Porsche 997.2 Review. Is this the modern 911 sweet spot?

In this review of the 997.2 generation of the Porsche 911 we ask if it's the modern 911 sweet spot.
This is Porsche 997.2 is a base model Carrera with 6 speed manual gearbox and Porsche sports exhaust.
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[@vancityflyguy]

More and more impressive every time you come out with something. Very well done Andy! What a gorgeous 911

[@lastrasp]

Thanks as always fort the sport. Truly appreciate it! And yep, it's lovely 911 for sure!

[@antsyd76]

Incredible job once again Andy. You really nailed it. I’m very fortunate to have my ride showcased on your channel. You brought out the best of it mate.

[@lastrasp]

Really appreciate you letting me take it and drive it mate. Bloody awesome car!

[@duggymuggy]

Which lowering springs have you put on the .2 and what size spacers??

[@emixmim]

Such a beautiful car, brings back memories. I had a 997.2 S black on black, manual, all the right options back when they were current. I should never have sold that car.

[@lastrasp]

Would love to have a drive of the S. Very surprised by the power and torque of the standard Carrera.

[@Sh0SUPERMAN]

Why did you sell it?

[@bigbrother4090]

Lucky to have one now. Same color and even the same wheels. Great car.

[@gerardpolidano]

Your positivity about the 997.2 over the past few weeks + that stunning beauty scene has got me wanting bad! Another epic video Andy, love the feels of the city scene, you’re killing it!

[@lastrasp]

Too kind mate. Yep, the perfect daily for you!

[@bakobasque]

I own a 997.2 just like this car and it’s the best Porsche I have owned. This car will hopefully stay with me for many many years to come. Great video!

[@lastrasp]

Nice one Geoff! Hold onto that 997.2 for sure!

[@skatebalder6436]

Just found this video and delighted the review is positive, as I am picking up mine next week to celebrate my 60th birthday - also happens to be what looks like the same metallic blue and interior ocean blue leather, together with the six speed - thanks and happy driving!

[@lastrasp]

What a brilliant way to celebrate your 60th. Hope you have many happy miles!

[@markeverts336]

Hope your porsche is OK. I've been looking it's been tough to choose what model c2 or c4 the reviews mostly say c2 good handling even in wet 700 pound lighter so smidge faster headache

[@markkofahl2922]

Fantastic film Andy - night shots just perfect, commentary during the drive awesome. Keep up the great work

[@lastrasp]

Mark thank you so much for the comment. Really appreciate it. Helps keep the motivation going 🙏🏻

[@Alex-ns2qq]

Excellent episode as usual. Your way of describing these cars and relay the passion and fun is second only to the top quality of the filming, editing and visual impact.. Keep posting and if you need interesting P-cars in Melbourne to test I might have one or two. Cheers,

[@lastrasp]

Hey Alex thanks so much! Have had a bit of a hiatus over the past few months but yes, I'm always interested in driving and filming new p cars!

[@donnybrooks13]

Thanks for the detailed review and fantastic footage. Great stuff!

[@lastrasp]

Cheers Donny! Appreciate the comment mate.

[@jibmaster]

Ha! That smile is exactly how I feel when I drive my 09' C4S 6MT! You summed this experience up perfectly. Mine has been a driver-157K and counting! Lots of tasteful mods. Burns a qt every 5K. These .2 DFI motors are mostly bullet proof. Being the last 911 with hydraulic steering, arguably the best feeling 'newer' gen 911 on the road. Actually incredible in severe rain and snow too. Highly recommend you get one Andy! A nice garage mate for that 964 you have! Great vid.

[@lastrasp]

I hear ya Brian! Would love to find myself a GTS.

[@fredflade6308]

Very nicely shot. Well done. Love that car. The last analogue Porsche 911.

[@arighosal4809]

Another great 👍🏽 vid Andy. Keep it up mate!

[@lastrasp]

Thanks so much Ari!

[@georgedaviotis3016]

First class video Andy. Keep it up.

[@lastrasp]

Thanks very much George. Appreciate it!

