997.2 Turbo - Why it is not for me
Discussion
So I made the move from BMW to Porsche… bought my dream car… impulsive purchase… now I have my own 911 Turbo (997.2)… Specification is Atlas Grey PDK, including Turbo S Standard equipment as options (except for PCCB).
Unfortunately this 911 is not for me, coming from the F10 M5, I feel like I have compromised on everyday use and comfort which has contributed to sustained back and neck pain since the change which has limited the use over the last few months. I am slim, regularly active and 6ft 2 and am not sure if the car is either/or just too low for access/egress and cannot get a comfortable seating position in the Adaptive seats.
As a comparison, I actually found the DCT a better gearbox than the PDK. The paddle shifters were also more intuitive on the M5. Once off the line, the M5 was not any noticeably slower than the 911. I have only covered less than 2000 miles in this car in 4 months so still do not feel I have connected well with the car. Driving it slow most of the time on short journeys is a bit unexciting, only came alive in the brief period I have had it where I can say it is enjoyable at high speed.
I also have access to a 5 Series GT which is actually now my main daily at the moment and may even consider another BMW should I not find a suitable Porsche. I was intending to get a new M6 Gran Coupe after the M5 but started looking at other marques. I do not actually require 4 doors but do miss the practicality of having that in my own everyday car.
Ideally I would like to change soon. I bought my car via OPC Nottingham but would like to pop into a local dealer in the South East (Kent, Essex, London) and see if there is another model in the range that is suitable. Not sure if the 991 model in any guise would be any more comfortable!? I would need to test a car for an extended time period.
Any suggestions or anyone had any similar experiences?
Unfortunately this 911 is not for me, coming from the F10 M5, I feel like I have compromised on everyday use and comfort which has contributed to sustained back and neck pain since the change which has limited the use over the last few months. I am slim, regularly active and 6ft 2 and am not sure if the car is either/or just too low for access/egress and cannot get a comfortable seating position in the Adaptive seats.
As a comparison, I actually found the DCT a better gearbox than the PDK. The paddle shifters were also more intuitive on the M5. Once off the line, the M5 was not any noticeably slower than the 911. I have only covered less than 2000 miles in this car in 4 months so still do not feel I have connected well with the car. Driving it slow most of the time on short journeys is a bit unexciting, only came alive in the brief period I have had it where I can say it is enjoyable at high speed.
I also have access to a 5 Series GT which is actually now my main daily at the moment and may even consider another BMW should I not find a suitable Porsche. I was intending to get a new M6 Gran Coupe after the M5 but started looking at other marques. I do not actually require 4 doors but do miss the practicality of having that in my own everyday car.
Ideally I would like to change soon. I bought my car via OPC Nottingham but would like to pop into a local dealer in the South East (Kent, Essex, London) and see if there is another model in the range that is suitable. Not sure if the 991 model in any guise would be any more comfortable!? I would need to test a car for an extended time period.
Any suggestions or anyone had any similar experiences?
I had an F10 M5 in 2012 and more recently a 997.2 Turbo S. I found them very different cars. The 997.2 felt like older technology than the M5 and I can relate to some of what you say. The latest generation of PDK is very good and I think better than BMW DCT. I have also had a 991 C4S (before the 997.2 Turbo S) and this was a far superior car to the 997 Turbo S. I would recommend trying one - it doesn't lack power and the quality/ride is a whole lot better than the 997.
Thanks for the reply, I am considering the panamera. I understand the new model will be out next year so am interested to find out more details. I have tried the current diesel variant as a loan car and gauged it as a competent saloon though not a patch on the M5 but the turbo will be more comparable I assume.
London GT3 said:
I had an F10 M5 in 2012 and more recently a 997.2 Turbo S. I found them very different cars. The 997.2 felt like older technology than the M5 and I can relate to some of what you say. The latest generation of PDK is very good and I think better than BMW DCT. I have also had a 991 C4S (before the 997.2 Turbo S) and this was a far superior car to the 997 Turbo S. I would recommend trying one - it doesn't lack power and the quality/ride is a whole lot better than the 997.
Hi and thanks for your message. I agree that technology feeling older than the M5. Did you find the seating position and comfort any different in the 991? I haven't driven the 991 and the perception or misconception I have is that the 991 is more spacious inside than the 997. 
The PDK on the 997 is not a particuarly nice or rewarding to use. Agreed, the 991 is much better with satisfying blips.
The 997 Turbo is a bit old school in terms of NVH as well, so not a good daily in general IMO. Difficult to comment on seats as it's a very personal thing, but personally i think the 991 Turbo is a HUGE improvement in every department. 'Just' a case of justifying the outlay.
Alternatively, i have just bought an RS6 which does the daily slog very well, sounds great and is as quick as a Turbo. No, it's not a 911 to look at but it has recieved more attention from petrolheads than my old Turbo did.
