How to choose the grade of Porsche. How to organize by use and situation?

Porsche 911GTS
Porsche 911

Porsche has a very large number of grades, although there are only a few models.

911 alone.Starting with the base grade coupe, there is the S model, GTS model, four wheel drive models, 4S model, 4GTS model, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3, GT3RS, GT2RS, and Cabriolet, and Targa.So, there are quite a few.

It is impossible to test-drive all of them, and even salespeople at dealerships cannot experience them all, so it is difficult to find someone who can clearly explain the differences in their own words.

I can't speak highly of all the models, because I haven't experienced them all myself.I'm a blogger, so I have more Porsche experience than the average person.I am also going to experience the differences in the availability of minor options and so on.

This time, though, it's just for your information.Which grade and type of car is more recommended for each use and situation?I will try to summarize the following based on my past experience.

Recommended Porsche models and grades by situation

I want to drive on a circuit.

Basically, any grade of Porsche can run well enough on the track without modifications. Porsche also has a "No other sports car can take you shopping after a race at the Nürburgring!As he says, "It was originally designed for use on the circuit.

At the level of a normal run event, after a few runs a day, the engine, oil and water temperatures are perfectly fine. It is surprisingly stable without incident, and the brakes are not dented at all.

A more suitable model for such a situation would beIt would still be a GT-type model.I think.GT3, GT3RS, GT2RSAnd so on. Incidentally, from my experience of owning a GT3, I would say that if you are serious about driving on a circuit, you should use a regularI would recommend the RS series model over the GT3.Do.

Porsche 911GT3RS

It is fast enough for a regular GT3, and first of all, it is a car for advanced drivers so that it is not easy for amateurs to drive it, but in high speed corners, etc., it is a car that is "a car for the advanced driver.I wish I had RS wings here.I would be greedy and say, "I wish it were a little lighter.

Porsche 911GT2RS

So, if you want to run seriously, I recommend the RS series.

I want to drive on mountain passes and winding roads

I dare you.I would recommend a convertible model, Boxster, Cabriolet or Spyder.... I am aware that some people may say, "Wouldn't a coupe be better with more rigidity? However, in situations where there are many tight corners, such as on Japan's mountain passes, it is more important to have a rigid body than to have a rigid body.The low center of gravity due to the lack of a roof can also create a pleasant feeling.

Porsche 911 Cabriolet (992)

I heard this from a famous racing driver (instructor) at a Porsche driving school.When comparing the 718 GT4 to the Spyder, the Spyder is actually faster in track situations with many tight curves.Yes.

The reason is that the lightweight roof has a lower center of gravity and is more agile.

The sense of openness and unusualness of having the roof open gives you an unparalleled driving pleasure. If you are planning to drive on empty winding roads in the suburbs, we recommend the convertible model.

I want to do long distance touring.

We would like to consider long-distance touring here based on the criterion of whether or not the driver is not easily fatigued even after driving about 500 km in a day. With this in mind, the required elements for long-distance touring are1. ample power, 2. reliable performance in all weather conditions, 3. high speed stability and ride comfort.I think it is possible to raise the

When you think about it.Basically, any non-GT type of car is suitable.So, I don't think you will be dissatisfied with any of them. I would venture to name the more appropriate grade among them.GTS and 4-wheel drive systems would be suitable.

Porsche 911GTS

If you want overwhelming torque and mid-range power with plenty of room to spare, a turbo system (turbo systems are 4-wheel drive) is the way to go, and a GTS system is the way to go.Grand Touring SportsIt only calls itself "The" and it's a true "The".touring packageI think it's a 'no.

It is a high performance grade suitable for long distances because it has more power, more equipment and options, and does not need to be as hard or nerve-wracking as the GT3. Therefore, theIdeally, a Carrera 4GTS, for example, would be great.

On the other hand, if you are more of a person who likes to run with the engine revving, you can go for a more underpowered S model or a bare-bones model.

I want to use it as a date car.

The elements required for a date car are.The most important thing would be the comfort of the passenger seat.

I want you to take a closer look at the bombastic supercars driving around town.The man in the driver's seat looks smug and happy, but the woman in the passenger seat usually has a sour or disinterested expression on her face as she plays with her phone.The first is the "K" in the name of the "K".

That's right. What men consider a good car for a date, i.e., loud, low and cool, is far different from what women consider a good car.

That makes it more than a Porsche.Luxury coupes and sedans such as Lexus and Mercedes are better suited forI think. But of all of them, I would venture to say that if I had to choose among the PorscheGood for turbo systems, targa, etc.I think it might be.

The Turbo S, in particular, is the pinnacle of the 911 lineup and comes with all the options of the 911. The luxurious 18-way seats allow the driver to relax and enjoy the car's performance, while the acceleration is superior to even the GT3. The car's moist start and the rich torque are very impressive. This is the kind of movement that makes for a great car.

Porsche 911 Turbo S

In addition, theThe Targa has a cool Targa bar and is a picturesque beauty that can be placed next to any café or at the entrance of any hotel.Moreover, the suspension is specially designed and very luxuriously seasoned.

Porsche 911 Targa

It is the second most comfortable grade of the 911 after the turbo series.

