There’s much talk at the moment about the Porsche 997 GTS. You see, there are still a few brand-new examples in dealers and buyers are wondering whether to opt for one of these over the new 991 Carrera.
It’s easy to dismiss the GTS as a badge-engineered run-out special but it’s much more than that. Like the limited edition Sport Classic, the GTS combined the wider rear end of the Carrera 4 with a rear-wheel drive powertrain, plus the Powerkit which increased the 3.8-litre engine power to 408bhp. In addition, there were black 19-inch RS Spyder wheels, SportDesign front apron, new sideskirts, unique badging and black-finished lower body sections. Inside, the GTS boasted Sports seats finished in Alcantara, while the steering wheel, handbrake and gearlever are also trimmed in this material.
There’s also a four-wheel drive variant – the Carrera 4 GTS.
The GTS is an astonishing car. It drives very like the rare and expensive Sport Classic yet is fantastic value for money. It is quite possibly the best 997 Carrera ever because it feels like a true 911 but is practical enough (especially in Carrera 4 guise) to use every day.
Should you, then, choose a 997 GTS over a 991? Well, the new Porsche has obvious benefits, including a better interior, more power, better economy and so on. However, what it has gained in terms of refinement it has lost in terms of that elusive thing called character and maybe it’s not quite as 911ish as the 997.
Also, I suspect that the GTS will go down in history as being one of the great 911s and, as such, will be a sought-after model. I’m not saying it won’t drop in value – it will – but I reckon the residuals will, in the long term, be better than for a 991.
So my money would be on a 997 GTS.
This Post Has 6 Comments
@RabyPorsche Before reading that post, I said 997 GTS. After reading I still support that decision 🙂
@Tonsty @RabyPorsche Yep same thoughts here too
@RabyPorsche They always say buy the last model in a line rather than the first of a new line… On the basis it should be sorted by then!
I bought one and I don’t regret it years later!
On my second 997 GTS and just think it has more DNA from the original 911 than the later variants, will be keeping mine for the long haul!
Very lucky to have purchased a 997 GTS, loving it!