997 Turbo versus 997 GTS.
- Thread starter rjs993
- Start date
In simple terms the GTS was the run-out model of the 997 loaded with a number of desirable options such as alcantara, centre lock wheels, sports exhaust. It has the Powerkit fitted as standard taking power to 408 through the rear wheels, but with the wider shell as found on the 4 'S'. Felt by many (myself included as a proud owner) to be a special 911 (but not of the GT variant) prior to the introduction of the 991 with electric steering.
The Turbo is a bit of a beast and assume you're looking at a Gen 2 model? If so, with PDK there's probably not a lot quicker in a straight line out there for similar prices (bar the Nissan GTR). Really all depends what you want from a car. Personally, I found the Turbo a bit too clinical, albeit almost comedy fast in a straight line. It's also 4wd so slightly heavier.
The GTS is a little more involving for me and still gives you a good wallop in the back, you certainly have to keep an eye on the speedo when pushing on! Very difficult to draw a comparison between the two, as to me they're very different cars.
The Turbo is a bit of a beast and assume you're looking at a Gen 2 model? If so, with PDK there's probably not a lot quicker in a straight line out there for similar prices (bar the Nissan GTR). Really all depends what you want from a car. Personally, I found the Turbo a bit too clinical, albeit almost comedy fast in a straight line. It's also 4wd so slightly heavier.
The GTS is a little more involving for me and still gives you a good wallop in the back, you certainly have to keep an eye on the speedo when pushing on! Very difficult to draw a comparison between the two, as to me they're very different cars.
Thanks Andy.
I am flirting with a 997 but would like something a little different or "special" and the GTS caught my eye. What is your view on prices I.e. They appear to be able t turbo territory or more expensive?
Do you knew how many were made?
Best to look to dealer network or are there a few for sale orivately?
Thanks again.
Robert
I am flirting with a 997 but would like something a little different or "special" and the GTS caught my eye. What is your view on prices I.e. They appear to be able t turbo territory or more expensive?
Do you knew how many were made?
Best to look to dealer network or are there a few for sale orivately?
Thanks again.
Robert
Hi Robert, both are special cars. The Turbo is generally more expensive than the GTS....about £5-10k or so. The Gen 2 production figures are around 3,200 of which just over 300 were allocated to the UK....substantially fewer than Gen 1 Turbos and 996 Turbos, so quite desirable. it is extremely hard to find production figures for the GTS as it was, as mentioned earlier in the thread, a run-out model using the wide bodies.
both will hold value too imho. Given all the goodies in the GTS (most were pdk, all with chrono, power pack etc) and looks of both cars, it comes down to turbo power or not....a personal choice as they are both mightily nice chariots.
For me, the more aggressive style and raw speed of the Turbo would win the day in a limitless budget...
keenan
both will hold value too imho. Given all the goodies in the GTS (most were pdk, all with chrono, power pack etc) and looks of both cars, it comes down to turbo power or not....a personal choice as they are both mightily nice chariots.
For me, the more aggressive style and raw speed of the Turbo would win the day in a limitless budget...
keenan
As has been said, different cars, to some extent. The GTS is unique in that it's the only wide body RWD Carrera - wide body usually reserved for 4WD models. It shares the same mechanicals combo as the £140K+ 997 Sport Classic but with centre locks & PDK available on top.
No reason to compare it to a turbo other than performance (you can get a Carrera 4 GTS if you want AWD). The AWD only throws a lot of drive to the front when it detects it needs to, so it doesn't have a permanent influence at the front in that regard. So, back to performance. I drove a 997 GTS PDK extensively. It was ballistic when the engine is kept in the sweet spot and a bit wanting outside of it (I drove it in auto mostly) so I drove it in Sport Mode to keep the revs up but at times that's not how I wanted the car to drive so kept switching in and out of Sport Mode. The turbo has a much wider peak torque band so the acceleration is more effortless. Mine is a manual so not a direct comparison to driving a GTS in auto but I like the fact that it is ballistic without having to rev the nuts and bolts off it (peak torque from as low as 1950 RPM IIRC). Some people prefer to rev an engine and the higher rev range to play with. So there's that to consider as to what you personally like. I did deliberate over the same two myself. I wouldn’t tell you which one to go for as there's merit in either choice.
No reason to compare it to a turbo other than performance (you can get a Carrera 4 GTS if you want AWD). The AWD only throws a lot of drive to the front when it detects it needs to, so it doesn't have a permanent influence at the front in that regard. So, back to performance. I drove a 997 GTS PDK extensively. It was ballistic when the engine is kept in the sweet spot and a bit wanting outside of it (I drove it in auto mostly) so I drove it in Sport Mode to keep the revs up but at times that's not how I wanted the car to drive so kept switching in and out of Sport Mode. The turbo has a much wider peak torque band so the acceleration is more effortless. Mine is a manual so not a direct comparison to driving a GTS in auto but I like the fact that it is ballistic without having to rev the nuts and bolts off it (peak torque from as low as 1950 RPM IIRC). Some people prefer to rev an engine and the higher rev range to play with. So there's that to consider as to what you personally like. I did deliberate over the same two myself. I wouldn’t tell you which one to go for as there's merit in either choice.
