Rbtrader

I am 997 shopping, and I have seen a very nice low mileage standard Carrera, a little higher mileage S, and a GTS with even higher mileage. The prices are all within $6000 of one another.
I have searched this forum and I cannot find a comparison of the standard, S, and GTS. All of the cars are 2009-2011.
Can anyone point out the major differences for me? The standard is a 2009 12000 mile car, the S is a 2011 23000 mile car, and the GTS is a 32000 mile 2011 car.
Any information would be appreciated.

Rich

Chrono

I'll go first, unless someone beats me while I type with one finger on my iPad.

The S is 3.8 liters rather than the base 3.6L. Also, the S gets standard 19" rather than 18". More importantly to me, maybe not you, is the S has more power than the base. And, wait, I'm sure this info is on Edmunds.

destro

With Porsche the concept of "stock" doesn't really exist... so many options are available. You should figure out what you want in your 911 and find the right one. For most people a Carrera will be enough. It took me 6 months to find the right car (options), I was not picky on colour.

There are differences between the Carrera, S and GTS but it all comes down to:
+ more power
+ more aggressive suspension
+ more options being standard

Carrera - 3.6L (345hp), standard suspension, 18" wheels
Carrera S - 3.8L (385hp), PASM suspension -10mm drop, 19" wheels, S brakes
GTS - 3.8L (408hp), GTS tuned PASM -10mm drop, 19" wheels, S brakes, wide body from the Carrera 4, alcantara interior, gts body kit

Basically the Carrera S is just more Sportier than a Carrera, the GTS is the "best of Carrera S options" model, you can spec a Carrera S to (almost) be a GTS.

TxBob74

As Chrono says; more power and more power. GTS is basically a performance optioned S with Powerkit (408 HP vs 385 for the S), standard PASM, wide body normally found on Carrera 4s and Turbos and the ever popular Centerlock wheels. There are a few GTSs out there with normal 5-bolt wheels, but standard equipment was the Centerlocks. If you are not familiar or comfortable with the Centerlock design, think twice before taking the GTS plunge.

Porsche also has an options list several mies long, so check the included options when price comparing. And get a PPI on whichever car looks best to you.

wc11

If you plan on tracking the car, avoid the center lock wheels.
Porsche issued a bulletin on these when used on the track for undo stress which could result in wheel separation.
Check that the recall was done.

USMC_DS1

The GTS would be very tempting provided it has 5 bolt wheels... even with CL's it's tempting at only a $6K delta from the S. GL.

Rbtrader

Thanks for weighing in on my question. The Edmunds site was also very useful. Now for some negotiation and decision time!

Fahrer

The S also comes with Xenon headlamps, stronger brakes and sport steering wheel

Chrono

Indeed, and Lapis Blue is the fastest color.

385 HP on the S? I think that PS.

TxBob74

Per my 2011 GTS sales book, GTS powerkit added 23 HP. 408-23 = 385.

Earlier MY 997.2 S may be rated lower, but those are the 2011 numbers.

stefang

On the .2s xenon is standard on the base model and the brakes are the same as the S

beden1

Guards Red GTS cab with manual transmission and five lug black wheels is the coolest!

stefang

I like my car, but yes, I'd happily upgrade to that!

beden1

Sniff

I read through all the posts and didn't see it specifically mentioned, but the GTS has the same wide-body sheet metal as the C4, C4S, and Turbos, but is rear wheel drive (similar to the GT2). For some who track their cars, having RWD is really important.

I own a 997 C4S and am partial to the wide rear end, but the difference between narrow and wide bodies is only 1 3/4 inches (44mm). Some say the difference is only noticeable if you park the two side-by-side.

In the end, all three are great cars. If it were me (because they are all relatively the same price), I'd go for the GTS because it has the most HP and is a bit rarer than the others. But that is only if it passes a PPI and is in excellent cosmetic and mechanical condition (with good service history).

Sean