Answer to the question in the title: a resounding NO. Those in the know might even tell you that the base Carrera is the one to have for fun on the street. More usable power, light, and a bit more suspension compliance than the S.
I own a 2013 base Carrera PDK. It has Sports Chrono and sport plus with sport seats and sports steering wheel and paddles ( no buttons ). I have owned a 1967 and 2001 911. I love the power, sound and accessories. Bigger than the others. Still easy to work on. I am older (67), but still drive it spiritedly. It is a wonderful sports car to drive and own. I had a budget and I do not feel this is a real compromise. For an affordable 911, it is a blast and very well built.
Ya I am thinking of sell my 05 Carrera and getting a base 2013. Just want a more modern 911. But was wondering it was under powered based on other reviews. Glad to hear you like it..
I have a 2016 Base Carrera, it's wonderful. I bought it as it's the last of the naturally aspirated models without the GT3 badge. Great sound, and fun to drive even on the LA streets, oh, but to get it on the canyon roads! What a delight! I'm never going to be tracking the car, it was meant for my everyday driver.
The 991 handling changed a lot compared to 997. They extended the wheel base, which shortened how far the nose hangs over the front wheels and also moves the engine closer to the center of the car just a few inches. These mods gave the 991 a more mid-engine handling characteristic compared to the 997s.
Having owned or driven 911SC's, 85 Carrera's, 964 Carrera, 997 Coupe and 997 GT2. When I first drove the 991, it instantly felt like a totally different car in a good way.
I'm on a waitlist for a base 992, but drove a 2014 base with low miles in this exact color and loved it. I'm planning on touring the country with it over a few years and was leaning toward the newer 911 to avoid surprises, but I'm sure a properly maintained 2014 would be sporty, and comfy, enough to do the trick.
I rode-along & drove this exact car w/ the owner on that day. This is my first and only 991.1 experience. I think this car has more character than the 991.2 base (PDK). It screams at high RPM with ample power, and is very comfortable when not pushing hard.
Good to know. I am thinking of selling my 05 Carrera for this base model. I was skeptical of the 3.4 because some reviews say it’s under powered. Not that I am looking for a tone of power. You really buy a 911 for the handling. And yo be honest my 05 has plenty power for what I need it to do .
Porsche horsepower always feels stronger than competitors. I had a “poverty spec” 997.2 base pdk a few years back. Fantastic daily sports car. Sold it because I wanted a more focused fun car and a more focused daily.
In this day and age where everyone wants to have a milion horsepower this car makes sense. The Porsche 911 is the pinnacle of sports cars and engineering!
Of the Carrera models, I think the 997.2 Carrera S is the sweet spot. A more reliable better lasting engine than the old 3.6 ones, whilst not as big or heavy as the 991.1 versions. Also I believe the 997.2's have hydraulic steering where as the 991.1's have electronic.
Hi I'm Wesley the owner. I just checked my car and I'm writing this from inside the car. This is the first Ive heard about this. Yes and atleast on my car I fixed it. I mentioned I had a 6th gen 1le, that car also had a stumble at the low rpm. So I assumed it was normal and I rarely drive at low rpm. Looking it up on Google tonight I was surprised to see so many people having the issue. My previous owner never drove the car hard. I did regular maintaince such as oil, filters and spark+coilpacks. All of which helped slightly. The fix for my car was last weekend I took it to buttonwillow for a track event totaling 2 hours of driving. The layout cw14 features 2 very long straights. I reached around 120 mph twice per lap and revved the engine to it's fuel cutoff of 7800rpm for atleast 60 minutes of driving. Afterward the engine idled smoother and pulls butter smooth from 1500rpm to 3000rpm+ the most common range for the stutter. I can post a video soon.
@@memememine1 Thanks for the info! I’ve heard the best way to deal with it is to drive it like it’s meant to be driven, glad to hear this worked for you. Enjoy in good health!
@@philly9403 I have a 13 C2 and mine has it a bit at around 3k RPM. My previous OG BMW M2 also had it a bit. I've chalked it up to variable valve changing over. It's not a sign of anything wrong/broken/bad with the engine, so I'm not worried about it. Just gives me more reason to use the higher RPMs anyway!
