So what is the perfect spec 997?
Discussion
Having driven a new 991 recently I felt that the ethos of the traditional 911 has been long forgotten, and the list price is astronomical! So I have decided to spend my budget on a 997. Much as I would love a gt3 I feel they are a little low for daily use, I also like the idea of rear seats for occasional use. Should I go for the sports suspension? Short shift gearbox option? Is the power kit the way to go? In short I'm wanting a pure 911 gt3 experience for less cash! What do you think?
OK I have owned quite a few of these in various different forms and the below is my opinion from experience:
2WD/4WD: I prefer the feel and daily enjoyment from the 2WD cars. 4WD I wouldn't rule out necessarily if the right car came along, as the differences are not huge - but I certainly would not be actively looking for one.
Turbo/NA: The Turbo is a fantastic car, but seems a little less involving than NA. Once the rush of that power subsides, the NA cars seem to give more back as a day to day driver.
Sport Suspension: Don't bother, the lower height looks meaner, but in reality on UK roads it is less confidence inspiring than a standard PASM setup.
'S'/non 'S'/Powerkit: An 'S' is worth the extra spend. Spec usually better. Powerkit, nice to have but doesn't make enough of a difference to justify too much extra cash. I love the GTS as it gives me the wider backside in a 2WD car with back seats and the powerkit it a bonus
Sports Exhaust: Yes!
Tip/PDK/Manual: No to Tip (old hat), PDK is a brilliant 'box, I enjoy the total control a manual gives me.
Gen1/2: Gen 2 has PCM3 and only way into PDK if that is on your list. PCM3 is the first nav/phone combo really worth the money.
So - 997 Gen 2 manual with sport exhaust, PCM, bluetooth is my ideal. If you can stretch to a GTS I would recommend it. If you get PDK the sports chrono adds value (but not really worth it on a manual IMO).
The rest is cosmetic.......
Happy hunting.
2WD/4WD: I prefer the feel and daily enjoyment from the 2WD cars. 4WD I wouldn't rule out necessarily if the right car came along, as the differences are not huge - but I certainly would not be actively looking for one.
Turbo/NA: The Turbo is a fantastic car, but seems a little less involving than NA. Once the rush of that power subsides, the NA cars seem to give more back as a day to day driver.
Sport Suspension: Don't bother, the lower height looks meaner, but in reality on UK roads it is less confidence inspiring than a standard PASM setup.
'S'/non 'S'/Powerkit: An 'S' is worth the extra spend. Spec usually better. Powerkit, nice to have but doesn't make enough of a difference to justify too much extra cash. I love the GTS as it gives me the wider backside in a 2WD car with back seats and the powerkit it a bonus
Sports Exhaust: Yes!
Tip/PDK/Manual: No to Tip (old hat), PDK is a brilliant 'box, I enjoy the total control a manual gives me.
Gen1/2: Gen 2 has PCM3 and only way into PDK if that is on your list. PCM3 is the first nav/phone combo really worth the money.
So - 997 Gen 2 manual with sport exhaust, PCM, bluetooth is my ideal. If you can stretch to a GTS I would recommend it. If you get PDK the sports chrono adds value (but not really worth it on a manual IMO).
The rest is cosmetic.......
Happy hunting.
spot on.were it me, and I could magic the ideal driver spec
and assuming a GTS is not in the running?
Gen 2 non,s on 18" wheels, with no PASM,
but with PSE, short shifter (though actualy I reckon teh GT3 shifter is better and easily retrofitable) and the folding carbon back buckets, doubt anyone specced those though, but you can add later
I really don't think you need more power than that
and assuming a GTS is not in the running?
Gen 2 non,s on 18" wheels, with no PASM,
but with PSE, short shifter (though actualy I reckon teh GT3 shifter is better and easily retrofitable) and the folding carbon back buckets, doubt anyone specced those though, but you can add later
I really don't think you need more power than that
I had the pleasure of driving a 964 rs a while ago and loved the feel of connection the car gave, yes hard riding but it felt so much purer for it. To be honest I would love one but not at the price they are now going for! For me the 997 is a modern refined porsche, which I love, but I like the idea of 'dialing it back a bit' to give a more classic feel.
