991.1 Questions

[PhantomPH]

I've been test driving a few different cars recently, including a 2013 991.1 C2S. The last 911 I drove was a 996 turbo that was to date the only car I've ever driven where I felt like if I owned it, I'd end up dead real quick. The car was crazy fast and the controls felt light and alive.

By contrast, the car I drove at the weekend felt...well...I'm not sure. Hence these questions.

It's undoubtedly a fast car, but I got more information about the surface I was driving on through the 'shimmy and jiggle' of the entire car, than through the controls. The steering felt dead and unpredictably heavy...apart from when at one point it felt really light and I applied more lock than I actually wanted. The throttle felt really 'stiff' requiring an exploratory shove which kinda made the whole thing feel like a switch between no power and lots of power - with nothing in the middle.

Does that sound right regarding the steering and throttle, or have I just driven a 'unique' example? I know there was a lot said about the steering by journalists, but deciphering the journalist speak hasn't really helped me understand if I have experienced the same.

I'm inclined to think that I just didn't get a chance to gel with the car. The engine left the biggest impression, feeling strong and sounding great. I loved the sensation that I was sitting in the hips of the car and when it wagged it's tail I felt central to that, which was fantastic. It was a nice place to sit and look the business.

I really want to like the 991, but my test has made me seriously question spending the money or time looking around any further. Help!!

[PhantomPH]

I was in love (from afar) with the 997GTS when it was out, but I (perhaps wrongly) assumed the 991 was a newer ergo better car. Certainly the cabin is a little more up to date than a 997 and there is a gnat's doofer more room inside which is nice.

I think before I get too far down the 'large outlay' route, I will have to arrange an extended drive instead of the 40mins I had.

[WizzBang]

OP, it doesn't seem that the car you drove was representative. Try another.

Even in normal mode, the car should be responsive in a progressive manner albeit more muted than in Sport mode. Sport mode should be the default mode, but every time the car is started up, it reverts to normal - you'll get in the habit of pressing Sport the moment you get in the car.

Test another car in normal and in Sport - both should be lively but Sport more so. Neither should be an on/off experience.

Sport Plus on the other hand, when driven with PDK in auto, can make the care seem erratic to the unwary.

[PhantomPH]

Will give the 991 another chance, I think. I could definitely get used to the car (in a good way!) so will try another. I'm in no rush at the minute, so when a car comes along that ticks all the boxes, I will know what to expect.