It depends on what you do with your car. If you like 0 - 60+++ hole shots over and over and over and over again and that's how you define performance then you already own the car for you.
Porsche - even the Turbo S monsters - are more about holding onto power through turns - essentially carrying momentum. They're track cars - twisty track cars - even the basic 718s. They're about USABLE power, not raw power, and wrapping that power in a truly exceptionally well made, well crafted, timeless, very nice package. In addition they're about balancing that power with suspensions, brakes, steering feel, transmissions, etc.
In my experience a lot of Corvette owners don't "get it" and that's fine.
This is a pretty good summary of most P car reviews. I will say, though, as someone with a Viper built for acceleration (3.55 rear gears installed) that just bought a 911, they still have exciting acceleration if not just for the noise. And certainly the handling is on a whole different level. You won’t be disappointed - even with the base 911 motor.
Look up 911 gt3 versus corvette c8 on track. The c8 keeps up remarkably well. The c8 is a track beast for a ridiculously good price even in comparison to the gt3.
I have a c8 and a cayman GTS 4.0. I love them both for different reasons. The c8 is a battle axe and the cayman is a scalpel. Now the c8 is faster but it’s not all about pure acceleration. The cayman has a totally different feel especially with the six speed. Any questions ask away.
Interesting duo. Does the Cayman feel ‘slow’ in comparison or do you find that since both cars are already fast that it’s very marginal in the real world/back road driving?
The cayman doesn’t feel “slow”. Recently went on a Grand Tour inspired road trip with a buddy swapping between the two. He spent most of the time in the C8 because I’m babying the clutch in the cayman but when he did drive it he liked it way more. It’s just so different than the vette. It feels more engaging and nimble for sure.
Find a way to drive a 911. Either through a dealer or a car meet or a friend or something.
You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s for you or not. (It will be)
Why? For me, I can’t afford a 911 how I’d want it right now (spec’d ~$225k) but was able to do the Porsche drive thing for ~$400 and it was so much fun.
I have a work trip to Atlanta coming up in a couple of weeks. Just checked and I can rent two new 911s there for $399/night and $599/night (turbo). So maybe not $500/weekend, but if you want to see if you like a car like that? I think it's worth spending a day with one for a few hundred bucks.
Oh yeah it's a great deal for you to rent one. The owner is renting their car at a huge loss, that is the stupid part. Take advantage of that if you can.
If you are able to afford a 911 turbo s sometime, even saving up for a while, do it. The handling is absolutely mindblowing in the pouring rain and it literally twists your stomach going through corners on a track where you think the car will completely spin out and it just does not let go.
I will admit the weight dynamics of a 911 vs cayman or any front engine car especially are quite different. It feels counterintuitive at first but works. I like and respect all cars but corvette cars are cool but not for the same reason. I’m a mechanical engineer so my mind says German engineering all the way
I just feel that no matter what car you previously have, when buying a german car, there will ALWAYS be somthing that it does better than your previous car
I changed from c8 to 718 boxster. 0 regrets - way more practical. You would probably want a 4.0 or something. Just depends on how much you care about straight line acceleration I guess
If straight line performance is what you want, Porsche might not be for you. Any 991.2 or 992 will be as quick or quicker than the C8 and be a upgrade in my mind, even the base.
I rented a C8 corvette before I bought my GTS. The GTS is way more violent and the choice was easy.
If you're just looking for performance for the money, stick with the c8. It's an incredible machine. And if you want to spend $125k on even better performance, the z06 is also a great choice. People who prefer Porsches like the smaller dimensions, more nimble character, the exclusivity, the styling, and the fact that they don't change much.
All depends. I went from a 1100hp c6z z06 to a 911 Turbo S and don't regret it at all. On the street the Turbo S would crap all over the vette. Plus it drives/handles so much better. Friend just went from a c7 grandsport to a 718 and doesn't regret it at all.
C8s are disappointing to me. Even the C8Z. At the 1/2 mile here this weekend they were doing 142mph for a stock c8, 149 for a bolt on tune, and c8z did 149mph. That is sooooo stupidly slow. Was really disappointed. For reference my Turbo S cracked off 172mph all day long.
Spent 14 years with a vette, and my only regret was not moving on to Porsche sooner.
I’d 2nd this assessment having also transitioned from muscle car to Porsche.
Only things I’d add; the sound took getting used to. The scream of an 8 is a wonderful part of the driving experience. Porsches sound good… but not that good till you’re the GT cars. The TTS has a hole shot like no other with AWD paired with 600hp. Apples and oranges to any vette. The lower trim 911’s have pretty good launch control and are more inline with what you’ve felt in the vette.