So I was thinking...
Sports suspension
2 wheel drive
Power kit - More power has got to be a good thing!?
Short shift
Manual - Obviously!
Steering wheel change? momo etc
So I was thinking...
Sports suspension
2 wheel drive
Power kit - More power has got to be a good thing!?
Short shift
Manual - Obviously!
Steering wheel change? momo etc
MrTickle said:
OK I have owned quite a few of these in various different forms and the below is my opinion from experience:
2WD/4WD: I prefer the feel and daily enjoyment from the 2WD cars. 4WD I wouldn't rule out necessarily if the right car came along, as the differences are not huge - but I certainly would not be actively looking for one.
Turbo/NA: The Turbo is a fantastic car, but seems a little less involving than NA. Once the rush of that power subsides, the NA cars seem to give more back as a day to day driver.
Sport Suspension: Don't bother, the lower height looks meaner, but in reality on UK roads it is less confidence inspiring than a standard PASM setup.
'S'/non 'S'/Powerkit: An 'S' is worth the extra spend. Spec usually better. Powerkit, nice to have but doesn't make enough of a difference to justify too much extra cash. I love the GTS as it gives me the wider backside in a 2WD car with back seats and the powerkit it a bonus
Sports Exhaust: Yes!
Tip/PDK/Manual: No to Tip (old hat), PDK is a brilliant 'box, I enjoy the total control a manual gives me.
Gen1/2: Gen 2 has PCM3 and only way into PDK if that is on your list. PCM3 is the first nav/phone combo really worth the money.
So - 997 Gen 2 manual with sport exhaust, PCM, bluetooth is my ideal. If you can stretch to a GTS I would recommend it. If you get PDK the sports chrono adds value (but not really worth it on a manual IMO).
The rest is cosmetic.......
Happy hunting.
Think you've nailed it there. Not really much else to add other than the PSE is a must (I say this as mine didn't have one) and that I would make a point of searching for a car without a rear wiper as I happen to think this apparently insignificant piece of metal and plastic atop the rear window utterly ruins the rear aspect of the car. 2WD/4WD: I prefer the feel and daily enjoyment from the 2WD cars. 4WD I wouldn't rule out necessarily if the right car came along, as the differences are not huge - but I certainly would not be actively looking for one.
Turbo/NA: The Turbo is a fantastic car, but seems a little less involving than NA. Once the rush of that power subsides, the NA cars seem to give more back as a day to day driver.
Sport Suspension: Don't bother, the lower height looks meaner, but in reality on UK roads it is less confidence inspiring than a standard PASM setup.
'S'/non 'S'/Powerkit: An 'S' is worth the extra spend. Spec usually better. Powerkit, nice to have but doesn't make enough of a difference to justify too much extra cash. I love the GTS as it gives me the wider backside in a 2WD car with back seats and the powerkit it a bonus
Sports Exhaust: Yes!
Tip/PDK/Manual: No to Tip (old hat), PDK is a brilliant 'box, I enjoy the total control a manual gives me.
Gen1/2: Gen 2 has PCM3 and only way into PDK if that is on your list. PCM3 is the first nav/phone combo really worth the money.
So - 997 Gen 2 manual with sport exhaust, PCM, bluetooth is my ideal. If you can stretch to a GTS I would recommend it. If you get PDK the sports chrono adds value (but not really worth it on a manual IMO).
The rest is cosmetic.......
Happy hunting.
Both are a matter of personal taste however and don't affect the performance or capability of the car.
Nice position to be in. I miss mine badly.
MrTickle said:
OK I have owned quite a few of these in various different forms and the below is my opinion from experience:
2WD/4WD: I prefer the feel and daily enjoyment from the 2WD cars. 4WD I wouldn't rule out necessarily if the right car came along, as the differences are not huge - but I certainly would not be actively looking for one.
Turbo/NA: The Turbo is a fantastic car, but seems a little less involving than NA. Once the rush of that power subsides, the NA cars seem to give more back as a day to day driver.
