I've had a couple knowledgeable owners tell me they prefer a .1RS over a .2-non, and some even over a .2RS.

Maybe an interesting discussion for those here who've experienced both. Assuming all else is equivalent in terms of mileage, condition, maintenance, and intended use (let's say non-track for this hypothetical), what would you choose and why? Also ignore pricing just to get to the merits of the cars themselves . . .

 

Subscribing and commenting as I've heard the same from three different people (most notably .1RS > .2RS). Unfortunately I have nothing useful to add as I've only driven the .2RS at this point.

 

I'm in the camp of .1rs>.2rs. Owned both starting with a pumpkin .1rs then eventually got into a white .2rs which was subsequently sold to get back into another pumpkin .1rs.

I prefer the .1 for two reasons:

1. aesthetically better looking which is purely subjective. To me, the front bumper styling, rear bumper styling and the simpler looking wing assembly all look better. Personal preference so there's no right or wrong.

2. feels more lively and less "planted". Speed wise, the .2rs is noticeably faster than the .1. But no one's getting a gt3 for straightline speed. The .2rs is so good, that at same speeds, the .2 is more stable, less twitchy and just overall more "planted" and confident (as it should for track purposes). But on the street, I like the more playful nature of the .1rs.

​​​​also there's something about the .1 that just feels more simple and a little bit more raw because of that simplicity. Again strictly my own preference based on past experiences.

 

Purely esthetics…if I wasn’t tracking mine I’d have a Kermit w/pccb/leather and green stitching…it’s my fav. However having seen the orange and black .1 next to my white .2 I prefer mine w/the carbon bits and and silver wheels. On the non-RS I don’t know if it’s generational preference, but the .1 GT3 wing/rims are too swoopy for me. I say that because my dad and his friends love the .1 look.

This makes me think the .2 GT3 splits the baby boomers and GenX w/991.1-992… very few .1 GT3 lovers I feel like the big “fat” new GT3s

Dunno they are all super nice to talk about… I guess this is what forums are for

 

.1 > .2 for me on GT3 and GT3RS all day.
Design alone, it’s a much nicer car.
These are the last real GT cars Porsche built.

 

Both good. Have emotional attachment to my .1. So i prefer.

 

Another thing to consider is that .1 does not have center locks.....

 

 

I prefer the 997.2 myself, but these platforms are both SO GOOD that I'd say to think more about the individual cars and deals that you have in front of you (color, mileage, options, etc.). I personally think the 997.2 is the perfect sweet spot of the entire evolution of the Porsche 911 btw, but again I also own a 997.1 and can also state that it's no chopped liver. Both are absolutely superb and you cannot go wrong with either generation. Best wishes to you!

 

Aesthetics wise I think the rear of the .1 RS is perfect. Front is subjective. Wing I prefer on the .2.

As for driving dynamics, .2 all day long. Far superior powerband with mid range torque. Suspension and traction/stability control much better. Shorter ring and pinion and lwfw perfectly compliment the engine.

Interior again I give to .2. Even in 2022, it looks current and not dated. .1 in my opinion ages rhe car. But then again, installing a cubby deleting the radio helps with that situation.

 

Neither does my .2

 

Tough call but if I went back to 997 GT i think .1rs. I can't totally verbalize it but I've owned
most every version of a 997 GT and even including the 4.0 I bonded the most with .1rs. I just loved how it felt. The only thing I'd take on the .2 platform is suspension. .1rs rear got pretty unsettled easily for some reason. Outside of that I think it's my fav out of the entire lineup. Who doesn't love a pumpkin or frog? I had a silver and a green. If I went back I think I'd do a pumpkin. Who knows? Maybe one day. They all are pretty fabulous. .2rs is a better car. I just really like the feel and looks of .1rs for some reason. Track no question .2 platform superior including non-rs.

 

I think the DCM for 7.1 adds the accelerometer and stuff for the active suspension… wonder if that evens it up a bit.

 

I'll be the odd man out in this thread, I much prefer the .2 RS. Sure, i'm likely biased because I own one but coming from a .1 non RS I always idolized the .2 RS. The wider track, more aggressive aero and factory wheels just have an insane presence!

The .1 has a more understated aesthetic thanks to the wing and much better factory livery but beyond that, .2 all day! The shorter gearing makes a world of difference and the SMFW makes it feel much much more revvy than the .1, even though i've heard people say the 3.6 feels more rev happy, I don't feel that way.

Regardless, both are great. My .1 was low option and my .2 is highly optioned so it feels like a much more premium car in comparison so it doesnt feel apples to apples.

 

coming off a track week…imo the .2RS is the perfect amount of power, nanny’s and and raw car for me… and a 8500 rpm Dundon fly by just makes everyone smile