Porsche 997.2 Carrera S - The Last Drivers' 911?

[@MrElnuno]

I own a 997.2 and therefore understand some of the arguments on both sides of the fence. The fact is, this is a very Jekyl & Hyde sort of car. When driven at 8/10ths and below it can feel very docile and dare I say it, underwhelming. But at 9/10ths and above it just seems to come alive and transform into an eager and very competent sportscar. And that is actually something I love about the 997. You have to seek out the performance! It doesn't just lift it's skirt and show you the goods from the outset. Many 911's through history are like this. The engines are somewhat 'race inspired; in that they need to be worked in order to deliver the thrills, and this is where the rewards lie. Modern 'turbo era' cars are no doubt easier to drive fast, and deliver much more accessible performance, but in some ways this leads to the problem whereby many people become bored of this sort of driving experience very quickly end up looking for something more 'old school' . This is where I think the 997 excels, providing are fantastic balance of modern looks and luxury, combined with a very visceral driving experience that requires some level skill and patience to extract. Some of the worlds best motoring journalist regard the 997 as a major 'sweetspot' in the 911 lineage, and I think the reason for this is the work required to uncover it's amazing abilities when the conditions allow. Long live the 997!!!!

[@wjames2000]

Very nicely put! -997.2 C4S owner.

[@diego750]

Nailed it, very well said.

[@ravss4594]

Disagree. Not exactly the easiest cars to handle at the limit, far better handling sport cars out there that are more “eventful” than this

[@ganthrithor]

Man, I've got a 997.1 base Carrera and I love it to bits. It's just got a lovely blend of attributes: - Great steering feel (miles better than any of their current cars, including the GT3) - Not too large for driving on little, winding roads (the 991 feels like trying to squeeze a battleship through the Panama Canal by comparison) - Lovely noise (just plug the resonator chamber on the air intake or buy one without a resonator to unlock +10 howling noise) - Perfect amount of power for driving on public roads-- the car has enough power that it feels quick, but not so much that you can't hold the throttle wide open with regularity. It's also a lovely little engine with a nice linear build in available horsepower and plenty of torque for dealing with daily driving throughout. The fact that the powerplant is at its best above 4,500 rpm is ideal-- it gives the driver a reason to want to push the car. And the sound of the flat six at high RPM is its own reward! - Fairly analog suspension and drivetrain-- I love the fact that the car just has springs and dampers, to be honest. I don't really enjoy the feeling of constant witchcraft that comes with electronically-controlled everything on newer cars - Soft enough suspension for driving little-used back-roads-- a lot of "sportier" and / or more modern cars have gone to massive wheels, skinny tyres, and minimal suspension travel for looks and sporty feel. That's all fine if you're driving on track or well-maintained main roads, but take them into the backcountry where you can actually have fun and they start to bounce and shimmy off of any significant pavement imperfections. The little Carrera does a great job of keeping the rubber on the pavement. All the other historical 911 stuff applies as well (seating for four in a pinch, plenty of room for cargo if you've only got front-seat passengers, brakes that can go all day, etc). It's just a wonderful little package, and unless you're in a position to own multiple cars for different purposes, I'd honestly struggle to pick a better all-rounder. I just don't agree with your assessment that the 997 is not a sporty car (I do find in general that PDK removes a lot of driver involvement, but that's easily avoided by buying a manual!). If you're not having fun driving a 997 you're not pushing it hard enough or you're on the wrong road-- even the slowest, most-civilized one of the bunch can be driven properly hard to great effect. I don't see how the fact that it's comfortable and easy to drive in less-sporting conditions detracts from that.

[@KN004701546]

Julian B have a 997.1 Carrera base too, many say the suspension on Carrera is better than pasm which is either too soft or too harsh, 3.6 engine is sweeter and more flexible than bored out 3.8 engine (which if ever ims issues were reported they always affected the 3.8 and not 3.6, but however is reported little on 997 in general, usually on low mileage cars)...overall, as a true sports car the 997.1 Carrera is it, while the 997.1 Carrera S is already into comfort which the 997.2 with Pasm and Pdk into definitely went.