Sport Suspension: Don't bother, the lower height looks meaner, but in reality on UK roads it is less confidence inspiring than a standard PASM setup.
'S'/non 'S'/Powerkit: An 'S' is worth the extra spend. Spec usually better. Powerkit, nice to have but doesn't make enough of a difference to justify too much extra cash. I love the GTS as it gives me the wider backside in a 2WD car with back seats and the powerkit it a bonus
Sports Exhaust: Yes!
Tip/PDK/Manual: No to Tip (old hat), PDK is a brilliant 'box, I enjoy the total control a manual gives me.
Gen1/2: Gen 2 has PCM3 and only way into PDK if that is on your list. PCM3 is the first nav/phone combo really worth the money.
So - 997 Gen 2 manual with sport exhaust, PCM, bluetooth is my ideal. If you can stretch to a GTS I would recommend it. If you get PDK the sports chrono adds value (but not really worth it on a manual IMO).
The rest is cosmetic.......
Happy hunting.
Agreed, you've pretty much nailed it with the above. 2WD/4WD: I prefer the feel and daily enjoyment from the 2WD cars. 4WD I wouldn't rule out necessarily if the right car came along, as the differences are not huge - but I certainly would not be actively looking for one.
Turbo/NA: The Turbo is a fantastic car, but seems a little less involving than NA. Once the rush of that power subsides, the NA cars seem to give more back as a day to day driver.
Sport Suspension: Don't bother, the lower height looks meaner, but in reality on UK roads it is less confidence inspiring than a standard PASM setup.
'S'/non 'S'/Powerkit: An 'S' is worth the extra spend. Spec usually better. Powerkit, nice to have but doesn't make enough of a difference to justify too much extra cash. I love the GTS as it gives me the wider backside in a 2WD car with back seats and the powerkit it a bonus
Sports Exhaust: Yes!
Tip/PDK/Manual: No to Tip (old hat), PDK is a brilliant 'box, I enjoy the total control a manual gives me.
Gen1/2: Gen 2 has PCM3 and only way into PDK if that is on your list. PCM3 is the first nav/phone combo really worth the money.
So - 997 Gen 2 manual with sport exhaust, PCM, bluetooth is my ideal. If you can stretch to a GTS I would recommend it. If you get PDK the sports chrono adds value (but not really worth it on a manual IMO).
The rest is cosmetic.......
Happy hunting.
All I'd add is that Sports Chrono is ESSENTIAL with PDK as it adds Sport / Sport Plus modes to the gearbox/throttle maps. Without these the PDK is dire! It is possible to have the software and switches for these modes retro-fitted to non-S/C vehicles, but it's expensive. Finally the S/C package adds Launch Control. It's epic, honestly, but I don't know anyone (me included) who's ever used it more then the once or twice it takes to see what it does. Thereafter it's pointless!
After a plethora of differing models, cars and spec. I ended up with:
997 GTS Manual with PCM/Phone in Guards red and a couple of make it pretty bits.
Sports Exhaust comes as standard on Powerkit cars anyway.
First car I have owned for over a year and have absolutely no desire to change it - 991 included.
997 GTS Manual with PCM/Phone in Guards red and a couple of make it pretty bits.
Sports Exhaust comes as standard on Powerkit cars anyway.
First car I have owned for over a year and have absolutely no desire to change it - 991 included.
Another thought - I really wouldn't bother with the factory powerkit. The graph below shows the power and torque outputs for both 997S.2 and 997S.2 X-51 / GTS. The graph starts at Zero on both axes so as not to give an exaggerated difference - this is the true, very small 'improvement' you get from the powerkit for your £10,000. (Also note the REDUCED torque through the upper midband). The only real improvement is the last 1000rpm above 6500, but when the X-51 changes-up from peak rpm it'll drop you back into the 'reduced torque' revs band. So in every gear you lose, then you win, lose then you win etc. The performance differences must be minute....
Edited by Ian_UK1 on Thursday 24th January 16:41
estacion said:
Sports suspension
Power kit - More power has got to be a good thing!?