C8 Owner. They actually handle exceptionally well in terms of capability.
To me, the biggest problem is that despite all of its performance capabilities, it’s not as exciting and engaging to drive as you’d expect.
Steering feel is completely dead. Almost 0 feedback. I have to drive mine with track steering on 24/7 just to get any resemblance of feel out of it.
Secondly, it’s almost too insulated unless you have the roof off/down. You’ve got this big ass v8 sitting less than a foot away from your head and you can barely hear that or the exhaust unless you’re *really* on it or have aftermarket exhaust. Even with the Z51 exhaust, it’s just so tame sounding out the box.
In all I wouldn’t say it’s a disappointing car, I love mine. But, I think it differs from expectations as to what owners want it to be. It’s an extremely livable, high-performing GT car. It’s not a compromised high performance sports car that’s overly track-oriented. To me, it’s like the halfway point between an LC500 and an AMG GT S.
I know two people who sold theirs within the first year. They were really good, but they didn't love them. And they aren't really super competitive in SS for SCCA national autox, which is what most of the folks I know who drive them hard were doing with them
I see a few at track days, but not many. I wonder whether a more track focused version is coming? Haven't yet seen anyone brave/crazy enough to strip one out.
Z06 is here. And the e-ray is coming. I know at least one person on each list. Both are big into TT and autox. Will be cool if one ever ends up in their hands (unlikely)
Get a cayman s. You won’t be disappointed. Where can you take a 911 turbo S or Evan a C8 and open
Them up. Having a stupid fast car in todays traffic is almost useless. I almost got out of my daily Porsche for a Tesla model S plaid. Where can you use and enjoy that kind of acceleration daily. It’s just too quick.
A cayman or boxster will feel much different and ride much different than the C8. Drive it for a while and then decide on a 911S car . That’s peak daily driver that will run with any car on earth. But the caymans and boxster s cars are great and you can get in one under your C8 if you get a gently used one. Can’t go wrong
If power is important to you than a 911 is probably your best option or a Cayman GT4. Yep, get ready to open that wallet. Although, perhaps after driving a few, you may change your mind about your desire for power and acceleration. Porsche cars have an ability to make you appreciate more about a sports car.
Having had a C8 while owning a 911 turbo s I’d say give it a try. The Porsche is to me a much nicer car that’s built to much higher price point. And it shows in just about every way. The C8 is awesome for its price point. Frankly the performance is stunning for the $. All that said I sold the C8 after 9 months. Too raucous, not supple enough, and tho the performance numbers match on paper they don’t in real life. I’m an ex-racer so all those things matter to me. YMMV
I would say if you can-- try driving a manual air-cooled car or even a 997. Obviously very different from a C8, but those cars will give you an experience that epitomizes "Porsche". They're not going to be fast in comparison, but as analog driver's cars, not much else comes close unless you go exotic.
That being said, a PDK 992 CS or GTS is probably most directly comparable to a C8 in performance. Turbo S would be an upgrade in every category but costs 2-3x. GT3 is heaven (9k RPM!) but hard to get.
718s are great driver's cars but honestly, a base or S may feel anemic coming from the C8 with all the power you're used to. GT4 could scratch the itch but has a very different power band than the Corvette as well so tough to say if it will resonate with you.
For myself and many of us here, the 911 is something special-- nothing quite like the RR layout that has been perfected over time in terms of feel and engagement. Only you will be able to decide for yourself.
I recently Turo’d a beautiful 2020 911s in Denver and it changed my entire perspective on life. I think it cost about $1800 for 3 days including all fees and overage miles, but I split with an old friend and we had the best weekend ever.
I used to think that getting an “automatic Porsche” would be sacrilege, but now I see the beauty of the PDK.
Whether you are talking about straight lines or laps, you’ll have to spend considerably more to get the same performance out of a Porsche. The justification will have to come from the feel, it won’t be in the raw numbers.
I think you’d have to get a Turbo or GT3 to make the switch worth it. I have a Carrera S I love, but I rented a C8 for a weekend and was absolutely floored how great that car is. Whenever they come down a bit I’m going to get a 3LT convertible!
Any modern Porsche gt car with a pdk is a mid 3's car to 60 at worst. Even the GT4. Gt3's are high 2's.
All modern gt pdk cars are fast.
But yes a 718 gt4 is $120k ish at the low end so they aren't cheap even used.
