Porsche Key Swap: 992 Carrera T vs 991 Carrera T with Nathan Merz & owner impressions (+992 GT3!)

[@JulienFruchier]

Nathan, 992 T and 997.2 GT3 owner here. I really appreciate your thoughtful and nuanced commentary and hearing from people who live with these cars is excellent. There is a bit of a GT3 revolving door and while speculators may have some to do with it, I suspect many also just buy the wrong car. They want "the best" and buy GT then realize it's perhaps not the best for their use or needs. My GT3 is a magical machine at the track and well paved roads but a misery in traffic and poorly paved roads. My T on the other hand, is a versatile machine that can give a GT3 a run for its money but also useable as a daily. I love them both for different reasons but what they do share is the lineage, which is not lost on the 992... at least not the T, which is the model that reminds me the most of older generation 911s. Thank you all.

[@melondoc]

Great comment - I switched from a GT4 to a 991.2 T for much the same reason: I was doing a lot more backroads and canyons than track, and our roads here are quite ... lumpy. A T with its SPASM is a delight on most roads.

[@JulienFruchier]

@@melondoc my starting point was 981 GT4 vs 991.2 T. After doing some homework, I came to the same conclusion as you regarding the GT4 and honed in on the T. 992 is stellar but almost too polished. Still wonder if 991.2 might be a better fit for my taste and use.

[@tobysbreathisverybad]

991.2 T owner and it’s all I can use even close to where I live. A GT3 around eastern Massachusetts would just piss me off because I could never use it and never get to 9k.

[@countslawfirm]

this!

[@tobysbreathisverybad]

It’s easy to default to “more” but my 991.2 T manual is my favorite 911 to date.

[@JuanAdam12]

I happen to be in the Appalachian’s right now, putting the first 1500 miles on my new 992 T. I adore this car.

[@archiejose79]

My 2024 992 T is due to arrive in July and I cannot wait. Awesome video detailing the 3 cars - great job! Hard to put into words but when it comes to driving, there is no better sensory pleasure than you driving and actually feeling the car than the car driving you.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

We're excited for your new T! Enjoy!

[@jscifres100]

I’m a Boxster Spyder owner and love my mid-engine balance, but when I swapped keys with my friend’s 991.2 T I was so impressed. As they say in the video, the T hits all the right sports car notes. If I ever bought a 911, it would definitely be a manual T.

[@kineticU]

I sold my 718 spyder..just couldn’t enjoy it as it should have been. Hopefully the new owner will explore its limits 😢

[@yankee_911_guy]

Nathan is the kinda guy I could sit around with all night with booze and geek out on minute details about 911's that my wife tells me to "shut up" about when I try to explain them to her! Hope to meet you someday Nathan! As always, wonderful video!!

[@keithprice6581]

Seattle native, former 991.2 T owner that wants to jump back into one. Love this comparison - it's something that most people don't go into when doing car reviews. Also a fan of the back to back and current owner opinion. Thanks for the awesome review; I think I'll keep searching for the unicorn RAS, sunroof, bucket seat manual that I used to own. :P

[@TeravaSanok]

Great down-to-earth narration… Well Done!

[@WFO.]

Nice video. I’m waiting for my 992.1 GTS Coupe to start production in the next couple of days. Porsche’s announcement about the hybrid 992.2 had me even more grateful that I ordered my GTS with a manual transmission.

[@christophergrimes1674]

Hello Nathan! Having purchased Gary's lovely 1973 911T through you a couple years ago and owning a 991.2 T (MT, RAS) which I purchased new and still have - I love them both! They are obviously completely different but love the "touring" models. I had the opportunity to purchase a 992 T but I love my 991.2 so much, and am completely satisfied with it. Plus, I prefer the looks of the 991.2 and the more rawness aspect of it more. But I think I would could live with a 992 as well. But I don't want to trade!.I don't think I will ever sell it. I LOVE that car! It is a blast to drive and I do not have any complaints about it after living it with it for 5 years now. I agree with you that the Carrera T is under appreciated and frankly, I think not fully understood, even by most "Porsche people." At least that has been my experience. I wanted a driver's car, that's why I bought the 991.2T and I have not been disappointed. It's good to see these cars getting some love and appreciation! I am thinking I may need a 991.2 or 992 GT3 Touring someday to round out my touring collection. Thanks for the great video. BTW what is the color of the 992 GT3 Touring in this video? Thanks Nathan, Chris

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

GT3 color is Fjord Green. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@jefflee6154]

The 991.2 probably has more tire noise because of those Pirelli PZero's. If it had the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S it would be more comparable. 991.2 T owner and love these cars.