Short shift
Steering wheel change? momo etc
Seriously, I had a C2S with the sport suspension and LSD and switched back to a PASM car. It was not because it was firm (my wife has a JCW R53 Mini on 18's with runflats and trust me, everything feels soft and spongy after that!) but on rough UK A & B roads unless you are related to Tommi Makinen the skitty nature of the setup makes you drive slower. Power kit - More power has got to be a good thing!?
Short shift
Steering wheel change? momo etc
Powerkit nice to have, short shift also nice, steering wheel change is not the sort of thing I would do.
Ian_UK1 said:
Another thought - I really wouldn't bother with the factory powerkit. The graph below shows the power and torque outputs for both 997S.2 and 997S.2 X-51 / GTS. The graph starts at Zero on both axes so as not to give an exaggerated difference - this is the true, very small 'improvement' you get from the powerkit for your £10,000. (Also note the REDUCED torque through the upper midband). The only real improvement is the last 1000rpm above 6500, but when the X-51 changes-up from peak rpm it'll drop you back into the 'reduced torque' revs band. So in every gear you lose, then you win, lose then you win etc. The performance differences must be minute....
Whilst I agree with you @ £10K - he is talking used, so there is not that much of a difference if he can find an equivalent X51 or GTS car. A small premium is worth it - have you heard that engine in the last 1000rpm? The sound alone is worth a couple of grand Edited by Ian_UK1 on Thursday 24th January 16:41
100% agree with Mr Tickle! Spot on.
If you bring price into it, you'll see that a 991 2nd hand can be had for not much more than a late GTS if you're looking at the 60-70k price bracket.
- 50-60k, I'd go 2wd GTS
- 40-50k I'd go Gen 2 S
- 30-40k would be a 997 S with Porsche warranty.
I have Bose, which is never turned up. PASM, which just removes all suspension when pressed so I never do. PSE sounded a bit naff to me, as it did on the 991 when I attended the 991 launch at Silverstone. The only definite is if you prefer manual or PDK. Definitely don't bother with tip in a 911 or as some put it, s
t-tronic
If you bring price into it, you'll see that a 991 2nd hand can be had for not much more than a late GTS if you're looking at the 60-70k price bracket.
- 50-60k, I'd go 2wd GTS
- 40-50k I'd go Gen 2 S
- 30-40k would be a 997 S with Porsche warranty.
I have Bose, which is never turned up. PASM, which just removes all suspension when pressed so I never do. PSE sounded a bit naff to me, as it did on the 991 when I attended the 991 launch at Silverstone. The only definite is if you prefer manual or PDK. Definitely don't bother with tip in a 911 or as some put it, s
t-tronic
Ian_UK1 said:
Another thought - I really wouldn't bother with the factory powerkit. The graph below shows the power and torque outputs for both 997S.2 and 997S.2 X-51 / GTS. The graph starts at Zero on both axes so as not to give an exaggerated difference - this is the true, very small 'improvement' you get from the powerkit for your £10,000. (Also note the REDUCED torque through the upper midband). The only real improvement is the last 1000rpm above 6500, but when the X-51 changes-up from peak rpm it'll drop you back into the 'reduced torque' revs band. So in every gear you lose, then you win, lose then you win etc. The performance differences must be minute....
I wouldn't be quite as harsh as you. I've not driven either, but looking at the graph, I'd say th epowerkit delivers on 2 frontsEdited by Ian_UK1 on Thursday 24th January 16:41
1) the car is going to be quite a lot more eager to the redline in the last 1k rpm or so for which I'd forgive it losing out a little bit to the standard car between 5750 and 6500rpm.
2) the low and mid range is a lot better
IMHO, (1) means you'll get the more racy GT3 feel when pinning it with the added bonus of (2) which gives you more oomph in the part of the revs where you spend 90% of your time
Bets of both worlds! Worth £10k as a new option? Def not. Worth a couple of £k (no idea if that's what they're asking) over a regular car now? I'd pay it I reckonGassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff