I finally had the opportunity to drive a GTS today. It was pretty much as I expected: a bit rawer, sharper, more powerful, and generally more track-oriented than the S, but still comfy enough to be a daily driver. In other words, I loved it! Congrats on your good choice to those of you who own one.

 

Is it stiffer than a 997 S with Sport engaged?

 

It had PASM, and I tried it both ways. It did seem a bit stiffer than the 997S to me, though others may know better. I didn't find it uncomfortable, but my wife said "this isn't a car you'd want to take a nap in."

 

Doesn't suck, does it???

I've driven my GTS back-to-back with a C2S, and honestly didn't feel a difference in the ride quality, Normal or Sport PASM modes. If there is a difference, I don't think it's 'measurable'...nothing like the difference between a C2S and GT3 for instance.

 

rawer, slightly more powerful... I would agree.

better handling, ride or suspension...no...not in my experience.

 

I honestly could not tell the difference between a GTS and my C4S when I took the GTS for a "short spin". That tells you how average my driving capabilities are

 

Suspension on the GTS and Carrera S is the same. I have Sport PASM on my GTS, so it is slightly firmer than regular PASM, and 10 mm lower, but still comfortable for daily use.

 

If the GTS you test drove was new, it probably felt "stiffer". I've noticed on mine that after about 1,000 miles, it seemed to "settle in" a bit....in a good way. Hard to really describe....less jarring reaction to larger imperfections in road...more accommodating.

I've also driven a 997s and a GTS on the track (not mine as I was still under 2,000 miles at the time.) Back to back....as in jump out of one and into the other for successive laps. The combined incremental enhancements to the GTS were very noticeable on the track....seemed like 1+1 = 3. Yep, not scientific at all just "seat 'o the pantz".

 

When you say combined incremental enhancements, what exactly is different from the C2S? Some on the forum are saying the suspension is exactly the same. I have one on order, so I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting.

 

More powerful maybe if you can feel that, but the rest I highly doubt it, as it's the same car with more horses. Marketing does wonders, it's all about perception.

 

23 more HP, wider at the rear than a C2S and PSE standard. So really HP increment. The GTS includes some stuff as std - where they were options on the S. I think LSD is one. I have SPASM and LSD, so i think the only difference is 23HP and wider rear. Torque is same i think..

 

LSD is not standard but I ordered it. So yes, I think the only "suspension" set-up difference is the wider rear. Could this make it drive differently, in any appreciable way, from a C2S with the X51 power kit?

 

I think the equation is:

C2S + X51 + SPASM + LSD + PSE + wide rear = GTS

Fair question if the wide rear is "appreciable" difference....only thing I know is I really appreciate it

Regardless, you will enjoy your GTS when you get it. When does it arrive? Specs?

 

GTS does not come standard with SPASM or LSD. But you might just get some 'SPASMs' if you take enough LSD.

GTS = C2S + X51 + PSE + WB + Centerlocks (if chosen) + GT3ish Alcantara interior + Aerokit Front

4 GTS = C4S + X51 + PSE + Centerlocks (if chosen) + GT3ish Alcantara interior + Aerokit Front

It's unclear whether the spring rates in the GTS are from C2S, C4S or different (I've been trying to figure it out so I can lower mine).

 

True. Roads driven, speeds, car sound, even mood, etc. can all affect the experience, plus memory isn't entirely reliable when comparing cars. And the GTS I drove has a huge wing, so that surely fosters the perception that it's more like a race car!

These are good reasons to compare cars back to back, preferably multiple rounds, under the same driving conditions (a "controlled experiment"). I've also found it helpful to drive the same car on different days to see if my feeling changes over time (a "longitudinal study").