Something that I am Pondering

Hello Everybody, First time posting here. For some time now the 911 has been on my mind. Never been in one before. Currently I have a 2016 Mustang GT in pristine condition as it only has a little over 13K miles on it. I do love it and still feels like new whenever I drive it and the sounds it makes are wonderful. But I wanted to get people's opinion, what you all think? Worth moving into a 911? The only ones that I could possibly move into after a trade is 996 to 997 generations perhaps. I have done a few tasteful mods on my Mustang (suspension upgrades, exhaust mainly). Here is a pic of mine. Would love to get your feedback even though I know it will be biased on this group but that is fine. I am thinking about renting one through Turo or Hagerty to see if the 911 really speaks to me or not. Thnx

Nice ride. I think you hit it on the head, rent one or drive one for sale and you will know right away. If you like the Mustang sound though, you will most likely be disappointed with Porsche sound. None of them really sound as good as V8 Mustang..maybe at high RPM you hit some good sounds, especially in the 997 but just tooling around Porsches are an acquired taste. The sound tinny and raspy whereas your Mustang sounds sweet just tooling around. Just drive one though and you will know right away! It's amazing how much effort and research you can do online that can be undone in seconds when your drive a car. In my case I refused to drive a 4 cylinder turbo Cayman for years. I flat out refused offers to test drive and one day I noticed a Cayman T that caught my eye. It had some special things I really wanted and the 4.0 was on stop-sale so I drove it and 4 years of bias just went out the window and I bought one and love it to death 15 months later. One long drive did the trick. Get out there and drive one!

Some points of consideration might include what you plan on doing with the car, trips, track or otherwise. Since I've never driven a modern Mustang another thing you might ask yourself is what driving changes am I interested in experiencing that I think the Ford lacks. Suspension upgrade speaks to handling, I'm biased but I would speculate the Porsche might have the edge there. I drove a Corvette before my 944, I asked my master mechanic dad for his thoughts. He said " the Corvette is like a heavyweight boxer, the Porsche is like a ballerina, I think you'd have more fun with the Porsche", I never forgot he said that. Another consideration is how much will this cost me to make this exchange? If you live close to one of the Porsche experience centers I'd drop the bank to go drive a 911 there, best place to get the sense of a Porsche I think would be on one of their tracks. In the end it's a personal decision 100%. My pal had a Boxster S. He traded it in on a 911. This is only my opinion but depending on the situation? I'm not sure giving up the mid engine platform going to the 911 is a "revelation". It's hard for me to believe his 911 renders the Boxster S a mere stepping stone. I drove a 911 before I bought the Spyder, I like my car better, it's individual choice. Lastly, many Porsche enthusiasts even in modern times are "if it's not a 911 it's a lesser Porsche", I don't subscribe to that one iota; perhaps the lowly 924 started that mantra. The new RS Spyder can rev to 9000 and top out at 191. I'm quite sure that car would equal the 911 experience as it should for a base price of 160K.

An exhaust note on a 911/Cayman can be altered to make even the best V8 sound watered down imo.. so if you like loud and proud you can make that happen… what catches most new prospective Porsche buyers for a left curve ball is the price of a motor if something goes pair shaped and like mustangs, oh it happens… so here it goes, the price of a flat 6 rebuild start to finish is around 25-30k… yes, the price of a used mustang (not all of course). So drive one, yes, but really do your homework on these model years your looking at… adding to what he said above, the Cayman/Boxster chassis is another great option and honestly they’ll do what a 911 will do on a performance level… I have both, so I’ve driven side by side many times.. but you can certainly buy a newer model cayman cheaper than a same year 911…

Hi and welcome. Good advice above. I too have not been in a modern Mustang so can’t compare. I certainly do respect its off the line torque. I drive a 981 Cayman and would suggest it as worth considering (or 718). I came from BMW and this platform is amazing—I’m thrilled every time I drive and look at it. And, the cost of entry is WAY less than a 911. Perhaps Porsche Sports Exhaust would give you enough of a “tone” [emoji445]. See if you can find a local PCA event or perhaps a SCCC auto cross and ride along with someone. Shawn in VA (USA)

Thanks for all the solid advice, I appreciate it. Yes, there is a Porsche Experience Center not too far from me in LA and I am thinking about going to that once also. I think that is what I need to do first, go experience one. I am not into racing or going to the track or anything like that. It would be a weekend car (as my Mustang is) for spirited driving and or long drives along the coast. And Yes, I am peeking at the Caymans also.

