997 Carrera GTS: PDK v manual head-to-head test & review

[@GTSCarLife]

Hands down the finest daily use 911 ever made. And awesome on track, too! I want that blue one Lee!

[@DFWreal]

Love Aqua Blue.

[@sajidqureshi2175]

Absolutely agreed my mate got 997.1 GTS same colour.. it's a absolute weapon on a car the way it delivers it's power is incredible.. feels superior

[@jimgraves665]

Luv the PDK. I have a 997.2 Targa PDK. The sound of the gears changing so quickly at high RPMs cant be duplicated with the stick.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@jimgraves665 Targa 4S owner as well. I can only have one car, being in NYC, and the Targa's hatchback allows me to do Costco runs, transport a mountain bike, and tons of film equipment for my shoots. I even had mine fully wrapped in PPF to protect the finish, and has really helped avoid some scrapes. I'm not thinking of auditing a little more torque with the Cobb accessport, which also adjusts the PDK shift points.

[@christianpratt]

Former 997.2 C2S 6MT owner here - I can’t say enough good things about the 997. Wonderful car, as you know and have revealed. Always fancied the extra horses the power kit provides - though I also enjoyed the narrower hips of the 2, down the lanes. Either way, a treat to drive and own.

[@Carsaddiction]

997 manual GTS owner here. A car I would never sell, but its all about personal preference - I wanted something old school (rwd and manual), somewhat modern but not too bulky in size, and the special touches (wider rear, x51 pack, aerokit, limited number...etc)

[@Carsaddiction]

What is the source of the production totals? It would be interesting to dive deeper, how all the 95 cars were specced.

[@stevewhite9653]

God that aqua blue 997 looks stunning. 😍

[@Andy5c]

I wish you would stop reviewing this model. I'm trying to buy one but you are drawing them to too many peoples attention 😂

[@9WERKSTV]

Hahahaha love this!

[@glenoh88]

It really doesn’t matter. Just buy something and drive it. All that wasted time thinking and not driving. A Miata is better than dreaming….

[@joeracer302]

Yea, the Porsche 911, no one ever heard of those before

[@Andy5c]

@joeracer302 u a bit thick? How many different models of 911 do you think there are. I said this specific model and if you know what you were talking about you would know these are quite rare

[@danielcrease5254]

As an owner of a 997.2 GTS manual RWD I'm chuffed that I made a few good decisions with the spec when buying it back in 2011 ! 🙂 I test drove the PDK but it just hid way too much of what this car has to offer. Interestingly, I've driven more recent versions of the PDK in the intervening years and it's frankly outstanding. But back in 2011 manual was the way to go on this particular car IMHO. Great video BTW - thanks.

[@user-rb1yf4he9q]

Used to be that the techies here in Silicon Valley bought the PDK because they just didn’t know how to use a clutch pedal. But with refinements to the tranny, it really does perform better than a M/T. That being said , the ability to use a manual properly makes not just a Porsche but any sports car a joy to drive.

[@phillsmith9255]

I've always loved the GTS spec, I think a manual GTS is the pick on all 911 generations for road driving.

[@robskuse9615]

Had my Aqua Blue GTS PDK for over 10 years and it has been excellent. Plenty quick enough and not a big car. Can’t see me ever selling it.

[@joetacchino4470]

As the former owner of a 997.2 Turbo S (of course with PDK) I will tell you the PDK was one of the reasons I sold it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s…good. But after you’ve driven a 991 PDK, never mind the PDK Sport of a GT car, the 997 gen 1 PDK seems sluggish. I test drove two GTS’s in PDK as well and the lack of turbo torque made the PDK seem worse. I will say if you really want an auto, it’s much preferable to the Mercedes Tiptronic unit for SURE. But for a 997, it’s a manual for me.

[@nathanwild811]

Fully agree the 997 pdk is light years behind the 991 pdk.

