Went through the same calculus. You need to be getting a good deal on the GTS for it to make sense.

Ironically, I was getting a better deal on a 992 locally on a custom build than the 2K mile CPO I was looking at out of town. That was a big factor. I want PCCBs and sports package without any extra options. Most PCCB builds out there are optioned into the stratosphere.

Pros/Cons on both cars - I don't think you can make a bad decision. For me it was money and build preference that decided it.

 

I was wondering if I should just wait for the GTS and my dealer said he wouldn’t expect to even have allocations until the very end of this year. This is a large SoCal dealer that does high volumes as well. I’m current in a 718 Cayman S (my second Cayman) and will likely just pull the trigger on a 992 S this month. Not gonna wait a year for a GTS.

 

Both are great but the specs will result in a different experience. Since the 992 spec doesn't include the sport suspension, the GTS will be 20mm lower. You may like this for handling but may also miss the ground clearance. It looks like the 992 doesn't have the sport exhaust, which is standard on the GTS. The 992 is "better" in many ways but the GTS will likely give you a more connected and mechanical feeling. I like both but they are different. With these specs, the GTS will feel more like a sports car and the 992 more like a GT. I chose the 992 C4S with S-PASM and no PSE over the 4GTS. I love it -- it does everything well but then the 992 GTS comes out....we'll see.

 

That's a good idea...save the GTS allocations for the rest of us.

 

I just dropped my 992 C4S at the dealer for some minor fixes and picked up a 991.2 GTS Cab as a loaner so I can provide a back to back comparison. They are not exactly comparable but my summary is that the GTS feels faster but that I can actually drive the 992 faster. The 992 is more filtered and refined while the GTS is a more nervous, high-strung, and mechanical. Some specifics:

- Brakes. The win goes to the 992 easily. The pedal feel and confidence of the new brakes are a big step up.
- Front end. The wider track and other changes in the 992 result in a faster and more confident cornering. Directional stability on the highway is also improved. Again, the AWD may make this comparison not entirely fair but the GTS has a classically light feeling to the front while the 992 doesn't -- the front tires feel solidly planted at all times.
- Steering. The faster ratio of the 992 means you rarely have to leave 3&9. I don't detect a huge difference in road feel. I prefer the old GT steering wheel to the new one.
- Power delivery. The GTS power comes on like a shock, making the car feel fast. The 992 is much more linear in the power delivery. So it is drama vs predictability.
- Acceleration. The comparison here isn't fair since it is RWD vs AWD and the tires are different. Under full acceleration, the rear end of the GTS goes a bit "squirrelly". It is running Pirelli Sottozeros. My 992 C4S delivers power much more predictably -- no drama. My car has Michelin PA5s.

Minor things:
- Seats: I like the old 18-way seats more than the new ones. They are comfortable and just feel more solid and better built. But since you are looking at 14-way, I think the 992 14-ways are a big step up over the old 14way.
- Gauges: I used to think the old ones were better but have changed my mind. Apart from the stupidity of not being able to see all of them in the 992, the new gauge cluster is more beautiful and more functional. The tach alone in the new model make the old one look very plain and dated.

Both are great and I'd be happy to live with either. There are pros and cons. The GTS is the more visceral experience. The 992 is the more complete package. If you can wait, maybe the 992 GTS will be the perfect combination.

 

I was about to buy 991.2 GTS last month and got to test drive one extensively. The SM told me go drive the 992S as well, which I was not interested in. When I came back from the drive I realized the 992S was the better street car, everyday car to live with and I could still take it to the track and have a lot of fun.

The GTS is much firmer in ride and it handles better, but it is a compromise in ride on the street, but has a more raw feel. It is also quite a bit noiser in the cabin versus the 992S. Both are fast, have great brakes and look good. The GTS had 18 ways which I had in my GT4 and the S had 14 ways - both seat were nice and comfortable. Bose in 992S was big upgrade to Bose in GTS.

Overall I liked the 992S better and ordered exactly what I wanted which I should see in March or April.

So if your use is everyday and/or weekend mountain carver, I would go with the 992S - if you are more weekend car and mountain carver and some amount of track time, I would go with the GTS.

Good luck with your decision - both are great cars.

 

OP, was in your exact position last week. I drove three very different cars, a 991.2 C2S, a 2016 TTS and a 992 C2S. I had seen a couple of 991.2 GTS cars that I was interested in and spoke with the SM about all the differences. This is my first Porsche, so no history with the 911 brands to know all the differences, but in the end I bought the 992 C2S. It will be my daily driver (coming out of a C63) and I have a Lamborghini for those times when I feel like something more "exotic", so the choice was pretty easy. The pricing was actually pretty close between the 991.2 GTS and the 992 C2C. I choose more warranty, better tech, and perhaps less depreciation down the road. GL!

 

If it was me I would get the 991.2 GTS without hesitation. Performance is probably similar, it's slightly older but any GTS will hold value better than a normal 992 S. You can see that through all previous gens of GTS. Even a 997 GTS still goes for well over $70k right now....almost double what a normal 997.2 demands.

 

Agreed

 

RE: 991 GTS

I think the 991.1 GTS will hold value long term as it is the last and greatest non GT3 NA engine.. I do not see the 991.2 GTS, or most 991.2s, holding value as well long term.

RE: 997.2 prices S/4S versus GTS

Not nearly double. Good 997,2 Ss are mid to upper $50k. Add aero kit and manual, $65k to $80k depending upon miles. 997.2 C4Ss can run mid $50k to mid $60k depending upon mileage and build.

997.2 GTSs with pdk are upper $60k to lower $70k with 30k miles or less. I just picked a 2012 GTS up in October with 29k miles and within a 2 year CPO for $65k.