BUYING GUIDE: 991
A rolling showcase of fresh Porsche technology and a redevelopment of the 911 for a new generation, the 991 is available in a huge number of different engine, trim and body options...
Last of the narrow bodies. Last of the naturally aspirated 911 Carreras. Return of the classic Targa hoop. These are just three of the 991's claims to fame. However you think the model should be remembered, its legacy is assured — the 991 is the most successful 911 to date, a title previously held by the 997 before the 991 generated significantly more sales (total 991 production volume reached almost 235k units by close of play in December 2019, some 20k more than its predecessor). Unlike the 997, however, the 991 was a radical rethinking of the 911 concept, developed on an entirely new platform. In fact, if you include the original 911, the 991 represented only the third major development of 911 architecture, the second being the 996 and its switch to water-cooled engines and crossmodel product development in the mid-1990s.
Yes, the 991 was bigger than previous 911s, but this didn't mean it was heavier. Quite the opposite, in fact — due to the use of composite materials and increased amounts of aluminium during assembly, the 991 Carrera was actually lighter than its immediate forebear when equipped with a stick shift. And the balance of
weight was much improved, largely thanks to the introduction of a new transaxle allowing the rear wheels to be positioned three inches further back.
As you'd expect from a 911 introduced six years after the previous generation's debut, the 991 felt significantly more modern than the 997, though praise was less than universal. Many 911 enthusiasts, for example, criticised the 991's lack of 'feel', suggesting the introduction of electrically assisted power steering and other modern technologies dulled the driving experience when compared to that of the more 'analogue' 997. Granted, the 991 is blisteringly quick (even in early Carrera trim, top speed is 180mph and the dash from zero to 62mph takes just 4.6 seconds with PDK transmission installed) and comes positively packed with gadgets, but does this amount to a distraction from the art of driving? Many would argue the case, but sales figures don't lie — the ease in which even the most inexperienced driver can take control of a 991 hugely increased the 911's appeal, encouraging a newer, younger demographic of enthusiast to take the plunge and join the ranks of Porsche ownership for the first time.
As we all know, the asking price of used sports and classic cars has shot through the roof during the past couple of years, meaning you'll need to act fast if you want to grab a 991 at the kind of price point we've seen the model dip to in recent times. We're talking overlap with 997 Gen II territory for an early 991 Carrera. Those holding out for a further drop in values are probably kicking themselves for not striking sooner, but there remains bargains to be had, especially if you're prepared to buy your 991 from a private seller.
Here's an overview of what you need to be aware of when on the hunt for a seventh-gen 911 to call your own.