The best porsche is the one you own! I own a 991.1 C2S, so it’s the best!😁

991.1 all the way - power to weight ratio, much nicer front to back design, and the 991 sunroof is actually great looking in my pov. At the end all 911s are great for their specific era. .

I originally went shopping for a 997 Turbo S but after test driving a few cars I came home with a 997 GTS Carrera 2. Although the Turbo S is a faster car, I found the rear wheel drive GTS to be more engaging, and much more fun to drive. Even Walter Rohrl said the 997 GTS was the best 911 he had ever driven, and being a Porsche test driver and two times World Rally champion he would have certainly driven a few. I love my 997 GTS Carrera 2 and I honestly don't think I'll ever sell it.

I am blown away the accuracy of the review ! 100 percent! I have 997 and pondered moving to a 991. I was shocked that I didn’t enjoy driving the car and felt like the car lost soul. It felt my Audi S4 - luxurious and fast… but no connection to road. 997 is the more “real” sports car

One of the best, if not the best car comparison video I have ever seen. That was highly enjoyable.

Agree, Have a manual 997 C4 daily driver with 108k miles. Drive it year-round in MN and track it at Brainerd International Raceway in the summer. Love to heel-toe the manual and the smaller size of the car. For me this car is everything I need.

When I ordered my new 2012 997.2 GTS Cabriolet with manual transmission in 2011, I already knew how the 991 would differ and chose my GTS for many of the reasons outlined in this video. 12 years later (and 12K miles), I love it even more-especially since these particular cars with manual transmissions are so rare and continue to go up in value. Thanks for the video.

Love the 997. What an amazing car. Your knowledge of the car is astounding! Thank you for sharing.

997 Carrera 4S, manual transmission in Speed Yellow! Great video.

Got a 997.1 GT3 new in 2007. After 55,000 miles, absolutely trouble free, if you don’t count lots of new tires, brakes, and two clutches; it is perfect! Still absurdly fast, completely analog, I am able to drive with the new GT 3’s in fast rallies though sometimes you have to do a little intentional oversteer for the tight corners, and with its iconic wing, I am absolutely certain that I got the perfect GT3. Maybe not for everyone, but certainly for me.

Excellent video, you've helped me decide on buying a 997.2 some day..keep up the good work! peace from the UK :-)

Great review. As the owner of a 2012 997 GTS manual with 42k on the clock I couldn’t agree more. They are just brilliant sports cars which get better with age. As time passes, you enjoy them even more. Very difficult to improve on that level of perfection. However, I also have a 981 Spyder which provides an equally remarkable top down modern Porsche experience. Both are long term keepers. Thanks for all your hard work keeping us informed and entertained.

New subscriber. 997 hands down! Great video, thanks for all the great details.

Our 911 997 4S is the best Porsche I ever acquire so far, also it is the first time this model is elevated over a newer 991 which after watching your video could not agree more. Good job on this video and thank you for it!! 👍

Nice job describing both models! You have sold me on buying either a 997 or 991, both beautiful cars.! Still driving the Cayenne, but may be time for an upgrade. Thanks for the video!

I would have to say it is the 997 Turbo! Vroom vroom 🏎️

Thanks again for this video. It’s cemented my decision on my new 997.2 C2S PDK. I got arctic silver because the spec and price was good. Didn’t want silver at first but now it’s grown on me and it looks slick. Especially in the sun.

I always envied the 991 owners that I know, but this review 100% backs my view (albeit a biased one) about the 997. Going forward, I will love and enjoy even more, my 997 4s.

A more fair comparison is to compare the 997 GTS to the 991.1 GTS. Also, the last naturally aspirated 991.1 GTS is considered the “peak”911 by many-before the turbos came to the Carrera with the 991.2. The 991.1 GTS is not only more capable and powerful but many think it’s more beautiful as well than it’s predecessor. To each their own…

I sold a 914-6 I had for 32 years with the original 2 liter rebuilt to 210 hp and a 1963B 120 hp original motor for a 2011 997.2 Carrera S Cab, 26,000 mi, and I couldn't be happier. It does everything well, is fast and comfortable. I love the PDK. The review is spot on about these models and I would have added a bit more info on the engine, especially its 40% less parts, direct injection and return to reliability. the 997.2 is the sweet spot of modern 911's.

Thank you GTS Car Life. One of the best 997 analyses I have seen! I am the owner of one of the very last 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS produced in 2012 so I could easily be accused of being biased. (This is not my only 911). In years to come the 997.2 will take its place in Porsche history as the end of an era representing the embodiment of so much of what 911 sports cars epitomised; namely a true sportscar undiluted by the gradual morphing of design details and look-a-like accessories that made it less distinguishable from common sports coupes. This not to say that the 911 is not a uniquely special car, but it needs to take care that in its design evolution it does not lose the character that set it apart from all others. This will be my forever car.

