In the 90’s when the future of an independent Porsche seemed in doubt, TPTB decided to radically change course by designing and producing the vast majority of their automobiles for a more mainstream brand-conscious demographic. With the introduction of a sports-SUV, the Cayenne, and then the 996 series 911, Porsche abandoned their, “911’s were made to be everything to somebody,” philosophy and embraced the more pedestrian, “911’s are now made to be something to many,” meme.

And although the purists nearly had a collective breakdown, their ploy was a stroke of financial genius as the Cayenne [and then, Macan] created a VERY profitable Porsche which [to their credit] made good on their promise to create even better 911’s [turbo’s, gt2’s and gt3’s] for the purists. Of course, this came at quite a premium…enter the F Type.

I see the F type as taking the place of the pre-996 series 911’s, a car that was raw in spirit, but what it lacked in creature comforts, it more than made up for in performance and affordability.

But it didn’t stop there as the F Type took the basic 911 game plan and raised the ante by designing one of the most beautiful cars in the world, inside and out. Although the materials used in the cockpit were less than ideal, the comfort and ergonomics were solid. In my mind, the F Type is an old-style 911 but MUCH better in every way. Short on frills, long on thrills!

Perhaps there is really only one way to draw a proper analogy for these two cars [and I apologize to the women reading, but there is no greater compliment a car guy can give than to compare an automotive work of art to a woman. Be gentle .]

A modern 911 is like a very beautiful, mature, and refined woman with impeccable taste in wearing the latest fashions and jewelry. She moves with poise, grace, and a confidence letting you know that [for a very steep price indeed] everything is going to be just fine.

An F Type is like an absolutely gorgeous young woman with a perfect body and a devilish smile. She is most comfortable in a sundress and flip flops or low cut jeans and a white half cut tee-shirt and exudes unrelenting sexuality…and although you can not be with her all the time, when you are, she is EVERYTHING to you. And when you leave her, you always look back…thanking the gods above for such a wonderful gift!

 

Perfect analogy. Sent this to my good friend in PA who is a Porsche guy, had many 911 and now has a cayenne and cayman

loves them. He totally agrees with your comments. Cheers Frank

 

You may be right about the maturity and refinement but I've never seen a beautiful 911. Ugly jelly mould to my eyes.

 

I hear you but I was behind a brand new white gt3 yesterday and it was REALLY nice looking.

I am not sure that "beautiful" is the most appropriate descriptor for a 911, but the 992 series proportions seem to maximally enhance the iconic shape. Maybe it's just that you know what the car is capable of that makes it look better than it is? It sounded pretty incredible, as well.

 

Just a posh beetle shape innit.

 

As the owner of both, I can say with authority that the 911 is clearly a more refined sports car. And, it comes standard with anonymity, because no one will ever give you a thumbs-up at a light or come up to say how beautiful it is.

 

Or let you into traffic from a side road!

 

To me, the two are very different, like comparing a Prius and pickup truck. Each is good at different things, so any "conclusion" is totally pointless. You want a fast lap time, pick the P car. You want a beautiful GT car for street driving, you pick the F-Type. And since it's totally subjective, no one can argue with me!

 

I believe much of that started in the 80's when the 'greed is good' movement really got underway and 911's became associated with such. Porsche sold a ton of 3.2 Carerras in the mid to late 80's and they are great cars. I had an '88 coupe [GPW/black] and it was sweet. The 3.2 Carerra's are still holding up really well [value and otherwise]...one of the many benefits of over-engineering.

When I purchased my 98 C2S, I would get a lot of 'there's a 911 *******" kind of looks. I generally like to blend into the background [drove Saab's and Volvo's as daily drivers], so that always made me self-conscious. I've never felt that way about driving the F Type as people seem curious and friendly [something not that common in SoCal anymore]. Like others, I've received many compliments in parking lots.

For any of you who have not driven a 911, check one out. It's a pretty unique car and one that has built an incredible following over the years. Again, I would never trade my F type for anything other than a gt2rs/gt3rs, but even then I believe I would miss that special feeling you get driving a car this beautiful. Although it seems incredibly superficial, one cannot discount the effect that being around seriously nice things has on you.

 

I certainly don't believe 911s are ugly. As a kid I'd walk from school to the dealership just to dream of having one. Have had a couple. In the pure fun department, let alone looks, and not too mention probably 25% of the price of this pictured GT3 touring - I am more than happy with my 2015R.

 

Key issue: under 100mph the jaguar is a lot more fun. Simple.

 

Two of my business partners have 911's, One a coupe the the other a cab. The coupe is a '23. The GTS cab a '15.The 911's for some reason look better in person to me than in photos. The F type looks good either way.
The F type is British Muscle in a Ferrari body (sort of).