Even though the 991 has been on the market for six months, the aesthetic differences between it and the 997 are so subtle that it takes two looks to be certain you are looking at the newer model.
According to Porsche’s data sheet, the 991 is 2.2 inches longer than the 997, has a front track that is two inches wider (or, more specifically, 46mm on the Carrera and 52mm on the S), and has a much longer wheelbase. Although it seems radical, it is far more nuanced in reality.
Even then, it can be challenging to take it all in, so you should really watch the 991 again before forming an opinion. But the first, and most surprising, impression is how Porsche has altered the roofline. The 991’s windscreen is more sharply raked and lower, seemingly shortening the bonnet.
It’s intriguing that Tony Hatter, the lead stylist for the 993, whose innovative designs for that car’s roofline were never carried through due to lack of funding, is now working on the 991. How different everything is now, over 20 years later.
The 991’s slightly raised rear quarters, a striking new design element that incorporates the thinner and, in some people’s eyes, more beautiful brake and side lights, attract the eye from that roof.
Regarding lighting, the 993’s headlamps, which pleasingly echoed the 997’s and themselves were reminiscent of early racing Porsches, are little forsaken by the new model at the front. The headlight glass on the 991 has a raised oval shape and encircles the wing.
Although not as much as the 996’s fried egg appearance, it nevertheless comes as a little shock. It will take time for people to adjust, but even from the side, the eye is drawn to the headlight rather than the most significant modification, the 100mm longer wheelbase.
This blends so well with the 20-inch wheels that are now standard on the S (19-inch on the Carrera) that you start to realize Porsche has a substantially larger car with the new 911.
With the new 911, you can see why Harm Lagaay once said that Porsche was “the recognised master at putting the right amount of surface tension in its design”: those sweeping curves have a harmony that even a die-hard Porsche traditionalist wouldn’t dispute. Lagaay served as Chief Stylist at Weissach from 1989 to 2004.
Although the total impact is greater, it takes time for it to be felt. Although they now automatically fold in, small elements like placing the side mirrors on the doors rather than the window frame are a welcome nod to a classic Porsche design that was last used on the 993.
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My Choice
One of the most difficult queries I’ve ever had to respond to is this one. primarily because I adore both of these vehicles so much.
The 991 is more attractive, more comfortable, simpler to drive, and seems more well-made and sturdy overall. The 997 feels more athletic, “better-fitting,” and significantly less expensive.
In the end, I’d probably choose the 997 because it was much less expensive, but as a daily driver, the 991 would definitely be the better option. When you’re driving for extended periods of time, comfort is crucial. There is probably a 911 daily driver out there for you, no matter what your needs or budget are.
A sports car icon’s design development: the recognizable Porsche 911
When the Porsche 991 and 997 are hood to hood and viewed from the side, the only changes between the two models become apparent upon closer scrutiny. In reality, the 991 has grown in track width, vehicle length, and wheelbase, which has increased by ten centimeters compared to its predecessor, but the 997 appears sleeker and more compact than its younger brother.
The 991 is by no means impulsive, but the relatively flatter windscreen and top line help it maintain its ageless charm. The rear lights, which were also fitted with LEDs like the 991 because the 997, also known as the 997.2, had a facelift, are another distinctive feature. Despite having a larger rear section, the 991’s taillights are still narrower than those of the 997, ensuring a well-balanced rear image.
The front headlights of the two 991s also exhibit a few minor variations. The front wheel arches’ trim is nestled between the convex lights of the 997 in a fluid transition. Fans will compare those of the 993 to those of the Porsche 911, whose somewhat flat round lights nevertheless look modern. Because Porsche doesn’t fully remodel new models of its well-known sports car, but rather improves upon the current design, a new XNUMX never makes its predecessor look dated.
The Porsche 911 is one of the few vehicles that is still so loyal to its original design language. The original 1963 served as the impetus for everything, and its sleek shape helped to redefine vehicle design as early as XNUMX. The first nine-distinctive eleven’s drive philosophy, which can do without a front radiator grille due to the air-cooled boxer engine positioned in the rear, allows for the current shape of the body.
The G-model, which had black, safety-optimized bumpers, was the model that came after the first one. The 964 with integrated and painted bumpers took its place in 1989. The 993, the final 911 with an air-cooled boxer engine, signaled the end of an era. It was superseded by the 996, which introduced water cooling and featured the headlight design that is currently generating discussion among fans. This headlamp design is unmistakably a development of the iconic Porsche 911.
Is the Porsche 997 equivalent to the 911?
Porsche’s internal designation for the Porsche 911 sports vehicle between 2004 (as Model Year 2005) and 2013 was “Porsche 997.” Porsche is a German automaker. Early in 2004, the Carrera and Carrera S coupes entered into production. In November 2005, all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S deliveries to customers started. In late 2006, the Turbo and GT3 derivatives went on sale, and in 2007, the GT2. In addition to the coupe and cabriolet models, the Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S were also offered in Targa versions, which maintained the “glass canopy” roof style until the 991 when it switched back to the traditional targa top arrangement found on the early 911 Targas.