And if you want to use it as a date car in any other grade.PASM should be there.Once the speed is up, there is not much difference from without PASM, but at low speeds, the ride is better with PASM. In addition, it would be better if it had PDCC.

The roll amount is completely different without it, and the body is kept flat at all times, which greatly increases comfort.

I want to use it only as an everyday footwear for shopping, commuting, etc.

If used as a city car, a model with thick low-speed torque and the ability to accelerate with little acceleration is the easiest to drive.

Of all the different ways I've been on board.If you expect to drive around town in normal mode, the S series for NA engine models and the bare models for turbo engine modelsRecommendation.

Porsche 911 Cabriolet (Type 992)

For example, theI think the S model would be better for a 991 early period (NA) and the bare model for a 992.The reason is that the NA engine has less torque than the turbo engine, so the larger displacement engine is easier to drive around town. On the other hand, the bare model with a turbo engine has less power than the S, but the turbo works quickly at low rpm, making it rather easy to drive around town.

As for the ease of driving this turbocharged engine in the city, it would be a good place to start, as the lower grades are equally easy to drive in the city, whether in a 911, Cayenne, or Panamera.

I want to flow through city streets and urban highways on weekends and holidays.

Many Porsche drivers living in Tokyo, for example, probably use their cars in this way. On weekdays, they are busy and use company cars exclusively for transportation. But on weekends, they want to drive their favorite Porsche, but they don't have enough time to go to Hakone because they have family service time.

If I were to ride, it would be only to go to empty Tokyo in the early morning or late at night, or to Daikoku, etc. by flowing down the Metropolitan Expressway.

If that's the kind of application you're looking for.Since the ride time is short, we may take the plunge and go with a slightly spartan model or a high-performance model.

For example, the GT3 series, Spyder, and GT4 grades are very special and ideal for an extraordinary weekend-only experience.

Porsche 718 Spyder

Of course, only a small portion of their performance can be experienced on ordinary roads, so to say that it is a waste would be an understatement, but it can be viewed as an extraordinary luxury time. These cars also attract a lot of attention on the streets, and will satisfy your desire to own one.

Porsche's defenses are wide.

These are my personal recommendations by use and situation. Of course, it depends on one's taste and feeling, and if we start listing more detailed situations and uses, we may come to a different conclusion.

Therefore, it should be used only as reference information.

Ferry Porsche used to be known as "The 911 is the one and only car that can drive you from an African safari to Le Mans, to the theater, and to the streets of New York City!The words of the book are, "I am not a good person to be in a position to do that.

In other words, Porsche is a car with a very broad range of capabilities and a very high level of performance. This concept still holds true today, and even the GT3 can be driven on the street, while the bare-bones model is still fun enough to enjoy on the track.

Therefore, we hope that you will not think too nervously about it, but rather think only that you use it frequently for such purposes, and that this grade would be better for your needs.

Hiro

I am Mina's husband. We don't drive cars for fashion or status symbols. We like cars that are fun to drive, are good industrial products, and have a sense of the maker's intention...

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  1. ds124

    Good morning, Hiro and Mina.
    Thank you for the article that is so donpical to what I'm going through right now (laughs).
    Although I bought a California, I am happy to drive it with my family, but when I bring it into the suburbs alone, it doesn't feel right, or it's too scary (laughs), so I am planning to go back to a Porsche.
    I'm looking at a budget of about 20 million, so I'm torn between a bare-bones 911 Cabriolet with lots of options, a GTS Cabriolet with moderate options, a used turbo, and a turbo S Cabriolet.
    I plan to drive it for some time, so ignoring resale, a bare-bones 911 Cabriolet (late 992 timing-wise) is my first choice, but I can't abandon the turbo...
    Please let me consult with you again when the time comes closer....

    • Mina.Mina.

      ds1243
      Thank you!

      > Thank you for the article that I don't like now (laughs)
      Oh, I didn't know that!
      So you're coming back to Porsche, by all means! LOL!

      But it really bothers me...
      Each model is too attractive...

      As for me, I'd recommend the Panamera insanely, considering your family.
      But the 911 is still a great car, and
      Yes, please feel free to contact us again.

  2. adzuki beans

    Nice to meet you.

    I always enjoy reading your blog very much with interesting content.

    I have not driven a Porsche since my last one, a 991 early manual.
    I had been waiting for the 992 manual, but it was not available in Japan and the 992 GT3 touring package was released, so I applied for the manual on the left as a compromise.
    A few days later, the GTS manual was sold and I was troubled.

    I was convinced by what you said in your previous blog about giving up GT3 and changed to GTS, but I started wondering again if GT3 is also possible for this short time use in the city.

    I would be happy to discuss the topic, including a preliminary evaluation of a 992 Carrera GTS manual on the left.

    • Mina.Mina.

      adzuki bean

      Thank you!
      I asked my husband about it.

      If you're someone like me who tours thousands of kilometers at a time like an idiot (laughs), I'd probably prefer the GTS.
      If it's a low mileage car, less than 10,000 km per year, I'd be fine with a GT3 Touring.
      But if you're going to ride like crazy, I still think the GTS is the way to go."
      He said!