[@HermanHerrera]

I own a 2009 997.2 Carrera cabriolet with PDK. I bought it 2015 with 12,000 miles for $44,000. One owner, it belonged to a dentist from Princeton NJ…weekend/nice weather driven only and garage kept. I kept it the same…just hit 25,000 miles and nothing but an oil change once a year for the last 9 years. Very reliable car and more fun to drive than the manual version IMO. I did the Fister exhaust mod, center muffler delete from Sharkwerks, and the Fabspeed CF air intake…the sound is absolutely amazing! I also bought Sport Classic Fuchs wheels and pilot sports tires, changed the steering wheel and had my local dealer add Sport Mode from Suncoast Porsche. I will never sell this car. The 997.2 is a well rounded, reliable sports car that is incredibly fun and visceral to drive. I own a few other sports cars/super cars. I’d sell all of them before my 911.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@HermanHerrera Thats's a great story - Did the mods give any extra torque in the low/mids? I'm thinking of the Cobb Accessport for a little extra torque and lower PDK shift points. I bought my 2010 Targa 4S in 2013 with 11,500 miles after an exhaustive 6 month nationwide search due to the Targa's being hard to find and I wanted almost every option including leather, ventilated seats and sport Chrono. Since I live in Manhattan and can only have one car, the hatchback of the Targa was ideal for me.

[@boblivingston4841]

I have a 997.2 GTS cab with a 6 speed manual, it is the best of all worlds.With the top down the engine just sings.

[@Flynbourne]

I’ve got one of these but just had a baby. I am still holding onto it for dear life but I think it’s going to have to go. Devastated!!!

[@shughes911]

That stinks! Well at least you can sell it for what you paid for it🤷‍♂️

[@ambitiousceo]

Are you based in the US? Would be interested.

[@saquibramday]

Another fantastic video Lee. Some will always want the newest, and others yearn for the old school air cooled. Personally I think the 997 RWD GTS Manual is how one would describe what the epitome of a Porsche 911 is across the old and new. I hope I never sell mine. Thank you again

[@jimwilson7193]

997 is the best version. The GTS will always hold value

[@JohnDaly-zi8ws]

To all you who haven't driven the .2 GTS who suggest to just get the S/power kit (I have driven both) I say you don't have a clue. I own a .2 GTS and just raced a .2 TT for 45 miles or so through the backroads of western NC and he couldn't get shake me. Add, I was unfamiliar with the roads which had me trailing and unfortunately gave me over spray chip on my hood.....OUCH, for my car was near perfect but now new ppf and paint correction needed. The handling was incredible, the rear never came loose nor worried me that it would. Just an incredible sports car. All I will ever need. Look it up if interested by searching 2012 911 GTS, Basalt Black w/ carerra red leather interior+PDK and you will see my car.

[@yetidh9]

Maybe he didn't know the road either. In which case, following is always easier.

[@JohnDaly-zi8ws]

He knows it well. He has been buggin me to switch cars for a day ever since.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@JohnDaly-zi8ws totally agree about PPF. I had my 2010 Targa 4S fully wrapped after some paint work and has helped to maintain the finish.

[@s10lucky]

Great video. Gotta love those little roads around Beachy Head. It’s just along the road from me so had many fun drives around there. Manual for me 👍

[@carfan3762]

My first Porsche was a 997 4GTS with PDK. I loved it despite the fact that the PDK box broke down at around 3000 km (several oil leaks and then the box just shut down in traffic and the car would’t move an inch. It had to be towed away and Porsche replaced the box, having admitted that there had been a failure in the assembly process). After two years and a bit I changed to a 981 Cayman S. Great car as well. If I’m lucky, in a couple of years I will end my driver’s life with a manual 992. Early days to specify which one 😅 Thanks for your reviews which are always very interesting, be they thoughts and critical comments such in the present video, or road trips with your own green 996 😊👍

[@antonylacroix6475]

Spot on review - I did 52000 miles in my GTS very special cars - you are right I improved exhaust with a sherkworks and steering yes fantastic better than my 991.1 GT3

[@TobyD]

Another fantastic review video Lee. As previous owner of that blue manual car in the video, I can attest to its quality. Fantastic shifter, lovely feel, wonderful engine (totally agree on X51 comments). Wide body & looks to die for. Only downside for me was 997.2 DFI engine being bit muted in cabin as you mention (even with centre muffler delete which only makes it sound even more awesome outside). Previous M97 is more characterful. They fixed DFI drama in 991.1. If only I had a £ every time someone told me I could have bought a GT3 instead 😂 (but they miss the point as you said exactly)

[@LC-rj6ok]

Just changed from a DFI with PDK to the older engine with manual. Yes it's much thirsty and not as quick, but with the sports exhaust it does sound soooo much better. It's intoxicating.

