Sales debate

Is the 991.1 taking over from the 997.2 as the sweet spot of modern 911s?

The go-to model for many in the market for a modern-era 911 has been the 997.2, and for some time. That perfect balance of driver appeal, proven tech and a swathe of model variants meant nothing else in the 911 market offered the same at an equivalent price point.

Enter the 991.1. For a roughly comparable price it could be seen as the new answer to the best modern 911. Does the market agree? Jamie Tyler of Paragon thinks perhaps not quite yet. “I think the 997.2 will be ahead of the 991.1,” he says. “The Gen2 997 was a cool car: perfect in size, the last of the hydraulic steering cars, lots of feedback. It’s really engaging and exciting to drive.” Turning to the 991.1, Jamie strikes an optimistic tone: “The 991.1 will have a following in the future, as they’re the last of the naturally aspirated non-gt cars.”

RPM Technik’s Greig Daly concurs. “The 997.2 is still a real high point in modern 911s,” he says. “They’re relatively petite cars, with a lovely suspension setup and engine that works well with the total package,” adding that “the manual six-speed gearbox, though rare, is a bonus.” The oldest 997.2 models are 13 years old though, and Greig points out that ongoing maintenance has to be kept up “to avoid lumpy bills.” As ever, there’s much to balance out in a decision on the ‘better’ model for a buyer.

Greig counters all this by adding, “Although the 991 Carreras dipped under £40k for a short while a year or so back, they’re back up to mid/late £40k and upwards again, which is a reflection of the market interest in them.”

What does go in favour of the 991.1 is the production numbers over the earlier car. “Getting hold of a 991.1 is a bit easier than a 997.2,” says Greig. Combine availability with practicality, and that might make it the car for you. “The 991 can easily be your daily driver and weekend special - retaining a naturally aspirated engine! - while also being a bit lower maintenance,” he points out.

Paragon’s Jamie has the last word, rightly making the point that the 991’s cockpit was a departure from the traditional 911 interior. It may be different, “but you grow to like it… you just have to move on,” he says.

The 997.2 might be the market favourite – for now – but the 991.1’s time is not far away.