If you are looking at a c4s, the 997.2 has a technically more advanced AWD system. However, when the front diff goes the dealer will quote you $10k to fix.
https://rennlist.com/forums/997-foru...g-to-fail.html

On the 997.1, you can easily convert the car to RWD if the front diff ever goes, or if you just feel like having a widebody RWD 997. On the 997.2, the conversion is not possible. You have to buy a GTS/GT3RS/GT2RS to get RWD in the widebody cars on 997.2.

 

That’s OK, this is the “what’s the 997.1 do better than the 997.2” thread. So of course they prefer their styling! Just wait till someone creates a “what does the 997.2 do.....“ oh, wait. That’s basically just every day on this forum.

 

997.1 looks a little better , little less reliable , cheaper , sounds better , overall just a little more old school 911, Up to 06 no or optional TPMS system (Thank god hate those bloody things) , a few more good examples of manuals. some service points are less expensive easier to resolve repair without a dealer $$ , Both are great cars and in reality too much car for dialing driving who wouldn't be happy with either one ...

 

Of course and no disagreement. I was just referring to the non GT cars and what at least to me are very subtle differences in styling between .1 and .2.

He, he. See my response above to jamesinger.

 

See the picture attached of side by side rear bumpers of .1 and .2. Please help me out here. Other than the little snippet cut out on the corners of the .2 tail lights, what else is different enough to draw ones attention? I recognize that the picture of the .2 car is a non US car since there are no bumperettes but other than that? Makes no difference to me. Just curious since those rear bumpers look basically identical to me except for the tail lights.

 

Having owned a base '07 Carrera with no options except Bose and Parking Assist, and a '11 GTS, I would like to weigh in here.

My .1 was more raw, rougher ride, felt lighter- but not more nimble, notchey manual transmission, archaic PCM, sticky climate control *****, no PASM, a nagging worry about IMS bearing failure and generally felt like a "last gen" 911 model. That said, I loved its vibe, looks and honest persona as a pure sports car. I added a MoBridge Bluetooth unit to enable hands free phone duties, and also hardwired an iPod to replace a 6 disc changer- but it was still very last century feeling.

The .2 lags a 991's improved cockpit ergonomics, connectivity and suspension "tricks"- but it remains a magnitude of improvement over the 997.1.
Both 997 iterations are the last of the model's hydro-mechanical steering, handbrake lever and short wheelbase. As Sandwedge so eloquently points out, the styling differences are subtle enough to fool all but diehard 911 afficinados, or actual owners.

The Bi-Xenon PDLS lights are a marked inprovement over the .1, for sure. But they were an expensive option- so maybe a moot point here.

I truly enjoyed both models, for different reasons and different localities driving roads.

So, does the .1 hold any edge over the .2?
Not so far as I can see.