[@eduardob62]

@@LC-rj6ok I have a GTS Cab with the Sharkwerks bypass. People don't seem to appreciate the Cabs, but with the top down the glorious exhaust sound comes right to you!

[@noelpregot4178]

Thanks for the video! Not many people make these reviews. I would love to see another comparison between 997.2 Carrera S (manual) vs. 991.1 Carrera S (manual)

[@9WERKSTV]

Thanks for the feedback, and noted for a future video!

[@grantmckendry3323]

I love all 911’s, but the 997.2 is top of the list for me in MT. The GTS is very subtle in style but has great performance package. It would be interesting to drive a GTS and a GT3 to see how different a drive they both are.

[@hmk911]

Difference is night and day. GTS drives like an S, while GT3 is a true GT race car.

[@frederickcook87]

I’ve yet to see a real comparison of a S or GTS model vs a GT3 in the 997 range. It would be a real eye opener for folk that think the gt3 is heads/shoulders above the other models.

[@000GunterGabriel000]

@@frederickcook87 Well, i own a 997 GTS MT and a 997.2 GT3 RS and the RS is indeed heads and shoulders above the GTS. On paper its just 150kg lighter but it feels like 300kg. The engine is on paper 42hp stronger but it feels much more. And the steering in the RS is another league. That being said the clutch and the shifter in the RS is indeed a pain in the ass and ruins the car a little bit for road driving. But nevertheless it really is a very big difference between the two.

[@DailyisRaceCar]

@@frederickcook87 Those with experience know that just wouldn't be the outcome .....

[@frederickcook87]

@@000GunterGabriel000the RS is a different animal

[@nvautier3745]

Great content. Why is the 4 manual a bizarre set up?

[@Kenya_agron]

Great video Lee, keep them coming.

[@HawkMillFarm]

You really needed a 991 to step into too for the definitive answer to which is peak gts. Still love the size of 997 cars. Agree about paddle travel.

[@jonfrench7133]

Hit me right where it hurts. Much as i love my Cayman 4.0 i think this variant is what it will take to finally satisfy my Porsche itch

[@PitchAndShift]

Bro, I should have let you drive the 997 Carrera 4 GTS manual on the pass in Switzerland. Because trust me, in the alps with wet/snow and all sorts of the conditions the 4 GTS manual is the one to have if you live in the alps!!! :) Cheers

[@leebushen]

I love my GTS so thanks for the great review. I was convinced two years ago that it was a sweet spot and you have only confirmed my position. I do find my PDK it’s a bit clunky though when pulling out of a side road or in traffic. Not as smooth as my BMW automatic of the same year. I really don’t have much else to be critical about with this car though it is so beautiful and on the rare occasions where you get an open road it’s spectacular!

[@LC-rj6ok]

I had a similar feel in a Cayman R with PDK, these were the first PDK's and approaching their 12 year service. They will need a new sump as the filter is built in, along with oil changes in the clutch and gearbox. Porsche will have it down as a regular 12 year service in the log book, which doesn't include those. If you can find a Porsche specialist, get a full PDK service. Should feel like new then.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@@LC-rj6ok I have heard this as well. I asked my shop to do the full PDK service and they felt it was unnessart with mine only having 40K miles. But I will do it at some point and see if there is any improvement in PDK shift. I'm thinking of the cobb accessport which adds a little torque but also changes the PDK shift points.

[@philnelson2607]

Great video as ever Lee, and what stunning cars they both are 👌🏼

[@shughes911]

Oh man my dream 997!!! Been waiting on this one!! Thx pal

[@Porschemaddad]

Great video Lee

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you!