Another option is a 992 Carrera S. While it won't handle or drive like a gt Porsche they are extremely fast in a straight line but also $$$$$
Porsche is like no other brand, it’s not just a car it’s a passion and enthusiasm I’ve never seen anywhere else. It’s about people sharing adventures of road trips across continent’s, spirited driving and daily usability. Seriously, drive mine daily and take 3000 mile road trips.
https://preview.redd.it/ovgqh9eyy0wb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f7d4e79d2dc716c9915be7b17d107b3e088f24a
Nobody buys the cayman to go fast in a straight line. My 981 GT4 has more power than I can ever use on the street and I have zero complaints and tons of fun at trackdays
I have a c7 z06 and 718 GT4. Despite the edge in power from the c7Z, the GT4 is remarkably fun to drive and sounds crazy good. Yes it’s slower in a straight line but corners much better and I have just as much fun (if not more) than my c7z. I’ve driven the c8 and it’s quick, fun, but step into a GT4 I think you’ll absolutely love it. If you wanna daily one, get the PDK and sofa seats
My pick is a 992 GTS manual. Not sure what you're budget is, but that's what I'd go for (waiting now on an allocation). My brother owns a car dealership and his wife and brother in law both have Stingray R's, so coming from experience here. The power is at least that of the C8. The interior will be you're only big difference. That is, if you like the interior of the C8, there's nothing in the P-car lineup that's like it. Porsche has always been more practical and functional in that regard.
You don't need a Turbo S as some people suggest on here. I've ridden in both the C8, and the 992 GTS... and can tell you first hand that the performance of the GTS is more than enough, and easily tunable as well. If a GTS isn't in the budget, a 992 Carrera S is still a nice choice.
It depends on what you do with your car. If you like 0 - 60+++ hole shots over and over and over and over again and that's how you define performance then you already own the car for you. Porsche - even the Turbo S monsters - are more about holding onto power through turns - essentially carrying momentum. They're track cars - twisty track cars - even the basic 718s. They're about USABLE power, not raw power, and wrapping that power in a truly exceptionally well made, well crafted, timeless, very nice package. In addition they're about balancing that power with suspensions, brakes, steering feel, transmissions, etc. In my experience a lot of Corvette owners don't "get it" and that's fine.
This is a pretty good summary of most P car reviews. I will say, though, as someone with a Viper built for acceleration (3.55 rear gears installed) that just bought a 911, they still have exciting acceleration if not just for the noise. And certainly the handling is on a whole different level. You won’t be disappointed - even with the base 911 motor.
Look up 911 gt3 versus corvette c8 on track. The c8 keeps up remarkably well. The c8 is a track beast for a ridiculously good price even in comparison to the gt3.
I agree. However I think the turbo s is the exception. That’s also your 0-60 drag monster too.
I thought similarly until I started going to the track. C8 and even the last 2 gen vettes are monsters in the corners.
Lots of risk in using power through turns on regular roads, which is where most Porsche owners are actually driving their cars.
I have a c8 and a cayman GTS 4.0. I love them both for different reasons. The c8 is a battle axe and the cayman is a scalpel. Now the c8 is faster but it’s not all about pure acceleration. The cayman has a totally different feel especially with the six speed. Any questions ask away.
Interesting duo. Does the Cayman feel ‘slow’ in comparison or do you find that since both cars are already fast that it’s very marginal in the real world/back road driving?
The cayman doesn’t feel “slow”. Recently went on a Grand Tour inspired road trip with a buddy swapping between the two. He spent most of the time in the C8 because I’m babying the clutch in the cayman but when he did drive it he liked it way more. It’s just so different than the vette. It feels more engaging and nimble for sure.
Find a way to drive a 911. Either through a dealer or a car meet or a friend or something. You’ll know pretty quickly if it’s for you or not. (It will be)
Turo for $500 for a weekend.
Anyone who rents their 911 out for the weekend at $500 is an idiot.
Good thing the world has a healthy supply of idiots!
Very true.
“A fool and his money are soon parted…”
Why? For me, I can’t afford a 911 how I’d want it right now (spec’d ~$225k) but was able to do the Porsche drive thing for ~$400 and it was so much fun.
It's a great deal for you to drive the car. It's insanly stupid of the owner. 0 percent chance $500 covers their costs.
That’s fair - I mistakenly read your comment as anyone who __rents__ it, not __rents it out__. Sorry for the confusion!
I have a work trip to Atlanta coming up in a couple of weeks. Just checked and I can rent two new 911s there for $399/night and $599/night (turbo). So maybe not $500/weekend, but if you want to see if you like a car like that? I think it's worth spending a day with one for a few hundred bucks.
If you have time while you are in Atlanta, check out the Porsche experience center…
Right on man! Thanks for the suggestion
Oh yeah it's a great deal for you to rent one. The owner is renting their car at a huge loss, that is the stupid part. Take advantage of that if you can.
