Porsche 911 Carrera S real-world review. Is the new 992 the best 911 of all?

The 992 version of Porsche 911 was launched in 2019. with 450bhp from it's twin-turbo 3.0 engine, it's very quick but is it easy to live with and still a true 911? Find out here.
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[@dankfrenkvisser5977]

I think nobody likes to be called 'old', but from the perspective of a 22 year old (me), Harry (even though I don't know his exact age) is definitely among that category. For me getting old has always been one of my greatest fears. Growing up, everyone has always been telling me that your youth is the best and most enjoyable part of your life and that things are really only destined to go downhill from here. But when I see this lovely chap talking about cars and ragging sports cars and motorcycles about and visibly enjoying it, those worries always tend to slip away. If I can could age like him I'd sign up for it immediately. Keep it up Harry, You're the true David Attenborough of the automotive world.

[@andyhedges5705]

There's only one alternative to getting old.

[@anyexpat]

Getting old is privilege that not everyone gets to enjoy, my two best mates died within 4 months aged 29 and 37, I would have loved to see them getting old..

[@DrPittenstein]

Harry isn't old in my book. But 22 is definitely too old to be wearing a cap backwards Dank!

[@dankfrenkvisser5977]

@@DrPittenstein says the guy with the eye-mask😂

[@nSpiraliArchitectb]

I understand the fear of getting old, felt the same way around your age. Now I'm coming up on 30 and my perspective has changed pretty dramatically compared to where I was at 22. Life has a subtle way of easing you into age and the idea of getting even older, as long as you don't become neurotic about it. The people who seem "oldest" are those who try and cling to past youth and/or become jaded with age. Avoid those pitfalls and you'll be just fine.

[@rajjy1976]

The famous Porsche press car. Seen this number plate on loads of different channels. Nice colour exterior, interior and wheels.

[@alfonsodriver1324]

Yes Harry, I like your sum up of this 911. It's rather like all (recent) 911's. You spend a lot of money, but you wonder if you've bought the correct one! You said this during your Project 8 review. I agree Harry - the best 911... is a Project 8. Great video for us car-nuts - as always. Many thanks.

[@PixelVogue]

lol i saw it on carwow earlier

[@woodrow_mayes]

Smith and sniff?

[@rajjy1976]

Woodrow Mayes Yup 😄 I’m watching Harry’s review now. He also just referenced the finger pinching door handles that Richard did.

[@SkysaxonDragonslayer]

My experience with the 911 dates back to the late 70ties when I was a kid. Parents of a friend of mine had an early chrome bumper Targa which was their only car. It’s done the daily driver work, carried us (my friend and me on the backseats) with a foldable caravan and a small sailing boat to holidays in Italy and was used on Porsche Club trackdays at the Nürburgring... They bought the car new and kept it for over 40years and only sold it, because the prices for the early models raised so much that the car was to precious for daily use - now they own a Cayman... I wonder if a new 911 could do the same job as your one and only car for your entire life...

[@samharper5881]

Seventyties

[@gck82s]

My experience with the 911's dates back to the late 70's as well a 78 Carrera in metallic green followed by a black on black 79 930 turbo dads toys stayed a year or two and went but I am pissed about 930 I loved that car.

[@mikeincognito]

SkysaxonDragonslayer for one thing, the new 911 cannot tow a trailer. For the others only time will tell.

[@jd-py5nm]

gonna show my wife this post to justify a purchase :)

[@nateisright]

I don’t think so for several reasons. First, sadly, ICEs days are numbered. Plug-in hybrid Cayenne, electric Taycan, and then . . . Second, these cars are an order of magnitude more complicated than a 1970s air cooled Porsche. They must have a lot of features like backup cameras because of regulations. The speed of innovation hasn’t leveled off, rather we’ve begun debating seriously the ethics of autonomous car programming. Maybe you could go for ten years, but in 20 years you won’t want to be in this one. Except the door releases, those will still be going fine!

[@minstralmurry7128]

Thanks Harry another lovely, honest, genuine enthusiast’s view. I watch them over and over as there is so much detail in your words. Wonderful, long may they continue.