[@burhanalg]

Lucky to own a car very similar to the blue one here - absolutely incredible

[@davidmorais2394]

I am a long term owner of a 997.2 C4S Cab manual. It’s a brilliant car. Unlikely to part with it ever. And I own 6 other classic cars.

[@davidmorais2394]

But I just might consider getting the power kit added. Though to be honest, when you put the car into sports damping mode, it is very sharp handling and throttle response. Good enough for my regular road trips.

[@davidmorais2394]

The cab does not particularly detract from my experience and I do drop the top when I can. But i might have bought a coupe if I made the decision today. With sunroof.

[@davidmorais2394]

With that, what I’m saying is that you can find similar experience to the gts at a lower price point. In fact a base manual 997 coupe is probably the very best driving car in the range.

[@sagalout]

This was my halo car - wanted one for ages. Took out a PDK 6 months ago certain I would want to buy it and was so disappointed. A good daily I suppose, but boring with a PDK at normal road speeds (not helped with the quiet exhaust). As said, manuals are super rare and haven’t come across one for the right price (and since bought something else). I get PDK is better/faster but for driving enjoyment and engagement it has to be manual

[@JohnDaly-zi8ws]

I agree until I had an opportunity to stretch it's legs, seriously let her loose and let me tell you, at speed in long, sweeping, high speed twistys, I wouldn't want a 3rd pedal. Both hands on wheel was ideal and illuminated the purpose of the paddles.

[@sagalout]

@@JohnDaly-zi8wsYeah, I completely get that. I’ve driven PDK on a track and enjoyed it, but as a road car I just want more engagement and theatre at normal road speeds. I ended up with something totally different - a V8 Mustang Mach1 in manual (tremec gearbox). The Porsche is better in any measurable way, but the Mustang puts more smiles on my face at the speed limit 👍

[@fredb484]

Total Productions all GTS models from 11/2010 to July 2012 is (1500) USA plus (150) to Canada for North America. I have the 2012 4GTS coupe with 6-speed (w/GT2 factory short shifter) which was only made from 11/11 to 7/12, 4GTS Coups for USA total was (271) total of which (95) were manual. It's got plenty of power for the street. Only thing that would have been better is if a rev match was available, otherwise, its perfect and Im not selling yet, have 32K miles..

[@leegreaves4744]

997.2s are the best , Lee you did a great review, absolutely spot on with everything you said, keep going mate.😊

[@9WERKSTV]

Thank you very much indeed for the kind words.

[@TogetherFaster]

Great video, great cars, very nice person! Thanks a lot for sharing your good work! Greetings from Germany Rainer

[@halloweenjack8683]

I have a basalt 2011 GTS PDK Cab I only went for PDK cos the Mrs likes autos, guess what she is scared to drive it, never mind I take it out when dry in Manchester and its a beautiful looking car imo that I am keeping til I drop dead !

[@stms4411]

Excellent review! I would absolutely do the manual. Question for all 997.2 fans, any issues with carbon build up for DFI or does it also have port injection beyond the DFI?

[@davidbrett2117]

Owned a manual 2nd coupe for six years. Fantastic car, mine had a factory short shift which was the icing on the cake. Agree with comments above, 997.2 gen PDk ages the car…many people’s daily car will have an equivalent or better gearbox. Also video forgot to mention the 997 GTS has very slightly tweaked front suspension over the regular Carrera. Despite what was said in the videos about the smaller wheels/sidewalls the 991.2 GTS has a slightly more compliant ride. Peak water cooled without a doubt.

[@marklawrence6433]

Great review, as always, keep up the good work Lee ! 👍

[@yardersmj]

I'd be interested to get your view on the C2 v's C4 manual GTS's. Not sure what you meant by odd spec for the manual C4 GTS in the video though

[@leosheepman]

Great review, really like your presenting style.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

My friend has rwd manual … with pccb. And about 20k miles.

