Autohound

Is an 09 997.2 better than a 06/07 997.1S? The prices seem very close and while I have driven both, I would appreciate any insight.

Thanks!

kouzman

I went with the 997.2 because i found a great deal with good miles and it was CPO'ed. Decent options too like adaptive seats, Sport Plus, Bose suround system...

I am very hapy with the choice and do not have any regrets that i didn't get an S model...

Edgy01

It depends. There are many variables in there that you have to consider. For a DFI engine, I would insist upon a good warranty period. Also, how do the options lists compare? The variables go on and on.

alexb76

Here's a summary based on detailed review and drive of both at Nurburgring:

- With manual transmission, close in terms of performance, BUT I give the nod to .1 "S"
- 997.1 exhaust/engine sounds A LOT BETTER
- Handling/ride is pretty much a wash
- 997.1 S has better brakes
- 997.1 S has larger wheels
- .2 Electronics are better, specially if it has both Nav and Bluetooth installed
- PDK car would be faster shifting, but *for some* not as much fun

So, here's what I recommend:
- IF you need/want automatic, then get a .2 PDK
- IF you really care about NAV and bluetooh phone in the car, .2 gets the nod
- IF you like better brakes, .1
- IF .1 has much better options, such as Full Leather, PSE, Painted Center console, Adaptive Seats, and maybe longer warranty with CPO, get .1

At the end of the day though, it's an emotional decision, GET THE CAR that made you MORE excited (color, interior, options, exhaust note, etc...).

autopc

What is better about the brakes?

mike993c2s

Agree with both Dan and Alex. I went through this process last month and had driven 997.1 C2S and 997.2 C2 back to back. My butt dyno tells me the 3.6 DFI motor seems to have better low end torque compared with the M97 3.8 engine. The DFI motor is a brand new design, so we'll have to wait and see how it holds up over time. If I had gotten the 997.1, I would invest in an IMS bearing retrofit.

Ultimately, get the car you like the most (looks, color, wheels, options, etc)!

USMC_DS1

I looked at this as well earlier this year and went with an '08 .1S. Like the fact that it was the last MY(manufacturing year) of the 997.1's = they've worked out most of the issues by then vs. a 1st MY year run of the 997.2's where the customer becomes part of their QA process. I used to be the be the guy that had to buy a new car the 1st year it comes out(3 times in the pass)... now I try to buy the last MY. Guess I just aged myself.

TommyV44

I like the .2 much, much better! I had a 2006 C4S Cab and now a 2010 C4S cab and from my point of view no comparison.

My current car is quicker, feels more powerful and solid, the exhaust souinds better and the Nav isn't even close. Overall this car just feels tighter and it makes me appreciate the experience more.

Each is a Porsche 911 thoough so you can't go too far wrong

Tom

Jok

I think the OP was comparing a 997.1 S with a 997.2 base?

utkinpol

it looks like 9a1 engine in 997.2 cars is way better than old m97/m96 in 997.1 - go for 997.2 only.

rodsky

997.2 - No IMS to worry about. Performance wise, roughly the same. Newer motor and other bits.

alexb76

Definitely NOT more solid, EXACTLY the same frame, maybe it's just NEWER, so more solid?

.2 Exhaust sounds better? Are you sure you don't need hearing aid? The #1 issue/flaw with 997.2 is ITS EXHAUST sound, and its well documented, hence the MAJOR upgrade to that in 991.

stab1991

Find the car u like. How can you go wrong either way. Options on these cars are not cheap, and some are really nice. There are improvements with each generation/model refresh. I went with a 997.1 S over a 997.2 base but I found a car I really had to have and bought it. It could just as easily been the other way around.

USMC_DS1

Wasn't IMS a potential issue with early 997.1 (MY05 to 1st half of MY06). Have not heard of this being an issue with MY06(2nd half), MY07 or MY08...

It seems that every new generation of Porsche 911 and associated engine has it's own set of performance benefits and issues. In general, towards the end of a production run the issues are worked out or you at least know what you're dealing with and there are fixes. For example, the M96 engines have a well documented IMS fix from LN Engineering. BTW, a lot of folks were jumping on the "newer" bandwagon with the 996 with the M96 engine when it 1st came out as well... they thought it was new back then and therefore better as well.

The new M9A1 engines in the 997.2 does address the IMS issue, has some performance gains, but interjects other potential issues with DFI... and the jury is still out on long term affects of this.

OP, it's your money but do the research and maybe event look into the effects of carbon fouling on valves due to DFI. It's still a debate but it was enough to gave me pause... Plus the 1st year model of anything is a crap shoot. I've done that 3 times in the pass... 2 were 1st yr bimmers(540i and x5) and I would have had better odds in Vegas with the money I poured down the vehicular roulette table with those 1st year models. If anything increase your odds by getting the later 997.2 2010 or 2011 model so you're not the 1st year test pilot.

Whatever you ultimately decide... I know we can all agree on one thing. We know you'll enjoy the ride. Look fwd to seeing the pics.

JLHendrix

Faced with a similar decision, I went with the 997.2 C2. Engine power is about the same but after researching I believe the engine design of the .2 is better for the reasons discussed in numerous threads. ( DFI aside, it has far fewer moving parts and no intermediate shaft which was prone to failure in the 996 and early 997) The S gives you suspension options but I was not impressed with PASM that comes standard on the .1 s. And finally, though this will be heresy, I hate white faced instruments that come standard on the S.