"You would be the first person on 6speed to make the move from a 997.2 C2s to GTS."

Not true - I went from an '09 C2S PDK to an '11 GTS PDK in February of this year. My C2S was a launch model (the green/sand version) which I got on a 2 year lease. My lease ran through May but my dealer got in exactly the GTS I wanted and paid off the balance of the lease without penalty. I made the switch and never looked back.

Options can make a big difference. My C2S did not have SPASM or adaptive seats, both of which I wanted when I started tracking my car on a semi-regular basis. I also love the alcantara interior. It's not as slippery as leather and much easier to deal with in hot weather. What I really wanted was a GT3 but I just couldn't live with one as a daily driver.

If I'd gone from the C2S to a GTS with exactly the same options the differences would have been relatively minor. I'm not sure I feel the extra horsepower, but it is nice to know it's there. But add in all the changes - PLUS it's brand new, PLUS it's exactly the color combination I always wanted - and it was well worth the switch.

YMMV.

DMoore
'11 Carrera GTS
'10 Panamera 4S

 

Yours was a good situation but not really the same as the OP...basically your lease was up and it was time to choose a new car...and you made the choice that I think many of us would...get the GTS.

Your points about tracking are spot on. For the track the extra HP can make a difference.

I have a feeling that some day you will be in a GT3 however. I recall you are an excellent driver.

 

It was a win win situation for you Dmoore. Not sure if it's the same situation with the OP. Options are what make a car. I know the adaptive sport seats add weight but I just cannot imagine not having it for my 280 mile weekly round trip commute.

 

After your mods, I think your car is just about perfect. I too thought about the GTS. Instead, I am keeping my 09 C2S PDk and will wait a couple of years for the 991 reviews to pan out. I would jump on a GT3 PDK 991 in a heartbeat. While everyone "loves" the widebody looks, I on the other hand like the narrow body handling on the track. The "widebody" look of the 911 is classic, and when snap oversteer could kill the unexperienced turbo 911 driver, very necessary. But, it isn't needed anymore, and the trend is actually going the other way in the 991. It doesn't benefit car dynamics on the track, instead, it makes the front end push. I wonder how "wide" the 991 widebody will be? Corvette wide? I hope not. Also, IMO, with the new front track width increase, and a "flatter" overall look, it won't be as noticable either. On the older gen cars, where the "bubble" of the roofline was quite "popped" up vertically, the widebody wheels were very noticable, lots of curves. In the last gen, the 997.1 and .2, unless you are a 911 fan, most people wouldn't have a clue what is different between a C2, C2S, C4, C4s, Turbo, etc. That is why the "critics" always joke how many models Porsche has of the same car, because no one can tell the difference. Keep the car, save the cash, have fun at the track, and read the reviews of your next purchase, a 991.

 

Is the GTS awesome - yes. Would i take one over my car - yes. Is it a good move no. Fundamental difference is 23HP. No torque difference. Now options could be the wildcard. Also, if youre coming off lease and the 991 is not your cup of tea, move.

In my case, my car is optioned as i like it. Not worth paying $30K+ for 23HP. Pretty much - thats really the only difference.

 

+1

 

Is that why my '12 GTS Cab seems to have more understeer than my '08 Cab?

(Sorry about the hi-jacking.)

 

Really interesting takes. Logic and desire are frequently on opposite sides of the table.

 

+1

I've had 911s going back to the first 996. The GTS is far and away better than the rest. Noticeable power, ride, handling and feel improvement. GTS were also limited in # produced. Best non track dedicated 997. GTPorsche agrees.

Unless you think you will want the 991, major evolution, the GTS is the 997to own but the deal offered has to make sense too.

I love mine and have no interest in the 991.

 

Not necessarily. The GTS cab may have its suspension set up different. Also, with the extra power, when put to the ground before the apex of a turn, the under steer push would be more noticeable. So if one is tip tronic, and one PDK, that may make a difference how power is put down too. Lots of factors. Biggest thing I keep hearing the Porsche 991 design guy keep emphasizing in the reviews is how the wider front track has eliminated the under steer push. Also, the GT3rs 997.2 had an increase in front track over previous gen. So, wider rear does not mean better handling at the track.

 

It might also be possible to partly "correct" the understeer by adjusting driving technique, such as adding a bit more braking when entering curves.

 

You can also try just coming off the brakes a little slower and smoother to keep some grip on the front wheels a little longer.

 

As others have said, it all depends on the money the dealership is willing to give on trade, and the discount they are will ing to give on the GTS. Personally, I would keep the C2S for two more years, then trade it on a 991S.

 

Yes, a good corollary to my suggestion. And I hope everyone agrees that we don't want to go to the other extreme of too much braking into corners, since that can also overload the front tires and cause understeer.

For me, part of the fun is trying to figure out the best way to drive each particular car. From that standpoint, one could argue that the Cayman R is less fun than the "challenging" 911 because it's too easy to drive fast.

 

That is exactly what is done! Loading the front tIres with braking increases turn in grip. But, in slower, long sweepers, or slightly cambered away corners, push under steer happens as the weight is shifted back to the rear.

Warning to all, wider front track is coming!!