[@qikqbn77]

Appreciate your comments and point of view. I am a long time Porsche owner and car enthusiast. It takes some mileage and seat time to really get under the skin to see and feel what each 911 model brings to the table. They all have strengths and weaknesses. Some made for more sport and others for autobahn cruising. With that said I have been a Porsche owner for 18 years and owned many different models. The 997 range is one of my favorites due to it's some what modern feel, yet still driver focused compared to all the gadgety stuff that is overwhelming in a lot of the newer cars. Naturally aspirated engines are my preferred choice. There is no doubt out of the box the 997.1 engine has a better sound than 997.2. Add a cold air intake kit and it literally can scream like a much more exotic sports car. In some ways you can say the 997.1, although not as overall fast as the 997.2, there seems to be a bit more even power delivery in the 997.1 versus the 997.2 which really does not feel much faster until it begins to surge from 5000-7000. A power surge is felt in both engines above 5000 rpm, but that difference is more prominent in the 997.2 DFI engine, which makes the bottom end feel even more lacking, although it's still strong. Definitely in the 997.2 that is where you will feel the power difference between the 2 engines. The 997.2 engine, which seems to get a lot of praise because of the lack of an ims bearing, still has its own issues. As time marches on the 997.2 is not as bullet proof as so many have claimed and jumped on the band wagon. There are rare high pressure fuel pump issues that are fairly well known, fuel intrusion from the DFI is leading to cylinder wall scoring issues, and more importantly there have been some multiple reports of abnormal cam chain wear. If the chain fails, the end result would be the same as an IMS failure. Now, these are very rare issues, like the IMS, but I only say this to keep things in perspective and in some ways to keep people from bashing the 997.1 cars, which are GREAT cars and have really nice engines. 2006-2008 being their strongest. EVERY car manufacturer has rare reliability issues. Porsche is no exception, but I have to say as an overall package I have not found any other car manufacturer yet that ticks all the boxes for me as a Porsche does. That's just my humble opinion.

[@KORNCARS]

Right now I am the proud owner of both a 08 997.1 S Manual and a 09 997.2 S PDK... I would add to your analysis that the .1 car feels more GT and comfortable to drive around. .2 feels a bit stiffer and a better track performer overall. The only thing identical between the two are the brakes. In terms of straight line the .2 with PDK feels and pulls on a higher level over the .1 S manual. Just my two cents to the conversation.

[@ajj4483]

Thanks for that will keep that info in mind

[@thedoctor7157]

Great info thanks! The IMS is the thing I am most worried about in 997.1

[@martinchandler71]

Interesting..exactly what im finding out...i went for a 996 in the end. 99 model...love it..so useable ...gotvan aerokit on it....i still get very self concioys when driving it, because you really are in something apart from tbe rest....

[@raylebrun2885]

my 997.2 just had a high-pressure fuel pump issue. Currently awaiting replacement from Germany.

[@captgiddyup88]

How good is a 997.2? I sold my 991 C2S Cabriolet in Silver/Red for a 2012 Porsche 997.2 Carrera 4S Cabriolet with 11,000 miles. I can see and touch my Engine again. The 997 feels so much more Porsche!

[@hazemgiballi]

Doing the same myself. 991.1 to 997.2. How’s the transition been a year later?

[@Millsprinkles569]

911 sound is kinda like beer, I think, It's a developed taste. I tried a louder exhaust on my C4S and it completely changed everything in a way I hated!

[@falcorystico792]

Put that PDK into manual, select sport mode and drive it like a manual, use the gear lever for gear changes and not the paddles or steering buttons - Then you'll feel how that car comes alive , turn off the psm and hold on "if you dare" - Switch back to auto mode turn off sport button and fetch your kids from school, This car can do it all !

[@K1dPhresh1]

Falcorystico maybe it's why this guy says the PDK is slow.

[@falcorystico792]

He says its slow because he drives it in auto, it takes a bit of practice to get the best from this car, having had 4 x 997's both Gen 1 & 2 and also manual as well as pdk , the pdk is by far the best once you get used to it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Falcorystico I was driving in manual mode for the majority of the review

[@falcorystico792]

JayEmm didn't wish to offend, as i said it takes a bit of practice to really get the best from this car. Love it

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Falcorystico No offence taken. I've driven quite a few 911s before, this one wasn't really any different to my 996. As you can imagine I have to be careful what I do when filming myself on the public roads

[@RobBoothAutomotive]

Still looks very fresh, I feel many are perhaps overly critical as it's very easy for forget that this car is now 7 years old! Excellent video as per usual James.

[@drewflanagan4296]

Did anyone else spend the first 2 minutes or so trying to figure out if and or what he had on his head?

[@terryyoung6453]

sunnies

[@vicrauseo2063]

It took me a minute to see the sunglasses.