[@mariobasuk7198]

One of the best Porsche Videos out there ! Great Job and best regards from Munich City 👍🏻

[@lastrasp]

Hey thanks so much! Really appreciate you checking it out!

[@allenjlo]

Intro Beautifully shot and edited!!! Amazing!!

[@lastrasp]

Thanks so much Allen. Had a ball filming this one and, once I decided on music it felt like it edited itself!

[@alanbrowning4866]

Stunning, stunning, stunning… those opening shots, Wow spectacular 🎥⭐️

[@lastrasp]

Thanks my man! Your photos that night still blow my mind!

[@jonfrench7133]

feel like i’ve missed the boat with this content. Absolutely first class sir, you’ve solved my dilemma, it has to be a 997.2 for that authentic, analogue and audio porsche experience 👍

[@lastrasp]

Haha. No missing of boats here! There's more to come. And yes, the 997.2 really is a very compelling proposition!

[@markgrimwood]

Great video, enjoy the passion. I think what makes the “standard” Porsche models so great is the suitability for road use. You can still enjoy winding them out, they handle challenging road surfaces better and provide plenty of smiles. The .2 was an enormous mechanical upgrade seeing the introduction of the all new power plant. (Same for .2 cayman & Boxster) keep the great local content coming 👍

[@lastrasp]

Thanks so much Mark. Spot on too. They really are the ‘everyday supercar’.

[@c4sh3w]

lol why do you call the engine a "power plant"?

[@chrisshands8157]

Hey Andy, thank you for a beautiful production awesome Melb/Vic scenery, as a 997.2 owner, I can't agree more....cheers 👌

[@lastrasp]

Heya Chris! Glad you liked / recognized all the local scenery. I think a lot of 997 owners can relate to what I found driving this car.

[@motorsandmeats88]

Beautiful shots as always.

[@lastrasp]

Thanks Michael! Appreciated.

[@shawn8106]

Great work! 🔥

[@lastrasp]

Thanks Shawn!

[@craigturnbull5067]

Wow those driving shots are Incredible.

[@lastrasp]

Impossible to make these cars look bad.

[@kaanozyurt3666]

Fantastic video Andy!

[@lastrasp]

Hey thanks so much Kaan!

[@JAYREAD]

None of us can compete with this, Andy. I give up. This is a BEAUTIFUL video. Really well played, my friend.

[@lastrasp]

Oh Jay that’s way too kind mate! Thank you 🙏🏻

[@JAYREAD]

@@lastrasp Really enjoyed it, mate! Got me thinking too! Hmmm!

[@HawkMillFarm]

Swapped out my 997.2 turbo for a very low miles 991.1 to have the last of the proper sounding engines.

[@lastrasp]

I like the sound of that mate!

[@rezhaadriantanuharja3389]

What a lovely car, this gen in black color is the ultimate eye candy for me

[@lastrasp]

yes this car really is a gem. Looks absolutely stunning in real life. Did my best to capture it and do it justice through the lens.

[@davidmorais2394]

Good review, well done! I drive a 2009 997.2 C4S Cabriolet- manual! I’ve had it for about 9 years. It’s an absolute dream. I gives me a thrill every time I step into it. It’s a keeper. And it’s driven most days. If i could i would add an air cooled 3.2 or SC. But I wouldn’t swap.

[@lastrasp]

Your car sounds perfect David! I'm in the reverse situation from you. Would love to bring something water cooled back into my garage but can't sacrifice my air cooled car to do it.

[@davidmorais2394]

@@lastrasp Yes, totally agree. I have owned air cooled 964, 3.2 and 993 in the dim and distant past - all of which I sold at a loss at the time! The 3.2 is a particular regret. Won’t repeat that “mistake” with my 997!

[@DesertDemons]

Perfect review. Nailed it. Love this car

[@lastrasp]

Thanks Tony! Yeah I tend to agree - this car just ticks so many boxes.

[@razorworks111]

Beautifully edited video and great car! The 997.2 Is an amazing variant of the 911, and some changes/upgrades can take it from being a great car, to an amazing car. I highly recommend an “X pipe” center muffler delete, a big brake kit, larger sway bars with adjustable end links, and stiffer engine mounts which makes this car into a proper track weapon without sacrificing too much of the creature comforts for daily usage.