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

My favorite car reviewer. Experience, enthusiasm and common sense. Harry tells it like it is. Thanks Harry

[@crisholmurb007]

Thanks for yet another spot on review - really enjoy your channel!

[@robinpratt1541]

Excellent review as always! Love the insights and comparative observations. Please keep them coming Harry.

[@alchapman1052]

Always a treat to watch a review by Harry, good sound and honest.

[@arhimede360]

Harry makes every car look so nice! There is some touch of magic when he's describing them!

[@robholloway5935]

Harry uploads I click, another quality review, well sdone Harry 😎

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

This is the most excited I've ever seen Harry. He's always enthusiastic with every review but he's absolutely tongue-tied here. Love it.

[@newmotoring]

Never thought I’d hear Harry say “chunkier arse” 😂

[@allow6389]

Thought I'd misheard but no, ta

[@bresley85]

My thoughts exactly, It's like hearing your dad say "look at the tits on that"

[@graemewilson1400]

Hahaha me too! So unexpected but down to earth. He really is a treasure.

[@julianevans9548]

I'll forgive the arse, but I can't forgive the amount of dull grey plastic Porsche put on the front and back - don't know how they're getting away with that.

[@julianevans9548]

Oh, and the fad of preposterously sized wheels - whilst I'm complaining - why not have 25"?

[@TheMdog8]

Always makes me smile when I see Harry driving on the same roads I've enjoyed - it really is excellent for driving around there.

[@audioisgood]

“You can be going very quickly... very quickly.”

[@freepadz6241]

Good old second derivative

[@johnmorris3584]

@@freepadz6241 Physics teacher alert.

[@JeraCravoMyself]

I truly enjoy Harry's reviews!!!!! One of the best in this busy, ever!

[@becharja]

Excellent review, especially on the dB road noise. Very interesting!

[@davidruddick3346]

Harry I love your videos,no silly comments just to create controversy or playing to the "fans" Just simple,informative, loving cars stuff like road tests should be,keep it up👍

[@bmorris5863]

Straight shooter

[@mopsnuf]

From driving a 991 I can attest that in this great package of an experience, the gearbox is probably what amazed and surprised me most. I've never been close to thinking any auto box shifted better than I could in any other car, and the Porsche made it clear within ten minutes. Seats, seating position and the engine sounds were also great. Amazing seeing a company refining a concept for this long. Still isn't perfect, but oh so very good.

[@taforth]

Great detailed review! Lots of details I hadn’t seen before, even though I have watched many other reviews on it. Thanks 👍

[@andyfaizey]

Got to say I found your channel through lockdown and it was at times a bit of a life saver. But one of the things I love is the sheer joy on the face of your grandson when you strap him in - he just absolutely reminds us all of the fun of driving a fast car; doesn't matter what age you are, young or old, the sheer joy is right there to see. You must be thrilled to have him on board with you😊

[@yetidh9]

Finally some modern Porsche content! Great stuff! I always wondered what that little plastic arm thingy on the battery cover is for. Now I know. Thanks!

[@Rahikaine123]

Only channel where I keep notifications on

[@David-kg5dk]

I really respect your honesty, keep up the good work Harry!

[@markstirling9149]

Great review Harry, nice to see straight talking and an independent insight on these cars keep up the great work .....

[@MoultrieGeek]

Wow, two new Harry's Garage videos in the same week. Life is indeed good.

[@alfonsodriver1324]

GREAT video - as always. Yes, very much looking forward to Harry's third video and conclusion of the Trilogy he said he would get out in the new year - about PHEV's vs EV's - starting with the Range Rover 400e, then i-Pace, then the conclusion. We look forward to the enthusiastic, experienced Harry's sensible content on this subject - especially as its just been announced that even "hybrids" will not be on sale from 2035, or whenever...! Good stuff. Many thanks Harry.

[@joefattal7592]

This Gen 911 is stunning in every way, lovely review as always.

[@ksteak27]

I think Harry must be doing ok on YT because I watch every last second of all of his videos. A proper gentleman. Great content.

[@joe5boost]

top vid thanks for sharing , keep up the good work

[@DrPittenstein]

First balanced Porsche review I've seen in years! Shame such a thing is so rare these days.

