991.1 to AMG GTC

[FrancisA]

Hi All
The usual dreaming has started about switching cars. I have had a 991.1 C2S for a year now and absolutely love the car. The secret to Porsches is the handling not the power. I came out of a SL63 last year into the Porsche. The plan was always to go to a GTC from the SL63. However a drive to Les Mans with a friend in his 991.1 changed my mind. I had 585 HP and he had 400 HP......he kept up with me and I struggled to keep up with him. The difference was the handling. On a straight I could take him but when it came to the bends I was grasping air.

So I planned for the migration to a GTC. However (long story including a fire) I ended up a a lovely 991.1 and it has been wonderful. However the GTC itch has begun. Partly because GTCs have lost a comparative value compared to 991s but also I think it is one of the classic car shapes that lives up to its performance capability.

The exam question is for someone who has crossed over. Is the GTC worth the change or is the 991 just that much better in terms of handling and sheer competence. This is the not a question about power. You cannot use 557 HP on the road. You can use 400 HP more realistically. To quote C.Harris. (not literally) ..”it is more fun to drive a car within 8/10 of its limit than within 5/10 of its limits"

[XMA Simon]

Only you can answer this question because unless there is something fundamentally "wrong" with the car - and both choices you have here are awesome cars - then it all comes down to a matter of taste. One thing I would say from reading your question is that you seem to really love the shape and looks of the GTC. I can see why: beautiful. The swoon you feel when walking up to your car and about to set off on a drive is really important. If the 991 shape is not giving you that same swoon then I think you've answered your own question.

Have fun choosing.

[FrancisA]

XMA Simon said:

Only you can answer this question because unless there is something fundamentally "wrong" with the car - and both choices you have here are awesome cars - then it all comes down to a matter of taste. One thing I would say from reading your question is that you seem to really love the shape and looks of the GTC. I can see why: beautiful. The swoon you feel when walking up to your car and about to set off on a drive is really important. If the 991 shape is not giving you that same swoon then I think you've answered your own question.

Have fun choosing.

Hey Simon - you kinda read my mind in terms of the shape and design of the AMG GTC. I think it will go down as one of those designs a manufacturer nailed...like the original SL.

Having said that every time I drive my 991I can't get over the chassis handling. It is on point (I know there are some who will argue the 997 hydraulic has better feedback......but it bobbed over 70/80). Having always driven Mercs I know that chassis feedback will not match the Porsche. Also my 991 has only done 13,600 miles so I would be a bit nuts to change at this stage.

[peteA]

I’ve had a couple of 997’s (not 991) as well as a few other cars and currently have an AMG GTC roadster - it’s an awesome car! It’s all the things a 911 isn’t - the 911 is the better sports car in most measurable or tangible aspects but that’s part of the problem? The 911 is too good at being good at everything if that makes sense? The GTC looks stunning, sounds epic, is fast and is just more exciting! It too is a good sports car but also fun going slow. I drove mine to and through the alps this summer, roof down most of the time and its was just fantastic.

Yes, I guess depreciation is a factor and something that the 911 has always had on its side. If this is a important issue then stick with the 911?

You could always try a GTC and if it doesn’t work out go back?

To be fair, it’s a nice ‘problem’ to have as both great cars

[FrancisA]

peteA said:

I’ve had a couple of 997’s (not 991) as well as a few other cars and currently have an AMG GTC roadster - it’s an awesome car! It’s all the things a 911 isn’t - the 911 is the better sports car in most measurable or tangible aspects but that’s part of the problem? The 911 is too good at being good at everything if that makes sense? The GTC looks stunning, sounds epic, is fast and is just more exciting! It too is a good sports car but also fun going slow. I drove mine to and through the alps this summer, roof down most of the time and its was just fantastic.

Yes, I guess depreciation is a factor and something that the 911 has always had on its side. If this is a important issue then stick with the 911?

You could always try a GTC and if it doesn’t work out go back?

To be fair, it’s a nice ‘problem’ to have as both great cars

Thanks Pete. I do understand what you mean. Sometimes a few flaws make a product even better. Beautiful colour by the way. That would be my first choice. Enjoy. What I do like is the rarity of the AMG GTs,

[culminator]

I’ve just gone from a 2017 AMG GT into a 991.2 Carrera S.
The AMG was dramatic, noisy, full of character and a real event to look at and drive. However, it’s wide and isn’t a drivers car in the same league as the 911.

I feel far more confident driving the 911 and just love it like no other car I’ve had before. Is easier to drive quickly, has amazing handling and the suspension is far better suited to uk roads.

[Dr S]

My experience is that the 911s competence can be a slow burner. It's not as dramatic as other options but delivers on all driver-oriented dimensions. The full realisation of what you have in your 911 will often only materialise when you drive the competition again. Before taking the plunge for a GTC (as beautiful as it is), I'd recommend an extended test drive. That will determine how hooked on the 911's capabilities you have bekome and whether a swap is worthwhile

[Geoffcapes]

I think they're different cars. Completely.

You went from a SL63 (which I love) which are cruisers. A 991 is a sports car. A GTC is as the name suggests is a grand tourer convertible.

I guess it all depends what you want the car for.

[peteA]

FrancisA said:

Thanks Pete. I do understand what you mean. Sometimes a few flaws make a product even better. Beautiful colour by the way. That would be my first choice. Enjoy. What I do like is the rarity of the AMG GTs,

The comments so far all seems to generally align? 911 is the better sports car but the GT and particularly the C is a bit more lairy and loud and shouty? I used to have several TVR’s and in essence the GTC is a bit like a modern interpretation? Big noisy V8 upfront driving the rear wheels (auto box accepted). To be fair it’s a great blend of a GT and ‘sporty’ car? Agree re the extended test drive if you can get one as that will help but you won’t ’get The whole picture’ - I only did doing the NC500 and Euro trip this year?

Just a heads up re the paint - mines silver, the satin grey is a wrap but mimics the factory paint finish that was available when new as an extra (£8k extra I think and was available in blue, green and grey (from memory?)). The issue with actual satin paint is it can be difficult to look after - scratches, scuffs, bird poo, etc can all be issues as they can’t be polished and buffed out like normal paint might? Just something to consider

[FrancisA]

peteA said:

FrancisA said:

Thanks Pete. I do understand what you mean. Sometimes a few flaws make a product even better. Beautiful colour by the way. That would be my first choice. Enjoy. What I do like is the rarity of the AMG GTs,

The comments so far all seems to generally align? 911 is the better sports car but the GT and particularly the C is a bit more lairy and loud and shouty? I used to have several TVR’s and in essence the GTC is a bit like a modern interpretation? Big noisy V8 upfront driving the rear wheels (auto box accepted). To be fair it’s a great blend of a GT and ‘sporty’ car? Agree re the extended test drive if you can get one as that will help but you won’t ’get The whole picture’ - I only did doing the NC500 and Euro trip this year?

Just a heads up re the paint - mines silver, the satin grey is a wrap but mimics the factory paint finish that was available when new as an extra (£8k extra I think and was available in blue, green and grey (from memory?)). The issue with actual satin paint is it can be difficult to look after - scratches, scuffs, bird poo, etc can all be issues as they can’t be polished and buffed out like normal paint might? Just something to consider

Thanks for the all info Pete. Appreciate the detailed feedback.