Glad I found your video. The question discussed is more than academic for me right now. Well done. Thx

very well-done and informative. thank you!

I love the line you took on track! Great video.

Ive only ownwd a 991.2 gts. Its the best car ive ever owned. Im happy with it.

First and foremost I really enjoyed the video very professionally done. I've owned several Porsche 911's over the years and I have to say my 997.2 GTS is my all time favorite. You have done a great job pointing out why. The GTS with all its goodies makes this version special. The 991.1 is a fantastic car if that's what you like, but the smaller cozier 997.2 is more comfortable to and for me.

I do like many things of 997. Overall I do like the look of the 991 more. That's why I have them both. Some days the 992 is beginning to grow on me. Overall my absolute favorite is the 993. Thanks for the content.

Very informative. Thank you.

I went back n forth with both, years sgo before going for the 991.1 carerra 4s. Zero regrets. It’s the more beautiful of the two, by far (every angle). It comes down to personal preference, of course, but the one thing I agree with you about is no cell phone storage. I just jam it between the visor and roof! Haha, it’s lame, yes, but thats the only thing.

Very helpful video. Thank you.

but honestly 991 sounds better, though 997 might be rawer

Good points, I took a long time to decide but went with the 991.1 GTS Targa, I love it and it's fun to drive. I wish the steering wheel had paddle shifters and wish the stick was reversered for up and down gears. Both are great cars, love owning the last of the N/A 911.

Thanks for a very detailed explanation. I love my 997 Targa 4S 6sp. for those exact reasons. If I want long-drive comfort, I'll take my Cayenne. I have several other sports cars and always seem to enjoy this one a little bit more. It looks like you might be in DFW. Maybe we will see each other at a PCA MAV event?

Completely agree I love my 997.2 it’s a sweet spot where Porsche got all of it right

I have owned them all and the 991.2 is by far the best modern 911 made to date. It’s build quality, design and materials used is far superior to anything in its past, and trumps the 992. The 997 build quality is better than the 996 but not that much better as both are very cheap feeling. It was very obvious Porsche made the 991 a huge leap forward and back to their original high-quality build and performance standards. The 991 power and torque is significantly stronger than the 997 any range in the rpm you are in. The 991 even on base form feels significantly fast enough for street and weekend track use yet still has useful modern features that actually work.

Good video. I have owned several Porsche's. I owned 993 C4S, 996, 997 C4S and currently for the last 8 years a 991. In my opinion, the best Porsche that I've owned is my 991. As far as performance, ergonomics and overall fit to finish, the 991 is the best Porsche. In the end, the only thing that matters is that one must have option...Sports Exhaust.

I’ve watched A LOT of 911 content. Owned a bunch of different eras. This was an excellent apples to very slightly more modern apples comparison. Excellent work. I currently drive an 3.2, but would 100% reacquire a 997 as it’s my top choice for ‘modern’ 911. 997 turbo or any 997.2 for the win, for me. Again, really well composed review (even if you’ve shown your bias with your ownership) Thanks and cheers amigo

Agree 100%, because I have that exact car 2011 997.2 GTS 😊 in white as well.

I own a 991.1 GT3. Could have bought any 911 i wanted but to me the 991.1 is the most beautiful modern 911 and the GT3 with it's limited production of under 2000 cars will always stay special.

997 for the win! Love the young Elvis vs. old Elvis comparison!

Great video . Did you do any cooling mods for your gts for track?

Do the newer 911 and Caymans, say from 2015 and on have less problems overall?

I could not agree more with the assessments. I do own a 997.2GTS and was actually thinking about selling. But I may just change my mind. It is the last real 911 in correct size.

Excellent comparison vid. I share your perspective on the 991 misses in comparison to the 997.2 gen cars. My 09 C2S launch spec car really captures my expectations of what a true luxury touring sports car should be. I really feel that the 991 is more of a sports car for the masses while the 997.2 the last gen for enthusiasts.

Love it, the 1st of hopefully many more articles of the 997.2 GTS which was ignored by Porsche because of the Hype for the 991. I have a 2012 4GTS, manual one of (95) imported of the +(272) total 4GTS's imported to the US, (there were (30) that went to Canada and (4) that went to South America , and its a jewel, this from an owner of (5) 911's Porsches since the late 1960's . Either the Manual (which I prefer) or the PDK, (I get it) if they have the Chrono package, should be driven often in the "Sport" mode which I do whenever I go on back country roads, so satisfying.

