991.2 v 992 - Page 3 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

I’ve long had a hankering for a 911 and over the years have test driven numerous models, including most recently 991.2 and 992 models. However for various reasons I’ve always ended up choosing something else, even when my heart was sold. I have now decided to take the plunge and am in the final stages of working out exactly what to go for. I’ve been looking at both 991.2s and 992s and frankly, based on a high deposit, short term, low miles pcp there’s not that much in it. My gut feel is that I slightly prefer the 991.2 but can’t quite put my finger on why. I’d be really interested to hear from those who have had both as to which they prefer and why. I’m talking here really about base Carrera / S models rather than GT cars or Turbos. Also like the 991.2 GTS.

Can't help with a 992 but I love my 991.2. With the numbers you mention you need to factor in that the 992 will do it's depreciation as soon as you drive off the forecourt whereas the 991.2 will have already done that with previous owners. If that is important to you ?

I’ve hit the same buffer. Went to the 992 launch, with some other regular new 911 owners, and as much as we thought the new car looked impressive in its own right, none of us felt the desire to have one. Looked noticeably too ‘big’ - for a 911, too much fussy detailing, too tech heavy, and interior looked more like luxury Merc than a sporting Porsche. 18 months on, seen quite a few on the road, and really haven’t warmed to them. A base 992 with minimal options, perhaps, but think the 991 is closer in character to the traditional 911, which would probably be my preference

I've had a 991.2 GTS and 992S and prefer the former despite both being similar spec (ie sports suspension & RWS) Its not just a 992 thing - now have the Turbo S which is far better, maybe the S wasn't quite the finished article?

Thought I wanted a 911 (992S), did a PEC experience - then did another, hired a 718S for a week and bought a 718GTS. Probably hard at present, but if you can organise an extended test drive I guess that would be the only real way to know if you gel with a particular variant. Best of luck, and enjoy the search.

Great feedback, thanks all. I wonder if the 992 just feels a bit too ‘digital’ and has lost some of the 911 essence? Maybe a car that’s easier to respect than to love?

nick28 said: I've had a 991.2 GTS and 992S and prefer the former despite both being similar spec (ie sports suspension & RWS) Its not just a 992 thing - now have the Turbo S which is far better, maybe the S wasn't quite the finished article? As you know Nick i also owned both and like you i preferred the 991.2GTS. The one caveat as unlike yourself my 992S didn't have RWS which was a mistake on my part. My sentiments on the 992 seems to be on par with Harry Metcalfe who also much preferred the 992 TTS. I'm really looking forward to the 992GTS but 100% only as a manual as i got bored of the 8 speed PDK in my 992. Hope you and family are keeping safe in these awful times and a Merry Xmas and a Happy new year.

And best wishes to you and yours John! Must meet up again when the 'powers' that be allow it PS - currently enjoying a GR Yaris - would definitely recommend one for classic British B roads

A part of me was considering changing my 2016 C2S for a late GTS - dangerously close to 992 C2S money! I'm torn on the depreciation game, the GTS has almost 2 years depreciation under it's belt while the other being a current shape is likely to have those predictable residuals as the 991 starts to inevitably age.

I've had/have both. A 991.2 C2S and currently a 992 C2S with all the toys. Interestingly, I had a 991.2 GT3 in between, and in a lot of ways the 992 is closer to the GT3, particularly in the way it handles. The wider track and longer wheelbase coupled with PCCBs and RWS make for a great handling car. And a much more modern interior, of course, Given the choice I'd go for the 992 every time.

That new 992 interior is beautiful!!!!

991.2 GTS as long as it’s made before Summer 2018. Cars after that have a GPF fitted so don’t sound anywhere near as good...like the 992. 991.2 GTS will in my opinion be a much better drive than a 992 Carrera/S. GTS package on any car is classic Porsche of a few small changes adding up to a very different feeling car.

markda said: That new 992 interior is beautiful!!!! But it’s not a ‘911’ interior. It’s like Rolex making digital watches.

Nice analogy, and I don't disagree. But I think Porsche went past that stage long ago.

