stout

Spent a lot of miles in both, have a 991, and…between the two cars the OP asked about, no question for me: 997 GTS.

The 997 GTS is one of the top 5-10 modern 911s I've driven, with the rest of the spots (all but one?) mostly taken by cars with GTx, the "x" being a number. And I find the 997 GTS more alluring than most of those, too. It's quite simply a fantastic drive, and, with the standard GTS suspension, one of the sharpest back-road 911s to come from the factory—this judgement made a few weeks after running the same roads in a 997 GT3 RS 3.8 and 997 GT2 RS. In fact, the only 997 that I like better than the GTS (in stock form) is the RS 4.0. The GTS's handling is brilliant, and the ride is supple too?

csa

stout

If we are talking about driving dynamics (not "experience" in terms of PCM, tech, etc), yes. I think so, anyway. 997 GTS in all forms (with the standard GTS suspension) was a "wow" for me. 991.1 Cabrio was good, but a bit distant/numb when pressing on. It was certainly accomplished, but somehow not as sharp. Maybe it was because it was the first 911 with a big wheelbase stretch in a very long time? Or? I dunno, but I tested a 997 GTS Cabrio back to back with a 997 Speedster years ago and the GTS looked better and was every bit as inspiring—for half the money. In fact, we tested those two over some challenging roads we'd just been over a few weeks earlier in two 997 RSs, and the GTS Cab handled some turns and surfaces notably better. "I wonder if this is actually faster here…" was one thought that came to mind while the GTS kept its inside front tire planted into a dipping bend where the RSs got unweighted. More importantly, the GTS was a LOT of fun on that test.

Such a deal at $10: https://www.excellence-mag.com/issues/191

csa

stout

^ With that input, you can narrow your search to a 997 GTS.

If it were me, I'd take a 997 GTS coupe or cab over a 991.1S of any kind, and I am not a 911 cabrio guy—with very few exceptions, this despite liking some of them. The 991.1S is "nicer" with more convenience and development and safety and comfort and features, as expected. Maybe faster, too, with the track changes, longer wheelbase, etc etc. But it feels like the first stop on a new road where the 997 GTS was one very sweet cherry on top of the 996-997 path. Among the non-GT cars, it's the best 997 Porsche produced for serious drivers. Never thought about the 997 GTS that way until now, but can't see any holes in that logic after testing every version of the 996 and 997 made, or very close to it—usually with 500-1000+ miles on the right roads and, in many cases, good tracks. It just nails that blend of excitement and usability and approachability and keeness. Think 987.2 Boxster Spyder good, but as a 911—one you can use all the time, for everything.

Those who have had them, know.

csa

PCA1983

I felt that way too, and loved my 991.1 C2S. But the 3.0 TT's are game changers. Much more gravitas - one drive and i was sold. The 3.0 TT Hp gains are decent but the torque gains are huge, especially when you look at the curves and you feel it it the seat. And my new one sounds better than my old NA, after i got rid of the factory cats. People need to hear it to believe it.
Altho I'm not going the tune route yet, with mine at only 7 months and 4200 miles, the 991.2's are tuners' dream cars. Stage 1 tunes of 530 Hp and 480 ft-lbs readily available, and easy on the wallet.

Liste-Renn

Pete,
I totally agree with your characterization of the 997 GTS. I own one, a 6MT, RWD model with PASM, Sport Chrono LSD, 18-way seats and PDLS options. I drive it mostly in the Malibu Canyons, Angeles Crest Highway, the PCH and Highway 33 above Ojai. No track time, so a 997.2 GT3's harsher suspension, 42-hp advantage (but nearly equal torque) are pretty superfluous. I would relish its 1000 RPM higher redline, though. The 992.1S is, yes, longer and more refined. The 991GTS variant is faster. I want one.

But for me, as well, the 997 GTS occupies a sweet spot in the 911 lineup. Plush enough to be a DD, but analog and aggressive enough to satisfy my craving for a throwback 911. RWD, NA, 6MT, hydro-mechanical steering, a ratcheting handbrake, wide-body hips (concealing 305's ), Alcantara, PASM and Sport Exhaust all combine into a cool form-follows-function alchemy.

I drove mine from Boston to LA via Canada and the entire Pacific Coast Highway (total of >11K miles over 3 months) totally avoiding interstates. A better combination of comfort, performance and style is hard for me to imagine. As I said, it is now more a back road toy than a Gran Turismo, but performs both functions with supreme competence.

The 997 GTS feels really special to me, so it is gratifying to hear a validating opinion from a guy who has driven virtually all of the 911 variants on some of the most challenging public roads, and ranks the stock 997 GTS model so highly. (Top 5-10) We all drive these cars, but most of us do not write well enough to accurately convey how we feel while doing so, let alone rack and stack a model against the other excellent choices in the 911 model range. We obviously share the same appreciation for this model.

Thanks for sharing your extensive experience and resulting opinion so eloquently.

K-A

The opposite happened with me. the base 3.0 just reiterated my appreciation for the N/A 9A1.

Porsch

Kayer

Thank you! I am learning every day about these cars. I am making my third purchase now. Hoping for no mistakes or surprises here. I am purchasing a 991 S. The color combination just was so unique to me. Have not completed the transaction.

Kayer

I did choose the 991S. Not here yet. I will post pics in about 10 days.