[@ckneasel]

I thought it was a flower 🌸😂

[@FirstLadyDonald]

I thought it was a Jewish skull cap 😂😂

[@russm535il]

Love my 2006 997 !!

[@Number27]

A louder exhaust makes a big difference to the engine feel on these! Def too quiet as standard

[@bighands69]

You hear the engine inside the car not the exhaust.

[@brandonwillis9820]

Don't forget the intake. They silenced that famous loud flat 6 voice on the intake side also

[@DR-te4cs]

The 997 is without doubt the most beautiful 911 .

[@johnrodgers6049]

Personally I think the 993 is the one.

[@maximravinet9950]

991 no doubt for me

[@kevinsamuel3930]

992 Turbo S looks the most beautiful to me

[@FirstLadyDonald]

993 or 964

[@grchmusic]

993

[@scanspeak00]

I wonder if the DFI engines are losing power over time due to carbon buildup.

[@niwouackermann8517]

Used to have a 997.2 C2S PDK and at first I though I wasn't all that fast as it didn't feel fast to me. But in reality it was significantly faster than my RS4 (B7) or Z4M even though it did not feel like it. Brilliant overall car

[@fahadhussin6612]

@@niwouackermann8517 how would it compare to a e92 M3 DCT do you think?

[@Funscout]

The car you drove looks to have the Sport Chrono pack so should have Sport or Sport Plus buttons? Hitting Sport Plus dramatically changes the shift speed and throttle response. The PSE is loud on mine, especially when hot. It's a given that it's never going to be as loud inside as a Lotus. I have both cars and you're highlighting one of the benefits IMHO.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

We were in Sport for most of the review.

[@jessiejames2002]

And you wish test this mode on secondary road???... You are not serious...

[@GlennsCarCollection]

I manual transmission is a must in any 997

[@coreykononchuk]

997.1 Carrera S owner here; I love this generation 911 because A. it's affordable for average plebeians like myself, and B. does so many things so well, most importantly being its ability to drive quickly and enjoyably. As it is my only car and I use it daily, it is very versatile and doesn''t feel less special to me for doing so. I can attend a track day, autocross, or cars and coffee and fit right in, or park it in front of a fancy restaurant or in back of a grocery store parking lot and it feels right at home everywhere. Besides tires, operating costs aren't much worse than an average Japanese sports car so long as you're resourceful (don't go to the dealer!), and the IMS failures are exaggerated, something like less than 3% failure rate. So if you're thinking about one, go out and get it!

[@DesertDemons]

I have a 997.2 Carrera S. Best decision I ever made. Period.

[@henryting4458]

There are always those that are chronic complainers, raising issues of their own creations. On one hand he comments how refine the 997.2 is and then complains about it lacking the roughness and grunt of a true sports car. He classify this car as neither a sports car, nor a GT. In fact he got it all wrong. A 911 is a a 911, so quit complaining about what it is and what it is not.

[@rubioalejo]

You should test 997.2 “Manual Transmission “ with Gundo Exhaust Hack . Different experience!

[@maxxweber4336]

Porsche is a two syllable word. -+

[@simplefact4u]

Good video, but few points perhaps to expand your future experiences with porsche, to get the engine sings you need to slap on throttle to change the intake haul. The issue with PDK you said has two roots, firmware hasn't been updated , throttle body hasn't reset in long time , the owner has driven it gently . And I'm sorry Lotus never going to be at Porsche level in many aspects . It's fun car and I understand you biased being British but yeah

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+B NA This car gets driven properly, and if firmware was out of date that is shameful on Porsche who sold it

[@DanielStillMusic]

Your reviews are great, no b.s. and very knowledgable. I don't understand why you don't have more subscriber/views but thank you.

[@paull3179]

My 997.1 4S produces quite a lot of sound from the intake mostly and also some from the exhaust and more than loud enough with a nice low end growl. It requires you to rev up to 7000 often to make it go fast. I also have other cars like a v8 audi and an S4 that accelerate quickly without having to rev the hell out of them as there is low end torque.

[@danterry3776]

997.2 = best 911 ever

[@tutelarius]

For anyone reading the comments and worrying about the more recent cars, the gen 1 991 and the new 992 are both tremendous and a joy to drive. There's joy and character to be found in every generation. I like the gen 1 991 for its amazing, smooth, high-pitched screaming at high revs, its refinement and its planted feel with the wider track. The PDK really is brilliant if you get off your sofa and actually drive the car. I like the 992 for its sheer speed and competence - it still sounds good, has a bucketload more torque and is still a playful but precision instrument. 997 is great but there's no need to knock the current cars, which are all brilliant too.