I test drove a 991.2 before buying a 992 which was a decision that took me over a year to make. In the end the 992 won for the following reasons: - The interior may be full of tech but I love the way it apes back to the 930 models - The handling was superb and tons of traction, I feel confident straight away in this where there was more hesitation on my part in the 991 - I prefer the looks overall (especially the rear), it may have grown in size but its still a relatively small sports car - Lots of people said it would sound worse with GPF, I think it sounds great - I was seduced by being able to spec a new car - They are a year old now so early car niggles are ironing out (PCM for one) JD

I have had a great time over the last 15,000 miles with my stripper spec 992 C2. I love it. It is flippin quick. I get 34 mpg out of it too trundling around. (Got 9mpg at Silverstone though in an identical car). Much more fun than my old Teslas! Electric is so yesterday. The door speakers are crap. Easily remedied though. Nearly all the options are pointless. So dont waste your money on them, Just chose your color. Thoroughly recommended. You can even get x2 fully grown humans in the back.

Thanks all, I think I am slightly veering towards the 992...but it is a surprisingly tough decision.

Milemuncher said: Thanks all, I think I am slightly veering towards the 992...but it is a surprisingly tough decision. As always - whichever you’ll get I’m sure you won’t be disappointed. Extended back to back drive is the only true way to tell.

I think back to back test drives is a good shout. God knows when I might be able to have them though as I sit here in Tier 4!

I can echo much of what has been said here, I had a (2019) 991.2 GTS and now have a 992 C4S. There are many tiny improvements in the 992 but one that isn't mentioned above is the steering feel is better on the 992. To be really honest, you can't go wrong with either, that's not helpful is it... I am considering selling my C4S for a Turbo S, read into that what you will Edited by findtomdotcom on Wednesday 30th December 21:17

I have just changed from a 991.2 C2S to a 992 C4S. I had owned the 991 for 4 years and loved it but was faced with a big bill for what appears to be a not uncommon turbo waste valve issue that causes major oil consumption and the need for one or both turbos to be replaced. It was also due a major service and a main dealer was prepared to take it in part-ex knowing the issues. First impressions are that the 992 is more 'digital' and massively competent, almost too much so. Difficult to put my finger on it but a little character may have been lost in the never ending quest for perfection. The interior is a huge improvement although I rather liked the 991 interior which had a good mix of old and new tech. From an aesthetic perspective and this is obviously very personal, I preferred the narrower 991 body shape. The wide body that they all come with now appears almost a caricature and it is now quite a big car, having lost some of the wieldiness that used to be a 911 attribute. I think the low speed ride quality is worse too and mine is not lowered by 10mm, improves with speed though. The 992 is a hugely impressive vehicle and it may sound like I am down on it but that might simply be that Porsches tend to grow on you the longer you own them and it is early days. I would certainly have kept the 991 if it wasn't about to present me with a sizeable bill though. If you opt for a 991 worth making sure that it is under warranty...

Incidentally, in terms of the kit that’s worth having and what’s not, if you opt for a 992, I am able to offer some thoughts having lost some and gained others as a result of my swap. I have lost the front axle lift (don’t miss it as it isn’t as low as some sports cars), radar controlled cruise control (don’t miss it as used to irritate me) and Bose (the standard set-up isn’t as bad as some make out and acceptable unless you are an audiophile which is a waste of time given the road noise anyway). Both have the glass sunroof (Which I would opt for) and sports exhaust which is far more noticeable in the 991, particularly on the overrun. Given the cost I don’t think I would bother with it on the 992 as I struggle to tell the difference with it on or off and there is certainly no entertainment on the overrun. I have gained two major items on the 992 in the 4 wheel drive and rear wheel steering. I would put them in the category of nice to have but certainly not essential on a 911. I rarely wanted for traction on my 991 and the rear wheel steering isn’t as beneficial on such an agile car as it is on my Cayenne and can feel a little artificial at times.

Many thanks, really helpful feedback.

politeperson said: I have had a great time over the last 15,000 miles with my stripper spec 992 C2. I love it. It is flippin quick. I get 34 mpg out of it too trundling around. (Got 9mpg at Silverstone though in an identical car). Much more fun than my old Teslas! Electric is so yesterday. The door speakers are crap. Easily remedied though. Nearly all the options are pointless. So dont waste your money on them, Just chose your color. Thoroughly recommended. You can even get x2 fully grown humans in the back. Im looking at the 992 too, can you get two adults in the back?? I'm wanting to fit my kids in the back, aged 13 and 9. Doable or not for short trips (1 hour max) ??

Morning, Yes, it is a bit of a squish getting it though. Mine arer 13, 17 and 19. The 19 year olf is 6'4 so he cannot fir unless he sprawls around. The other 2 can go in and do. It is not exactly a limo though.