The 997 Turbo is a bit old school in terms of NVH as well, so not a good daily in general IMO. Difficult to comment on seats as it's a very personal thing, but personally i think the 991 Turbo is a HUGE improvement in every department. 'Just' a case of justifying the outlay.
Alternatively, i have just bought an RS6 which does the daily slog very well, sounds great and is as quick as a Turbo. No, it's not a 911 to look at but it has recieved more attention from petrolheads than my old Turbo did.
9e 28 said:
Also depends if you have sports or comfort seats. The sports seats do not suit everyone. Can't see the point of an 2 tonne M5. You should try a Range Rover Autobiography as an every day hack. Most comfortable car out there for every day use.
Thanks...Adaptive seats in 911. Do seem narrow at the top, that could be one of the reasons I'm not sitting comfortably.I do understand what you mean, guess having an M5 is not an obvious choice but is an option rather than having a good everyday vehicle like the Range Rover and an additional weekend toy.
Whilst I don't enjoy driving the turbo everyday.. I tend to forget all the negative points when I see it parked up... I love the looks especially the rear...Not sensible for me though as it is a waste not to use it.
m3asd said:
9e 28 said:
Also depends if you have sports or comfort seats. The sports seats do not suit everyone. Can't see the point of an 2 tonne M5. You should try a Range Rover Autobiography as an every day hack. Most comfortable car out there for every day use.
Thanks...Adaptive seats in 911. Do seem narrow at the top, that could be one of the reasons I'm not sitting comfortably.I do understand what you mean, guess having an M5 is not an obvious choice but is an option rather than having a good everyday vehicle like the Range Rover and an additional weekend toy.
Whilst I don't enjoy driving the turbo everyday.. I tend to forget all the negative points when I see it parked up... I love the looks especially the rear...Not sensible for me though as it is a waste not to use it.
Theres a new Panny on the way very shortly. Could be worth getting your name down early as you'll lose nothing over a year on the diesel. They're very comfy and M5 like if you go for a turbo. Diesel runs on fresh air. Hybrid vehicle tax exempt! I still don't feel there's any car out there that beats a RR for everyday use - magnificent cars and pretty nippy. Worth looking at an RS6 too.
Thanks 9e 28.. New panamera might actually make a lot of sense! Really want to rule out the 991 first before I commit to a different Porsche.
Has anyone experienced the bucket seats over short and long distances?
RS6 suggestions... That and the R8 are the only Audi cars I've ever considered based on appearance.
Has anyone experienced the bucket seats over short and long distances?
RS6 suggestions... That and the R8 are the only Audi cars I've ever considered based on appearance.
m3asd said:
Thanks 9e 28.. New panamera might actually make a lot of sense! Really want to rule out the 991 first before I commit to a different Porsche.
Has anyone experienced the bucket seats over short and long distances?
RS6 suggestions... That and the R8 are the only Audi cars I've ever considered based on appearance.
991 is great and you have the option of sports or comfort seats. Much more refined than 997 and the interior is more upmarket with far better quality materials. I loved both the 991 C2s and turbo S. I imagine there are super deals going on 991 at the mo. I think the gen 1 GTS pick of the range.Has anyone experienced the bucket seats over short and long distances?
RS6 suggestions... That and the R8 are the only Audi cars I've ever considered based on appearance.
m3asd said:
Thanks again, I'll try Richard
I can understand your probs with 997.2 turbo. I moved from an M6. Back to back the 997.2 was in a different league, but M6 ride was much better and v10 howl couldn't be bettered. Its taken a while for me to get used to 997.2 (8k miles and europipe exhaust in my case) to the point of loving it and wanting to drive it.The 997.2 is not great on long journeys (>3hrs for me), the noise and overly firm suspension eventually becoming tiring if you are not continuously caning it.
The 991 is much better on the ride part - as is the pammy that I had as a loaner. The pammy is a good place to be but way too big and felt like I was driving a tanker.
So suggest trying a 991 variant as well. 991 S gives a cracking sound with the pse and is 90% of the turbo get up and go.
Big 997 fan personally but of all the cars in the range it's probably the Turbo that is the one where the 991 makes more sense if you can afford the extra. The turbo has always been about being the technological tour de force and those things are inevitably better on the newer car (especially PDK) and things like hydraulic steering are probably not high on your list if you've chosen a car with power going to all four corners. That's probably also why manual 997 turbos are catching interest because they are last of a line and will have an appeal on that basis.
Edited by Cheib on Thursday 9th June 08:54
TheBMWDriver said:
The new panamera is out soon, I have the current one and a deposit on the new one also try the Turbo or Turbo S you may like it.
I also have a 991, try one with the 14 and 18 way seats its a real step above the 997
Thanks, I'm assuming the 991 14 and 18 way seats are larger than the ones in the 997?I also have a 991, try one with the 14 and 18 way seats its a real step above the 997
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