Thanks everyone.
it was suggested to me that the naturally aspirated 997 engines were broadly based on the 996 unit but that the 997 Turbo is built around the 993 bottom end. Does anyone know if this is the case and what the implication is?
The suggestion to me was that some of the naturally aspirated engines are now in need of rebuild?
Thsnks
Robert
it was suggested to me that the naturally aspirated 997 engines were broadly based on the 996 unit but that the 997 Turbo is built around the 993 bottom end. Does anyone know if this is the case and what the implication is?
The suggestion to me was that some of the naturally aspirated engines are now in need of rebuild?
Thsnks
Robert
The 997 Gen 1 engines were similar to the 996 unit but the Gen 2 engines (as in the GTS) are completely different DFI engines that do not have the widely discussed (but possibly over exaggerated) faults of the Gen 1 engine. The Gen 2 engines are generally very reliable, good units.
The 997 Gen 1 Turbos have the Metzger engine (that you refer to as the 993 bottom end) are known to be very tough units as long as properly maintained and not over revved.
The 997 Gen 2 Turbo has the DFI engine which produces a little more power than the Gen 1 version and to the best of my knowledge has no known weakness.
The 997 Gen 1 Turbos have the Metzger engine (that you refer to as the 993 bottom end) are known to be very tough units as long as properly maintained and not over revved.
The 997 Gen 2 Turbo has the DFI engine which produces a little more power than the Gen 1 version and to the best of my knowledge has no known weakness.
Another difference between the Gen 1 and Gen 2 engines which often gets overlooked is the oil delivery. The Gen 1 uses a conventional mechanical oil pump whereas the Gen 2 uses a electronically variable pump with extra delivery points. My 997.2 PDK in auto mode just wants to get up to 7th gear as soon as possible to save fuel. That's fine, but if you want a bit more speed and gently depress the accelerator, it doesn't necessarily change down quickly so you have a situation where the engine is labouring, supposedly in the wrong gear. This is something you really wouldn't do in any car if you're driving with mechanical sympathy, until that is, you notice you're spinning 1700RPM but the oil pressure has leapt from 1.5 to 3.5 bar! I challenge anyone with a Gen 1 engine to show 3.5 bar oil pressure at 1700 RPM... In my experience, the Gen 1 mechanical pump's oil pressure is largely proportional to engine speed. I think this is another strong feature of the Gen 2 engine - especially if you like PDK.
ted walker
New member
Having just bought a PDK GTS 2wd I can say what a good combination of power and comfort they offer, having , owned a good selection of Porsches inc an original GT3 Clubsport, I think the GTS is an ideal package.
KXJ 911Turbo said:
'ello mister!
Nice car in that avatar
. To add my £0.02 to the debate, I just bought a 997.2 Turbo Coupe and to my eye it looks stunning; better than the GTS. Yes its a real treat to drive, although I haven't done many miles since before Christmas, I have much to learn in that department, but I have spent hours on a deep clean inside and out and it is a real treat to behold. I think the 997 is a modern classic and will, in time, age very very well. I see it as a more reliable, more usable, safer, 993.
Keep us posted on what you opt for, both amazing cars and you won't be disappointed regardless of your choice. Part of the fun is seeking out the right car and don't rush - there's a steady supply of both so worth holding out for the spec you want. I waited 6 months to try and find my perfect spec and still had to compromise slightly, but worth the wait. Personally, I decided to buy from an OPC as the saving in a private sale just didn't stack up when thinking about warranty.
Only problem a private purchase, Clive, is that you have to own the car for 90 days before you get an extended warranty. Then the 111 point check may throw up a number of items which need attention (and money!) before they will issue the warranty. Thus the potential "saving" on a private purchase is very much an unknown if one wishes to go with the Porsche Extended warranty subsequently?
angusc
New member
I purchased both my C4S 997.1 and my Cayenne S TT through E-bay. Both 2006 cars and both had very similar wear and tear items that required replacing. You know a good car when you see one and for me and my purchases, I could see that these were both genuine cars and worth the trip to look at them in person. In fact I purchased the 997.1 just by looking at the online photos and speaking to the private seller, he kindly delivered the car and the rest is history. With the CTTS I traveled to Spain to purchase it, after seeing the condition online, no disappointments there either. It was LHD German ex_Porsche Directors car when new so was fully spec'ed out!
You can buy some great cars online and I expect you can also buy a bag of troubles if your not careful. However in my experiences, trust your gut feelings and talk to the sellers as you always can tell if someone is a genuine private seller or trying to shift a bad product.
On the forum there is a lot of talk and topical discussions about having extended warranties, but is it really the be-all and end-all in owning a great car?! Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry every time the discussion about replacement batteries and extended warranties comes up on the forum.
You can buy some great cars online and I expect you can also buy a bag of troubles if your not careful. However in my experiences, trust your gut feelings and talk to the sellers as you always can tell if someone is a genuine private seller or trying to shift a bad product.
On the forum there is a lot of talk and topical discussions about having extended warranties, but is it really the be-all and end-all in owning a great car?! Sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry every time the discussion about replacement batteries and extended warranties comes up on the forum.
Posts made and opinions expressed are those of the individual forum members
Use of the Forum is subject to the Terms and Conditions