Afternoon and thanks for the response on this. May I ask what is your height? And I’m guessing your partner rides up front or one of your children? I’m 5ft9 and my wife is only just about 5ft exactly. My kids are 13 & 9 of average height and I’m wanting to get at least 4-5 years useage of the car. Your response gives me hope!

I think the cutoff point for the rear is 6ft. I am 6ft with big feet which makes getting in and out difficult for me, but not impossible. My daughter and her friends regularly go in the rear at 5ft 10'. Son no.2 is around 5'11 and he gets in the back ok. I heard the rear seats were completely useless but having had the car for nearly 4 years now, they have been used loads by some pretty averagely sized people. Even though it is a bit of a squash the kids and some adults quite like it! Lets face it, it is not exactly a Suburban. This is with the basic 4 way manual seats that are pretty easy to tilt.

Nice, so im guessing the passangers in rear have their heads hitting the roofline when you have two in the front too? Im thinking with my wife only 5ft, then she should be fine in the rear and the kids will be ok until around 16 years old! This is sounding more and more promising!

I'm only 5'9:" and. Slight build but wouldn't want to be in back seats for more than 10 mins, it's so cramped

Nuttbelle said: I'm only 5'9:" and. Slight build but wouldn't want to be in back seats for more than 10 mins, it's so cramped Have to agree with this, have just done a 400 mile round trip in a 992 turbo S (weather was filthy so it was the right choice) - only thing on the rear seats was my suit carrier and the wife’s overnight case - I’m sure they groaned when I took them out on arrival.

Got a 991.2 and have one major problem with the looks of the 992 - which is the bonnet shut line does not line up with the line made by the front bumper assembly and it really bugs me! It's sufficiently close to the line, that it looks like a design cockup.

hmmmm...strange that politeperson seems to have a very differing opinion of being able to fit fairly decent sized youngsters in the back??

Does anyone else have any experience of passengers in the back of the 992??

I have just tortured some teenagers for you heathen non-believers. Here is Henry. 14 years old and 6ft 1. Plays full back. He can fit in the rear but the roofline is too low when he is sitting down. So he has to crick is head over. Fail. Here is Lara 14yrs and 5 ft10. No problems. The front passenger seat is about halfway along its slide. She can sit behind me on the other side of the car too when my seat is in the correct postion. As I said, its not exactly a suburban but is OK for average kids for an hour. I dont think I would consider shoving my 80 yr old parents in the back though!

politeperson said: I have just tortured some teenagers for you heathen non-believers. Here is Henry. 14 years old and 6ft 1. Plays full back. He can fit in the rear but the roofline is too low when he is sitting down. So he has to crick is head over. Fail. Here is Lara 14yrs and 5 ft10. No problems. The front passenger seat is about halfway along its slide. She can sit behind me on the other side of the car too when my seat is in the correct postion. As I said, its not exactly a suburban but is OK for average kids for an hour. I dont think I would consider shoving my 80 yr old parents in the back though! Thank you so much for that, it now definitely reassures me that my boys should definitely be fine on short 1 hours trips in the back. May I ask, is Lara quite comfortable in the rear at that height and if she was to be sat behind you or your wife, would her head touch the roofline in the rear or is she just about ok and no need to crick her head to the side??

No problem sir. She has been in the back of it loads of times on the school run. I am pretty sure no head cricking was involved. I will ask her honest opinion tomorrow as she is out on the town tonight. No prompting from me, I promise. Here are 3 of them getting in the back in France 2 years ago. They love it, although I will admit they were slightly smaller then. They certainly wont forget. Maybe any pain is outweighed by the coolness?

This is subjective, but I’d be in the don’t put people in there camp. The back seats in the 992 are horrible, bolt upright and hard as a brick. Super uncomfortable and very claustrophobic. At best I’d class it as a 3 seater with the passenger seat quite far forward. I’m not that tall but do like the seat quite far back, there is no one getting behind me, the other side is doable but at 5ft8 my head is touching the roof, and the fact they don’t fit 911’s with actual suspension you are bouncing off it over every stone. If rear seats are even remotely important get an M4. As I said just my opinion.

politeperson said: Always enjoy seeing pics of this car: 1. Because the owner seems to be fully using and enjoying it 2. Because it confirms that all the 911 most people ever need is the ‘base’ model 3. Because 911s look more ‘purposeful’ with a patina of dirt than detailed clean

politeperson said: No problem sir. She has been in the back of it loads of times on the school run. I am pretty sure no head cricking was involved. I will ask her honest opinion tomorrow as she is out on the town tonight. No prompting from me, I promise. Here are 3 of them getting in the back in France 2 years ago. They love it, although I will admit they were slightly smaller then. They certainly wont forget. Maybe any pain is outweighed by the coolness? Did they sit in it all the way to France? And if so, how long was the journey?

