2011 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS

Pros: Classic 911 looks. Excellent performance, without being as track-oriented as the GT3. Best naturally-aspirated 911 with a back seat. Wide-bodied look in a traditional rear-wheel drive 911. Decent amount (for a Porsche) of items included as standard.

Cons: Alcantara interior, black painted wheels, and centerlock wheels are included as standard, but aren't for everyone (I like them). They can be deleted at no additional charge, so it's only an issue if you're shopping for a used 911 GTS.

Summary: I test drove the new Porsche 991 Carrera S and the 997 GTS -- and ended up liking the GTS more! So last month I bought a new 2012 911 GTS coupe with a six-speed manual in aqua blue. The GTS feels more like a true sports car than the 991: smaller, louder, more raw and engaging. The 991 has a smoother ride, a few options not available on the GTS, and would be a superior highwaymobile. But that's not what I wanted.

As the last of its generation, the GTS is a solid, well-thought-out sports car so capable that you won't reach its limits on a public road. I drove a BMW M3, a Lexus IS-F, and a Lotus Evora on the track at Laguna Seca, and the M3 and IS-F felt a bit heavy and piggish. They wanted to wallow through the corners (relatively speaking) compared to the Evora, which pivoted precisely where you wanted, when you wanted. The GTS is in the same league, though the Evora has an edge. (Lotus' problem is that you get much more for your money, and a better-sorted, more reliable car, with the Porsche.)

Back to the 991 vs. GTS comparison. In reality, it's easy to overstate the differences. Most people probably couldn't tell them apart with a casual glance. Sit behind the wheel, however, and the changes become more obvious, starting with the 991's disappearing parking brake and the Panamara-imported center console.

One final note: Porsche dealers as of March 2012 aren't significantly discounting the 991. It's easier to get a good deal on a new GTS. What are you waiting for? :)