Metaphysician

I'm approaching the two-year mark with my 2011 997.2 Turbo 6-speed. I love this car, but part of me always had eyes for the 997 GT2. Either way I think a 997 wide body turbo-powered car is a long term hold for me, but seeking opinions on 997.2 Turbo vs 997 GT2. I may go to an occasional track day once a year or so. This car would primarily be used for cruising and spirited back road driving, and accumulate ~1-2K miles per year.

I originally chose a 997.2 Turbo because I liked the refreshed interior/PCM, taillights, and reliability of the DFI engine. And of course, last gen of the 6-speed. As far as the GT2, I like the more aggressive yet still subtle styling (front/rear bumper, wing, etc) and let's face it, it's a more unique and special car. I know the Mezger-based GT2 turbo engine is reliable as well, just need to address the coolant lines. The GT2RS is off the table due to price/value (to me) and rarity.

Anyone have time with both cars and have some opinions to share?

Here's the current car. Added RS wheels, lightweight CF buckets, SpeedTech 3" Race exhaust, and a DSC controller.

Elliotw44

wow what a unicorn! Love the wheels! I wonder how the rarity stacks up here.
997.2 Turbo manual vs GT2 production numbers.

Metaphysician

Thanks! Mine is Platinum Silver Metallic with Black/Stone Gray interior, which with the 6-speed makes it 1 of 1. Overall, there were only 488 North American 997.2 Turbo 6-speeds (Cabs and Coupes). I believe there were 238 997 GT2s. So both rare - but the GT2s have it.

Igooz

I had a 2007TT as my DD from 2007-12/13 and I owned two 997GT2s from '08 until a couple of months ago. As similar as they, there are some differences and you will be able to tell that the GT2 is louder inside with road/tire noise, steering will definitely feel different, lighter, better(?), and all things stock, it will feel quicker. I prefer the GT2 which is why I kept my '09 8 years longer than when I sold the TT.

Metaphysician

Thanks for the reply! Is the feedback on steering related to AWD vs RWD, or difference in suspension components? My first impression of the AWD Turbo steering was heavier than expected and I felt more "bump steer" than other cars I've driven. Would be nice if this was less in a GT2.

Igooz

For sure the AWD with the added grip/traction/weight have something to do with it, along with ride height, and OEM alignment. I think front tires sizes are the same rear are different. The cars are more similar than different, but slightly different. If your intention is to collect, I would imagine the GT2 will always be a GT2...

osu s2k

If you want updated interior you have to buy 2009 gt2..... I had my car for probably three years and I’ve had several 996 and 997 turbos.... GT2 is more exciting, you never know when it’s gonna let loose a little bit or when the front end gets a little light, but that’s the fun part about it, it definitely has better stance in my opinion and can’t even come close to the rarity factor. If you’re a long-term collector I think it’s a good car to getting on now as they’re still trading for MSRP or less.....Much too fast for street hooligans, cannot extract all the fun on the street because of that much power so i went gt3. These production numbers take w grain of salt. I think recently excellence or 000 magazine did a detailed review of production numbers.

Doug at switchcars is selling my old one.

FLT6SPD

I have a EVT700 Turbo S as a daily driver, it's easy to live with the PDK while fumbling phones and coffee. AWD launch control is insane with 245/325 Cup2's. I do enjoy it alot but in no way is it coming close to a GT car. I know you have heard the 997's are more 'RAW' this only applies to GT cars. If you can keep both that would be the way I would go.

I do have a full TechArt Type II aero kit to install so I will be sticking with this one for awhile as an overly aggressive touring car...

mchrono

The Turbo is still a fantastic car, especially for street / DD duty. I get how many say the GT2 is more raw. Another way of putting it is the GT2 comes across more as a proper sports car, akin to an Elise or 1st gen NSX, but with much more power, while the Turbo delivers a dulled version of that experience, more akin to a heavy but powerful GT-R. They do feel like different cars but not enough (for me at least) to want to own both.

If you enjoy the occasional track event, the GT2 will really shine but you for sure have to keep your wits about you. Same on the street...have to pay more attention than you do with the Turbo, but that makes it more fun and less dull. If you enjoy a more elevated heart rate and can swing the upgrade, then by all means!

noro78

Everyone is different but if it was me I would not trade 7.2 Turbo Manual over to a GT2... It is a small increment of "experience" for a hefty price tag. I would instead focus on keeping the Turbo and adding a GT3 to the mix.

Feld

Totally agree with this, best of both worlds.

Metaphysician

Ha - add a GT3. I'll be a one P-car at a time kind of guy. Surplus funds for the near term will be going towards a dream garage. Thanks for the input, gents - appreciate it!

cyclrder

You have to realize that a .1turbo feels more AWD whereas the .2 feels much more rear wheel drive and considerably better handling. Completely different front wheel drive transaxle and software... progressive springs and some other items... it’s not a GT2 but on the street the “delta” is much less than the .1 car.
Throw in a DSC module and I’ve heard on the track that even a .2 turbo can be quite the tool to surprise lesser GT drivers.

JG 996T

I had a 2008 turbo with DSC; Bilstein B8; GMG springs; exhaust; tune; PCCB; sport buckets, manual.... still not a GT2.

Would it be worth the $80,000-$100,000 delta to trade up? I have only driven a 996 GT2, and it was great, but when I decided to "trade up" I moved to a GT3 RS not GT2.
If I every build a garage to house two cars, I would probably try to add a 997 turbo (maybe even a pdk S for reasons mentioned above).

But GT2 will always be the acme of porsche turbo engineering....

mchrono

Heck, you can run down "lesser GT drivers" at the track with a Camry if the GT car driver is a noob.

Same here. If I were to get a 2nd P-car it would not be any 997 as (in the big picture), they are all too similar to my currently one and only P-Car.

This x1000. Seriously (for my personal preference at least) there is no other single all around car they make that I would rather have occupying my one P-Car space in my garage.