[@anonymoushuman8962]

I love your videos. They are very informative and have just my order in for my first ever porsche 911. I have a moderately equipped 911s 992. It’s beautiful. Just one thing about your channel, and I know you can’t do anything about it but it’s the adverts. They came up 4 times during these wonderful 25minutes. Keep up these videos.

[@pdalia]

What a great review! Proper info for the driver / consumer . 100% accurate about the PDK in auto , last year drove a GT3 in Miami Speedway and first thing the instructor told me was “ use the auto , the car knows Better how to pass the gears than you “ . Flawless

[@raymondg6823]

Harry, vastly better and more informative than any so called professional motoring journalist. Thank you for all your videos

[@joshuarosen6242]

Harry is a so called professional motoring journalist. He used to run (and own) Evo magazine and has contributed widely elsewhere. He is definitely one of the best so called professional motoring journalists though.

[@93455Driver]

Raymond G Many great journalists, think the problem is the plethora of "influencers" posing as journalists. There are some really good channels that produce great content, but there also influencers who get press cars, produce a video lacking accurate, meaningful, and interesting information. Too many channels, too little time, triaging what to watch and what not to watch becomes a skill set. Harry though never disappoints and I sometimes watch Harry videos of cars I have little interest in.......not (yet) watched a farming video though!

[@pvl4600]

Whenever I think "englishman" this kind of person comes into mind. What a gentleman! This is the kind of people that made your contry so great.👍

[@Charezon]

The thing which stands out about your videos is the sound quality - I love being able to hear you speak clearly, but then also able to hear the musical sound of that 992 engine. Thank you sir! So jealous of your cars :-)

[@mangomcpoo475]

Hands down best reviews on youtube.

[@MrRobinwhatley]

Harry "I never look at the speedo" Metcalfe; great review, keep 'em coming!

[@Stigs722]

At last a proper review of the 992

[@lewisreinhold6398]

I just love your reviews Harry

[@MrAndyj007]

Boom, harrys garage upload.... the week is complete.. give this man a tv show!!!!!!!!

[@robertosmith1]

No gaping mouth thumbnail, no cartoonish drifting... And we're left with a great car review. That level of noise would be a deal breaker for me.

[@yamabushi170]

"No gaping mouth thumbnail". Future archeologists are going to despair of their ancestors lol.

[@ianmitchell9102]

Great honest review again Harry, I think your right the 911 is the new GT of the range and the Cayman is the new 911..... as always I’ll take either 👍🏻

[@stephenr6427]

Another great video by Harry cheers Harry

[@Fioravanti.80]

Good review. Enjoyed watching this.

[@shvidler1177]

Great review 👏👏! Greetings from Moscow!!! A lot of your fans here!!!

[@pineman10]

Am i the only one who taps ‘like’ before even watching the video? Harrys Garage....best car channel on you tube👍

[@HeidiandFranny]

He is truly a legend. Yes.

[@davonpointer2310]

Great review as always Harry.

[@fernandovillarreal4982]

Thanks heaps for the assessment of the new 911... I really live a lot of my fantasy's through your channel. Whether it's car reviews or travel documentaries I always enjoy the presentation and honesty of your opinion. And between yourself, Mr Tyrell and Mr JJW I'm well informed of latest and most informative car news. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺.

[@andrewhurstcars]

Nice review Harry. Try the 992 Carrera press car which doesn’t have the 10mm suspension drop. The 992 GTS could be the pick of the range if they fit it with the 4.0 GT4 engine and manual gearbox.

[@makalu69]

Good review Harry. I'm off to test one next week - now I know what to look out for!

[@ProjectFairmont]

Excellent reporting. You explained what is hard to put into words on this 911 iteration. It has not diverted my eye from my current fav 911; the 2014 50th anniversary model.

[@frankengels5275]

Really enjoy your videos, keep it up!

[@virtious8]

I've got an older Carrera S but the noise issue is similar. It's just very sensitive to road surface, on smooth tarmac it's fine, but if you are on a stretch of rough concrete motorway you can barely hear the music and it feels like the trim pieces are going to shake and fall off. The Carreras are supposed to be the soft versions too!