[@K1dPhresh1]

PDK is slow? In relation to what? While I've never driven one I've read nothing but great things about the PDK and the speed of it's shifts?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

This is the first generation PDK. Later ones are much better.

[@K1dPhresh1]

JayEmm on Cars so in relation to newer PDK, gotcha.

[@ybmb1121]

Probly needs a transmission reset.

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

PDK is immediate - It's a dual clutch.. Manual of course is hugely better from a driver's perspective. Also drop a proper switchable exhaust on it.

[@mohawk5010]

Pretty much every review of the 1st gen PDK (997.2) says it’s kinda slow. PDK in 991 models is fast.

[@mso008]

My favourite 911.

[@KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

this video is a bit confusing to me. Its titled "drivers car" yet you tested a PDK? Then the rant about all the old 996, 997, boxster motors suddenly exploding and not being able to identify which ones are at risk (actually, I assume this is referring to the IMS issue, and if so, yes, they can be identified and yes, they can be fixed, and if you have an early 997.1 or the 996 model, the fix is rather simple if you have about $3k to have it done). Then the rant goes on about how the 997.2 is so quiet, even with sports exhaust and it doesn't feel like it has enough mid-range grunt. you then go on to explain that it has around 60 more HP than your 996, but it doesn't feel like it. This last statement is rather funny given the 997 absolutely destroys the performance of any NA or non-GT 996 in every way. Seems to me like you like the looks of the 997 but the old school feel and sound of the 996, so I am kind of thinking the perfect car for you is a 997.1 early 2005 edition and get the IMS repaired and drive it forever. Or maybe nothing will live up to your mighty Lotus Evora by Toyota.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+hawkinsrod I don't have much ability to pick the exact cars that I drive. I agree that I would probably prefer a 997.1. By the way, if you think I am anti Porsche I recommend you watch my 991.2 video, 991 GT3 or Cayman GT4 videos

[@oscardriver]

This guy drives an "evora" .. I mean ... And he drove this 997.2 like if my grandma was driving it ... Explains it all

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Just because you dont see the car being driven quickly dont assume it didn't happen

[@terryallen9546]

Great observation. A major weakness of humans is not being able to see what isn't there.

[@richardwilson57]

Refined correct! Try tuning it to bring out/back the character

[@blues3531]

Complaining about the noise while you drive at low revs cruising lol. Put it in 2nd or 3rd and floor it lol. At red line the car sounds amazing.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

No it didn't, very muted

[@2424mazza]

Great review as usual! Any chance of reviewing a 991.2 at all? Would be interested to see your opinion

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Max, you got your wish!

[@26Tackle.reviews]

would the cayman s be a better buy for around same money or cheaper? very good review my friend"

[@bighands69]

No. I would suggest buying an older second hand one. Then use the spare money to get the car restored including the engine and body. After this you will have a brand new car again. And if there are any problems get it sorted in the restoration.

[@mjolinir9]

I bought this car in this very spec. Yes it’s true it’s a brilliant daily driver. Yes it doesn’t feel that quick ordinarily. But try being in a hurry and you have to hustle it. The car comes alive and matches your mood brilliantly. The muted engine suddenly howls as if understanding your urgency and responding accordingly. Even through horribly surfaced roads the suspension ignores those bumps and maintains traction and you can press on. You need to take control and go to manual mode. Put it in sport as well. Press on and then it’ll come alive And when you inevitably tire it can go back to being a pussycat. It’s that sort of car. Brilliant nonetheless

[@ericeli5145]

I own 997 gen1 S and I know for fact gen2 are way quieter then first gen only the GTS model is loud like gen1

[@Tamu0421]

Nice review. Which rims are on the car?

[@razrramon2256]

997.2 turbo wheels

[@stockholmish]

Yes, the exhaust note from the factory sucks on the 997.2. Sounds like the blender in my kitchen. Easily and inexpensively fixed though which you didn't mention. Assuming the car has the PSE system to begin with, the center muffler is the culprit. Trash that and replace it with straight cross pipes sold by a number of manufacturer for around $600 to $1,000. Night and day in the exhaust note. Some actually think it's a bit too much but I think most would say it's near perfection. As for the PDK, it's considered perhaps the best dual clutch on the market so I don't know how you drove it. Manual mode in sport plus is the place to be. None of the delay you're talking about.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The PDK in this just wasn't as quick as the current generation, it is a small difference but a difference nonetheless

[@SegioDokic]

Finally a english speaking person that doesn't say "Porcia". Just for that this video deserves a thumbs up. Lovely colour, Indigo blue or electric?