Welcome to P9! You've come to the right place. Quick thoughts: There are no wrong answers. You gotta find out what works for you. Yes, test drive! You'll know right away. Here at Planet-9, although we admittedly have more of Boxster/Cayman bent here - there are also plenty of 911 guys as well. Make sure to read through a lot of the threads -- it's a great place to learn about the Porsche marque and what they do. Unlike a lot of other resources, we're not haters on other marques here. A lot of us may steer you in the direction of the 98X platform. Plenty of power and speed for street driving, especially if you're not going to track. If you want sound, slap on a killer exhaust and enjoy. Plus, with a 98X car, you'll feel like the car is on rails around the corners. If you want stupidly low 0-60 times, get a 911. Meanwhile, a used Tesla will likely be faster than either and that's boring IMHO. Most of us are about canyon carving here. My pop had the Mustang at the first reboot. Great sound and reminded me of the cars of my '70s childhood. Great car, and surely yours is even sweeter. The only key issue here is that there's a good chance you'll go down the rabbit hole like the rest of us. You may have discovered the open secret that 98X cars are ridiculously fun to drive and you won't break the bank doing it. Plus, if you enjoy vinyl wrapping, they're great candidates for that too. (I just did some interior stuff on mine and resold a removable hardtop that I had wrapped.) Again, welcome @vodkanojuice and enjoy the drive!

As others say, driving one is the key. Definitely consider the Cayman. Having driven both, the Porsche is more a handling car for twisties and curves, not straight line pulls, although they are still fun. The cayman rotation in the turns being mid engine is great. The 911 also amazing but different feel with engine in the rear and can require more finesse in driving. Porsches are not muscle cars. Personally I have a base cayman and whine that thing to 7600 whenever I can and it sounds amazing. The biggest difference is not having the low end torque of the V8. My cayman is likely a forever Porsche, but if/when I add another car it’s a vette or a mustang GT. Let us know how you make out.

I am a Mustang guy; when I visited my friend near San Francisco he let my wife and I borrow his 2011 Boxster Spyder for a day of driving along the Marin county coast. My wife said “We should get one of these! So, I sold my ‘03 Mach1 and started Boxster shopping. I bought a 2011 Boxster 2.9 liter 6-speed last summer on BaT. A Boxster or Cayman is the perfect car for cruising the CA coast! [but I still have my ‘67 Mustang convertible].

I haven't owned a Mustang, but have had a few front engine/RWD cars like M3s and a supercharged FRS. Also, my day job often involves modified Mustangs and other American muscle. Such cars are great for going fast and loud at decent prices, but they're a bit... conventional. It's not meant as a criticism, just simply that they tend to be common and normal. My 981 Cayman was a step in the direction of something more unique, where the engine placement and suspension design makes it feel completely unlike anything that has the engine in the front. Then my 997 took that even further, to the point of not feeling remotely like any other car I've driven. Modern sports cars are already too fast for the streets, so I wanted something that would give me a unique feel and interesting dynamics without necessarily being dangerous on public roads. My 997 fits this need very well, as it isn't outrageously fast yet never feels or sounds boring. With an aftermarket exhaust, it sounds very exotic. In a way, a 997 vs a modern muscle car is like the difference between a loud stereo and true hifi: with a good hifi system, you can fully enjoy it at lower volumes. In my cars, I'm not chasing top speeds or acceleration anymore. I'm chasing an interesting experience. In any case, definitely drive the cars before you decide anything. Even better, try to live with them for a couple weeks if you can. When I first drove a 987 Cayman S, I was underwhelmed when comparing it to my e46 M3 because all I understood was acceleration. But after having the Cayman for a couple weeks, I could pick out the small details and eventually understood what makes it so special. The perfect seating position, way the chassis stays flat under braking, the way the rear wheels gain traction while accelerating, how the steering wheel loads up in the turns, it all felt better than my M3 but I couldn't understand from just one drive.