[@sweetfreedomGB]

Awful road noise, very clearly noticeable on the audio, was even tiring watching the video let alone actually driving the thing! Too much R&D on tracks and smooth roads. What a superbly honest review again.

[@yetidh9]

Yep. Absolutely massive, wide, low profile tyres can't help with road noise..

[@carlitoxb110]

well it's a sport car not a family sedan, the car sounds gorgeous

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Yeah, turn it off

[@sweetfreedomGB]

@@carlitoxb110 ah yes that old thing...look engine noise is great, road noise is not

[@Chrissy-H]

Can hear the bangs and crashes coming through on the audio. Forgivable maybe in an Elise or some other weekend car, but on a daily basis It would be intolerable. It’s also far too big. Anybody who buys one of these to daily drive In the UK needs their head testing.

[@petedavis8701]

Harry you do the best car reviews on You Tube, no doubt at all!

[@carlvincent78]

Thanks again Mr Harry, Take care and drive safe!!!!

[@Tony-hj7bm]

greatest 911 review of all time all the details that nobody talked before and yes better choice is the Aston

[@jimmybob3756]

You will never go wrong with a 911. ❤

[@IOWPCV]

Great review Harry ! Looking forward to The next Farm instalment too.

[@emma.l.o.l1396]

Really an amazing real world review with very useful information. Thanks. ✅

[@Zoot1343]

Great video. I hope you can review the Cayman GTS 4.0 later this year, Adam, Tofino. CA

[@JLo1960]

"The gearbox is just as intelligent as me". Ha ha, very well put Harry, made me laugh out loud!. 🤣

[@lihourj]

Refreshing to hear a serious motoring journalist admitting to hardly using the paddle shifters, as the shift mapping software is so well calibrated. I would not compare myself with Harry as a driver, but I have found the same.

[@themorganator]

Wonderful review Harry

[@Fluterra]

The best 992 review online! Really appreciate the honest description. Solidified my view that the 992 is not an impressive update.

[@larrysimon1]

Harry, How about making a Video on your Amazing Watch Collection ? I noticed you always wear an amazing watch sometimes with a car/race related theme. Thanks Simon.

[@Ok-551]

Who in the US is watching this over the Super Bowl? 85 dbs and above does hearing damage. Well done Harry.

[@DrBreezeAir]

Harry does by far and away the best car reviews on KZbin. All the humorous remarks make it so enjoyable to watch. That said I really hate that you can't see the engine. Otherwise, the car sounds like improvements all around.

[@euroshark1]

Honest and fair assessment in my opinion. Well done Harry.

[@Adi-is-Adi.]

Posted 50 mins ago.. Ahhh just as I sat to relax, making my Sunday.

[@markbillington5985]

I spec’d my 991.2 GTS with standard PASM and it took the “edge” off the ride. Fine on Hampshire’s awful roads and I can live with being 10mm higher. Not a quiet car but never intrusive. Could the “softer” suspension improve noise too? Keep ‘em coming Harry!

[@bavariancarenthusiast2722]

Harry´s reviews are growing on me - great as always. This probably is the last generation 911 without battery - either fully electric or hybrid. Great interior - would be more interested in a manual - GT3 will arrive this year!

[@RyanDeClue]

Brilliant review, as per usual.

[@oeiras99]

I've ben waiting for Harry's review of the 992 and agree with his assessment. I've been considering replacing my 991.1 but was hesitant after spending time with the 992. The car had an eerie presence on the road, very stable front end, but that is about the only positive I had. It couldn't compete with the sound of the naturally-aspirated 991 which seemed nimbler and lighter. The rear 3/4 view in my opinion is better on the 991 as the 992 has a fat rear end, and I am against the touch-screen operation which is dangerous if you're speeding on a twisty road. I can't fault the ride or interior noise in the 991 as Harry did on the 992. I may take the plunge but at this moment Harry has confirmed my reservations so I'll probably stick with what I have, the last of the naturally aspirated 911s.

[@holsteincowboy]

My tractor cab is quieter than this Porsche at 67dB !

[@janscott188]

I want one even more now! Great review!

