Opinions needed on 997 c2s vs 991 c2 choice

Hi everyone – I'm hesitating between two 911 's, which probably happened to most 911 buyers recently. The two cars I'm looking at are: 2009 997 C2S 2013 991 C2 I drove a 997.2 c4s before, but not the 991 yet. From researching I found that the transmission and engines are the same between the two cars, but that the 991 has roughly the perf of a 997.2S and a smoother ride. Therefore the $20k difference would give peace of mind on the warranty, newer body style and interior (which I like a lot more on the 991) and roughly same performance. Is that correct? For context: I drive around 8k miles a year, because I live close to my work and travel by air for long distances. I mostly want something fun to drive. I owned a 2007 boxster before which I didn't like much, and currently drive a 2003 miata (don't laugh, it's fun!). I also have a Tiguan for whenever I need space. I can afford either 911's, but don't like to waste money if I can avoid it. I realize the value of money and aesthetic tastes are different for everyone but some insight into what would make you go for one or the other would be helpful. Cheers!

I'm assuming you're looking at PDK -equipped cars ... I had a 2011 C2S cab and tested a bunch of 991s, both S and non-S ... the 991 non-S with PDK is okay but doesn't have the low-end grunt of the 997.2 S .. the 7spd 991, either base or S, feels soft, like the gearing is too high ... However, the newer PDK , at least to me, shifts better and more intuitively, with each model year ... 2009 had an irritating tendency to vibrate as it shifted down to 1st coming to a stop; the 2011 shifted way too fast into higher gears unless you had sport mode enabled; the 2014 seemed to be much better, it was fine w/o sport mode ... So, if you're looking at a PDK -equipped 991 base, and it has a comparable level of equipment, I would go with that one ... especially since you seem to like that one better. But it will NOT have the same level of performance ...

Thanks for the insight, I was planning to get a manual but will keep that in mind if I change my mind and go for an auto.

From this web site: Porsche 0-60 Times & Porsche Quarter Mile Times | Porsche 911 Carrera, 944 Turbo, GT2, Boxster S, Cayman R, GT3 and Porsche Cayenne 0 to 60 stats! which I think is pretty accurate, the 2009 911C2S is noticeably faster that the 2013 911 Carrera. 2009 Porsche 911 Carrera S 0-60 mph 3.8 Quarter mile 12.4 2013 Porsche 911 Carrera 0-60 mph 4.3 Quarter Mile 12.7

Make sure you test the 7spd extensively. I tried multiple cars, both S and non-S, and, to me, the 7spd is a step backward from the 6spd in the 997.2 .. it felt fragile, like one could beat the synchros, ... I had to think back to 901 / 915 days and employ a more deliberate shift sequence ... one and a two (a la Lawrence Welk). And, to me, the gearing was too high so you had to employ higher rev ranges than the 6spd; not that that's a bad thing in a Porsche

Looks like both cars are manuals, I've never driven a 991 in manual before so I can't comment but the 991 PDK is a great transmission. Personally for me, I would go with the 991, the 997 is started to look outdated to me, especially the interior. There really isn't any comparison. The 991 will feel more refine, more lush, luxurious, and it's cabin feels more spacious and comfortable. The 0-60 and 1/4 time doesn't really matter, you live in SlowCal where there is always traffic. I rather be sitting in comfort in the 991.

Awesome feedback thanks everyone. It's interesting to see that 2 replies came with folks that have 981 's in their sig. It makes me wonder if I'll miss the drop top feel in the 911 I went to try some 981 's and loved the better comfort and updated interior, compared to my former 987.1 , while retaining most of its lightness. The shifter also felt much nicer than my old Boxster . And it looks great too!

If you don't need the back seats of the 911 , then get a 981 . Perfect for California weather. I love mine. If the road didn't have speed limits and cars, I would probably prefer my 911 but since the reality is there are lots of cars on the road and cops everywhere making sure you don't speed. I prefer driving to/from work top down and enjoying my surroundings.

I envy you, you get to drive both a 911 and a Boxster every week

wow just traded my base cayman 2014 for 2013 911 but i was torn between the 2013 and a 2010 911 S loved both