997 Turbo to 997 GTS - Page 2 - 911/Carrera GT - PistonHeads UK

Somewhat unusual? Thinking of changing my Gen 1 997 Turbo to a Carrera GTS. Both manual, the GTS also has bucket seats which I'm a sucker for, and is RWD. Nothing wrong with the Turbo, it's as I expected - super fast, incredible in the wet and a decent daily driver. It's also pretty luxurious except for the old PCM unit. Am driving the GTS on Saturday, anyone had experience of both? Cheers

Doesn't seem bad logic. Normally aspirated and more than fast enough for UK roads (or any other roads really). The GTS has had universally good reviews (especially in 2WD Coupe manual form) - I have one and love it but have no experience of a Turbo. Having said all that in fact I'm thinking of getting out of sports cars altogether so it may be for sale soon.

I test drove a GTS before I tried a Gen 1 turbo. Coming from an M3, the GTS was not really that much of a step up in performance and the engine felt somewhat lazy but it did handle very well. The PCM 3 is a huge improvement over the 2.1 and if you are using the car as a DD then is a no brainer. You will be be able to use more of the performance more of the time compared to the turbo which a plus in the UK. The GTS, without the Aerokit) is also the best looking 997 IMO.

unless you need the +2 save 20k and get a Cayman R if you want more driver focus.

Don't like Cayman shape unfortch. Also had a few Boxster Spyders so have sort of scratched that itch.

Just not sure what a GTS will bring to the party for the 20k extra bar being less fun and slower if tracked. I test drove one and it does not really offer anything over a normal C2S bar the qudos of having a GTS imo. each to their own, but the R is a better drivers car than the spyder and GTS ,more tail happy (than A Spyder) and stiffer all round. I could see the GTS being ok if you spent a few ££ on it (and found one with buckets) but like most cars over rated for the extra money spent buying one. but as you have found one with buckets maybe worth a punt and fit some ohlins on it, I just could not put 60k into one my self.

Not at all interested in tracking it, been there done that. Most reviews seem to say the GTS was the sweetest 997 (GT3/RS on track aside). Guess I'll know on Saturday if it's a better fit than my Turbo. Cheers

Don't listen to Mr D, he gives the same advice to any which car question regardless, he has a Cayman R you see, oh and don't bloody mention a GT3 or we will be off on the wrong gear ratios, undrivable on uk roads needs a 10k refresh etc etc etc....

Normally I tend to agree with a lot of what Mr D says, despite the vilification he seems to suffer sometimes on here, but I traded a Cayman R (the very one Mr D bought I believe) for the GTS and never once have I regretted the decision. The CR was great fun and a fine handler, but the GTS has more grunt and more presence.

Much discussed if you refer to recent threads....the GTS is actually my favourite 911 and I would consider it as rapid and as involving as a 458 for spirited UK A and B road driving. Owned a Turbo...'nuclear detachment' sums it up and far less involving than the GTS and not much quicker even in the wet... My GTS is 2wd PDK, good spec 'manuels' are relatively rare and if you like the stick, the 997 box is of course much sweeter than the vague 991. Never seen a GTS with buckets which could command a premium if the remaining spec is good... Where the 2wd GTS scores IMO is with its beautifully balanced now defunct hydraulic steering, lost of course on the Turbo and then the vague electric 991steering is much derided. The wider body GTS and revised suspension over the C2S give less typical 911C2S bobbing and twitchiness at speed. 408 bhp ' 'powerkit' engine has a much flatter torque curve than standard 385bhp lump, and standard sports exhaust sounds great especially over 6000rpm.... Downsides...not many but some don't like the black centrelocks for some reason...but these are crucial for resale and as you won't be doing track there will be no issues. Personally I detest the standard placcy dash, but most cars have the leather dash option if not full leather, although some prefer the alcantara hush puppy effect... Value wise, residuals are extremely good, these having changed little over the past 18 months apart from the usual 911 seasonal fluctuations. There are generally only a handful of decent spec and mileage cars for sale at any one time. Be interesting to hear how your drive goes.....

pete a said: Don't listen to Mr D, he gives the same advice to any which car question regardless, he has a Cayman R you see, oh and don't bloody mention a GT3 or we will be off on the wrong gear ratios, undrivable on uk roads needs a 10k refresh etc etc etc.... I stand by every thing I say about the R and GT3 what do you drive ?

Buy the GTS

mrdemon said: what do you drive ?

av185 said: Cheers for that, seems to tie in with my reasoning. I believe the car has full leather dash and short throw change. Definitely has centrelocks and bucket seats.

Driven. In the wet so not particularly spirited, but good for a back to back comparison with the Turbo. Clutch is heavier than the Turbo's, but rest of the car feels dainty and light in comparison. Thought the exhaust/engine was muted, and expected more noise. Bucket seats as ever made the car look very special, and it has the leather dash option which is a relief. Came away thinking I might have to do this..

for a price comparison, there is a nice red manual at OPC Hatfield. It has sports seats, not buckets and alcontara not leather.

NicD said: for a price comparison, there is a nice red manual at OPC Hatfield. It has sports seats, not buckets and alcontara not leather. Yes, saw that (same OPC)

Quite a few have done this, I Know one chap who went from gen 1 turbo to a 4GTS and is having a far more enjoyable experience. Saying that everyone has a different trigger for some it's noise, NA engine etc and nowadays Porsche is making a model for every type of person

I went from a manual GTS2 to a Turbo manual. If I was going to look at a GTS again, I would want to make sure it had the full leather upgrade - the standard interior seemed a little low rent. I must admit, I have become a bit of a sucker for that turbo boot of power, but the GTS has a lovely linear delivery. Both great cars, and my Turbo has PCM3 which was a must for me (hard to go back to the old fashioned system!)

Beaver said: Driven. In the wet so not particularly spirited, but good for a back to back comparison with the Turbo. Clutch is heavier than the Turbo's, but rest of the car feels dainty and light in comparison. Thought the exhaust/engine was muted, and expected more noise. Bucket seats as ever made the car look very special, and it has the leather dash option which is a relief. Came away thinking I might have to do this.. If you came away only thinking that it's not that great, you should have wanted it straight away at any cost :-) I went to see the blue mega spec GTS at Silverstone today, nice bit of kit. Buts it's still just a nice 911.

Yes, saw the Riviera Blue car, was tempted but £10k more and no buckets. Love the buckets. . ETA Sorry not allowed. Edited by Big Al. on Saturday 10th May 16:47

Mrdemon, I have sent you a PM