[@davidtumbach8874]

Great review Harry

[@Hvitserk67]

Guards Red = Indischrot (Indian Red). I've had two Porsches in this amazing color - a 924 and a 928 S :)

[@marcdavis2840]

'Just leave it in auto and your be quicker...and I was' 😀such a Harry thing to say👍

[@details78]

Wonderful. Thank you Harry!

[@wackyrc1394]

Much enjoyed review, beautiful British winter country lanes, manual Porsche 718 Cayman for the win, big thank you Harry!

[@deanchur]

Finally someone who is real about the car (for the 30% of the review I could hear anyway). Better off with a Cayman GT4, will very likely hold its value better as well.

[@richardsmith273]

That’s the exact same Porsche drag raced against an Audi RS5 on Carwow yesterday (RK19FSS). 😊

[@richardcorns8553]

Carwow also dragged this exact car against the Tesla M3P a couple of weeks ago.

[@zanke3395]

Im in love whit this channel instead of All thw others

[@michaeldinwiddy4864]

Its great that you are honest about your experience with a car, gently pointing out the shortcomings but strongly emphasising the good point. Very fair.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks but isn't that the point of a real-world review?! I always report on a test car as if I was interested in buying one. Helps keep you focussed and makes you report on everything that matters, warts and all..

[@Glasseyed86]

great and honest review. its a shame about the car. its supposed to be the best daily driver...

[@Apexjuha]

The cockpit noise of 911 comes mostly from the rear wheels. The reason for this is that the rear suspension is dominant in regard with handling. And to get that superb handling of the 911 since 993/996 and onwards really requires a very stiff attachment of the substructure - and this ofcourse has the con of transmitting road-wheel noise. Low profile tyres do not help a bit that. Remember the McLaren F1 front suspension, how much Murray saw trouble to get the substructure attached so that the suspension was the suspension and not the substructure attachment. The way to make a silent car is to have a lot of compliance in the substructure attachment but then you loose some of the handling (like it really matters on the normal roads). I got the 996, never driven a 991 nor 992 but they do look big. Catchpole or someone had a vlog on a 992 and said it does not feel big but the footage showed that it hardly fit the lane on the B-road. I think that from 997 to 991 Porsche made a decision to make a sports car to a GT-car. And thanks for the excellent videos. You and Chris are my favorites, old school car journos who really know about cars.

[@harrysgarage]

Thanks for detailed reply, useful info. My Project8 has near solid suspension mounts but doesn't suffer from this road noise this 992 does. I measured it on the same stretch of road I used in this vid and it recorded 74dB at 62mph. I think Porsche could find a better solution if they actually wanted to but don't bother as sales are okay anyway.

[@Apexjuha]

Harry's garage Ok. I have a pro tyre tester friend. He once told me that being rear heavy the 911 requires quite stiff sidewalls at rear to keep the slip angles in control. I then asked if there is a difference between an unmarked Michelin to an N-marked Michelin and he suspected that there is no difference as long as the load class is the same. Anyway, the stiff sidewall might be a contributor to the noise. I know very well the 911-noise. I dont like to drive on motorways with my car. I tend to take a bit more time and drive the optional B-roads where the car is at its best and I just enjoy - thoroughly. One of the best things in my life. Ive planned a trip to the Alps and I fear to go over Germany because of this noise. I know listening to it for several hours makes a headache.

[@Fluterra]

The AMG GTC/GTR have a very stiff chassis and is much quieter. This is just Bad Design/Cost Cutting on Porsche’s part.

[@darrylweathers6764]

Saw my first 992 a few weeks back, it really is a fantastic looking car close up

[@timogaleon1630]

Thanks, Harry, a very useful review. I had a test drive a couple of months ago in a Guards Red 911S (991), so it was very interesting to compare my thoughts of that car. Overall, the 991 left me a little cold, but still very impressed. As a weekend fun car, it didn’t quite provide the thrills I’d hoped for, and now I’m pretty certain the 992 won’t either, fast though it is. Looks like I may be going the 997 route for my 911 fix. Hope the ride is a lot better than the 992!