Have both a 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS and a 991.2 Turbo. I agree with your assessment that the 997.2 is what a 911 should be, having owned my first in 1970. I would also say that the 991.2 has had some changes that make it more enjoyable than the ‘dot 1’, but the GTS is the best ‘911’ I’ve owned. With 8K miles, it is a definite all time winner and keeper.

I have a 09 997.2 PDK. It's no GTS but so happy with what I have... Once I feel that button on the gas pedal, the sound alone puts a big smile on my face.

Trying to find the perfect Porsche and it’s so difficult with so many really good opinions for each type. As relatively new to Porsche, I have a MT 718 spyder and I’m contemplating switching to a 991.1 MT. Now that I have watched your video, wowzer…now I’m off to another orbit…my only concern is the age of the cars and parts failures of these beauties. Very well done review..

Hi great informative vid!👍😊 am a car enthusiast and car collector with some cool cars. Recently I have turned my head for Porsche, gonna look at a beautiful black 2012 997.2 Turbo S on Monday. Wonder how the inside space is for me on the tall side, 6ft6🤔. Is this model a good car/choice? Like cars with power, have a 2010 Mustang Roush Stage 3 550 hp/700nm which goes allright😅. Cheers from me/new subs, in Norway

Thank you for your of clear explanation of the differences in the 997 and the 991. Without taking time to study the technical differences in the two cars, when the 991 was released, I did not care for it visually because it lost the small sports car appeal. I still do not care for the 991 and which that I had not sold my much maligned 996. I am planning to get back in the Porsche world with a 997.2.

Watching from New Zealand March 2019 I looked at 997.1 4s manual And 997.1 turbo manual Compared to 991.1 pdk How could you not appreciate them all Ended up with 997.1 turbo manual and absolutely love it agree with everything said in your video

I throughly enjoyed that comparison and review. Not just the regular points every other video talks about the exhaust and hydraulic steering. However personal taste I think the 991 is gorgeous, Would love to see 99.1 vs 991.2 gts video!!

Beautiful and interesting comparison. Recently bought a 991.1 C2 GTS cab. I wanted for years the last of N/A models available in cab version and I found a mint one with about 50k miles. I evaluated also the 997.2 GTS pdk and also Turbo versions but having already a 993 c2 manual I chose a less analogic and more modern version. But if I didn’t have the 993 I would have chosen the 997.2 gts for sure! I excluded 991.2 and 992 because of the 3.0 TT engine, great engine, very powerful but poor sound.

Own both a 997.2 and 991.1. Used to have a 991.2 which I had for less than a year. 997 does have the most Porsche feel and look but probably will be first to go. 991 is still small and nimble, better for bringing along the kids, has better tech, and looks a little more special (I have the factory sport design package with ducktail). Also sounds epic with Porsche sport exhaust. Pse on the 991.2 sounds terrible. 991 feels more planted than the 997. Steering on mine is pretty damn close to my 997. Steering on the 991.2 was too light and artificial. The 997 has better leather but more creaks inside. 991 at stock height (pasm) sits lower than my lowered 997. So surprisingly feels more sporty inside. 997 feels faster for some reason (maybe the size). Can’t go wrong with either but for a daily driver 991 wins. For nostalgia 997 wins. But to truly get an analog experience you will have to go air cooled as both 997 and 991 feel too modern.

The 997 is the best 911 generation perfectly situated between the old and the new.

I agree . A year ago I drove a 2013 911s and ended up buying a 2011 911s purely on the driving experience . The 997 feels the road and so do I !

997.1 Turbo manual is my favourite, hence why I bought one. Nearly bought a 991S PDK.

I have a 997.1tt. Tuned the motor and suspension - now have reliable 700+hp and comfortable but more GT3 like handling. Have the new factory head unit on order, probably will never replace the car. Drive it close to daily, but only 45k miles.

LOVE MY 991.1 EVERY DAY DRIVER!!

I had 2012 997.2 turbo manual- sold it- roads are to crowded for a manual including highway construction etc. I now own a 2012 997.2 turbo S PDK- love it. It is the last 911 w/ Dr. Porsche's DNA built into the car- a true appreciating upcoming classic

This is an absolutely brilliant video. One of the best I’ve watched. So much detail, informative, engaging and very well put together. I own a 964 C2 and would like to also own a water cooled 911. I am considering either a 997.2 or 991.2 and found your video very helpful. Thank you very much! 🙏Subbed! 😊 Cheers!

997 is definitely on top of my list, Cayman 918 is a second.

Have owned and driven numerous Porsches over the years and 997.2 C4S is best of them all, especially with the non-electric steering.

