Porsche 911 (991) (2011 – 2015) Review

Porsche 911 (991) (2011 – 2015) At A Glance

5/5

+All-new 911 is lighter and faster. Retains familiar shape with a new interior. Six speed PDK or seven speed manual transmissions. Still the definitive sports car.

-Starts at more than £70,000.

Insurance Groups are between 49–50
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The styling may be traditional 911 but this version of Porsche's iconic sports car - designated as the 991 - is a big step forward. There’re a few fairly obvious changes from the previous generation model, the roofline is lower and the tail lights are smaller, but the meat of the changes are under the skin.

The wheelbase has been increased by 100mm to improve stability while the body and chassis are made from more lightweight materials. There are a host of aerodynamic tweaks to reduce lift and increase downforce while maintaining a low drag coefficient, which is good for fuel economy.

The engine remains, as always, a flat-six – the Carrera model gets a 3.4-litre 350PS unit while the Carrera S gets a 3.8-litre engine producing 400PS.

The lower powered engine, when fitted with a PDK gearbox, gets the 911 from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, and that’s cut to 4.4 seconds when the optional Sport Chrono Pack is specified. The 3.8-litre Carrera S is slightly quicker to 62mph, taking 4.3 seconds, or 4.1 seconds in Sport Plus trim.

To enhance handling and dynamics over the outgoing model there’s a wider front track, a new rear axle and a new electro-mechanical power steering system. Carrera S models get Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), which reduces body roll through bends, meaning the tyres are always in the optimal position to keep the car gripped to the road.

Inside the cabin there are traditional 911 features, like the instrument cluster with five dials, coupled with modern technology, which includes a high resolution multi-function display.

Standard equipment on all models includes leather upholstery, automatic climate control, 7-inch touch screen infotainment system with sat-nav, MP3 connectivity and Porsche Stability Management.

Porsche 911 2012 Road Test

Porsche 911 2014 Targa Road Test

Porsche 911 991 C4 GTS cabrio 2015 Road Test

Real MPG average for a Porsche 911 (991) (2011 – 2015)

RealMPG

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

75%

Real MPG

18–33 mpg

MPGs submitted

23

Diesel or petrol? If you're unsure whether to go for a petrol or diesel (or even an electric model if it's available), then you need our Petrol or Diesel? calculator. It does the maths on petrols, diesels and electric cars to show which is best suited to you.

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Ask Honest John

Where can I get a windscreen replacement for my Porsche?

"I need a windscreen replacement on my Porsche 911 991 Turbo S, it got cracked by a stone last week. Admiral want to use Autoglass who may fit a pattern part and don't appear to have any equipment to re-calibrate all the screen fitted components, overhead cameras, auto light and wiper sensors etc. It's a very late and low mileage example so I want to protect its value and originality. They will let me pay the difference for an OEM part but I still have the calibration concerns and quality of repair. What do you think my options may be please?"
If originality is your main priority then we would suggest either contacting your local Porsche dealership or an independent Porsche specialist, who will be able to either supply or arrange the fitment of an OEM-specification windscreen and ensure that the windscreen sensors are correctly calibrated.
Answered by David Ross

What's best - a Porsche 997 GT3 RS or a 991 GT3 Touring?

"In the privileged position of contemplating a 997.2 GT3 RS or a 991.2 GT3 touring. Obviously manual linkages are my thing having owned a string of manual 911s over the years and my current pdk equipped turbo simply being too sterile. My question is longevity, enjoyment and passing it on to my son when I'm no longer sharp enough to use the car for it's intended purpose."
There are no bad choices here, as both versions of the 911 are outstanding machines in their own right. Arguably the GT3 Touring is more usable than the track-focussed GT3 RS and so has the potential to be driven more frequently, but the GT3 RS will likely hold its value better over the years.
Answered by David Ross

Can I drive a SORN car to an MoT?

"I have my Porsche 911 that's been SORN for a few years. Can I just insure it so I can drive it to my mechanics for an MoT or will I have to un-SORN it first?"
Yes you can drive a vehicle with a SORN on a public road to go to or from a pre-booked MoT or other testing appointment as long as it is insured.
Answered by David Ross

Why does my Porsche 911 991 rattle?

"I bought a six month old Porsche 911 (991) model Carrera from a Porsche main dealer in September 2015. Mechanically the car is perfect, but there is an abundance of creaks and rattles from the interior - mainly door cards and back seats, although the dash rattles a bit too sometimes. I rarely drive the car but when I do the noise makes me not want to. Do you know if this is a warranty item or something I need to fix myself? The car was originally registered in March 2015 and has covered 14,000 miles."
Reads as if it has been crashed, repaired and re-assembled. Worth getting that checked by a bodyshop. If all original, then back to the dealer and if he won't fix it then it's a matter of finding a local car upholsterer and trimmer.
Answered by Honest John
More Questions

What does a Porsche 911 (991) (2011 – 2015) cost?