Maybe one of these days when you're down in LA you can try my 991.2 Carrera T. I think you'd like its balance as a streetcar, plus I have Cup 2s on it. 😁 I had a 981 Boxster S before which has similar steering to the 991.1 and the steering feel in the 991.2 is a lot better.
@@YumboYack2521 It was not. You can actually find my comment on the Carrera T review you're referring to, but Zygrene and I still haven't been able to connect yet, but still hoping to do it when he's in the area 👍
I’m shopping for a 997 or something adjacent (fore or aft). This is really helpful. I almost bought a mint 996 yesterday (got outbid on Bring A Trailer…I couldn’t bring myself to go up to $40k smh).
Still is horrible! I just bought a 13 C2 (manual) decently specced. Moderately high miles at ~75k. I overpaid a bit at $60k, but it was impeccable inside and out, and had great service history. I plan to keep it forever, so a few extra bucks, with this inflation, won't mean anything in 10 years. Love it!
Picked me up a 991.1 S and love it. Prior to buying this I had a 968 and I loved it.. but this S is a different beast and taking it to 7800 rpm there is no better sound!!
If you can go for the S DO IT - that said if there’s a great spec’d base around also do it. It’s just going to come down to what’s available for you and what speaks to you. The S is perfect. And you can find one maybe 3k more than the base . Unbeatable bargain
The base Carrera and Carrera S are by the far the best for long term reliability. They have been one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned over the years.
Remind me in a couple years. I just bought one with about 75k miles and routine servicing records. Only had it a couple months though, so we will see! That said, this is one of the most reliable generations, so I'm not worried about it!
……….”if it still feels like a proper Porsche” ??? What the hell do mean “proper Porsche” ? About the most moronic comment I’ve heard yet……. Damn, son, get out, walk around to the back of the car AND READ WHAT IT SAYS !!!
Overly harsh. I like it. Most of these TH-cam videos are unscripted and barely edited. Go with the flow. It's inspirational and has reawakened my desire for this specific model. Presently a 996 owner.
Sooo u got tired of a great fast car that is he 1le so u decided to get something way more Expensive and slower? Lol makes no sense, you just wanted the name my friend because if that was not the case you would of just bought a miata or something .
Answer to the question in the title: a resounding NO. Those in the know might even tell you that the base Carrera is the one to have for fun on the street. More usable power, light, and a bit more suspension compliance than the S.
I own a 2013 base Carrera PDK. It has Sports Chrono and sport plus with sport seats and sports steering wheel and paddles ( no buttons ). I have owned a 1967 and 2001 911. I love the power, sound and accessories. Bigger than the others. Still easy to work on. I am older (67), but still drive it spiritedly. It is a wonderful sports car to drive and own. I had a budget and I do not feel this is a real compromise. For an affordable 911, it is a blast and very well built.
Ya I am thinking of sell my 05 Carrera and getting a base 2013. Just want a more modern 911. But was wondering it was under powered based on other reviews. Glad to hear you like it..
I have a 2016 Base Carrera, it's wonderful. I bought it as it's the last of the naturally aspirated models without the GT3 badge. Great sound, and fun to drive even on the LA streets, oh, but to get it on the canyon roads! What a delight! I'm never going to be tracking the car, it was meant for my everyday driver.
Ah mate, jealous of you guys and your hot, winding canyons. We're stuck in cold, rainy UK
The 991 handling changed a lot compared to 997. They extended the wheel base, which shortened how far the nose hangs over the front wheels and also moves the engine closer to the center of the car just a few inches. These mods gave the 991 a more mid-engine handling characteristic compared to the 997s.
Having owned or driven 911SC's, 85 Carrera's, 964 Carrera, 997 Coupe and 997 GT2. When I first drove the 991, it instantly felt like a totally different car in a good way.
Didn't they also move to electric steering with the 991?
I have a base 2014 991, and would agree with your points related to acceleration and steering. Nicely done review.
The PDK uses steering to determine shifting, it won't upshift in the middle of a corner.
Longer wheelbase, wider tracks and the engine more towards the centre... All resulting in less pitch and better stability! Cheers from Italy!