I love my 997.1 Carrera C2S 3.8, but I am still disappointed by the lack of durability of suspension and motors compared with earlier 911 models, or the transaxle models such as the 944 and 928. I have them too, and my 35 year old 928S4 with 136k miles has less suspension rattles . But back to the 997, suspension top mounts, track arm ball joints, all have developed rattles on cars with less than 60k miles. My 2006 997 S needs new top mounts in front at 55k miles, and the noises just "arrived" after one spirited 600 mile trip. Same with a 2000 Boxster S I drove hard through some back roads. Front ball joint rattles in the lower arms appeared after one 250 mile drive. M97 engines have some common issues as well, which were largely solved by the 9A1 featured in your video. I agree the the 997 styling was a welcome return, and the driving experience is more enjoyable but I wish the working bits were more durable. Thanks for the vid, further convinced me to keep my manual S...

991.1 is the best Porsche hands down.

997.2 💯 for sure.

Good video for a start... I personally haven't driven the 991, but i own a 997.1 c2s and i absolutely love its looks, how it drives (so poised, so precise on the steering wheel, so planted on the road) and how it makes me feel. Owning a Porsche 911 was a dream for many years and i was very happy to buy one last year, in stunning condition and with a crazy amount of work done to it (bought it from my best mate). So, i haven't driven a 991, but one thing that strikes me with them, they are massive 👀😳... And on tiny roads such as the ones where i live in the South East of England, i wouldn't be happy with such a big car at all. Even the 997 is no small car, so often prefers taking the nippy z4 3.0, but one thing i know, the 997 is a keeper, and if i ever have bore scoring issues etc... i will bore the engine to 4l and supercharge it... That way, i won't have to buy anything else ever😂 as it will be 997 turbo territory fast😳 Damnit I just realised I had already written a message on this video 4 days ago😂😂😳. Sorry🥴

Love my 2006 997 coupe ! My car just reached 60,000 miles . When I can no longer drive she is going to my son ❤️😊

Well speaking about the convertible top lines were funny looking on the 997 that’s why I went with a 991.1 it more held to the beautiful clean shape of the 911 coupe, with roof up. your reviews just a little biased OK may be a lot. I shopped for mine for about a year and a half or two years looking hard at the 997.2 but ultimately going with a 2014 911 S loaded with every option “all 7 buttons” that a GTS has except the extra horsepower which I don’t miss, 400 hp is plenty and all the fun is lower speeds in more technical type Curvy roads anyway of course with the top down is to me the real feel of a sports car. I probably would’ve been happy with the 2009 911 S I was looking at in 2019 but it was a tough time to buy 911 they went like hotcakes. I still have my 2000 Boxster that is a momentum car and its a blast to drive, different but nothing compares to the planted, grippy, glorious 911s that you can instantly dial the power on and break the rear end loose and slide around the corner it’s unreal and what I always dreamed of and more.

Both 997 and 991.2 is beatiful!

997.2 Carrera S Cabrio is the best all rounder. I have owned 997.2 Coupe, 991.1, 991.2 Targa and a 992.1 C4S and went back to a 997.2 S Cab as best quality and build. Lovely compact car too.

Love my 997

The 997.2 hands down! This GTS, Porsche got so right!

Market price proves the rarity and demand for 991.1 GTS in manual gearbox. They haven’t depreciated a penny since 2016. Last N/A carrera, rear wheel drive and the wide body(only on 4S, GTS and GT3 came with it back then)

Just bought my first Porsche - a low low mileage 2011 911 997.2 Targa 4. Absolutely love it. Feels like I’m driving a performance machine. I test drove one of the new 992 models and I agree - it’s fast, performs great but feels like a video game. Or a spaceship. I don’t feel connected to the road. Didn’t like it at all.

As a postscript, the GT3 is the sixth 911 I have owned. I may get an allotment for an S/T. Regardless I will keep my 997.1 GT3.

997 turbo. Last of the Metzger engines. Durable. No bore scoring issues. My pick

⁠That 991 in your video did not have the PSE so ofcourse It’s not going to sound good. Drive one with the PSE. Big difference. I do have to agree with the E brake. That’s the one thing I really hate in my 991.1 C2S.

it is soooo true what you said, and this is the reason I went back to a 997 from a 991. 997 from the inside feels so much more personal, the cockput wraps around you, the 991 is just too airy inside.

A bit of a snob Porsche owner review. As in the old Porsche is the only true Porsche. I’ve owned a 1981 911sc for 30 years now. And also have a 2016 991.1. Both awesome cars. Newer 911 are always better 911’s. 997 vs 991.1; the 991.1 is 100lbs lighter and more horsepower. The 911.1S out preforms the 997 GTS. All 911 are awesome, it comes down to what you want and how much to spend. If I could afford it I would also have a 2023 911GT3RS

964 or 993 would be the better question. I prefer the looks and feel of the older ones.