[@intensetwitch7556]

I am thinking to buy one 2010 997.2 Carrera S but the mileage is high would that be a problem? Everything else is perfect just high mileage.

[@bandito3377]

Get a ppi before buying

[@Philippe275]

997.2 never had ims issues.... its a new engine.

[@clanmac66]

This car has one problem, that being a new Cayman S! Which, to my mind includes a new 88k 911 Carrera S against a 51k Cayman S.

[@nannystateshit219]

you have no idea what you are talking about. ive had lots of fast cars, and my latest the 997 GTS is better than all of them in every way. Gear change is instant (if you know what you are doing).

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's not, and it isn't. Thanks for watching :)

[@jojieclaudio2124]

DFI saves 997, starts w 997.2? msi are different issue?

[@jackychou3288]

997.1 Carrera 2S manual is the really last driver’s car, not 997.2! And the PDK is boring the same as the AT!

[@lolakyle8]

GT = Carerra/S 2/4 Race = GT3/2 Simple as that :D

[@AJTalks]

Great review

[@vikd4292]

Jay emm it seems that unless you are driving a 911 gt3 or an air cooled 911, the rest of the reviews are pretty lukewarm for the car

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Check out my 997 turbo review, or my 996 videos which I see you have already watched one of

[@driverperfection3910]

Last of the good 911's imo, good engine, good steering etc etc. shame it's a PDK as that's ruined it lol you can buy a bypass pipe for peanunts for sound.

[@TheAdamAdy]

PDK is one of the best automatic gearboxes....

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Adam Vulture The current generation is perfect. 981/991 are superb. This one was surprisingly slow.

[@Airbag1010674]

Not true. In the 991 they have fake induction noise start first to trick the brain into thinking it's shifting faster. Same hardware, slightly different software, shorter throw paddles. Need to turn on Sports Chrono, and get the latest software update. My 997.2 with SC+ shifts extremely fast. Shut of SC+ and it shifts like a Camry. I was a die-hard manual guy, until i bought a PDK. I would laugh at PDK cars. Now, I wouldn't buy a manual. The PDK is just that good.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Airbag1010674 it seems silly to me to have to go through all that just to get the car to shift like it should. All the later Porsches I have driven (not just 911s) shift as you expect in all modes. Frankly I never liked the SC bit in Porsches, I think they are complicating things unnecessarily

[@jackychou3288]

I think 997.1 c2 (s)manual is better!

[@darrenlongstaff829]

Hi James enjoyed your reviews from first to current. Be interested on your take of a 2006 onward Lotus Europa? Cheers

[@kevinodriscoll3904]

should have gotten the manual...

[@xtlmad]

very good review! congrats

[@carsonking5549]

Loved the colour but I always hated the wing that comes up at a certain speed, have a wing or don't, I say. Great review.

[@CharlieDrives]

I need to do my 996 C4S video!! Need to think of somewhere cool to take it 😀

[@Baerchenization]

I started doing all the AONBs this year and the best roads so far I found in the Cotswolds, followed by Snowdonia - depends where you are, of course...

[@CharlieDrives]

Snowdonia is on my list! Just need to find a good weekend to go for a hoon! :)

[@shaunwoods1591]

Again... why automatic?

[@captgiddyup88]

Try the PDK and you will NEVER go back. I didn't believe it after 15 Porsche 911S & Turbos. PDK is magical

[@donfavro1944]

what is an Auroara that he keeps mentioning?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Do you mean Evora?

[@tkovacek100]

Why are people so annoyed by how a person say Porsche or pooorsch or porshay, who gives a shit. Great video

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I really don't know Tommy but it seems to get their backs up. Thanks for watching!

[@rividizd]

Just call it 997 hahha

[@shahalam96]

Nice review but I cannot agree on your findings that 996 is better car (more old skool) . I had an IMS issue and lost heavy money on the 996, my opinion is 996 is a ticking TIME BOMB. My 997 gen 2 is a better overall car. Porsche got it wrong with the 996 and Gen 1 997 and I am amazed how they got away with the IMS issue and still charged customers money for it. I appreciate there are those customers who have not had the issue and or have fixed the problem but the IMS issue cannot be ignored and swept under the carpet. To ad insult to injury if you ask Porsche about the IMS issue they act like they never herd of it. 997 is last of the direct steering 911's which are reliable and fast, I am sure the gen 2's, the GTS and the classic edition are going to be collectable in the future.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The main reason I don't talk about it is because it is discussed in so many other videos so people already know the score and can make up their own minds

[@rogerjones3341]

Here here , well said I'd still buy one though

[@Spizzerinctum1]

I'm sure it's a great video, and he knows his stuff...certainly interesting subject. And, I'm NOT a snob, but I just can't handle someone making a Por-sha video and saying "PORSH."