[@lastrasp]

Yeah I reckon there are definitely some additional mods that could be made to this car to sharpen its performance even further. Such a great jumping off point though!

[@motorclassique9618]

So right Andy......and with relatively lower production numbers not easy to find a good one with the right spec. A beaut of a Porsche! Great vid mate!!

[@lastrasp]

Now to find a GTS…

[@motorclassique9618]

Good luck 😉

[@natetran]

Great video. Subscribed

[@lastrasp]

Thanks so much for the comment and the sub!

[@anthonygordon14]

Hey Andy. Great video and loved the night clips of this car. Did you get to LuftWasser this year? Cheers Tony

[@lastrasp]

Hey Tony. Glad you liked it. Didn’t make it to LuftWasser unfortunately. Looked like a very well run event again.

[@LloydStClair-si3xz]

Really great job with this, Andy. What are your thoughts on the cab version of the .2? Thanks!

[@lastrasp]

Hey alloyed. Thanks for the comment. I haven’t had the pleasure of driving a cab. Reckon it’d be magnificent though!

[@warrena8990]

Awesome job with video and review! Off hand do you know what size spacers your bud used? Continue the great work👍🏼

[@antsyd76]

Spacers are 5mm. 👍🏻

[@lastrasp]

Thanks so much for the comment! And there you go - 5mm spacers!

[@seanadamson280]

Cheers pal love these 👍

[@lastrasp]

Hey Sean. Yep, they're a beautiful thing!

[@Lastboyscoutt]

Great video! I fully agree. I own a 997.2 turbo manual with short shifter. For me the best 911 ever together with the 993 turbo!

[@lastrasp]

Oh wow that sounds like the perfect 911!

[@Georgebarber1]

A lovely 9 minutes spent waking up on a Sunday morning.

[@lastrasp]

Hah! Thanks George!

[@laurentglauser]

Bonjour, hi mate, I'm living in Switzerland, but part of my family are living in Perth. I own a 997.2 C4S and I totally agree with your test, and the 991.1 test. I'm living at about 6hours from Stuttgart, and i'll go there once a years. Pity your are so far away and you can't come here, you will be really enjoyed... I visite the very private Porsche Factory... I followed you now and keep in touch... kind regards from Switzerland.

[@lastrasp]

Hey Laurent. I've seen so much footage of the roads through that region and have to say I'm very envious! I can imagine it'd be a super enjoyable place to live as a car enthusiast. Keep enjoying that C4S 👌🏼

[@stevedelienne7311]

Thank you great video! Very helpful.

[@lastrasp]

That's great to hear! Glad you got something out of it.

[@stevedelienne7311]

Absolutely, now can you make the 997.2s cheaper.🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@lastrasp]

@@stevedelienne7311 haha. If I could,l do that, I’d own one!

[@stevedelienne7311]

🤣🤣🤣

[@JonathanGonzalez-gh3xr]

I love the accent and the enthusiasm

[@lastrasp]

Haha. Thanks very much!

[@oversteer46]

Definitely better to have an S dot 1 997 than a base model (non S) dot 2 997. Those minor “performance increases” they made in the dot 2 are then absolutely smashed by the massive difference an S makes.

[@lastrasp]

Interesting observation. I’ve not driven a .1 S but it’d be an interesting comparison.

[@Shaunstonard]

A 997.2 C2S is the Porsche that I’d choose

[@lastrasp]

Hard to argue with that. A C2S with the extra power would be excellent!

[@997werks]

Love my 997.1 Turbo. i can 100% relate. The 997 is an awesome, it’s the last car that really needs to be driven probably, before the area of the ^assisted^ driving startet

[@lastrasp]

Totally agree! And adore the 997 Turbo! Hold onto that one!

[@ak203]

@@lastrasp Nah. Turbos are so fast you lose the excitement of the buildup.

