alexb76

I am waiting to see if I get my GT3 allocation or not... in the meantime, I drove my car in the winter the other day and I genuinely enjoyed it so much, I may get a newer 997 instead if I don't get my GT3 allocation.

What I've found personally, is that 991 is only worthwhile in the top trims, specifically GT3. What I've found in my test drives is steering feel loss is quite noticable (supposedly fixed in GT3), the manual transmission off PDK does NOT feel great, and too much sound deadening, the size, the cabin just makes it a more GT car than my liking. There's been so much GT-treatment in 991, that you need some of that taken away to make it feel like 911 again, and GT3 for the most part achieves it.

So, which 997 would be the best one made? I am skipping GT-versions, as I find those amazing for the track, but as a daily they're simply too much (too loud, too rough, clutch extremely heavy). I think 997 GT3 would be an amazing 911 for track duties and some weekends but can't be daily.

Candidates are:
- 997.1 TT (Mezger engine)
- 997.2 C2S/C4S
- 997.2 TT
- 997.2 GTS

Which do you think is the best 997? I am more in favor of the NA engines, but what I absolutely dislike about DFI 997.2 engines is the lack of engine/exhaust noise. It's by far the biggest downside of that engine, it simply feels not as raw. I've never driven a modded 997.2 to see if an aftermarket exhaust has helped or not, but generally I am never a fan of aftermarket exhausts, they either drone or too loud. Mezger Turbo is a great engine, and probably best engine of the list, but then again, it has very weak exhaust note. GTS is a cool combo, but has the same DFI shortcomings, center lock wheels and kind of glorified C2S.

So, what do you guys think?

lowpue

I would separate C2S from C4S....they are different animals. With that said, for 997.2s, it depends what you are looking for. IF its your only car then all round traffic, bad weather, sunny days, family hauler, and time on the track, The C4S does it all well though compromises on all aspects. For me its my best all round sports car.

WantA997

GTS.

And if you want to hear what a DFI engine with an exhaust sounds like (Sharkwerks + Gundo), PM me and I'll tell you where in Vancouver you can find my old C2S.

Patrick3000

sandwedge

GTS. Only 997 widebody with RWD except the GT3RS. With the X51 kit thrown in too it's a hard to beat package.

Presto

Clubber

GTS hands down. Great combo and great value for those tasty options...

cvtbenhogan

ADias

What is best? Best for what? Best for street driving, boulevard cruising, commuting, canyon carving, road trips?

Re engines in the mix: Mezger? Mezger is a misnomer of the '99-'11 water cooled flat sixes used in GT3s and Turbos. Hans Mezger was never involved in that design. The 'Mezger' engine was replaced with the 9A1 design, available first in Carreras (2008) all the way to today's GT cars.

GTS Sully

Couldn't begin to tell you what "best" would be given that lineup. For starters, I've not driven an 997.1 with the Mezger, a 997.2 S or 4S or a 997.2 TT. But I still cast a vote for the GTS. That's probably because I have one though.

alexb76

Best for sports car driving, meaning canyon carving, some road trips and fun commuting. Well, the design of Mezger was retained in GT3 and .1 Turbo, with true dry sump, and race internals that were not in 9A1 engines nor non-GT 997.1. I know you're a fan of 9A1, but you simply cannot put it in the same class as true Mezger design, race proven parts! Proof is in the pudding, they NEVER used that engine for racing until now with much different internals.

alexb76

Thanks guys... I am now between GTS and Turbo... I love the widebody shape (my C4S), and that's just something I must have, so kinda limits the options. Mezger will probably go down as one of those legendary classic engines in history and it's absolutely bulletproof (996 Turbo guy put down 600K miles), but the issue with Turbo is the lack of engine and exhaust noise. Anyone has been in a Turbo with good exhaust system?

love2drive

By non-GT, I suppose you mean non-GT3,GTRS,GT2..

I'd say a 997.2 GTS, 991.1 GTS, and 991.2 GTS are all contenders.

Next best thing, a 997.2 911S.

all manual

Epicben

ADias

Actually... the current works RSR has a 9A1 engine. No longer 'Mezger'.

And... the "Mezger' engine is far from bullet-proof, but I do not want to scare you with what I know/experienced.