Morning, No they did not sit in it all the way to France, It would have been feasible back then but a bit cramped for 700 miles. I have a 4wd E class estate for that kind of thing. And of course the excellent indestructible Disco 3. I think the most any of them have been in the back is for an hour and a half. I have had 2 proper size 2 adults in the back for 10 minutes once. Passenger seat was forward all the way though. I has been more useful that I thought it would be when I was in the showroom looking at an S, ordering it in October 2019. On the subject of driving 911s in France, look at this average speed and mpg over 1,000 km, that was a good journey.

Why would you not go for one of the latest 991.1? Than the money stretches further than a base Carrera, you could go GTS and have a better sounding car, if you do RWD manual, you have a future classic as end of en era?

I 8 a 4RE said: Why would you not go for one of the latest 991.1? ……if you do RWD manual, you have a future classic as end of en era? What era

Koln-RS said: What era Naturally aspirated 911s

politeperson said: No problem sir. She has been in the back of it loads of times on the school run. I am pretty sure no head cricking was involved. I will ask her honest opinion tomorrow as she is out on the town tonight. No prompting from me, I promise. Here are 3 of them getting in the back in France 2 years ago. They love it, although I will admit they were slightly smaller then. They certainly wont forget. Maybe any pain is outweighed by the coolness? Thanks for that. Did you ask for her opinion on how she felt in the back seats? Any head cricking needed at all? As I’m only around 5ft9, I’m thinking my eldest should be fine behind me if not he can always sit in the rear behind my wife whom is just below 5ft.

I asked Lara about how comfortable it was in the rear and she said she does not hot her head. It is a bit of a squeeze getting in though.

politeperson said: I asked Lara about how comfortable it was in the rear and she said she does not hot her head. It is a bit of a squeeze getting in though. Nice thanks for the response, looks like it will be very doable for us as a family weekend car then. Cheers again for your input.

truekumar said: Nice thanks for the response, looks like it will be very doable for us as a family weekend car then. Cheers again for your input. I genuinely don’t understand, there must be some sort of psychology at play here, I take it the want is strong? You have had a fair few owners try and help by telling you that in their opinion this is a non starter, yet you have come to the conclusion it’s all fine. Even supposing you overlook whether it’s actually physically possible and then overlook the comfort/claustrophobic aspect, is it safe? Best case your kids knees are touching the back of the front seat with their head touching the roof and their back against the bulked with the engine behind it. 911’s are not even close to being genuine 4 seaters. Please try it first, only you and the family can decide if it works.

Stupot123 said: I genuinely don’t understand, there must be some sort of psychology at play here, I take it the want is strong? You have had a fair few owners try and help by telling you that in their opinion this is a non starter, yet you have come to the conclusion it’s all fine. Even supposing you overlook whether it’s actually physically possible and then overlook the comfort/claustrophobic aspect, is it safe? Best case your kids knees are touching the back of the front seat with their head touching the roof and their back against the bulked with the engine behind it. 911’s are not even close to being genuine 4 seaters. Please try it first, only you and the family can decide if it works. It's all opinion, not sure how 30 odd years ago my 5'10 girlfriend rode in the back of my 911SC with my brother in the front all the way to south of France, many times had the back of 80' and 90's Carreras rammed full of Swedish chalet maids...... but day to day I even use the back of my 997GT2 with seat belts kids can cram in and if you move the front seats forward it's safe enough but of course you're not going to be driving spiritidly. Don't listen to the kill joys and enjoy your 911s with the family

The ‘911’ (those with rear seats) has never been described as a full 4-seater - for 60 years they have been 2+2s, and have carried assorted sizes of people in the rear quite comfortably and safely. Headroom tends to be the big limitation, although the Targas are sometimes better, and the Cab, despite having reduced seating space, can accommodate taller people with the roof down. Best to try first to confirm.