Buying advice: 991 vs 997.2 S

[jberg123]

First post, apologies if it’s misplaced.

Looking for my first porsche and with my budget I’ve been focused on 997.2 2S or 4S with chrono sports plus package. I probably won’t need the plus but I imagine it’s good for holding second hand value (and it might be fun! But I’m no expert driver by any means).

However, I just came across a 991 (not S!) with sports chrono plus and switchable sports exhaust for same price tag (admittedly more mileage).

A couple questions to this community on the 991:
1. Is it not a bit odd to have sports chrono plus on the smaller engine?
2. Worth sacrificing the S for going from 997.2 to 991?

Separate question: Would you sacrifice sports PLUS or switchable sports exhaust

If I should pass on the 991 above, my best option seems to be a 997.2 2/4S with sports plus with mileage 35-40k. This seems to come at c 47-50k in price. Seems right?

Much appreciate your views!

[Polome]

It's a tricky decision....I had a 997 ( non S) for 5 years and only used sport when on track...normal roads and sport suspension selected was enough to give some fast fun. I now have a 991s and initially had second thoughts had I done the right thing as it felt almost too good... 3k miles on I would not go back.
To answer some of your queries...sports exhaust although coveted on here would not be on my spec list...just not needed...a Porsche being driven fast attracts enough attention without making a louder noise about it.
Sports chrono.....see above
991 v 997... in my 20 years experience Porsche cars develop bills more through age than usage...parts corrode and deteriorate as time marches on so the newer car the better.
If the 991 is to be a daily it's well ahead of the 997s in terms of comfort , speed , handling and economy ( if that matters to you) . If the car is to be for fun and the occasional use the 997 will definitely give a rawer drive with less sophisticated feel.
Best you test drive both with your usage in mind...much easier to decide your preference then
Good luck. Ian

[Murph7355]

Agree with driving both before you decides.

I think Chrono Plus is definitely needed in a 997.2 4S. The PDK box is very good, but Chrono Plus sharpens it right up in Sport Plus mode. You can get Chrono Plus added without the stop watch (which is largely pointless, though my eldest son loves it).

One of the guys on here just bought a car to the spec you note for sub-45k I think. I wouldn't be spending over 45k on a (non-Turbo, non-GT3) 997 personally (and didn't a year ago).

[Cheib]

As the above two posters said....you need to drive both cars. The 991 apart from being newer and having a more up to date cabin etc is a little wider...997 has a lovely interior though. I also think depending on what you are coming from you might find you “need” a sports exhaust, lots of people think the 997 without it is a bit quiet...even with one lots of people do fit a Sharwerks or similar cross pipe to remove the back box and free up some more sound.

The other thing about the “Sport” button is that it means PSM is a bit more playful....on the 997 it lets the car get a little but more sideways before kicking in. I always drive with it on in my 997 GTS as the sharper throttle response makes it that but easier to Heal and Toe (not relevant in a PDK obv). Only time I’ve ever noticed the more relaxed PSM is in the wet.

[ATM]

Porsche cars offer many different things to different people. No one likes to admit buying them to look good but its worth saying the 991 looks better as it's more modern so if that's your thing the decision is done.

The 997 is a lot smaller and the back seats are not really seats. I had a very early 997 c2s gen 1 in 2005 and thought the standard exhaust was easily loud enough. So did all my neighbours. My boss even had to have a word with me about firing it up with the back near to the boardroom windows while they had guests in.

I now have an early 996 with no electronic nanny controls and its almost impossible for me to get the car out of shape at all. So when I read about people commenting on the playful nature of the sports chrono I think its worth saying they're either going really hard or I'm always going really slow or a combination of the 2. If you are of a similar ability to me then I'd disregard this from your short list.

Personally I think the clock on the 997 looks like a cheap aftermarket attachment. I also have a 981 and the clock looks much better there. My 981 is pdk and I'll agree that this is awful out of sport mode but I think the 991 has sport mode without full on chrono. Anyway if you are going 997 I'd say avoid pdk. If you want pdk then go 991.

[PaulD86]

Drive both and decide is the only answer. But FWIW, my OH had a gen 1 997, gen 2 997 and now a gen 1 991. I've driven all 3 a lot and I'd have the gen 2 997. The 991 may have better infotainment and all that, but as a driving tool the 997 is more rewarding. In 4S guise I would also say the 997 engine map is much better - the 997 actually felt quicker, especially at roundabout exiting speeds in 2nd gear. Something else that surprised me is that the 997 got better fuel economy too. I'd also suggest the 997 interior has some plus points too - on the XX1 cars, Porsche decided it was fine to have lots of blanks where switches would be if options has been selected (although I am told it is technically impossible to spec a car that doesn't have any) and to me that's somewhat poor. Fine on a 90s Ford, but on a 911 I think it's taking the p.

Sport chrono on smaller engine I'd say is fine.
997S would trump 991 for me.
I think the 991 is fine without sports exhaust but the gen 2 997 is a little quiet without (I think quieter than the 997.1)