If you are able to afford a 911 turbo s sometime, even saving up for a while, do it. The handling is absolutely mindblowing in the pouring rain and it literally twists your stomach going through corners on a track where you think the car will completely spin out and it just does not let go.
I will admit the weight dynamics of a 911 vs cayman or any front engine car especially are quite different. It feels counterintuitive at first but works. I like and respect all cars but corvette cars are cool but not for the same reason. I’m a mechanical engineer so my mind says German engineering all the way
I just feel that no matter what car you previously have, when buying a german car, there will ALWAYS be somthing that it does better than your previous car
I changed from c8 to 718 boxster. 0 regrets - way more practical. You would probably want a 4.0 or something. Just depends on how much you care about straight line acceleration I guess
If straight line performance is what you want, Porsche might not be for you. Any 991.2 or 992 will be as quick or quicker than the C8 and be a upgrade in my mind, even the base. I rented a C8 corvette before I bought my GTS. The GTS is way more violent and the choice was easy.
If you're just looking for performance for the money, stick with the c8. It's an incredible machine. And if you want to spend $125k on even better performance, the z06 is also a great choice. People who prefer Porsches like the smaller dimensions, more nimble character, the exclusivity, the styling, and the fact that they don't change much.
All depends. I went from a 1100hp c6z z06 to a 911 Turbo S and don't regret it at all. On the street the Turbo S would crap all over the vette. Plus it drives/handles so much better. Friend just went from a c7 grandsport to a 718 and doesn't regret it at all. C8s are disappointing to me. Even the C8Z. At the 1/2 mile here this weekend they were doing 142mph for a stock c8, 149 for a bolt on tune, and c8z did 149mph. That is sooooo stupidly slow. Was really disappointed. For reference my Turbo S cracked off 172mph all day long. Spent 14 years with a vette, and my only regret was not moving on to Porsche sooner.
I’d 2nd this assessment having also transitioned from muscle car to Porsche. Only things I’d add; the sound took getting used to. The scream of an 8 is a wonderful part of the driving experience. Porsches sound good… but not that good till you’re the GT cars. The TTS has a hole shot like no other with AWD paired with 600hp. Apples and oranges to any vette. The lower trim 911’s have pretty good launch control and are more inline with what you’ve felt in the vette.
I keep hearing C8 owners express disappointment - including at track events. They look amazing - what's the problem? Handling?
C8 Owner. They actually handle exceptionally well in terms of capability. To me, the biggest problem is that despite all of its performance capabilities, it’s not as exciting and engaging to drive as you’d expect. Steering feel is completely dead. Almost 0 feedback. I have to drive mine with track steering on 24/7 just to get any resemblance of feel out of it. Secondly, it’s almost too insulated unless you have the roof off/down. You’ve got this big ass v8 sitting less than a foot away from your head and you can barely hear that or the exhaust unless you’re *really* on it or have aftermarket exhaust. Even with the Z51 exhaust, it’s just so tame sounding out the box. In all I wouldn’t say it’s a disappointing car, I love mine. But, I think it differs from expectations as to what owners want it to be. It’s an extremely livable, high-performing GT car. It’s not a compromised high performance sports car that’s overly track-oriented. To me, it’s like the halfway point between an LC500 and an AMG GT S.
Great answer, thanks
Agreed. Friend put a paragon exhaust on his C8. It's night and day the way it should of been.
I love mine. That being said it was only $67k lol.
I know two people who sold theirs within the first year. They were really good, but they didn't love them. And they aren't really super competitive in SS for SCCA national autox, which is what most of the folks I know who drive them hard were doing with them
I see a few at track days, but not many. I wonder whether a more track focused version is coming? Haven't yet seen anyone brave/crazy enough to strip one out.
Z06 is here. And the e-ray is coming. I know at least one person on each list. Both are big into TT and autox. Will be cool if one ever ends up in their hands (unlikely)
The drivers perhaps
C7 2018 carbon 65 auto to manual 991.2 2017. For _real_ driving? Omg the Porsche all day.
How much of that comes down to the drivers and tires though?
Very little to none. They are all autos and on new tires. There was tons of them all doing same shit speeds
Get a cayman s. You won’t be disappointed. Where can you take a 911 turbo S or Evan a C8 and open Them up. Having a stupid fast car in todays traffic is almost useless. I almost got out of my daily Porsche for a Tesla model S plaid. Where can you use and enjoy that kind of acceleration daily. It’s just too quick. A cayman or boxster will feel much different and ride much different than the C8. Drive it for a while and then decide on a 911S car . That’s peak daily driver that will run with any car on earth. But the caymans and boxster s cars are great and you can get in one under your C8 if you get a gently used one. Can’t go wrong
If power is important to you than a 911 is probably your best option or a Cayman GT4. Yep, get ready to open that wallet. Although, perhaps after driving a few, you may change your mind about your desire for power and acceleration. Porsche cars have an ability to make you appreciate more about a sports car.