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Todd Royse Its an English thing. If I'm in Germany I pronounce it correctly

[@mrjdgibbs]

Hope you don't have any friends named Thomas that you call Tom.

[@johngraydon506]

Chiropractic First - Dr. Todd Royse not all cars have a girls name in the singular, Porscher sounds more tarts

[@chappardababbar]

Nice car. If it sounded better, do you think it would be comparable to your 400? I would have liked to understand your opinion on differences in handling characteristics as well. Because if close then used 997.2 could be a bargain VS Evora 400

[@chappardababbar]

James Martin thanks. I am a 997.2S (manual) owner considering switching to an Evora...these videos are v helpful. However, your points of view tend to be at odds with the motoring press. Most comparative reviews are in favour of the the German product, be it Cayman, or 911 (no matter which generation). Could you address this in a video at some point please. Why is this?

[@younow1511]

Needs a sports exhaust

[@scanspeak00]

Probably the most incisive and helpful review of the 997 that I've seen.

[@ckneasel]

Have a hard time with someone dogging a PDK that is that old as not being “fast enough”... Comparing it to newer generations isn’t exactly being “objective” on the matter...

[@CrusaderX]

just keeping the hype going. whatever you spend on the car- double that in repairs.

[@paulcarpenter4215]

Engine failure effect ‘most’ early Boxsters, Caymans........not true.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Most early Boxsters and Caymans CAN be affected by engine failure. Not most have. You could ask my friend Charlie who's putting a new engine in his Boxster after it failed

[@paulcarpenter4215]

JayEmm on Cars big difference in statement there. We all know they can fail.........but most don’t. Good review of the 997 by the way. Shame you found it disappointing.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@paulcarpenter4215 Yeah I was disappointed too. However keep an eye out for another 997 review in October or November

[@diegoimaz3880]

This car test seems to me like I'm driving to buy bread on Sunday morning. He doesn' t seem to push the throttle at all. I wonder if he pushes the SPORT PLUS button at any time. Because when you do that it is complete different car. I just use the normal model in automatic till I reach 90 degrees oil temperature. Then manual and SPORT PLUS in normal suspension if I'm in the city center. Period. This car was meant to be driven in SPORT PLUS. The rest of the modes are there to please marketing and sales. And to even compare it to the wort 911 ever is ridiculous. You are comparing the worst with probably one of the best in the history of the 911s. And I'm just talking aesthetically. The 996 is a good car, to drive, it is a Porsche so all said but the aesthetics were very unfortunate and you can see them more clear with the time. And I'm not talking about the headlamps, I'm talking about the proportions and quality of the surfacing/shape. It is terrible and having the the 964 and 993 to get inspired from is difficult to comprehend. Proportions on a car is everything and even more in a sport car like a legend 911. And the 996 was a big failure in that sense. Fortunately the 997 corrected all the mistakes was made in the 996 had and improve it in so many ways that a comparison is just out of the discussion. Poor review

[@cupair]

Porsche - not Phoorsh. Good job otherwise!

[@FirstLadyDonald]

Last year I picked up a 996 3.4 on jays recommendation (over the 3.6) . As an owner of an old 986 boxster the interior ruined it for me ( it's identical to the boxster). I didn't keep it long. I'm getting a 997.2 cs in a couple of months. What do I need to look for when viewing ?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

the .2 is a fairly solid car, check out a buyer's guide but it'll be usual things like maintenance etc etc... check the car feels good as many may have tired bushes etc now

[@FirstLadyDonald]

@@JayEmmOnCars 👍

[@713vinh]

The 997.2 needs a 6 speed manual to make it a proper "driver's car". The involvement and the connection you get with the manual gear box is addictive. You should do a review of this car in a 6 speed manual, I promise your reaction will be much different.

[@captgiddyup88]

As the owner of (17) 911’s since 1973, you have no idea what you are talking about. The PDK is faster and more trouble free.

[@jazzragu]

Great video and very informative. Objective and subjective views and comparisons make for good entertainment. Thank bud

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+jazzragu Thanks for watching

[@jazzragu]

@@JayEmmOnCars just bought a C2S 997.1 about 5 months ago. Great little run around.