[@christurner8062]

Really good honest review - much appreciated thank you. I drove the 4S version of the 992 recently, and same as you really wanted to like it. Unfortunately my conclusions were pretty well the same - though the one I drove didn’t have the lowered suspension and also the 19/20 wheel combo which seemed to give a more compliant ride - but the in-cabin road-noise is a real issue. I’m lucky enough to have a 991 C4S Targa, and it’s a lot quieter - apart from the sports exhaust - which brings me to the other point - these turbo 911’s are far too quiet! All the demo’s and press cars all come with the Sports Exhaust - reason for that is you simply can’t hear the normal four pipe version! Compared to a Gen 1 991 normally aspirated 3.8 there’s just no flat 6 howl at all. Rare that Porsche make a retrograde step, but other than a better interior (totally agree about losing the 991’s mad button-fest) I think the Gen 1 992 has gone backwards....🙁

[@harrysgarage]

Porsche have been forced into using turbos and now exhaust particulate filters by the EU regulators. Engine EU regs get even tougher in 2023. Makes me wonder if Porsche might end up producing EU only cars, with all the retrograde stuff on, then rest of world Porsches (inc UK), without particulate filters, electrical assistance and with high revving engines (which aren't allowed post 2023). Let's see..

[@krs5259]

will you be getting you're hands on the Turbo S when it comes out? that's going to be the perfect car

[@george5022]

Absolutely a Brill Video, Thanks for making my day

[@BPsnowdon]

You’ve sold me on PDK. Wonderful review. Thanks Harry.

[@Mike-ov5fb]

Oohhh .... Harry again is a Sunday treat. Might even be first comment !

[@tonywormald8057]

ive just had my 992 convertible delivered , i didnt have the lower suspension option , i think this is why the one you was drivingi rides a lot harder and noisier , i can honestly say it ride 100% better than my previous one.

[@louiscipollo7766]

I agree. I have a 991.2 with Sports Suspension and it rides like a truck. I have a 992 4S on delivery for July without the sports suspension and I know the ride will be kinder. I drove one at dealer.

[@andyfry1970]

Hi, have developed more of a liking over the last few years for Porsche, plenty of history there hey, so interesting to hear your take on their latest offering. Great stuff 😊

[@paulthorpe766]

Usual very high quality test Harry thanks. I think you've hit something that I struggle with more than I did 20 yrs ago - namely cabin drone, and 80db is a lot - partly why I picked up an I8 ROADSTER last week (that and I think they'll be future investment as only 200 or so RHD versions made and it's now discontinued this Month/£50k discount!! - future SLS or Z8 perhaps) instead of a new 911/R8/TypeR...and yes Dickie Atwood is a lovely chap who just lets you crack on whilst regailing you with tales of driving his 10 yr old 4WD A8 in snow at 120mph !!

[@mikardo8864]

That’s an absolutely unforgivable noise level for such a premium car.

[@tobiasliebstvonobelitz6554]

Mikardo88 Has a lot to do with the choice of tires and rims. In particular with these very large rims for cars they really do not help with noise levels and general comfort in a car. This goes for all Porsche models, even such as the Macan etc. I recommend not going above 20inches on their SUV’s as they won’t be as quiet.

[@AlfaGTA156]

Tobias Liebst von Obelitz I agree. Why do modern super cars have to have tractor size rims🥴. It look ridiculous. 21” rims on this car is stupid.

[@Jabber-ig3iw]

Modern mics always make cars sound louder than they actually are. Also it’s a sports car not a luxury car, performance is the goal not quietness.

[@xmoroseguyx]

@@tobiasliebstvonobelitz6554 That`s correct, If you put on 21 inch drug dealer clown wheels, You will have high tyre noise, And hit every pot hole

[@AlfaGTA156]

xmoroseguyx lmao. It’s like back to the days of ‘Pimp my Ride’. All it needs now is spinners.

[@bigcus8176]

Wouldn’t the Carrera have a softer ride, or even the S without the 10mm lower suspension. The road noise I can’t help you with.

[@EJBENNIE]

Another great review

[@granblogismo]

I didn’t think I’d enjoy this car being an analogue kind of chap but what a machine! So clever and driver-centric tech to enhance the driving experience, amazing and obviously Mr Metcalfe doing a great job as usual 👍👍