Porsche fans worship the 997 because it’s beautiful, fast, has few problems (mostly with the newer models made after 2007), and has prices that are going up and up. It looks like a good investment when you see how much the prices are going up. But when it was replaced by the 991, which was basically a newer, smarter, and easier-to-drive 911 curtain-raiser, fans couldn’t help but love both.
So, what is the difference between the 997 and the 991 in terms of statistics and other things?
Even though they look more alike than many other 911s from the same generation, they are still very different. This is probably to be expected with a “completely redesigned” flagship model.
If you put the two cars next to each other, you’ll first notice that the 991 is longer. It’s only 2.2 inches longer, but here inches really do make a difference (sorry, guys). The difference is pretty big because 911s have always been short and sporty compared to their competitors, so the move to a more Panamera/Cayenne-like body style is obvious to any Porsche fan.
David Villarreal Fernández's Porsche 991
This is to be expected, though, because Porsche is making more SUVs and Panameras than ever. From a financial and resource point of view, it makes sense to share parts and looks between new models. You only need to look at the first generation Boxster and the 996 to see that Porsche has been doing this for years, but on a much larger scale.
On top of that, 911s have been getting bigger and bigger for decades to make up for the fact that new features have been added to make them look better and make them more comfortable. So, when it came time to redesign the 991’s body, it makes sense that Porsche had to do so in order to match the tech and performance features of other cars in the same generation.
The way a car looks is, like many other changes, a matter of personal taste. The 991 looks much more modern than the 997 because it is longer and has a cleaner, sharper back and front. However, since retro Porsches are becoming more and more popular, this may not be a bad thing for the 997 at all.
Porsche 997
The 991’s oval headlights are more noticeable and seem to be pushed further to the sides of the car. The 991 also has a longer wheelbase. These changes aren’t too big of a deal if you’re trying to decide between the two, but for people who bought 911s before 2010, they may be a step too far into the 21st century.
The difference in how the two cars are driven, on the other hand, is much more noticeable. Many people think that Porsches have always had the best driving experience on the market. Power steering, raw feelings, and quick acceleration are all things that make a 911 a 911. Driving-wise, the difference between the 997 and the 991 isn’t exactly the end of old-school Porsche driving, but owners of previous flagship models will notice that the 991 is much more refined in this area.
In terms of numbers, it’s not all different when it comes to driving, but that doesn’t always tell the whole story. For example, both cars have a top speed of 174 mph. The 0-60 (or 0-62 if you use French measurements like Porsche) times of the 997 and 991 are also only slightly different. However, the 991 will almost certainly feel faster, mostly because of the 40kg weight shift that comes from using magnesium and aluminum to make the standard model lighter.
This, along with other performance features and upgrades like a switch from power steering to electric steering, a 5bhp boost, an extra 3lb-ft of torque, smarter energy distribution, and better gas mileage, make the two models feel very different on the road, at least in our opinion.
Why?
Well, when you drive an old Porsche 911, you get a real sense of how the road feels.
Even though the 991 doesn’t get rid of this at all and is arguably a much better driver than any of the 911s that came before it, especially in terms of accuracy, control, and speed distribution, we do “miss” the raw, heavier, and firmer experience of the 997 when we drive a 991. The 997 feels more like the Porsche we all know and love.
We should expect this, though. Porsches can’t always feel like they’re from the past, and they had to become more modern to meet not only the needs of current drivers but also the needs of other companies’ flagship models.
Has the 991 made a good transition from “retro” to “modern”? Yes. It’s been done really well.
From the point of view of a modern car company and a similar brand of car, everything about the 991 feels right. Even though it might not feel “right” to an old-school Porsche driver, you’ll have to agree that the 991’s fine-tuning, both in terms of how it looks and how it drives, is subjectively really, really good.
When it comes to choosing between the two models, it really comes down to what you like (and your budget).
The Porsche 997 is a beautiful car, a true classic in every way, and its price and interest have been steadily going up for a good reason. On the other hand, the 991 feels more well-rounded, more like a modern sports car, and less like a classic.
At the end of the day, you wouldn’t be upset if you won either of these models in a raffle. The choice comes down to how you like to drive, how much money you have, and, to some extent, how you like things to look.
While you’re still here, let’s look at some of the upgrades we’ve chosen for the 997 and 991.
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Design Facelift Package for 997 MKII
Original front bumper conversion for the 2009 Porsche 997, which also has grills and lights. For cars with radiators in the middle.
The kit comes with:
– Front Bumper
– Lower Spoiler for the Front Bumper
– Centre frame
– Left & Right frames
– Left and right LED indicator/side lamps
– Front Number Plate Holder
– Jets for Cleaning Headlamps
Fits:
When updating the front end with new LED lights, you don’t need a lamp control unit. You just need a good auto electrician to wire up the lights.