I'm on a waitlist for a base 992, but drove a 2014 base with low miles in this exact color and loved it. I'm planning on touring the country with it over a few years and was leaning toward the newer 911 to avoid surprises, but I'm sure a properly maintained 2014 would be sporty, and comfy, enough to do the trick.
I rode-along & drove this exact car w/ the owner on that day. This is my first and only 991.1 experience. I think this car has more character than the 991.2 base (PDK). It screams at high RPM with ample power, and is very comfortable when not pushing hard.
Good to know. I am thinking of selling my 05 Carrera for this base model. I was skeptical of the 3.4 because some reviews say it’s under powered. Not that I am looking for a tone of power. You really buy a 911 for the handling. And yo be honest my 05 has plenty power for what I need it to do .
Porsche horsepower always feels stronger than competitors. I had a “poverty spec” 997.2 base pdk a few years back. Fantastic daily sports car. Sold it because I wanted a more focused fun car and a more focused daily.
what did you go with for the focused fun car?
“poverty spec” 😅
I love "poverty spec" so General Public. 😂😂😂😂😂
In this day and age where everyone wants to have a milion horsepower this car makes sense.
The Porsche 911 is the pinnacle of sports cars and engineering!
Did he have the sport button or sport mode on?
Good review. It’s a great daily driver. Great NA engine.
I've only driven a 997 4s it felt pretty special to me especially with the engine noise
Of the Carrera models, I think the 997.2 Carrera S is the sweet spot. A more reliable better lasting engine than the old 3.6 ones, whilst not as big or heavy as the 991.1 versions. Also I believe the 997.2's have hydraulic steering where as the 991.1's have electronic.
991.1 is lighter than 997.2…
@@nilshordvik5006 exactly im at 3042lbs with 7speed manual
Even the base 911 is very expensive in australia, For around 150k aud you can get V10 audi r8 or a brand new Camaro Zl1.
Did you feel the “power stumble” that they talk about on the forums? Supposedly a hesitation at low RPMs.
Hi I'm Wesley the owner. I just checked my car and I'm writing this from inside the car. This is the first Ive heard about this. Yes and atleast on my car I fixed it. I mentioned I had a 6th gen 1le, that car also had a stumble at the low rpm. So I assumed it was normal and I rarely drive at low rpm. Looking it up on Google tonight I was surprised to see so many people having the issue. My previous owner never drove the car hard. I did regular maintaince such as oil, filters and spark+coilpacks. All of which helped slightly. The fix for my car was last weekend I took it to buttonwillow for a track event totaling 2 hours of driving. The layout cw14 features 2 very long straights. I reached around 120 mph twice per lap and revved the engine to it's fuel cutoff of 7800rpm for atleast 60 minutes of driving. Afterward the engine idled smoother and pulls butter smooth from 1500rpm to 3000rpm+ the most common range for the stutter. I can post a video soon.
@@memememine1 Thanks for the info! I’ve heard the best way to deal with it is to drive it like it’s meant to be driven, glad to hear this worked for you. Enjoy in good health!
@@philly9403 I have a 13 C2 and mine has it a bit at around 3k RPM. My previous OG BMW M2 also had it a bit. I've chalked it up to variable valve changing over. It's not a sign of anything wrong/broken/bad with the engine, so I'm not worried about it. Just gives me more reason to use the higher RPMs anyway!
Maybe one of these days when you're down in LA you can try my 991.2 Carrera T. I think you'd like its balance as a streetcar, plus I have Cup 2s on it. 😁 I had a 981 Boxster S before which has similar steering to the 991.1 and the steering feel in the 991.2 is a lot better.
Have always been curious about the Carrera T! Can you shoot me a quick email? zygrene@gmail.com
@@Zygrene email sent!
Was this the recently reviewed Carrera T on this channel?
@@YumboYack2521 It was not. You can actually find my comment on the Carrera T review you're referring to, but Zygrene and I still haven't been able to connect yet, but still hoping to do it when he's in the area 👍
Base of base
I’m shopping for a 997 or something adjacent (fore or aft). This is really helpful. I almost bought a mint 996 yesterday (got outbid on Bring A Trailer…I couldn’t bring myself to go up to $40k smh).
Great car! Is that car lowered? I recall the stock height to be taller.
Any update on the 997?
Not yet. As soon as I get a clear diagnosis I'll make an update video. Fingers crossed it's nothing serious.
