After owning a 2003 996 Carrera 4S (6 speed manual) for a few years, I decided to try something a bit different - though staying in the Porsche world. I sold it a few weeks ago and just this week bought a 2017 991.2 base Carrera (PDK w/ Sport Chrono). I fully realizse that this isn’t an even comparison - but it’s the only two 911s I’ve owned so I figured I’d give my personal opinions and experiences.
In general, the 996 definitely felt more raw. The steering and acceleration was instant and, for lack of a better term, very “connected”. You feel every bump and curve in the road and that is dulled slightly with the 991. The 991 lacks a bit of that rawness but it is still an obviously driver-oriented car. Though more refined, it is much faster and gives you a bit more of a confident feeling.
Steering
As I said, the 996 is noticeably more connected to the road. It feels like there is a direct line between your hands and the wheels/tires. I’m not giving scores here but if I was, the 996 would be the clear winner.
Brakes
Not much to discuss. Both cars had normal, non-PCCB brakes - both stopped instantly and had great pedal-feel. Not much else to say.
Transmission
So, manual vs pdk. I’ve always been a manual guy - been driving manual for 35 years.
A few months ago I got to drive a Ferrari 488 GTB on the track. I was disappointed that it was a dual-clutch “automatic” tranny instead of manual. That disappointment went away before a single lap was done. My thought was, if the PDK was anywhere close to that, I wanted to have one.
I know there is a certain level of satisfaction in great manual shifting and heel/toe technique. I will miss that some, but the PDK is shockingly good. In Sport+ mode, it is always in the right gear - and I can always select another gear instantly if needed. Those lightning-quick shifts definitely give a different kind of satisfaction and tbh I’m not sure I’ll ever go back to a manual. It’s truly that good.
On a related note, Sport Chrono, with the Sport+ mode is a “must have” option for a 991. It’s like it reads my mind on what gear sit should be in.
Exhaust
The 996 had a Fister exhaust, which IMO is something like what it should’ve had from the factory. It always sounded great while being civil at lower RPMS. The 991 sport exhaust is about the same, maybe a few more crackle & pops. Similar to how I feel about Sport Chrono, I wouldn’t have a 991 without sport exhaust. The normal exhaust is way too tame.
Acceleration
The 996 acceleration pedal-feel is crazy good. I always felt like I had perfect control and it did exactly what I wanted instantly. I miss that a little with the 991, which feels a bit more “drive-by-wire”. Additionally, I do notice a very slight turbo-lag starting in lower RPMs - though hearing the turbos spin up is kind of a cool, novel sound. That said, the 991 is fast…Very fast. It’s noticeably quicker than the 996 in pretty much every situation - which is to be expected for a car 15 years newer. I’m not gonna lie - that rapidness is addictive.
Looks/Styling
They are both beautiful vehicles. Entirely subjective but I always loved the 996 C4S - the angry looking headlights, the wide hips, the vents both front and back. I don’t care what anyone says, that is a sexy, sexy car. I know it’s become more of a “classic” than it was considered on release and IMO it deserves the term. I wouldn’t be surprised if in 5 years I regret having sold it. It definitely has a certain “soul” that very few newer cars can match.
The 991 is more elegant and modern. I love the back grill, which feels like a callback to the classic 60s look. I also love the slight grooves on the hood that were added after the first version of the 991. Right now I’m in honeymoon mode so it’s hard to be objective.
Interior
My 996 had full leather, which made it feel much nicer than the standard interior with all that plastic. That said, it’s hard to compare cars this far apart in age. The 991 is more modern and it looks and feels it. Finally have bluetooth, lol. We’ll see how it ages. It already feels a bit dated by not having Android Auto (though it does have Apple CarPlay).
I did a lot of my own work on the 996 and time will tell if I can do the same on the 991. Opening the engine bay and just seeing a big sheet of plastic with fans is a little disheartening, lol.
It’s funny how I can pick out the differences between the cars but what is more surprising than the differences is actually how similar they feel despite those differences - both very much feeling like 911s. I am always happy driving a 911.
If there are any comments or questions on either or both cars, I’ll do my best to answer.
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I had an 996 01 c2s for 4 years.sold last fall. I’ve been shopping for a 2017 c2s or c4s the last few months. Wish you kept the 996 or is that just silly? Thanks for the insight!!
No, I don’t. I wanted something more modern, refined, and faster. The 991.2 is all of those things but still a screaming beast when you give it the beans. It’s still every bit a 911 and is incredibly fun to drive.
I have a PDK 991.2 C2S, and just purchased a 6 speed 996.2 C4S. Your post has absolutely got me excited to take delivery of the 996.
Enjoyed reading your comparison as I have a 996 C4S. One thing to keep in mind for PDK vs manual is that manual will likely be preferred if you plan on keeping your car till classic status. A manual will always be easy to service. A PDK needs to be replaced and the cost of the unit will increase with age. My prediction is that the new cars are too complex to be economically feasible to drive regularly once they’re 20+ years old. The 996/997 don’t have this issue, so they’re the best and last modern classic 911.
You know, i remember when the 996 first came out, people said the exact same thing about them… Too complex with too many electronics and you won’t be able to service them yourself, etc. As cars get more complicated, markets come up to fill the demand to keep them running. Imo, pdk will not be different.
Yes, the pdk is more complex but otherwise, it’s still just a car. Time will tell how well they age but you’re right - manual is a dying tech and there will always be a market for it. It was a tough decision but in the end, I picked performance.
They are kinda right about the 996 in terms of the ability to rebuild the M96 with Porsche parts. Even now any failure on the PDK means dropping in a whole new transmission.
That’s an honest take…agree on all points. Plan to stick with my 996 C2 for all the reasons you called out.
My upgraded stereo gives me all the things I was missing (AA/CarPlay, backup camera, TPMS, oil temp, and more).
Eventual engine rebuild will most likely go to a 3.8L, a 4.0/4.1L is probably overkill for me.
A 997 has a more modern look to the interior, and keeps most of the driving feel, while for me, the 991 just doesn’t give me the same vibe.