[@996Revival]

That blue one 😮

[@dereksalley7231]

9Werks, where did you get the information for number of cars produced? (I'm curious about the numbers for Canada). Great vid and wonderful cars. I owned a 997.2 Carrera 4 GTS Cab. Thank you. Cheers!

[@glennmartin2403]

The video I have been waiting for! Thanks…..

[@DougSlmon]

❤😂😢😮😅😊😊😊 let the Porsche scream around the road let it hug the corners the way they’re supposed to keep up the good work with the Porsches. I like your videos. Take care.

[@gregs8685]

Fantastic car. Wide body and power kit. The alcantara, center lock wheels are not my thing. For me, it’s definitely worth a premium over the Carrera S, but 100% premium?? No.

[@JoJoJoker]

It’s a shame Porsche didn’t do a Targa GTS. The PowerKit would’ve balanced out the extra eight. Almost no Targa has the PowerKit

[@MrRoyck10]

I had a manual 987.2 which I sold and embarked on a 981 journey test driving for two months exclusively PDK, what a wonderful experience the PDK is to drive. I bought the first and only manual 981 that I drove, I must attest that the PDK is faster, economical and convenient but there is one thing missing, emotional feelings of swapping cog with your left leg 🦵 or the lack of emotion from a redundant left leg dawn on me whilst driving a PDK. I have to accept if it’s a second car then manual is the best but for daily driving is the PDK, I live in London yet nothing compares to a provoked flat six manual BoxEngine! That poking feeling in the second gear just before you redline and swap for 3rd gear ⚙️ 😅

[@gazof-the-north1980]

When I win the lottery, I'll buy a 911 with a PDK

[@stu4181]

Could the power kit be retrofitted to a 997.2 carrera S?

[@Nodstar73]

I know it could be done for the 997.1 as a dealer retro fit option, they hand punched a prefix letter into the engine block after it was completed. I am 99% sure they offered it for the gen 2 as well.

[@ghowells5433]

I had a 997 GTS with PDK but no sport chrono and despite loving the car wasn’t impressed by the gearbox, maybe better with sport chrono, just wasn’t sharp enough.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@ghowells5433 the shorn is supposed to make the PDK much better, which is why I had to have that feature.

[@AndrewHastwell]

Think there over priced as some up for sale for well over 6months

[@dardog7734]

For 75k I think you could get better cars. Great video

[@Photoandcargeek]

What about 997 GTS manual versus 40 Jahre (the GTS in the 996 line-up)?

[@alexbrodie2930]

Blue one please 🙌🏽♥️

[@kcw9313]

Needs the aero kit

[@AB0BA_69]

Easy question. If your Porsche is just a status symbol, a "Prada handbag" for men, then go for PDK. If you actually enjoy the driving experience then obviously get the manual. 😂

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@AB0BA_69 this comment makes zero sense. I'm a manual driver and have a vette C7 7speed in another state, but my home is in NYC, so a manual isn't good for me. I hesitated getting the PDK but I love it and is perfect with the sport chrono. I plan to get the Cobb accessport which actually changes the PDK shift points.

[@jameswillard1]

Haven’t watched the video but having owned manual and PDK versions of the 997.2 I can say that this was PDK in its infancy and to be completely honest it wasn’t that good. Down shift times were very sluggish and upshifts weren’t much faster than tiptronics that came before it. PDK’s starting with 991 became significantly faster and more crisp and current iterations are lightning fast

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@jameswillard1 all these comments about the PDK are making me think people have only ones that needed service. The PDK can get sluggish with time and servicing is supposed to bring back the snappy feel. Also without the sport Chrono, the PDK isn't a good.

[@jim1556]

The Aqua Blue manual is stunning, but what muppet specced an £80k car with a plastic dash???

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@jim1556 I was thinking the same. When I was shopping for a low milage 997.2 Targa 4S, leather was a must have, as well as sport chrono (which helps the PDK's shifting) and ventilated seats.

[@Futureprooffill]

The 997 'touring'

[@a.c.e.7568]

It is what I prefer to DRIVE, end of story. No reviews or testing required.