I have a 6th gen V6 1LE 6sp (rare, but they do exist, Randy Pobst has one) that you can test. 300lbs lighter than the SS 1LE, but only 335hp.
Sounds fun. Where are you located?
Randy has the 4 cylinder one
@@Zygrene In LA, I met you with my friend Kevin (gt3 touring).
I'd like to see this review tbh ! 👍👍👍
@@Zygrene Please do a review on it, and of course the V8 too 😎
It's not the steering rack , the GT cars have a much stiffer suspension.
How much did you pay and what is the mileage? The used market rn is horrible
Still is horrible! I just bought a 13 C2 (manual) decently specced. Moderately high miles at ~75k. I overpaid a bit at $60k, but it was impeccable inside and out, and had great service history. I plan to keep it forever, so a few extra bucks, with this inflation, won't mean anything in 10 years. Love it!
I've been thinking about a 991 base but I feel like the S might be worth the extra money. Can someone shine some light on this?
Picked me up a 991.1 S and love it. Prior to buying this I had a 968 and I loved it.. but this S is a different beast and taking it to 7800 rpm there is no better sound!!
@@blkporscheboi9844 wow that's amazing!! Thank you for the input!
If you can go for the S DO IT - that said if there’s a great spec’d base around also do it. It’s just going to come down to what’s available for you and what speaks to you. The S is perfect. And you can find one maybe 3k more than the base . Unbeatable bargain
My family got the 14 C2S, really worth the upgrade to S. Better brakes, 3.8 instead of 3.4, although base is still nice
Every car is a disappointment when it has no 3rd pedal…
It’s a great touring car but lost a lot of the raw 911 feeling as they all do even going from a .1 to a .2 in the same generation.
Do you think one of the new mx5 cars could be subjectively more fun under the speed limit?
I'm reviewing stock and modified ND2 very soon, stay tuned
You can hear the classic 991.1 rattle inside the cabin throughout this video lol
If hardware is the same, can you upgrade the steering software? To make it feel like GT3
This is what I want to know! I imagine suspension geometry, tires, and bushings all contribute to the feel too.
@@Zygrene Yes you can. There is a lengthy Rennlist post talking about how to do this. You will need a PIWIS, but it's quite simple to do.
So random i met Wesley the other day on the back of skyline we have the same color 991’s!
Thx guys, good information
How are they at 70k miles?
The base Carrera and Carrera S are by the far the best for long term reliability. They have been one of the most reliable vehicles I have owned over the years.
Remind me in a couple years. I just bought one with about 75k miles and routine servicing records. Only had it a couple months though, so we will see! That said, this is one of the most reliable generations, so I'm not worried about it!
@@dBsdecibels lets hear the verdict!
hopefully someone figures out how to retune the 991 steering to be like the GT3
They can, and have! There's a lengthy Rennlist post about it. You'll need a PIWIS, but it's easy to do.
@@dBsdecibels outstanding
You should tell ur friend to get a soul performance exhaust !
How would you say this feels compared to a base 981?
981 feels better balanced but the difference in handling between 911 and Cayman is smaller in the 991/981 gen than it is in the 997/987 gen.
Awesome value!
Some 911s are starting to look fat or pregnant maybe it is to get people use to the size, so they can fill them with batteries I hope not ?
Wel done. Love it.
Looking at a 14 base 911
What suspension in this car - it looks lowered?
Completely stock, non-PASM suspension
Looks more like Sport PASM.
great deal!!!
……….”if it still feels like a proper Porsche” ??? What the hell do mean “proper Porsche” ?
About the most moronic comment I’ve heard yet…….
Damn, son, get out, walk around to the back of the car AND READ WHAT IT SAYS !!!
Overly harsh. I like it. Most of these TH-cam videos are unscripted and barely edited. Go with the flow. It's inspirational and has reawakened my desire for this specific model. Presently a 996 owner.
Did I see a Porsche commercial?
Sooo u got tired of a great fast car that is he 1le so u decided to get something way more
Expensive and slower? Lol makes no sense, you just wanted the name my friend because if that was not the case you would of just bought a miata or something .
Such a cringeworthy video.
Looking at a 14 base 911
Looking at a 14 base 911