Porsche 911 997 vs. 991 Part 1 - Design and Style

[@betelgeuse44]

My '08 C4S is my daily driver. 6 spd was a must and all wheel drive. This car is just a joy to drive and the sound just puts chills thru me. Will be 1 yr. owner in 2 weeks. Only replaced one coil pack. 106,000. And I'm not giving this black beauty up! I did add 255/30r 19's to the front, with standard 305/19 on rears. Grips exceptionally well!

[@AutoAmateur]

Congratulations on your almost 1-year ownership anniversary!

[@Porschee944]

911 997 😍😍😍😍😍

[@713vinh]

This is an awesome comparison video. James your car is beautiful and will always be. But there's something about the 997 that has that classic vintage nostalgic 911 look to it that draws me into it every time. To me if I had to choose I would take the 997 if I wanted a weekend toy car. If I wanted a daily driver it would be the 991. I'm not particularly keen on the 992, I've seen it in person but it hasn't grown on me yet.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Vincent!! This was the first time filming using multiple cameras and two independent mics. I wasn't sure how it was going to come out. I'm glad you liked it! The more I love my 991, the more I actually miss my 997. It's funny how that goes. I would absolutely love to own both! Haha. Dreams.

[@cintra2]

997 all the way, specially the 997.2 , I'll keep mine forever

[@Eatongee]

Pat is a good friend to have. I need a mechanic buddy too. Lol. Hey, now find a 997.2 and a 991.2. ;)

[@AutoAmateur]

He's a good guy and YES! That sounds like a plan... :)

[@tommygearhart4651]

Love the look of both cars, you both have great examples with great color combos. I have a 997.2 C4S with a manual transmission and I love the classic 911 look.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Tommy!

[@All993]

We should do a whole series of the generations together. 991, 997, 996, 993, and I know a guy who would bring his 86 to really spread the comparisons.

[@AutoAmateur]

Let's DOOOOOO IT!! :)

[@dkell15]

Hallo James, nice car you have. But I wouldt try to get back a 997. I own a 997.2 4S EX51 with PDK and bought a 991 4S . 2 Weeks later i sold the 991. For me the 997 Looks much better than the 991 and driving with the 991 was like driving in a Mini Panamera. Boaring without any emotions. Sometimes I think you wish back the time with your lovely 997. Is ist so? Cheers Dietmar

[@AutoAmateur]

Hey Dietmar! I do miss my 997 for sure. But I loooooooove love love my 991! 🔥🔥🔥

[@dkell15]

Auto Amateur than everything is ok. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@prodrivebrasil]

Thanks James!! I was really looking forward for this video. :)

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks!! Part 2 coming in the next few weeks...!

[@prodrivebrasil]

Can you do a comparison with numbers James? For example, what is the difference in size of the front trunk between the two versions? How far can we get the driver seats back? What is the difference of space on the back seats? Thank you!! :)

[@AutoAmateur]

@@prodrivebrasil Absolutely! We're planning to get into that level of detail in the supporting podcast (check out: autoamateur.buzzsprout.com/770141 or soundcloud.com/user-965666705-163264498/video-follow-up-a-few-more-thoughts-on-the-porsche-997-vs-991 ) and we could also include that in a follow-up video. Thanks!

[@talo800]

nice to see new videos for 997.1 gen

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks! More to come!!

[@nan9527]

Great video as always! When can you do one episode for your garage flooring. So nice!

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks!! Actually, check this one out... I did a video about it earlier this year: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2iXg4Rro7iEqM0

[@Moonrocket59]

Hey James, great video especially since my search and want over these past 20 years finally resolved itself last week with my first Porsche purchase. Your videos helped push me over the decision mark with a 2013 911 C2S PDK, all white with the Sport Package option, black Porsche wheels. I initially looked at the 997 series but when you went 991, it made my decision easier. My wife may want to talk to you but I'm a happy Porsche camper. Thanks.

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahaha. That's awesome! Congratulations!! If you're wife wants to call me, I can put her on the phone with my wife Ruthie. She has helped a few Porsche-wives see the silver lining of having husbands drive P-cars. :-)

[@AutoAmateur]

I would love to see some photos of your new 991. If you want to share them, shoot me an email to [e-mail] !

[@Moonrocket59]

@@AutoAmateur 😎👍

[@spedgey]

Great video, many more before xmas? If not i wish you, your family, and friends the very best from the North East of England. X

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Simon! To you too! The Brits are arriving in Minnesota this week, so I'm not sure how much content I'll be creating before the new year... but I'm certainly going to try! Either way, happy Christmas to you! Cheers!