[@alfpetzer5812]

Alway manual, always RWD for me. No infotainment, not active damper bullshit, no sunroof. The best 997 are simple and naked.

[@gregspark9845]

Manual. No question 😉

[@JoJoJoker]

A 991 steering wheel reduces the paddle travel.

[@bluedog2367]

The question is, do you drive the car or does the car drive you?

[@TheBucketOfTruth]

One of if not the best looking 911 ever produced, but hearing this DFI motor makes me think that the ultimate 911 of this era has to have a Mezger in the back. As they say, there is no substitute.

[@landom9080]

One other difference the base GT3 997s are narrow body cars.

[@SimonRolland123]

What is the difference if you dont have the PSM button or the Sport button in the 997 GTS 4 manual ? - any help would be great

[@flat6croc]

Love the GTS, but the centre locks are such a turn off. On a road car, they do the opposite of what centre locks are supposed to do, namely, make it quicker and easier to swap the wheels. On a road car, they just complicate things to no advantage. Annoying / naff tinsel.

[@nathanwild811]

Shame so many people specd pdk over the manual on the GTS. The 997 pdk feels a very old gearox compared to the 991 pdk.

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@nathanwild811 maybe you drove a PDK that didn't have sport chrono or that needed PDK service? I'm also planning to get the Cobb accessport which changes the PDK shift points and people seem to love.

[@exc911ence_channel]

Without even watching the video: Manual is better.

[@CommunityGameplays]

There is no better or worse- entirely personal preference

[@DougSlmon]

❤😂😂😢😮😮😅😊😊😊😊 I don’t care what Porsche it is 914 911 I like them all long as I get one to have and to drive

[@JTop79]

enjoy trying to get that centerlock off at the side of the road also, they can be had for 50k.

[@9WERKSTV]

A comment full of positivity. Have the best day.

[@JTop79]

@@9WERKSTV It's just facts, they're great to drive and look at but not necessarily to live with :) Have a good day too!

[@motorfab7014]

Manual! Always manual

[@DailyisRaceCar]

One of the most overpriced cars on the market. Why in gods name would anyone pay nigh on 997 GT3 money for basically a carrera with difficult to maintain centrelocks. If you are even close to considering buying one of these, I’d suggest giving the proper thoroughbred GT3 a test drive alongside, if it’s too hardcore for you then just save 20k and buy yourself a carrera 2 or 4 which will drive exactly the same especially with some supporting mods/tweaks of your own. You can turn a c2 into a GTS easily, you can’t make a GT3 in the same way which justifies their price tag You are paying for exclusivity only, that’s it.

[@gregs8685]

I agree the GTS is overrated/overpriced. In the US, GTS manual coupes are $80-90k range. 997 GT3 start much higher at $130k. As stated, the GT3 is pretty hardcore to drive on the street and a better street car for $80-90k GTS money is the 997 turbo. Either a 997.1 manual turbo or a 997.2 PDK turbo can be had in this range and they are much more special than a GTS. They’re AWD and heavier but they are a blast to drive. Agree, If you want a NA 997.2 just get a Carrera S or 4S and save $20k USD.

[@rockmanx9]

@@gregs8685*sigh* I wish I can find a GTS in US for under 100k. Been searching for months and can’t find one at that price

[@landom9080]

From an aesthetic standpoint 997 GT3 is a narrow body car vs the GTS is widebody. It matters to some folks though. But I agree just find a C4S and call it a day.

[@bobbydazzler8620]

Absolutely spot on A 997.2 C2s is far better value at £20k below

[@flat6croc]

Ouch, plastic interior on the manual! So much for doffing your hat to whoever specced it. 😂

[@jpvdw1961]

Porsche needs to completely eliminate the rear wiper option. What a hideous looking option.

[@evansmith9514]

First Gen PDK is bleh

[@johnnycashlesscomedy8616]

@evansmith9514 maybe you drove a PDK that didn't have sport chrono or that needed PDK service? lack of either makes the PDK feel sluggish. I'm also planning to get the Cobb accessport which changes the PDK shift points and people seem to love.