I’ve said it before when comparing the 991 GTS to the 997 GTS, the former is more T while the latter is more S. In the 9 months that I’ve owned the 991, I really haven’t had a chance to drive it for more than a few hundred miles at a time. My claim that it’s the better tourer of the two has been largely untested until now.
The last fun trip we took pre-pandemic was to Amelia Island for the Concours Weekend in March 2020, so it seems fitting that the first fun trip scheduled post-pandemic was Amelia 2021. The 800 mile round trip drive offered a chance to take the 991 on the tour required to test my claim.
I stand behind my claim when comparing the 991 to the 997. The 991 is far more comfortable over a distance. It feels bigger and more planted on the road, even though it weighs less than my 997 (i.e. 3,197 for the 991 coupe vs. 3,340 for the 997 cabriolet).
The 5 lug wheels reduce the worry of a mid-trip flat, and comfort features like the ventilated seats are wonderful on a long trip. Though I generally prefer the 6 speed in the 997 to the 7 speed in the 991, on the highway I found the extra gear quite useful as an “overdrive”. And the power; there is plenty on tap even in 7th gear at 70+ mph.
So yes, the 991 is a better tourer than the 997. However, the surprise for me was realizing that most of my claim is supported by the 997 not being much of a tourer rather than the 991 being particularly good at it.
It’s a stiff ride, even when running in normal mode (i.e. Sport Plus disabled). Clean asphalt is ok. Concrete is pretty bad. The car telegraphs every joint in the road. The low profile tires produce significant road noise, and the Bose stereo isn’t strong enough to mask it without sounding distorted.
The good outweighs the bad in my estimation, and I’ll still road trip the 991. I’m just better informed now and looking forward to the next chance I get!
As expected, the triple play of Werks, Cars & Coffee, and the Concours put a number of great cars at arms length:
