t going to be too much of a chore! I don’t really drive in traffic so it shouldn’t be that much of an issue.

Edited by Crumpet on Saturday 10th May 10:27

I had a manual 992.1 - 2wd with rws. It was a delight, really liked the steering and the manual gearbox was lovely. Currently in a 981 gt4 and it’s completely different - much heavier clutch and less torque. The 992.1 felt more relaxing, more powerful but still engaging - I think it’s a sweet spot in modern Porsche.

[ellroy]

Crumpet said:

No, I think for the GTS I was preferring PDK. But mainly because the Porsche salesman scared me off buying a manual GTS as they’re not popular in the used market - which seems odd to me as I’d have thought it would appeal more to the ‘drivers’.

He’s talking out of his arse to flog you a PDK one that he has.

The manual, especially the 991.1, is so few in comparison it takes ages to find one for those who’d want one.

The 991.1 is like rocking horse poo.