      I would like to write another article about it. Thank you!

  3. fathom

    I always read with pleasure, excitement and excitement.
    Our family is planning to embark on a Porsche lifestyle, which has been a dream of ours for many years.
    I am a 53 year old man, but when I was young, I used to go to Okayama International Speedway with an early model roadster tuned up. I was a student in Nishinomiya, so the articles and photos of Ashiyuri bring tears of nostalgia to my eyes. However, after starting my own business, I spent more than 20 years of my life driving only AT sales cars, and I have been away from MT driving for a long time.
    At my age, I felt that I did not have much time left to live in a car, so I decided to purchase a 992.
    I am about to sign a contract for a 992 GTS to once again live the circuit life and become an uncle driving on the local mountain roads of Hiroshima and neighboring prefectures, but I am very much torn between left-hand drive MT or right-hand drive PDK. (I was told by my PC that as of September 2021, only right-hand drive is available for reservation, but I don't care when the car is delivered)
    I also have the feeling that if I don't drive MT in this 992, I may not be able to drive MT anymore, and I also think that since this is my first high-performance sports car, I would rather enjoy driving only right-hand drive PDK to the fullest than left-hand drive, which I am not used to.
    I am sorry to be so selfish in asking this question, but I would appreciate hearing the opinions of Hiro and Mina who have experienced many Porsches.
    I look forward to more great articles. I would like to visit Ashiu when I get my Porsche.

    • Mina.Mina.

      spread

      Thank you for visiting my blog!

      We would appreciate it if you could talk about the pre-evaluation of the manual on the left of the> 992 Carrera GTS.
      I asked my husband about it, and he said that although he didn't know the details of the prior evaluation, he personally
      If you have a turbo engine with torque, I think PDK is better than MT.
      But if you are thinking about resale, I think the left MT of the GTS is the way to go. I don't think there will be much difference right after, but I think there will be a big difference in price over time.

      I will write more about it in the twitter space and in a blog post.
      Thank you!

  4. fathom

    Thank you for your reply. I will take your valuable feedback into consideration. I am also looking forward to reading your blog as you are considering a related article.

  5. Aru

    Nice to meet you. I am considering purchasing Porsche, so I will refer to it.
    I was thinking about the base grade of 718 Cayman GT4 or 992 due to budgetary reasons, but it seems to be completely different.
    I'm getting more and more worried when I see the article that sound is better before noise regulation (= 981, 991).
    By the way, I'm planning to make it an Agari car, so I don't care about resale.

    • HiroHiro

      Hello Auru-san.

      The bases of GT4 and 992 are quite different.
      I would like you to think that the purpose is completely different.

      Cars made by the GT division such as Porsche's GT3 and GT4 are serious. It's not half-baked.
      It is painful to think that it is just a high-end model and includes the performance of the low-end model.
      In that sense, the way of thinking is a little different from M and AMG.

      Since the GT series is a car that focuses on the circuit, the performance is pursued.
      I think it's better to clarify what you want to buy a car for.
      GT4 is the base for driving, including the circuit, and 992 is the base for everyday foot and driving purposes.

      The sound of 981 and 991 is wonderful.
      This area is recommended if the engine sound of NA is important, or if fun is more important than speed.

  6. Aru

    > The cars made by the GT division such as Porsche's GT3 and GT4 are serious. It's not half-baked.
    > It is painful to think that it is just a high-end model and includes the performance of the low-end model.

    Can you tell me more about this?
    Even if it is a circuit premise, it does not mean that there is no air conditioner or there are few sound insulation materials.

    The cars I've been riding so far are the ones that appear in the initial D, and since they have harmonic drive, they are all pushed up considerably when running.
    I didn't think my legs were stiff even when I put the R35 GT-R in R mode. (Although it was naturally harder than the normal ratio)

    I tried the 718 Cayman S, but I didn't find it interesting at Max 40km / h.

    • HiroHiro

      Hello Auru-san.

      Well, there are some models of GT series that you can choose between air conditioner-less and audio-less, and there are clearly few sound insulation materials.
      Compared to GTS etc., GT4 also has some sound insulation material omitted, and engine noise, gear noise, and road noise come in a lot.
      The legs are also stiff as it is, but since the body is solid there, there is not much unpleasant push up. However, the shaking at low speed is larger than the regular model.
      Also, the gear ratio is different, and PDK has no creep phenomenon. Therefore, various settings are not suitable for moving around the city. Besides, the torque characteristics of the engine are also different from the regular model.

      Although the GT series is a high-end grade, it is not a high-class grade, but a "high-performance" grade that has been swayed for driving.

      It is said that you got on a car with a strong push up, so you may feel the ride quality better than those.
      However, I think it would be nice if you could think that the personality and the situation you are aiming for are completely different from the 992 Carrera that is being compared.

  7. Aru

    Hiro Thank you for your answer.
    I didn't want luxury, so I ordered the 718 Cayman GT4.
    I don't know when the frame will be, but I'm looking forward to it.

    1
    • HiroHiro

      Hello Auru-san.

      Oh, right away! Congratulations on that!
      I'm looking forward to the delivery!