[@pjay3028]

Interesting video. I would say I prefer the exterior design of the 997.1 to anything else, other than a 964 in the right spec or a 930. I'm not keen on the front and rear lights of anything post 997.1 and I really don't like the ridge created by the rear spoiler on the 991 or 992 because it makes the car look like a traditional car with a bootlid, I find it REALLY odd that Porsche did that. I also prefer the narrow front track/wide rear track of the 997, I think that's a classic 911 design cue that's been lost in the 991 and 992. Obviously it was done for technical reasons, but it's a shame to me. Obviously the interior of the 991 and 992 is nice but I'd happily give that up for the 997.1 exterior. From a performance and interaction perspective I also think the 997 hits the sweet spot of good but still sensible, usable and accessible performance. Basically I think I'm saying that the 997.1 is my favourite 911!

[@laurentbenoit9080]

cool moment guy... Sort of "Porsche dialog " . Thank you James

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Laurent! Cheers!!

[@rividizd]

991.1 for me. It's just perfect.

[@scottjustin9800]

Loved the video! Not that you are not a great solo act but when you "jam" with a band (i.e., another owner/car) the videos really shine. All due respect to the 997, but to me the 991 is the generation where the 911 took the leap from sports car to super car. Albeit small, the changes mad the car seem more fierce and aggressive than it had ever been before-and from what I've seen the 992 Turbo is going to be an absolute monster. Wouldn't be surprised to see it beat the Bugatti to 100-120.

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks for the kind feedback!! Appreciate it!

[@talkenrain842]

Nice of Pat to share his car. There are moments where I detected a little snob comments. Maybe just me but I would have been a little offended to offer my pride and joy, only to be put down in public. Clearly there are differences, they are years apart, but I wouldn’t call someone’s car cheap, it was inline with other cars of its time and if not for the 996 and 997, the 991 would have never been made... just my 2¢

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks for the feedback! There was no snobbery intended, so I apologize if we caused any offense. The 996, and the at the time the first Boxsters and Cayennes, were intentionally designed to be 'cheaper' to produce because Porsche was in a lot of trouble, financially. These cheaper materials (like some of the interior parts) and more efficient mass-production manufacturing processes helped save the company and the cars we know and love. We have both owned 996s and 997s. When you put the two interiors next to each, the difference to the casual car owner might not be too great but to the Porsche enthusiast the difference is significant. The look, the design, the materials. The 997's interior has proven to be far more popular by Porsche fans, us included. Thanks!

[@keithmedia]

A youtube car video I enjoyed without any exhaust noise.

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahahahaha. Very kind!

[@mullner88]

The turbo twist wheels on the 997 look like they are narrow body offsets on a wide body car. Needs more spacer or different offset IMO They look great on the 997 still

[@All993]

J Mullner you’re right. Those wheels are from the 993 model days. Turbo Twist, solid core, narrow body versions.

[@wendycity99]

Great video it's cool to talk cars with your boy

[@keithmedia]

Great video!

[@AutoAmateur]

Thanks Keith!!

[@MrGstar1980]

Looking myself for a 997 to buy I enjoyed the video. 997 is the last true Porsche, since the 911 is built on the Audi platform after that (i.e. 991, 992). Greetings from the true home of Porsche (Austria that is).

[@AutoAmateur]

Haha. Greetings!! I have family in Schladming.

[@MrGstar1980]

@@AutoAmateur one of the nicest ski ressorts in Austria - good place to live! In the meantime, I have acquired a silver 997.1 and absolutely enjoy it.

[@AutoAmateur]

MrGstar1980 congratulations!!!

[@vancityflyguy]

I haven’t watched the video yet but i’m sure it will be great.:) thanks James;)

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahaha. That’s a lot of confidence in this amateur. You’re very kind! 😆🤩🙌

[@mpc007]

Considered a 996 a few times when the prices were really low but was put off every single time by the cheap interior that was even crappier than my 12k costing E85 Z4. With the 997 they've corrected this so much that its no longer unbearable, and with the 991 they started offering an interior that was actually proper for the price they're asking :P

[@AutoAmateur]

Agreed all around!

[@avintageparcel8938]

You apparently should have gotten a 997.2 with PDK because that is pretty much your old 997 with the PDK that you love from your 991

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahaha. True!!! 🤩👍

[@lhawli]

How did you add apple car play on a 991.1?

[@silvision]

997 for me. it is just more classic porsch. :)

[@buzzbar44]

Great video! Keep them up, and I've listened to the podcast "soft launch" as well, look forward to more episodes. ONE thing that came up in your discussions with Pat, and it always bothers me when I hear it, is that you say that the 996 interiors are cheap, and just don't hold up. PLEASE, in the future, can you please take a gander at the full leather versions of the 996? I own a 996 C4S and a 996 Turbo, and they both have full leather. The full leather 996 interiors are MUCH better than the standard plastic stuff. Granted, they may not be a good as the 997 and beyond, but please, put an asterisk next to the "996 interior is crap" comments. :) You even commented on the fact that your 991 interior is more plasticky than your 997, so you get my point. Great discussions. Keep it up!