The 997 was a development of the 996 that came before it, with the interior and external style seeing the most major improvements. Of particular note was the switch from the 996’s “fried egg” headlamps to the more traditional “bug eye” headlamps. The automobile is mechanically extremely similar to its predecessor, with the exception of larger 18-inch wheels being installed as standard and minor engineering upgrades such as slightly more power. A new S variant was made available, offering more power from a little bigger engine, sports exhaust, and sports suspension.
Porsche updated its 997 lineup in 2009 with fresh styling, an improved direct-injection engine, and the debut of the brand’s brand-new “PDK” dual clutch transmission. The consequence was that the upgraded 997 vehicles handled better and were lighter, quicker, and more fuel-efficient than the outgoing cars. In the case of the 997 Turbo, a thoroughly retuned all-wheel drive system with an optional “torque vectoring” system was also included in the upgrades package; in a preliminary review published in October 2009, Car and Driver magazine predicted that the updated Turbo should be able to accelerate from 0-97 km/h (0-60 mph) in three seconds when fitted with the PDK transmission.
Even British automotive journalist Jeremy Clarkson, a well-known opponent of Porsche automobiles, stated that the 997 will “make love to your fingertips and arouse your soul” in the majority of his favorable assessments of the 997.
Porsche 991s are from what year?
One of the biggest advancements in 911 history, the 991 generation was introduced in 2011. Nearly 90% of all components were either freshly created or had undergone significant further development. It was the first time a new 911 had weighed less than its predecessor thanks to a lightweight body composed of a cutting-edge aluminum-steel composite. The chassis could be fitted with a new, optional roll stabilization system, Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), and established the standard for driving dynamics thanks to a wheelbase that was 100 millimeters larger than the model it replaced. In the spring of 2012, the Cabriolet introduced a second improvement. A coupe-like roof curve that had never been seen before was made possible when the lightweight magnesium bows were closed, and the silhouette was preserved even at high speeds.
Is the Porsche 997 a vintage car?
The Porsche 997 was the first new 911 whose styling was influenced by the original 911 once more. It is already regarded as a future classic due to its oval headlights. The final Carrera with manifold injection was the 997.1. Although it was more of a technological evolution than a revolution, costs are still substantially higher than in the nineties. Any 997 model is reliable in terms of price and a pleasure to drive. Even while driving is calming, it can nevertheless make you feel tense. The 997 is not a rational vehicle, but it is also not irrational either. Although it is a true sports car, it is also useful. It is a genuine 911, the 997.
The Porsche 997’s first generation is already viewed as a potential classic.
What’s better, 997 or 991?
The best 911s in history have maybe been produced by Porsche over the last ten years or so. They serve as the foundation for performance, appealing aesthetics, seductive audio, and comfort. They are among the best cars period, not just the best 911s in history. The 911’s watercooled revolution was started with the 996, but it was the 997 that gave the vehicle its competitive edge and turned it into a brilliant sports car. The 991 improved practically everything over the 911 and represented a major change. In reality, depending on the track, the 991 Carrera S is faster than a 997 GT3. The 991 offers more performance than the 997. Some claim that the 997 has more communicative steering than the 991 since the latter has an electrically assisted rack. The interior of the 991 feels considerably higher quality and more comfortable than that of the 997, which somehow just feels the “correct” size inside. However, the 991 is significantly larger. How do you make a choice if you’re in the market?
Are Porsche 997s trustworthy?
Almost all of the car is trustworthy and has a classic appearance. Prices for the 997 have dropped even further as a result of the introduction of a new 992 platform. This daily supercar offers outstanding value and outstanding dependability.
A Porsche 991 is collectible, right?
Some people would mention the GT2 RS, however that vehicle is not a rare one. The wonderful thing about this car is that it’s a daily driver and not a track-focused hardcore variation. It may be the world’s most expensive daily driver. The 911 (991) Turbo S Exclusive Series Is So Collectible for These 5 Reasons
What did the 997’s place?
The Type 991 911 is currently taking the place of the 997. The updated Carrera is currently available, along with a brand-new manual seven-speed transmission.
What Porsche 911 is the least coveted?
The 996 was the first of the Boxster-related 911s with water cooling. It has been the least desirable 911 generation for a while, and pricing have reflected this
When was the 997 released?
The Porsche 997 was introduced in 2004 with two models: the Carrera, which used a 3.6-liter flat-six engine with 321 horsepower, and the Carrera S, which included a 3.8-liter version of the same engine with 355 horsepower. Both had a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed Tiptronic automatic option.