[@michaelmelillo7371]

2017 Lotus Evora. 1/4 mile-12.4 seconds. 0-60 - 4.0 seconds. www.0-60specs.com/lotus-evora-0-60-times/ 2009 Porsche 911S. 1/4 mile-12.2 seconds. 0-60 -3.8 seconds. www.0-60specs.com/porsche-911-0-60-times/

[@claudedickson9859]

I test drove two 997 911s, a 997.1 and a 997.2. Both were Carrera S. I like the 997.1 better because the one I drove was setup to be more of sports car. Loved the updated interior of the 997.2 much more than the 997.1 interior which felt quite dated. I liked the cars but loved the TT RS. For the same money, I could get a much newer car that was still under warranty and have MUCH more mid-range torque. Three years later, no regrets whatsoever. Now I do suspect that I would like the 991.2 911 because they have the mid-range torque that earlier models lack. That applies to the Carrera and Carrera S models. Though I've not driven it, I would think I would like the 997 turbo.

[@claudedickson9859]

James Martin I agree with you. The problem for me is that it's hard to rev out a car on public road. Lot of mid-range torque is far more useful in daily life

[@chrisogrady28]

I prefer the rear of the 997.1

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+Christopher O'Grady me too

[@Max-Bliss]

The last Porsche B4 VW

[@scottthompson5855]

What a wish-washy review. This is a review by someone that doesn’t know what this car is designed to be. It is NOT a GT3 or GTS. So much better than the 996. Just blathering for the sake of blather. Next time figure it out and then complete the review. Better yet, stay out of Porsches and enjoy your Evora. Good Grief.

[@modelchrissteam]

That's what I was thinking by the end of it.

[@wilf18]

Hahahaha

[@TheBentwrist]

You don't have to drive these cars hard for it to go fast. That's bollocks. These cars are lightening quick. I have a 2017 GTS 4 and that is as fast as anyone needs to go on a any road. And a 997 S which is not as quick but still fast enough for anyone with a brain.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

+TheBentwrist If you have those you'll know what I mean - the earlier N.A. engine needs to be worked much harder to do its best. I love it for that but if you're used to turbo power delivery it would seem slow.

[@nunyabizness8226]

I had a 997.2. Hated it. Boring and had no soul. Sold it. Bought an e92 M3. Love it. Best car I've ever had. BMW > Porsche. End of story.

[@leslierobtduncan7823]

That car has had the shit driven out of it before you got in it.....................BTW, it's Porsche, not Porch

[@JayEmmOnCars]

How do you know it has been driven hard before?

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

The reviewer is wrong. The folks who bought the 996 couldn't care less that it shared parts with the Boxster. If it really bothered them...they wouldn't have bought it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It did and still does bother some people. By the way, I was a 996 owner - although much later

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

You just proved my point. You bought a 996 despite the fact that it shared parts with the Boxster. Clearly it did not bother you enough to walk away from the purchase. And this stands true today- nobody cares where it shares its parts from...they just want a 996. Period. I sold one about a month ago and not once did any of the potential buyers say to me "..I really don't want to buy it because it shares parts with the Boxster"..that would be utter nonsense. Cars makers have been sharing parts across their models since the beginning of the automobile age, and it has never ever stopped them from making sales. Porsche sold 175,262 996's, those are some seriously high numbers to beat. It even ranks #3 in the top six Porsche 911's of all time: www.total911.com/the-six-most-popular-porsche-911s-of-all-time/ Going forward, you would be much more credible if you actually did the research and look at the sales numbers, rather than quoting unreliable sources.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It wasn't a fact it was an opinion - people complain about it all the time. In the same way you'll find lots of people who didn't want to buy it because it was water cooled

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

If a lot of people didn't want to buy it because it was water-cooled then why did it make record sales?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Because more people DID. The 996 was a step change for Porsche. It was a big compromise for sure but it and the Boxster saved the company, no doubt. I think the 996 has never appealed to the purists, they changed too much at once, but it is still a great car.

[@どうしよう-t8u]

ポルシェか…、 庶民がやっと手が届くスーパーカーか。

[@kenmccready2870]

They have watered it down ,,,,different generation of clients . ....... computer generation ...yes if you push it hard it's rewarding and viseral however lacks the auditory stimulation that we associate to powerful mechanical beasts.......shame ....for the asking price in Ireland I'd want more bang for the buck ....