[@AutoAmateur]

Totally fair, thank you!! Appreciate the feedback. ☺️🙌👏

[@JustMeinYoutube]

Seems the rear wheels on the 997.1 are for a narrow body? They seem to be “tucked in” in the video?

[@AutoAmateur]

They’re a second set of rims with winter tires on. A lot of us arctic northerners use a less desirable / less than perfect second set of rims during the winter months.

[@selltheplanetearth]

You got to call out the engine bay issue. I have a 997 and like being able to see the heart of the machine.

[@AutoAmateur]

Yeah that’s very true!!

[@AutoAmateur]

We’ve got to save something for the podcast though, right?? 🤩

[@selltheplanetearth]

True that. Look forward to listening.

[@shahidrashid4614]

James how can you not like the 991 rear lights they are stunning! I dislike the ones on the 991.2!

[@AutoAmateur]

It's not that I dislike them, I'm just not crazy about them. They are growing on me though. :)

[@MWS1960]

Is that much difference I’m wondering now in a 991 versus 992 ? And is it worth the extra money 🤔🤔

[@AutoAmateur]

I would say.... no! The 992 is like a overpowered sofa on wheels compared to the 991. They're gorgeous, don't get me wrong. But when people observe the difference between the 997 and the 991, the difference between the 991 and 992 is just as big in terms of removing the driver from the driving experience. I'm going to resist getting one for as long as I can, or wait to see how the Turbo or GT3 performs. The 992 C2 and C2S are no where near as fun to drive as the 991 or 997 equivalents, in my opinion.

[@danielt.3152]

My big wish for the 997 would have been better cup holder design for both driver and passenger

[@997GURU]

well Captain… we could have discussed design differences for 10000 years, every 911 have is own beauty. Period

[@AutoAmateur]

Make it so!!!!

[@redline5359]

997.2 c2 manual

[@PRORIGAN]

sorry, but 997 looks much much better...may be its time to think about 997.1 TT with a true Mezger engine inside?

[@AutoAmateur]

Ohhhhh that's definitely a dream car of mine. Love it!

[@jimgraves665]

Why do you have 996 wheels on your 997? You have NB 996 wheels on a WB 997 you certainly would want spacers....

[@AutoAmateur]

Just for the winter tires.

[@Sams911]

992>991>997

[@AutoAmateur]

That sounds like a great idea for a video! 🤩

[@Sams911]

@@AutoAmateur gotta add the 964>996 to that then.. 😂

[@AutoAmateur]

🤩🙌

[@Btc1ml]

997 is a collectible, nobody will care about a 991 ten years from now.

[@AutoAmateur]

It’s funny you should say that because, while I agree the 997 is a collectible, people said the same about both the 996 and the 997 when they couldn’t get beyond the 993. Now there are collectible 996 and 997s. The same with happen with the 991s, particularly the 991.1 being the last of the naturally aspirated models. The GT3s and R models are already collectible. Some of the others will get there too.

[@Btc1ml]

@@AutoAmateur 991 will never be collectible its to modern. Nothing unique about it. 992 is tge same car but better. And the 997 is the last real porsche before volkswagon took over.

[@Btc1ml]

@@AutoAmateur if i had the money i would get a 993, 997, 992 and be done 4 life.

[@AutoAmateur]

Haha. Never give up the dream!! Amazing. 🙌

[@AutoAmateur]

The 992 is actually a completely different platform, at least to the 991.1 while it shares some similarities with the TT 991.2. It’s not like the 996.1-2 and the 997.1, that were essentially the same cars. The 991.1 was actually pretty unique. The 991.2 had a completely different engine to the 991.1. Plus the 997.2 and the 991.1 were very different to one another. I many ways, the 991.1 was a bit of island unto itself. Like the 996.1-2 and 997.1. 10 years ago there were lots of people like you saying the 993 was the last true Porsche. 10 years before that they were saying the same thing about the 964... and on and on. 10 years from now people will he saying the 991.1 was the very last true Porsche. Then 20 years from now when all you can buy are fully electric 911s, people will saying the 99* last line of petrol engine 911s were the very last true Porsche. Don’t get me wrong though, I love love LOVE the 997 especially the 997.1. I would buy one again without a second thought. It was an amazing car.

[@Carbonfiberchris]

You are an amateur! 😋 The 991.1 base has 350. The 991.2 jumps to 370.

[@AutoAmateur]

Hahahaha. Cheeky. 😋 How sure are ya....?

[@Carbonfiberchris]

@@AutoAmateur I bet you a snack at the movie on Thursday I am right.

[@AutoAmateur]

@@Carbonfiberchris YOU'RE ON! :)

[@AutoAmateur]

No wait!!! Arrrrgh. You're right. I just watched the segment and I can't believe I said it was 375. AHG!! Wrong. Treats on me. Haha.

[@Carbonfiberchris]

@@AutoAmateur 😂😂 I am going to savor every bite of my Reese's Pieces!