d1rtyc4r

I currently have a 997.2s cab (2011). Previously had a 997.1 TT coupe and 996 TT coupe before the 997.1 TT. If possible I would shoot for these cars in order from best to least desirable (IMO of course) Note: 991+ not on this list because I wouldn't consider owning one compared to other cars in that price range unless you could snag a gt3, but then again no manual):

-997.2 GT3 (RS if possible)
-997.1 GT3 (RS if possible)
-993 TT
-997.2 TT
-997.1 TT
-997.2 C4s
-993 s
-997.2 C2s
-996 GT3
-996 TT
-997.1 C4s
-997.1 C2s
-993 c4/c2
-996 C4s
-997.2 non s
-997.1 non s
-996 non s

I recommend TTs because they look cooler than the Carreras, are widebody, and have neat scoops and adjustable wing. I recommend 997.2's more because of the interior updates as well as infotainment is much better and 997.2s is night and day better than .1s. 4s are more desirable since they are widebody. Just never pickup any non-s 997. Coupes are more favorable than cabs, so keep that in mind.

mosesbotbol

Agreed. The 4S is meant to be their GT offering in the 911 portfolio. 991S is the one to buy for a regular use 911. You get the extra HP that the 991 could use at times plus the bigger brakes which are more fitting to the car at that price point. Some things on the regular 991 seem petty consider the cost of admission. Neither can compete with the Evora 400 in sheer sports car experience. Start getting into the upper end 911's; that's different, but then they are a harder ride and pricey. Evora is like a Cadillac over bumps compared to my Aston.

WolfpackS2k

Oh you want talkative steering, sharp throttle and an ultra responsive engine in a new Porsche? The factory now makes you pay extra for that, basically only available on the GTx cars.

As others have suggested, you may want to look used. There are plenty of previously owned Porsche sports cars that are maintained to the highest level and shouldn't give you worry (as a person that only buys brand new).

Also, if you want handling similar to the S2000 you may wanna look at a 981 GTS.

I'd avoid the 718. Sounds worse, more NVH and they gained a not insignificant amount of weight compared to the 981.

blueprint

You test drove the wrong car.

The C4S is not cheap... Why not consider a 991.1 GT3, GT4 or a C2S?

cbehney

It did? I thought it lost a few pounds. I could easily be wrong though.

vader1

I bought the 981 s with the 6 just for the sound alone but drove the 718 Boxster S as well. It is a fantastic car. I liked the sound even without the sports exhaust. It does not sound nearly as good as the flat 6, but it hauls ass and is a lot of fun. If sound is not a deal breaker, and I must admit the sports exhaust with my Cayman is my favorite feature of the car and I LOVE the sound and pops on full boil and between shifts, the 718 is a better performing car.

Although after getting the flat 6, all out performance is not everything. Many things add up to just having fun. I go back and forth about what will ne the next car when the Cayman is paid for. Will it be a used M2? A M240i, or just a Miata? They are way different cars. The Bimmers are faster. A 718 is faster. But just doing everyday duty around town in traffic, what is fun is not always having a ton of power that you can not use. I can't even use the 981's power everyday, and when I do risk a giant ticket. So I get that the OP is not thrilled by the C4s if it does not tick the right boxes. But unfortunately, steering feel is NOT a priority in 99% of powerful modern cars. I don't track so all out speed is getting to be less of a big deal in crowded cities even if it is fun on the rare occasions when it comes into play.

I still think the most fun drive I ever had was beating the snot out of a cheese wedge 1986 MR2 which is dog slow by modern standards. People say "It is a great time to be an enthusiast" a lot here and everywhere else if you just want 500 hp cars in today's market. But something is lost. We have great tech and fast but disconnected cars. If I can get over my increasing need for a "badge" car to stroke my ego as I get older, some of the cheaper pure cars offer more fun. Even if they get smoked by a minivan or SUV at a light.

If I, or most of us get over our need to be the fastest, we might find we have wayyyyyy more fun on a daily basis with a Miata or Civic SI than we have with a $70k Audi whatever Rs, but we want to fell like we have "made it" more than we want pure driving experiences. If you have the means to have a "badge" car, why not add something new and anolog or old and analog just to have fun?

I keep being tempted to ditch the daily 328i, keep the Cayman, and add a Miata for daily fun, some utility car and be a total poser in the Cayman when I feel the need to act like I have a badge. I spend a ton on the Cayman and rarely drive it. I love the car, but I think adding a Miata or similar for the daily grind would be great without spending a ton on diminishing returns. But if money is no object, do what feels best.

white98ls

Seems like a downgrade from your Cayman. Why bother?

I hear you about disconnected feel. I am plotting what fun car to buy in a few years, and a big part of me just wants to get an Ariel Atom or Morgan 3-Wheeler. I want something that's fun at any speed, not just when thrashing the crap out of it - which with most modern performance cars means ridiculous speeds for the street.

blueprint

Get a GT4.

white98ls

That is high on the list! Only thing that bothers me (although I haven't driven one) is the long gearing. I hate long gearing!!

Saki GT

I don't think it's really been a secret that if you want a fun Porsche, you're better off with a Boxster/Cayman than a 911. They for a while have simply been a more engaging driving experience, at least before they were saddled with the turbo engines.