What do you think about the 997? Most beautiful modern 911?

I have a 997. A couple of weeks ago I did the Porsche Experience Day at Silverstone where I got to drive a 992 C2S flat out around their handling circuit for 90 minutes, so you get a very good feel for the car. There is absolutely no doubt about the class of the new car, but there is equally no doubt at all that I would choose my 997 over the 992 every time. The 997 steering is better, the brakes have more weight and feel, the 992 insulates you from what's happening way too much. It doesn't even feel faster because you don't get the instant punch from the engine that you get with a naturally aspirated 997 engine. My 997 just has way more feel and immediacy of response in everything that it does, absolutely no doubt. The 992 would be a more comfortable daily driver, but that's it's only advantage. To be honest I was amazed.

997.2 is arguably peak 911. Hydraulic steering, compact size, naturally aspirated, 996 engine issues sorted. Plus great quality and modern enough. Great review

You can open the armrest on the door card ;)

997.2 C4 owner here. I could actually get a 991 as budget was not a problem, but I was really attracted by the more modest size of the 997 (as my last car was a 993).

Nicely done. However, I suspect that if you’re interested in a 997 it’s likely because the 991 is a bigger car. The 997 retains the basic proportions of the 964/993, but with water cooling and more modern ergonomics.

Doh! The doors do have a pocket. Lift up the elbow rest!

Great video Joel, I am thinking this is a great car to join the garage!

Great video Joel. The 997 is stunning 😍. Never driven one but would love to.

Great review as always

There is something about how porsche keep the canvas roof sleek and in shape with the cars coupe silhouette on the 911

Beautiful car! Thx for sharing Joel ! Cheers Kirk

Best review, keep up the good work.

fantastic review, thoroughly enjoyed it! and as a Porsche owner (996 and 991) your subtle observations are spot on.

Like you Joel, I quite liked the 'fried egg' headlights on the 996 & loved my 996 GT3 which I owned for more than 10 years.

Another great review!

Great and insightful review, had a few Porsches and think the 997 is a perfect bridge between a more classic (last of...), Porsche experience and the souless modern era Audi influenced Porsche range.

The steering on 997.2 is much nicer being hydraulic than a early 991 with early electric rack, I own a 2011 GTS which is certainly the sweet spot, also I purchased my 1 owner car in 2018 it has done 33.000 miles, and last year I was offered £8000 more than I paid for, so I have experienced zero Depreciation in six years of ownership..❤

Buy the Boxster Joel! We need more Boxster Content, such a great car.

Sadly just sold my Carrera C4S and loved it to bits but really did not use it enough, but I’ve gone big with a Macan GTS as it’s more usable for grandchildren and a big dog🙂 - - - still miss the 997.2 tho😢

Hey Joel, you’ve come a long way from the days when you had the Z4. Question for you, how do you think the 997 compares to the Z4MR? Interesting perspective on the 997.2 vs 991.1.

7:50 don’t the armrests lift up on the doors to reveal storage?

Initially when I saw these videos I thought you were walking down dog piss lane but now I see that these videos are great. Well done Joel

It's Joel!

Joel, wouldn't mind seeing your brutally honest take on the new Aston Martin Vantage, whenever you get your hands on one.

You do have door compartments. Just lift the arm rest. It’s a reasonable size for wallet and phone.

with the PKD 997 you HAVE to have the sport steering wheel with the paddles... no question.

The 997.2 PCM with Apple car play and latest software is due out next month, The aftermarket option in that car is nasty looking, also the next generation steering wheel is certainly worth fitting

Only Porsche I've driven is a 997.1 Carrera 4s. Loved how solid and stable it felt but best thing about it was that engine noise

Currently own a 997.2 c2s pdk. Nothing drives like them. Not the fastest car but Once got the 911 bug nothing else compares.

There is a huge point spot at the rear ! What are you seeing?

I would say that the 997 range offers buyers so much, whether it be .1 or .2. Perhaps the later .2 gives a little bit more peace of mind around potential engine favours. I am somewhat biased since for the last 4 years I have been running a 997.2 GTS - which offers incredible kit & is the perfect roadtrip car. Perhaps the sweet spot 911?

Can you retro fit the paddle shift steering wheel?

Sadly over here in Ireland we don't have a huge amount of 2nd hand porsches for sale so unfortunately trying to get a good spec anything porsche wise is tricky. I have that exact car except mine is manual. Absolutely love it. Your right it is fast enough for modern driving/speed limits. Anyone thinking of buying a 997 my advice is to go for it.

Hopefully your next P car will have a flat 4/6 BoxEngine!

Love my 997.2 Carrera S

no memory seats in his Porsche, my dads Porsche 928 he had in the 80s had 3 memory settings

Maybe. The 991 is ahead in terms of modernity and comfort but I think these have more essence of traditional 911. The 991 is a lot bigger too .

Don’t you think the 991 is taking the 911 concept a bit far dimensionally?

They’re great cars, as is the view of anyone… until bore scoring hits their bank account. It’s far more common than is comfortable. Buy a Hartech rebuild or buy very, very carefully.

Paddles were available from 2009 at launch but it was an optional extra.

The button gearshift on the wheel was standard on all 997 PDK and was carried over into the 991.1 If anyone has a blue paddle shift wheel for sale for a 991 let me know! 😂

Second gen yes...first gen nah

Buy the 987 Boxster. Its the right engine too. Boxster S Owner, 3.4, far too high road tax !!

Shame its not got PSE

12:17 The main problem I have with these cup holders is they're not deep enough, so any cup you use is excessively top heavy. They look great & they're great if you're not moving but on the move & you'll find your cup tipping from side to side. Good design but poor in the real world.

Hey Joel, would be great to see you on the STG’s podcast to talk about your journey with him.

Door bins are under the arms.

Put the rear wing down. It looks ridiculous.

911 997 is Not gorgeous unless it has the manual shift‼️

Looks like there could be the start of cylinder bore scoring on that car, the two left exhaust pipes look a little sooty. The seller should get a scope down the bores to check it

Jaguars are much, much,much better value and in every way better cars. The XK and F Type are so much prettier and better handling.

Please please please can you have that huge mole removed…. I find it intimidating!