Really nice initial post! Liked how you openly asked for feedback. Also impressed with the non-judgmental answers of the other forum members … My response to your question is that I have fallen in love with the Porsche brand for a second time. The first was when I was in high school and my football coach drove an early 911 (his parents had some dough). I loved the casual elegance of the design, the sublime lines, and the sultry sound on a cold start. After that I wandered through Beemer’s, Alfa’s, Acura’s, Subaru’s, Mini JCW’s and also 9 or 10 Explorers of various vintage. My wife and son finally told me to go find a Porsche and try it out. So I drove a Boxster S with a PDK and was hooked. I followed it with Cayenne GTS which is simply hands down the best SUV I have ever driven. Recently I got a very, very bad case of 911-itis and found a 2012 997.2 S Cab in mint condition (for its age). I pick it up next week and am having a hard time sleeping while I wait for another 6 wake-ups before I can go get it. So, all this said, your ‘Stang is surely sweet, but I think sweeter still will be a smokin hot 911… nothing sings like a flat-six. Just my humble opinion… Lovejoy Ps - I did the Porsche driving experience in Atlanta a few months ago and it was the best $700 I have spent in a long time… recommend it to help with your decision.

I used to be a Mustang guy. And now that I have a Porsche. I am embarrassed to say that. Totally different beast way better option. Don’t ever compare a mustang to a Porsche 911 again please.

Well the short of it is stated above. It is apples and oranges. I’m an under one year owner of a 2010 Mustang GT Convertible 4.6L V8 automatic 28K miles (ok, my wife’s car) purchase last October and finally pulled the tigger and bought a 2010 Boxster 2.9L manual 39K miles in February. Porsche has been my dream car since I was 10 years old. This is my observations so far. The Mustang is all power (still have trouble getting used to sensitive-very light accelerator) crazy linear power that is very fun, stiff but kind of harsh over the bumps, large ish feeling vehicle, crazy great sounding exhaust (a little annoying after cruising for longer periods of time), and a big gas drinker. Comfortable retro seating and it is cool. The Boxster also stiff but nimble and solid, feels like riding on rails sports car that loves curves and handling. Snug seating. Throaty when pushed, but practical on 30 mgh roads. I run my hand along the body when I visit in the garage and just look at it for the artistic design. Looking forward to learning more about each. Good luck.

You know what would be interesting? - posting on a Mustang forum, equivalent to P9, saying that you have a 911 and are thinking about a Mustang. Something like: " For some time now the 911 Mustang has been on my mind. Never been in one before. Currently I have a 2016 Mustang GT Porsche 911 in pristine condition as it only has a little over 13K miles on it. I do love it and still feels like new whenever I drive it and the sounds it makes are wonderful. But I wanted to get people's opinion, what you all think? Worth moving into a 911 Mustang? " I wonder what the responses would be.

All good posts - really appreciate the objectivity from this pcar community. By all means Turo or driving experience. That said, the driving experience will show you cars costing multiples of the mustang. A blast! I am a fan and owner of a base 997 and a 987 boxS. They are siblings but completely different things. The 911 will get off the line much faster and can do a better imitation of muscle. Base yes, but 345hp is 345hp. The boxster/cayman is probably the most forgiving thing you will ever find on the curves. They put the center of rotation somewhere near your right hip and that opens up a whole new range of sensations. Neither car invites you to pop the hood and interact with the power plant - especially the mid-engine ones. Nothing to show off, nothing to tweak. Both are heavier than they should be (fat ballerinas!), but manage the mass very well. If you are like many porschephiles, the driving experience will make you want more track time. Porsches will do that all day long. Then stop for groceries on the way home. Mustangs can do that too - with significant aftermarket help and reduced drivability. And that V-8 sound….a voodoo at 7500rpm could change anyone’s perspective of the ideal car. I digress. Have fun in your exploration!

I’ve seen Mustangs setup very well, however anything really can nowadays… it’s all what ya like and thank godd that we have lots of cars because it would suck if everyone had a Porsche

As so many others have said....apples to oranges. Make sure you do your due diligence. What makes your heart race? Old school V8 rumble and torque? The sweet symphony of a flat 6 approaching redline? Straight line acceleration or razor sharp handling? I could go on. Just remember, nothing is more expensive than regret.

I did the same thing - Mustang GT with upgrades for a 2015 Cayman S......never looked back, quite different but a different world. If you really like Sport cars - take the plunge, if you like the roar of a muscle car and mostly going straight..... stay with it. They both have things to offer - but the Porsche is unrivaled.... plus almost no one will beat you off the line.....should you so choose.... might lose to horsepower, but you will likely win the hole shot and use less gas......