geo911

I've seen these 2 model #s on the forum...can you let me know the differences on these models and what year the 997.2 was made available...tks

Edgy01

Porsche did a facelift to the 997 models beginning with the MY09 cars. They did some minor cosmetic changes to the body (e.g., LED lights fore and aft) along with some changes to the interior (black finished PCM with a nav system that utilizes a solid state memory vice DVD based, along with other interior electronic gadgets (hookups for iPods)). The biggest change is the engine. The engine has been completely reworked with a Direct Injection fueling system. On the transmission front, they finally offered a PDK automatic transmission, which took the place of the Tiptronic.

MJones

MY09
• New generation of engines with direct fuel injection DFI
• 3.6-liter Boxer engine with 345 hp
• 3.8-liter Boxer engine with 385 hp
• 7-speed Porsche Double-clutch
• Drive-Off Assistant
• PASM sports chassis (-20 mm)
• New brake system for the 3.6-liter models
• EnhancedTire Pressure Monitoring System
• Bi-Xenon headlights with headlight cleaning system now also standard for 3.6-liter models
• New Porsche Communication Management (PCM)
• Enlarged exterior mirrors with new design
• XM satellite radio (SDARS)(optional)
• Universal audio interface (optional)
• Cell phone preparation (Bluetooth®HFP) (optional)

JSeven

New revised suspension that eliminates the tipycal front float, and gives a sharper and confortable ride, maybe at cost of less steering feedback.

J.Seven

andrewk34

^and the 997.2 engine doesn't sound as nice.

Minok

For me, the 997.2 (MY2009) changes that mattered:
Bluetooth phone prep
PCM3 without the DVD load (hard disk based I think, or is it solid state as mentioned?)
Center console without the built in phone keypad and thus bigger PCM screen.

gota911

In addition to what has already been mentioned, the 2009 (997.2) new engines:

* have 40% fewer moving parts.

* do NOT have an intermediate shaft, which was a weak point in the 997.1 engines which sometimes led to catrostrophic engine failures.

* get better gas mileage (sorry, I don't recall the percent increase)

* have an external water pump, with increased flow capacity

MJones

PCM3 is hard disk baised

aggie57

The 997.2 is faster, more economical, smoother, and easier to live with. Possibly less "feel" and generally regarded as not as nice sounding though.

Overall, a better car.

rijowysock

my favorite parts of the 997.2 versus my 997.1 are:

--front end feels much more solid under accel and decel
--pcm is easier to use (still complicated but easier)
--learning tpms sensors make it easy to swap wheels back and forth
--aircon system seems changed and suits my needs better than 997.1 (the "auto" setting seems to keep temp more constant)
--engine feels better both in performance and also handling as the car feels more on rails due to lower center of weight.
--LED fronts and backs just look amazing
--big mirrors i can actually see people in!

cons of 997.2 versus 997.1
--dont like the black PCM and would prefer the "volcano grey"
--would like to delete stations on top of genre's on XM, also would like to be able to delete out preset groups (1&2 are full for me and 3 and mixed are empty)

Mspeedster

I agree that overall the 997.2 is a better car. However, I subjectively submit that the styling changes are not an improvement.

The new front end bumper mimics the Cayman/Boxster, while the 997.1 front treatment mimicked the older 911s. The changes to the rear light design are simply change for the sake of change. The red middle strip on the C4/C4S tries to mimic the older 911s, but because of the sagging rear lights, the look doesn’t quite work. I feel the 997.1 rear lights are better integrated into the overall design.

To me, the new engines & performance are the biggest carrots to go for a 997.2. I haven’t really listened to one close enough to know that the sound isn’t as good. That’s too bad.

aggie57

I think a lot of what you say makes sense. When I picked up my .2 the dealer (good guy by the way) proudly told me about the wonderful new LED daylight driving lights - to which I promptly replied that I'd switched them off when I borrowed the demo!

On the sound, at lower revs the old car sounded a bit better but at 4000 rpm or so the note changed into a much more throaty sound. Very Nice. But the new car just doesn't have that.

I'd never have thought it was something I'd consider but on this car I've wondered a couple of times if an aftermarket exhaust would be a good idea. But nothing I"ve listened to yet has sounded particularly interesting.

Edgy01

I would be interested in hearing what the 997.2 PSE sounds like. I am very pleased with the 997.1 PSE sounds in my Cab. The .2 engines sound muffled like a turbo,--very poor. Until they sort that out, I don't want one.

Rob in WA

The new PSE doesn't sound that great. Not worth the $$ IMHO.

In addition to the changes noted above the .2 has a lower center of gravity and greatly improved MPG.

7% fewer rotary moved masses, plus weight reduction.

The new exhaust connects directly to the intermediate pipe, ala GT3

rijowysock

1000miles from florida to ohio in 997.1 averaging 75mph i averaged 23.8MPG
1000miles from ohio to florida in 997.2 averaging 74mph i averaged 30.5MPG

of course the 997.2 is PDK and has 7th, but very very big difference.. around town, spirited'ly driving i still average about 13mpg the same as 997.1