Kg11

Hi everyone,

I had more or less settled on a 2014 991 base manual with Aerokit for track work (plus suspension upgrades) but a 997 GTS just came up for sale locally. The 997 has more miles at 35,000 and is PDK in a color I love (GT Silver), but other than that, has all the fun stuff I would want for only $6 grand more. Now I am torn!

What I like about the 997: more power, has better suspension stock, doesn't need any power upgrades, great resale value, looks awesome. The GTS is still 64% of retail price, even given the 35,000 miles and 2011 model year.

What I like about the 991: Aerokit 991 looks more aggressive, manual, likely to also hold value well, lower mileage. What I don't like: stock non-PASM suspension and ride height which will require mods; would want to add a tune and headers to wake the 3.4L up, both of which will cost money.

Toss ups: the 991 probably out handles the 997, but the 997 has a special character that isn't easily replicated and may be a heck of a lot of fun. The 997 will feel more "rear engined" as well, especially compared to our Cayman. Both good and bad.

I figure the Base w/mods runs me about $6k more over 4 years than the GTS. Of course, the base w/mods probably outhandles the older GTS platform, but for DE events, faster isn't always better. I like the idea of a slightly older, more difficult to drive chassis. I also love the current 991 platform: it is quite dialed.

Which would you go with? I have had a couple of 997.2 models over the years and a 991 C2S with all of the performance upgrades one could get. The 991 is definitely faster; the 997 feels faster and more raw.

garfunkle

991 will out handle and outperform in every way. GTS will be more of an occasion and will always be more special. If it was a manual 997 then I would urge you to definitely go 997 but in this case I'd put my money on the 991.

Just my opinion but I think the 997 to have is a manual and I'd not consider a pdk. For a 991 I lean to a PDK but doesn't matter since you're getting the pinnacle of DCT and anginas in one!

garfunkle

Also - your predicament is why I have a 991 PDK and a 987.2 Manual with lots of mods

Bxstr

If this is a car you're using on the weekends only, I would go with the 997. If you're going to be driving it more, going to work, road trips, then get the 991.

shammerman

I came from a 2011 4S (997.2) to 2015 Targa 4S (991.1) and the Targa is so much more enjoyable (not just because it is a Targa vs. Coupe). The 997.2 was much more raw, noisy and rough compared to the 991.1 which is a pleasure in every single way. Handling, sound level, comfort level, livability. I could never go back.

Yc911Kid

if it's an s would be more nail biting, vs a base 7.2 gts easy pick, you will feel the lack of power from base esp on track

desmotesta

totally agree with the folks who have said that driving experience on the 997.2 GTS will be more of an occasion Vs the 991.1Base.
Buy the 997.2 if this is your weekend car, or not a 100% daily driver. 997.2 GTS ia a very special car with a very special engine. It has TONS more feel, is raw, will feel unsophisticated (when compared back to back), will be more enjoyable when pushed. 991.1 base in comparison is very refined, lacks a bit a feel.
As for future resale and uniqueness goes, 997.2 GTS will win hands down again.

991.1 will give you the "new" model look.. 997 are starting to look very dated, but thats just another word for "classic"..

I dont envy being in your shoes. its a very tough decision..

sorry I can't be of much help

Chris M.

Don’t forget to consider dealing with center lock wheels on the GTS (unless you found a rare CL-delete car). I could not find a tire shop or an indy capable of handling them which means you can only go to the dealer.

Kg11

I forgot about that! I have the CL tools but many need to do some searching when swapping tires out.

This is a really tough decision. We have a 991 cab already....I am leaning 997 now honesty. Something different. The cab is loaded with all performance features but it is still a cab....it will be nice to have a coupe. We will HPDE both cars.

Kg11

We owned a 997.2 C4S for a couple of years and it was a firmer ride; with that said, we did a 25 hour road trip and I didn't notice it. My other vehicle is a 2003 Toyota Tacoma with Tundra-spec Bilstiens and stiffer leaf springs. That is a firm ride....

stout

Here's one 991 driver who would choose the 997 GTS every time unless I needed the 991's larger back seats (which I do). I love the 991 platform, but the 997 GTS was a very, very special car.

3Series

If you are going to track it, 991 base. Aftermarket suspension will be better than any stock suspension. The car will get trashed anyway and a 991 base is more disposable than a 997 GTS. What tracks will you be at, for many, the top end power difference won't make that big of a difference.
6 speed helps it terms of cost compared to PDK if you need to replace the tranny. Smaller brakes on the 991, you can probably run smaller wheels which means cheaper tires.

GTS will hold value better, is more rare and is a special car. It's also a great car to track.

No bad choice here. Buy both. Or buy one and sell it in a year and get another.

Kg11

Gosh, I would love to own both! It would mean selling our Cayman S and our 991 C2S cab though. My wife is in love with the C2S cab: she says it is a properly feminine car for her.

koala

The 991 base simply because it has a MT. But, the 997 GTS will be the better performing car in most ways.

Kg11

Yeah, our thinking too....I love the GTS and I love the Aerokit 991 base. I know the 991 will be faster around the corners, no doubt, but the 997 GTS is pretty special. I could see us keeping it for 5 or 6 years and selling it with 80,000 miles: I bet it would still be worth $40-45k even then.

I might look into a warranty though to deal with potential PDK failure and bore scoring.