[@johnfeliciano585]

Which Michelin Pilot Sport 4S, all seasons?

[@joeracer302]

@@johnfeliciano585 PS4S is a max performance summer tire, not all season

[@hidayatmultistruktura61]

As 991.2 owner, i think porsche reduced the sound proofing in carrera T. I can hear the road noise , much more transparent than 992 gt3

[@bto7779]

Really great video. Nothing like the perspectives of actual consumers who have used the cars.

[@M_IkeLeBlanc]

Really, REALLY, good video! 👍 One unsolicited suggestion - it would be interesting to hear the owners’ comments on why they purchased their particular car over other models. If he had the time, Nathan would have a huge audience for a weekly video.

[@ElJay-i4d]

always good the hear Nathan's comments.

[@ten2055]

It was great to be able to watch this real-world comparison of some of the best manual transmission equipped 911s that Porsche has produced over the last 5+ years. I have driven a 2019 Carrera T since it was new. I prefer the interior build quality of the 991 generation but covet the options like rear seat delete that are available to order on the 992 T. That said, as special as my T is, I am selling it now before it becomes the classic that I know it will become!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Happy to hear you enjoyed the video. Thank you for watching.

[@palefaced1]

I've had the GT3, GT3RS, GTS, and now the T. It's the most usable of all of them by far. Wonderful little machine. Also, 992 interior is far superior to the 991 varients. Not even close. GT3 is wonderful on track, but a lot for the road and highway. Beats you up, and I'm a young guy. I don't think it's worth 100k more than the T. If you could get the GT3 at msrp I'd say it's a no brainer. But that isn't the world we live in right now, hopefully that changes in November.

[@PR-Jae]

I love my 991.2 T. Is a phenomenal car.

[@DianeRochelle]

Enjoyed the format hearing the opinions from both Nathan and the car owner. Interesting they agreed on most items and, learned something new from each other. Do it again!

[@qrtrscale]

Nice comparison, thanks Nathan for putting this together, you always have something interesting for us to ruminate over. My T is currently at sea and will be arriving at end of this month ... no doubt, your vid is helping me get through these final days of waiting. Perfect timing! (oh yes ... I can now claim full PCA membership!)

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

We're glad this came at the right time for you... You're gonna love your T! Welcome to the club :)

[@stevetheodore_specialtycars]

Another fantastic video done by Nathan and the PCA, thank you very much as I was quite entertained. I think the inclusion of actual owners driving each other's cars was genius and added a completely new layer of authenticity to reviewing them, but Nathan is a great yardstick by himself to compare Porsches. As usual, I'll be looking forward to the next video!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thank you for the kind words and we are glad you enjoyed the video. You are certainly right, we are happy to have Nathan on every time we get a chance.

[@tomrankenburg]

This is a great video! Great idea changing drivers and let them talk about their impressions. I would love to see more of it, perhaps even with a little more technical information interspersed about the cars. Always so good to listen to "Prof. Nathan" too - I guess there aren't many beings on the planet knowing more about Porsches. I'm the proud owner of a PDKed 992 C4S in sharkblue. The striking color always reminds me of pictures of the Cherenkov radiation (... which occurs when charged particles pass through a translucent medium if they are FASTER THAN THE LIGHT propagating in the medium 😁) and in person it somehow really does radiate. Driving the car is pure fun, in fact there is simply no such thing as too long a car journey anymore. 😊 When I listen to you guys though I sometimes wonder if maybe a manual may be even more fun. We'll see. I live about 2 hours NW of the factory that builds these dreams. I've been there twice and if you ever have the opportunity to visit the factory, you should, it's really worth it. Keep up the good work! Thank you very much and cheers from Germany!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you enjoyed the video! And that you're enjoying your C4S.

[@tmh44]

Picking up my new 992.1T in two weeks, can't wait!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Congratulations!!

[@Aiken47]

Nathan’s comment @6:40 about how docile the car can be I understand completely. I ride a KTM Gen 3 1290R SuperDuke. I have a sticker of Goku from DragonBall Z on the bike for the same reason, the Bike is docile and a gentleman UNTIL you need a monster then gets serious. The acceleration is equivalent of a GT 3,4

[@nornibres]

I like traditional analog gauges. I really don't care about entertainment systems, but I guess I'm in the minority. Enjoyed the video.

[@_que]

Same, seeking a driving experience @ posted speeds, hence why I gravitate to old slower cars with lean and suspension travel.

[@JaySpeed911]

I agree re the gauges....

[@jesperhvid9667]

Great stuff, Nathan is always great.

[@melondoc]

I never really got the GT3 Touring to Carrera T comparison - I've seen it in a few videos - the GT3 is in a completely different class. That being said very interesting comparison between the two T's ... I'm team 991.2 for mostly aesthetic reasons - I prefer the more analogue dials, the older T interior pack and the narrow body.

[@johndeyoung6493]

I like the 991 interior better too.

[@johnjacobs9753]

I don’t get it either. They are totally different animals. The “S” was available with the lightweight package as well. I have a modded 992 “S” with 992 GT3 LWB’s, and it’s a phenomenal car.

[@robertallen5210]

Great information - as always with Nathan's videos.

[@barryrodgers3039]

I purchased a new 992 T in January. It is my first Porsche. There are some aspects that I love. The transmission feel is great. Steering feel is great. It is extremely practical as a daily and road trip car. I agree with the comments in the video about the sense of occasion. I also own an NSX, and that car has a much greater sense of occasion and much of that has to do with the sound of the car. I could see going to something like a GT3 or Spyder to have a more special feeling car at the expense of practicality.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Good points! Love hearing about a non-Porsche comparison to a Porsche.

[@johnmills6267]

Thanks for a great video. I'm waiting for my 992 T to arrive in late July!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@nickstillo560]

Congrats! Mine is coming July 26th!

[@aprasert]

Please do a 991.2 Gts vs 992.1 gts comparison

[@petercalhoun6150]

Well done comparison video of the different generations, but some of the subjective differences can be attributed to tires. A 992 T w/ under 1k on Goodyears and a 991.2 T of unknown mileage (don't recall if it was noted) on Pirellis will share different ride, handling, and noise characteristics despite both being N-spec tires. Also need to ensure that both cars tires were set at the door placard psi. It is not uncommon for Pirellis, especially as they wear, to be ride harsher and be noisier than other tires in the competitive set. Put both cars on equivalent Michelin PS4S and the subjective driving observations would become an even narrower gap IMHO w/ years of professional experience in the tire and motorsport industry.

[@markcoulson8341]

More great content from PCA thank you.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

More to come!

[@6172crew1]

The 992 owner mentioned the front being floaty, mine stopped doing that weird bounce around 800 miles. I don’t have the lithium battery, or sunroof. Slick top manual with 18 way seats.

[@michaelelliott-jd7ec]

Great video. Regarding the comment about road noise during 991.2 drive - P Zeros are noisy tires. I swapped for Michelin PS4S on my 991.2 T and enjoyed better handling and significantly less road noise from mile 1. All 3 featured cars are fantastic, but I’d keep the 991.2 T and add a sweet 356 to the garage and still be well below the buy-in on GT3 Touring. Ultimately about what you want out of the car (cars) and how you drive it (them).

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SamGSD]

I agree. The Pirelli stock tires on the 991 T are noisy and firm riding.

[@chrisking647]

I own a 991.2 T that has been on both P Zeroes and PS4S and have also driven the 992 T. Road noise in the 991.2 is noticeably louder than the 992, irrespective of the tyre on the 991.2.

[@christophergrimes1674]

My 991.2T came with P Zeros. I switched to PS4S. I prefer the PS4S by far. They are quieter, grippier and to me, just give a better ride and better handling.

[@christinahamiltonracing]

I thought I was logged out of KZbin when the pre roll ad played 😂 but it’s actually just part of the video 🤨 Can we not afford to make videos using the membership dues so we don’t have to sit through ads?

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

PCA’s digital content is sustained by advertisements throughout our digital platforms. Advertisements help us bring you content!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Also, we figured an ad at the beginning gets it out of the way…

[@vincentcasasanta3049]

Congrats to two others who mentioned their new Carrera T’s are coming in July! My 2024 Carrera S Manual, in Gentian Blue, is scheduled for delivery Aug 8. Can’t wait :-)

[@bluesky9093]

Wonderful video, would love to see more of these types of comparison videos by Nathan. Invaluable to hear his thoughts and those of the owners. If I could suggest, and I recognize it may not appeal to everyone however I would like to see a Carerra 4S comparison between the 992 and the 991.2.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Noted!

[@j.3854]

Cool video, in future would be good to get some owner background in both work, where they've lived and cars they've owned. Gives more content and back story.

[@danb2145]

Really interesting video to give you some insight on the difference between these cars. I believe the 992 T would be the one for me 😀. Can’t help but notice the “resting hand on shift lever” situation…might not be the best choice for the gearbox 😅

[@qrtrscale]

I was going to mention that as well. He'll get it sooner or later.

[@sebastiaanvanderweerden3639]

"I'm a naturally aspirated guy..." 😅 Most humans are too! Unless they're scuba diving... 😋

[@Bebopin-69]

Well, I happen to be Supercharged…at night at least, i use a CPAP machine 😊😊

[@wnow8987]

Great info.. Trying to decide between the exact two autos

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

That's a tough call, but hopefully the video provides some helpful insight.

[@RichardStrahota]

Great concept for a review. Well done!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for watching.

[@spyderativ2438]

Greetings from Vancouver BC. Thank you for doing this video. Awesome. 👏

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thanks for watching!

[@roninsc]

Excellent! Count me in toward your million viewers.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Thank you!

[@mortensenvick5711]

I wish they will produce a 911 4 T. No more manual awd 911 would be a tragedy

[@DarkClosetOfTheMind]

Good review. That being said if you are just interested in the 911t comparison, start at 11 mins.

[@thompson993]

Damon, what Porsche color is the GT3 Touring?? Love it.

[@thedamonlowney]

Fjord Green. Great color!

[@utcougar]

The 911 died in MANY enthusiasts eyes with 991.1. I think the 991.1 is the modern equivalent of the 993. Some day they’ll be worth half a million. Maybe not now but 10-20 years from now

[@gage5650]

Agreed. I recently got a low mile 991.1 C2S with a manual. I specifically chose it over a 991.2 and 992 because it was the last non GT3 911 with a naturally aspirated engine that sounds a 100X better than either turbo engine on the base, T or S version of the 991.2 or 992 I think the 991 interior while not as premium as the 992 is more classically designed with actual buttons and analog gauges that will become increasingly valued as every input device becomes screen based.

[@nick2128]

That pink color. Very eclectic taste

[@SooperKewl]

There should be a track test follow up video (on a dry day.)

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Would love to do that...

[@EdD-ym6le]

Porsche should put the independent front suspension on the T . I wonder if they could maybe base a club racing class around that with a stripper version .

[@tylertul]

Thanks for a great video Nathan! I almost bought a 993 from you a few years ago. You came to my house in Bothell. 2018 Carrera T owner. Question for you or anyone reading this. The only thing I don’t like about my T is the Rev Hang Plus extra RPM when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Have you experienced this? Is there anything that can be done to eliminate it? I just did a stage 1 tune to 480 hp and man is it amazing now! Owned it for about 4 years and don’t plan on selling it for a number of years or maybe never! Thx again and keep up the great work sir!

[@nathanmerz]

@tylertul unfortunately "rev hang" is here to stay on all modern manual transmissions (which by themselves are sadly disappearing) as it has to do mostly with emissions compliance. In fact manual are much trickier for manufacturers to make emissions compliant because they have to accommodate for driver behavior vs. controlling shifting via their own program. The rev hang is part of the software package... Annoying BUT a small price to pay for that magic 3rd pedal in a modern car!

[@Stepintime83]

Would you buy a 991.2 carrera T or a 997 turbo?

[@lilviv550]

If you did a drinking game and took a drink every time he said "sense of occasion" or "occasion," you make it to around 28 minutes and you're on the floor. =P They spoke about the 7 speed manual being a modified PDK box, essentially - I feel that in my 992 GTS. Feels clunky and hates quick shifting from 1 - 2, whereas the GT3's feel as you would expect them to . . .

[@Laguna2013]

I wish my neighbors tended their hedges as nicely as Nathan.

[@crouchingmole]

great vid

[@MadMike991]

Is exhaust on the 991.2 stock? Seems way louder than the 992.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Yep, all stock. It was the sport mode.

[@fredericauerbach2227]

Apology: my comments below include errror: while I personnally prefer the 997 to the 991 or 992, Nathan's comparion was/is correct- the 997 is "dated" technolgy. I am an octogenarian analog, (happily)driving a 993 C4S!

[@user-kahsnani]

18:39 hahah nathans comment 10/10

[@autopilotz7618]

What I really want to see is a comparison between a 992 T and an S manual. If the S is tricked out with with all the T goodies, I want to know if the power is noticeable.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Noted!

[@boxterjeff]

hay burner alert at 18 minutes

[@boodiblanc2212]

Can you comment on the GT3’s 6spd vs the T’s 7 speeds?

[@nathanmerz]

@boodiblanc2212 I find the all of the modern Porsche's with 6-speed manuals to have slightly more positive and direct shift feel vs the 7-speed gearboxes as those add one more gate. With that said, I found it slightly off putting in the 991.1 (albeit not enough to not recommend those great cars!) but it improved in the 991.2 and in the 992 I barely notice it

[@tobysbreathisverybad]

I’ve had the 991.2 T for a a couple of years and never got past 5th until recently. Finally had a chance to just cruise on a moderate New England highway for a couple hours in 7th. It was like a completely different car. Smooth and sublime. So unexpected.

[@boodiblanc2212]

@@nathanmerz Thank you!

[@boodiblanc2212]

@@tobysbreathisverybad Thank you!

[@boodiblanc2212]

Is the rear axle steering worth it?

[@corgi_leonberger7233]

No! My 991.2 T didn't have it and 992T does and prefer the one without

[@boodiblanc2212]

@@corgi_leonberger7233 Thank you so much!! Very helpful.

[@fredericauerbach2227]

Curioius, though, would not a 997.2 be better used as comparison to the 992? Closer in mechanicals, and it looks far better- irrespective of color. Nice, but, driving on mostly straight roads in the pretty PNW, and I live here, misses demonstrating how these cars can perform in real driving, aka challenging driiving experiences. PCA should have transported them to a local track as well. Need to know how each is speced and optioned to really compare("lightweight glass", etc.). Amazing(to me) how exterior colors and infotainment, regardless of mechanicals, are so important to so many. Decision makers..!

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

Testing those cars on the track would be ideal. However, we do what we can with the opportunities and budget we have. We made some cool videos on the track before and are planning to make more in the future. Nevertheless, we can't do it as often as we would like.

[@r.a.4777]

the good thing about porsche - even with an old, dated, hated (996/2 owner here..) car, you have no bad feelings because your baby is old, you are interested in all generations, find things that you would like on your car, other things you praise the lord that they are not on your car...the only time i feel slightly envy, is when it comes to a gt3...😎😜

[@kszendi]

Widebody vs narrow body. I'll take the 992

[@oldsoulboy6483]

I thought that this was feature on the comparisons of the 991 and 992 Carrera T, but all he does is compare it with his beloved GT3 touring. The man is a complete and utter bore, and as for the pillock in the passenger seat he contibutes nothing!

[@spyharpy]

I’m with the 991.2 T as I much prefer the design of that car over the 992. Not a fan of screens and prefer real gauges. Only gripe is the Sport exhaust that I dislike. While many like the burbles and pops, to me the exhaust sounds broken and irritates me to no end. I haven’t bought a Carrera T yet but I’m just poised to buy a base Carrera with the stock exhaust for that reason alone (unless there was a way to completely, I mean COMPLETELY, code out the pops/burbles out of the exhaust). I’ve driven the 991.2 base Carrera and loved it. Entering the world of Porsche and coming from a 92 Honda NSX that I won’t be parting with but adding a 911 to the stable.

[@VK6AB-]

LOL

[@rubioalejo]

When driving like a grandpa is hard to see any difference !

[@davidmiller2973]

I’m surprised at the 991 T reviews. Do people doing these reviews not know much about cars? The T is a great car let down by a stupidly boring engine with zero character - thus the whole car is a fail. People get so taken in by the “specialness” of a 911 that they can’t realize this simple fact. I guess if one cut his teeth learning about cars by driving video games, the T makes sense.

[@PorscheClubofAmerica]

I think the key here is our car reviews are not purely objective - they're fact-based opinion pieces. But it does sound like your choice would be the GT3, a great car.

[@michaelp6794]

Wow, that’s a horrible color. Who buys a pink car? Do you work for Mary Kay cosmetics?

[@MadMike991]

Not sure I’d go for Rubystar myself but any Porsche in a color other than black, white, silver, or gray is great!!! Too many boring colors out there.