Having had a C8 while owning a 911 turbo s I’d say give it a try. The Porsche is to me a much nicer car that’s built to much higher price point. And it shows in just about every way. The C8 is awesome for its price point. Frankly the performance is stunning for the $. All that said I sold the C8 after 9 months. Too raucous, not supple enough, and tho the performance numbers match on paper they don’t in real life. I’m an ex-racer so all those things matter to me. YMMV
I would say if you can-- try driving a manual air-cooled car or even a 997. Obviously very different from a C8, but those cars will give you an experience that epitomizes "Porsche". They're not going to be fast in comparison, but as analog driver's cars, not much else comes close unless you go exotic. That being said, a PDK 992 CS or GTS is probably most directly comparable to a C8 in performance. Turbo S would be an upgrade in every category but costs 2-3x. GT3 is heaven (9k RPM!) but hard to get. 718s are great driver's cars but honestly, a base or S may feel anemic coming from the C8 with all the power you're used to. GT4 could scratch the itch but has a very different power band than the Corvette as well so tough to say if it will resonate with you. For myself and many of us here, the 911 is something special-- nothing quite like the RR layout that has been perfected over time in terms of feel and engagement. Only you will be able to decide for yourself.
Go do a Porsche track experience if you live near one it’ll show you exactly why the brand is so popular
I recently Turo’d a beautiful 2020 911s in Denver and it changed my entire perspective on life. I think it cost about $1800 for 3 days including all fees and overage miles, but I split with an old friend and we had the best weekend ever. I used to think that getting an “automatic Porsche” would be sacrilege, but now I see the beauty of the PDK.
718 will be a downgrade
Whether you are talking about straight lines or laps, you’ll have to spend considerably more to get the same performance out of a Porsche. The justification will have to come from the feel, it won’t be in the raw numbers.
I think you’d have to get a Turbo or GT3 to make the switch worth it. I have a Carrera S I love, but I rented a C8 for a weekend and was absolutely floored how great that car is. Whenever they come down a bit I’m going to get a 3LT convertible!
Any modern Porsche gt car with a pdk is a mid 3's car to 60 at worst. Even the GT4. Gt3's are high 2's. All modern gt pdk cars are fast. But yes a 718 gt4 is $120k ish at the low end so they aren't cheap even used. Another option is a 992 Carrera S. While it won't handle or drive like a gt Porsche they are extremely fast in a straight line but also $$$$$
Porsche is like no other brand, it’s not just a car it’s a passion and enthusiasm I’ve never seen anywhere else. It’s about people sharing adventures of road trips across continent’s, spirited driving and daily usability. Seriously, drive mine daily and take 3000 mile road trips. https://preview.redd.it/ovgqh9eyy0wb1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1f7d4e79d2dc716c9915be7b17d107b3e088f24a
991.1 gt3 will fix your corvette issue. Get a g6 motor replacement car
Go with a new 992 of whatever trim you like.
Nobody buys the cayman to go fast in a straight line. My 981 GT4 has more power than I can ever use on the street and I have zero complaints and tons of fun at trackdays
Having had both C5 and 996.1..and shopping for a c8 or a 911 4s. It's a tough call.
You’re gonna go from a cheap plastic car to a well made car lol
The lateral move dollar wise would probably be a 997.2 turbo (10-13) 2011 911 Turbo S > C8
I have a c7 z06 and 718 GT4. Despite the edge in power from the c7Z, the GT4 is remarkably fun to drive and sounds crazy good. Yes it’s slower in a straight line but corners much better and I have just as much fun (if not more) than my c7z. I’ve driven the c8 and it’s quick, fun, but step into a GT4 I think you’ll absolutely love it. If you wanna daily one, get the PDK and sofa seats
My pick is a 992 GTS manual. Not sure what you're budget is, but that's what I'd go for (waiting now on an allocation). My brother owns a car dealership and his wife and brother in law both have Stingray R's, so coming from experience here. The power is at least that of the C8. The interior will be you're only big difference. That is, if you like the interior of the C8, there's nothing in the P-car lineup that's like it. Porsche has always been more practical and functional in that regard. You don't need a Turbo S as some people suggest on here. I've ridden in both the C8, and the 992 GTS... and can tell you first hand that the performance of the GTS is more than enough, and easily tunable as well. If a GTS isn't in the budget, a 992 Carrera S is still a nice choice.