[@azzyzaidi4393]

If anyone liked this car and wanted one just like it then you are in luck. This exact car is now up for sale for £39k at Bentley Cambridge. www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202002287818722?advertising-location=at_cars&year-from=2010&postcode=Ss99%201ee&body-type=Coupe&model=911&page=1&make=PORSCHE&year-to=2010&onesearchad=Used&onesearchad=Nearly%20New&onesearchad=New

[@fishtherapy100]

There are always Luddites and those that say they like the old model without having driven the new model and without the money to buy it. Some people compare other women to their ex-wife. Some even go back. The smart money moves forward. Its hard to believe Porsche would unveil a worse model. They would go broke. There are always utter fat bores that hark back to another era.

[@RobertMilat]

my favorite gen

[@DonYang73]

50,000 quid buys a 4yr second hand Toyota Camry, where i come from 😥

Dope If you need any free music for your videos, come browse through the playlist's i have, i think they would really imrpove your videos!

[@juzefzoozoo]

2012 997.2 GTS > 997.2 C2S

[@rividizd]

I prefer 991.

[@gusibrahim6961]

The 997.1 and before is a 911, every thing else is just VW am afraid.

[@henkoc86]

Ramming over the rail road track... jeeze

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It's an excellent part of that route to test how well a suspension is setup - the Porsche did well

[@savariaxa]

Sorry its the Cayman 987 best design Porsche has made in a long time and a better handling then the 911, Porsche natives know what a real classic Porsche is the 987 Cayman 😉

[@tubbehht9236]

The cayman 987 is very dated and just looks ugly imo. The newer gen caymans looks a lot better.

[@malicalik]

They should make a panamera coupe and give us true sports car 911's.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You mean a 928 basically?

[@malicalik]

JayEmm on Cars yup

[@ashterfadgadget817]

JayEmm needs a haricut, a bath and some new clothes. Not sure he's in a position to critique anything, until he gets his own affairs in order.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thankyou stranger on the internet, your rude and unnecessary comment on a video I made five years ago is certain to put me straight

[@theamaturegolfer7798]

The 996 is dog shit 😂😂

[@martinhimself]

It's sad when car guy says PORSH..... WTF! It is Porsch-e!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Watch my 718 Boxster video

[@oscardriver]

Omg this guy hahahaha

[@scottthompson5855]

Watched the “review” again. STILL feel strongly that your review sucks. The Cayman is a “Sports Car”. The 911 is a GT that can kill it as a “Sports Car” if you want to drive it hard. Why is this so hard for you to understand? (Because you have a massive Evora bias)...Good for you. That you can not see the functional and aesthetic improvements from 996 to 997 is flat out bizarre. Wonky are U sir.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I suggest watching one of my later 997 reviews, I have another coming out soon

[@scottthompson5855]

JayEmm on Cars Jay, I will look forward to your review. Another KZbinr Porsche enthusiast is “quitting” because he has “Do gooders” sending documents to his neighbors about a Cayman out of M.O.T. I am in the States and a Porsche owner and enthusiast. If you have bias, that is obvious, (and who doesn’t) then prepare for a critical review of YOUR critical review. If I wanted a Lotus or a Mazda or a Toyota “sports car” I would of bought one. Porsche makes a true two seat “sports car” in the Boxster/Cayman. How does a GT4 compare to your Evora? To each their own, but I could not be happier with my 997.2 Manual GTS...A do it all smile on your face machine that with sports exhaust “ON” has perfection for aural senses.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@scottthompson5855 I actually did do a comparison of the GT4 vs the Evora. You'll notice that this review is now almost three years old, and I like to think my reviews have improved somewhat since then

[@scottthompson5855]

JayEmm on Cars Good for you. I am still at a loss as to why you would compare the 997.2 to the Evora. They are completely different cars. So, you are going to the golf course. Where are you putting the clubs in the Evora? I fold down the back seats and BOOM I am good. I didn’t want the sticks sitting next to me in the passenger seat. The GTS is a wonderful multi-purpose vehicle. Fast? Yup. Haul the wife and clubs/stuff? Yup. Ratttles? NOPE (and there shouldn’t be for the entry level). 400+bhp on tap. Sports exhaust and a flat six making flat six noises. A beautiful polished aluminum wheel with no B.S. on it. Perfection...

[@JayEmmOnCars]

@@scottthompson5855 You put the golf clubs in the boot of the Evora. It also does not rattle, has a nice interior, 400hp, sound amazing, and seats in the back. It's also just as comfortable as the 911.