I loved my 997, owned it for 5 years and drove many miles with it. The 991 I still own I love a lot too. According my opinion a better car then the 997. But as usual it depends on what you are looking for in a car…..is it for daily use…etc…If you really want the 911 experience in its purely form you should go for a 964 or 993. Great video though with good detailed explanations.

997.3 GTS 4 2012 is and way the best bang for the buck!

I got 2 units 997.1 & 997.2 Both is my Fav car, love all the way 997 🌞🌞🌞

My best 911, the one i own, a 997.2 turbo with manual transmission. For me the best 911 ever made

ive owned both. i kept my 997 club coupe. best car ever!!

Any 911 is better than no 911. As per Tedward! I love my 997.2 with my own personal upgrades! Enjoy your 911!

It's always a matter of taste, but I will probably never sell my 6spd 997.2 C2S

My 997.2 Carrera 4S is an awesome car. Have driven a 991.2 4S as well, Prefer 997.2 thou.

I'm thinking about a 997.2 Carrera 2 with PDK. But then i watch videos of mechanics talking about maintenance and repair issues. Any insight or comments would be appreciated.

997.2 for sure!

Many of the same issues apply to the 987 and 981 Boxsters. I have owned both and the 981 is hands down a much, much better car. I like everything about the 981 better than my 987. I do agree on the handbrakes though. I miss my handbrake lever!

As a 996.1 C2 6mt coupe owner, I think mine is the best 911. I don't hate the headlights. Instead I fly the ambers proudly. And unlike many, I have not lowered or added body kits to get that gt3ish appearance, nor have I succumbed to fashion and moved to 18 or 19" wheels. 17s are light and right, and make the car flickable and enjoyable to drive aggressively. I solved the understeer problem easily and cheaply with a proper front and rear anti sway bar by eibach. The superb balance and weighting equivalency of the steering, shifter and pedals are aligned perfectly, creating harmony in the cockpit for anyone who cares to explore those characteristics. It's for the drivers. You are definitely a driver, and your 997 GTS is probably the last best 911... But too expensive for me. So I got creative. To solve the horrible throttle response, I flashed a tune. To remove weak points I added a more robust air oil Separator (UAOS). The cooling systems are all new and work perfectly. There's no bore scoring. The ims has been recently changed to the ln unit. Total price to restore and (mostly) bulletproof this v lightweight and stiff sports purpose chassis was just over 50k, car included. Try getting any other 911 remotely as fun to drive _for the cost_. I guess a 997.1 might be attainable at that price, but there's all sorts of maintenance needed on most of those as they approach higher mileage, so nope. No 993s are that cheap. Sure, a boxter handles better on track when dialed, but it's not a 911. So nyah nyah.😅 I would not consider the 991 in the same category of vehicle. It's a Grand tourer with a big butt... Nope, I'll stick with my 996, patently a better car than any air cooled, yet not a behemoth. When I see what folks are paying for air cooled SCs or older, I'm not tempted. If money were no object, then yes, for the beauty and simplicity, a '74 Carrera would be in my driveway in a heartbeat. But for a car that you can enjoy daily, with excellent AC the 996 wins again. It's old enough, but not too old. Like me. Anyway... I'm rambling. Again ... Ha ha. Great video, keep up the content!

Maintenance on the 997 will now come into play. The late 991 models are still relatively new. Unlike the 997. But you pays your money …

I have owned both. Traded a 997.1s 6MT for a 991.1 C2 7MT, and never regretted the decision. The 991 is the better car in every objective manner. It out performs the 997 across the board, and is absolutely a more refined and more modern car. I agree wholeheartedly with the common subjective assessments/opinions about the 997 offering better “road feel”, and a more compact sports car experience (the 991 in no way feels “huge”, but the 997 is a bit more cozy) and, although the 991’s 7MT is spectacular, the 997’s 6MT is “spectacular +1”

anybody who plans to track the 997…..you need to address the oil pick up issue and it needs front camberplates. it will understeer and devour the outer shoulders of the fronts in half a day.

991 coming in at hundreds of pounds lighter with slightly more power then the 997 makes it feel much more responsive just my take

I love the 993. It was the NEW 911 when I was in college. Fell head over heals in love with it. It was so new and so exciting. I love the 997 but also the new 992.1.

997 all the way. The last of the true drivers 911.

Totally agree ! 997 is the last real Porsche before VW took over Porsche in 2012.