911 vs F-Type - my experience

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dezzy

New member
I'm not posting this to start a 911 vs. F-Type debate. I just want to give my own real world experience as I've had the opportunity to drive a 911 Carrera 4S convertible for the past few weeks. As I've got a V6 340 F-Type, they are obviously not comparable in performance, but it's really got me thinking a lot about the difference between the two and completely cemented the decision I made last year to go with an F-Type over a Porsche.<div><br></div><div>My F-Type is not a convertible so I'm not going to compare that aspect, but it has been nice to have some roof off action for a few weeks! Also, given the 911 is a more powerful, more expensive car than my F-Type, I'm perfectly happy to admit it is considerably faster in a straight line. It's a beast! However, it does feel a bit heavy in the corners. It handles well of course, and definitely feels a bit more race/track focused, but I don't like the weight. I've had mid-engined cars but not sure I'm that keen on the engine being as far back as it is in the 911.</div><div><br></div><div>So, onto the comparison . . . </div><div><br></div><div>Firstly, the interior:</div><div> - I've seen quite a few comments on here saying that Porsche interiors are better quality than the F-type. I couldn't disagree more! This 911 is a couple of years old but the interior looks almost identical to the new ones I've seen.</div><div> - I find the interior quite dated. It doesn't feel as plush and luxurious as the F-Type. The F is just a nicer place to be (note I've got a very highly spec'd interior, but I think even the standard interior is much nicer than the 911)</div><div> - It's got some nice gadgets and features but the infotainment system is a step behind Jaguar IMO</div><div><br></div><div>The sound:</div><div> - The 911 does sound amazing. Especially in Sport Plus mode</div><div> - However, it's more of a "raw" sound than the F-Type. I know a lot of time has gone into tuning the pops and bangs from our exhaust system, but I definitely prefer the sound of our supercharged V6</div><div> - The 911 does sound great and it's like the gates of hell have opened going through a tunnel, but I think the F-Type just sounds fuller, warmer, more tuned and then when it pops/bangs, I think the F-type wins hands down</div><div><br></div><div>The looks:</div><div> - The main reason I don't own a 911 (or any Porsche for that matter) is that I'm just not keen on the looks. So anything I say hear is going to be a bit biased. I get that it's all personal opinion, but . . . </div><div> - The 911 definitely gets more attention. This annoys me a bit, but then I think it's just that more "non car" people know what a Porsche 911 is. "Ooooh, a Porsche". All the kids in the street were excited by it . . . Whereas when we first got the F-Type, it was the parents who were more interested!</div><div> - I guess a lot of people still don't know what our cars are, and I kinda like that. I think you get more attention from car enthusiasts in the F-Type, but I'll give it to the Porsche - it definitely gets more attention overall</div><div><br></div><div>The image:</div><div> - To counter the above points, this is where the Porsche fails I'm afraid . . . </div><div> - Don't get let out of junctions</div><div> - Don't get smiles and thumbs up from people</div><div> - Don't get people asking about it</div><div> - I actually feel a bit embarrassed and don't want people from work to see me in it in case they just think "w***er" !! However, I'd love them to see me in the F-Type</div><div><br></div><div>I guess that last point says something about me but I genuinely do think the 911 does suffer a bit from that w***er image.</div><div><br></div><div>So, in summary . . . absolutely amazing car, awesome performance, sounds great, but I just couldn't bring myself to own one and it is let down hugely by a really dated looking interior. It also just doesn't pull my emotional heart strings the way the F-Type does.</div><div><br></div><div>Really not trying to start a debate - just thought you'd be interested in my thoughts as I've had 4 weeks with the 911 now and I've obviously been comparing everything.</div><div><br></div><div>D</div>
<edited><editID>dezzy</editID><editDate>2017-04-14 18:42:34</editDate></edited>
 
Interesting reflection in both dezzy. I've read reviews where the authors were similarly torn between Jag and Porshe on an emotional vs technical level. Some go one way others the opposite.<br><br>I came back from paying after filling up, to find a coach load of german tourists disenmbarqued and circling my car. They thought it was some kind of new Aston and were amazed to discover that Jaguar made a car that looks like this! As you mention there's quite a few who don't recognise what Jaguars look like nowadays.<br>
 
well done .. that took some time to write, many thanks for your views very interesting post <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0" align="middle" />
 
I had a 997 C4S before the F-type and I'd pretty much say that I have the same views, with the exception of the noise, speed and power. <div><br><div>My AWD R has more noise, power and torque and feels faster in all aspects apart from in corners where it feels less nimble that my old Porsche. I have driven a 991 but not extensively - out of interest which model C4S was it? The 991.2 is supposed to be a step up in terms of power and torque from the NA 991.1 but the trade off is the sound (or lack of). </div><div><br></div><div>The 991 is also a little more GT like than the 997 in my opinion - Porsche people are always banging on about the "last true 911" - and this is sort of why I went F-type over 991. The 991 did feel less agile and dare I say it more akin to the Jag.</div><div><br><div>Interior wise - I found Porsche nice, but I wouldn't say it's any nicer than Jaguar - if comparing similarly aged cars. </div><div> </div><div>But you're absolutely right about the image!</div><div><br></div><div>Oh and did I mention the noise - it's insane on the R!</div>
</div></div><edited><editID>Megatron</editID><editDate>2017-04-15 08:53:14</editDate></edited>
 
I was going to replace my 997 with a 991 last June. Angela Merkel started making threats over Brexit. "Stuff you" I said and bought an F Type. Very happy with my choice! <img src="http://www.ftypeforums.co.uk/images/converted_files/smileys/smiley1.gif" border="0" align="middle" />
 
It's a 2014 991 <br /><br />I agree both the V6 and V8 F-types definitely sound better. I think the 911 just has more of a raw kind of sound. It does sound great, but not as great as an F-type!
 
<blockquote> Well said, I would rather buy British too. 🇬🇧<br />Steve.</blockquote> <br /><br />I suppose the only truly British car is a Morgan. Funnily enough I was on my way over to the Morgan dealer with the idea of buying one (I've had two before so I knew what I was letting myself in for!) when I made a diversion to the Jag dealership to look at the F Type. I was offered an extended test drive and of course once driven forever smitten. I would still like a Morgan when I can make the space. They were the only cars I never lost money on.
 
Not forgetting the TVR which is set to make a comeback, also the Noble, not sure if they are still being made and also the Marcos.<br />Steve.
 
Of course there is also the McLaren. I still have my TVR, will never sell it. Wouldn't mind a Noble though!<br />Steve.
 
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