[@philnelson2607]

Great vid Andy, been really toying with this change, but the longer I wait the higher the prices go 😑 been in a couple of 991’s recently and it’s hard to justify the cost of a .2 against the newer model 🤔

[@lastrasp]

Yep I understand that for sure. Loved the combination of modern refinement and older car agility in this gen 2 car. It’s pretty special.

[@ak203]

but the 991.1 has crummy electric steering and it took Porsche a long time to get that right, and its better but still inferior to the 997.2 steering.

[@user-tl6qt3er2s]

Love it trips me out driving on the wrong side of the road..

[@lastrasp]

Haha. I sometimes think the same thing when I watch reviews from Europe or the US.

[@MC_33.]

Beautifully made video there. Reckon a .1 is 99.9% the experience (I’m biased though 😁)

[@lastrasp]

Mate the more of these cars I drive I can tell you they’re all bloody great. First Gen, second Gen, air cooled, water cooled… maybe they improve with each generation but each very much has its own magic.

[@HawkMillFarm]

Still miss the lovely positioning of the window switches in 997s. Great cars, I've had a .1 and .2 and would happily have another. You do however have to realise they are getting old now and you are swapping investment spend on a newer model for servicing costs. They are none the worse for that though and can be kept going and enjoyed over big mileages. The perfect sized sports cars.

[@lastrasp]

You hit the nail on the head David! Perfect sized sports car. Now if I could find a well priced 997 GT3…

[@davidmorais2394]

Btw - I’ve just pulled the trigger on a 1986 SS Targa! It’s in the UK and arranging to ship it to Malaysia. Will decide after I get some miles in it whether to let go of the 997.2. Let’s see!

[@lastrasp]

Oh wow, love a mid 80's Targa! Enjoy that!

[@pervertt]

Anything that is made by Porsche and that ends with .2 usually does not disappoint 😉

[@lastrasp]

That’s such a good point!

[@K1dPhresh1]

Yeah, I was gunning for a 997.2 but had to buy a house first. Then they jumped in price and I had to “settle” for a 997.1. Woe is me!!🙄. As far as the juice being worth the squeeze, everything else has increased in price, so it’s all pretty relative. Love my 997. Sweet spot on the water kuhl’d line up IMHO.

[@lastrasp]

As far as “settling” goes that’s a pretty sweet deal!

[@K1dPhresh1]

@@lastrasp Agreed!!

[@george8718]

I have a 997.2 C4S ,PDK.> love it 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽👁👁👁👁👁👁🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@ak203]

me too. agree completely.

[@lastrasp]

Have never driven that first Gen PDK. Sounds like you’re loving it mate! 👍🏼

[@pjs12464]

Loving that watch though

[@lastrasp]

Well spotted Paul!

[@philnelson2607]

Go on then what is it 😉

[@lastrasp]

Heuer Autavia. The 2019 Reissue 👌🏼

[@cpmorey]

Tell your buddy to add a Sharkwerks cross pipe (or similar brand available down under). I run one on my 997 GTS and it opens up the PSE a bit more... :-)

[@lastrasp]

Good call!

[@OutbackTouring]

When I drove Anthony’s car I thought the brakes where awesome, much more bite than my car which surprised me. How do you think they compare to the 991?

[@lastrasp]

That's an interesting question. Been six months since the 991 but I can say the brakes in that car were exceptional! In this 997.2 the brakes were great in that way that when something is good, you don't notice it. I think the S brakes on my 991 were next level.

[@guser7137]

The used car pricing on them just doesn't make sense - I'm in Australia. Had a 997.2 C2S, which I regret parting with, but circumstances were what they were at the time. I would like another, but pricing on all 911s here now is nuts. I did pick up a 981 Boxster S to scratch that flat six itch.

[@lastrasp]

Couldn’t agree more. Things are slowly calming down but when I look at the prices of 997’s three years ago they made sense.

[@Tilt02]

Yes of course absolutly

[@lastrasp]

Spot on!

[@ElleBelle_channel]

I agree. It’s the nicest 911😊

[@lastrasp]

Hard to argue with that sentiment. Very hard to argue.

[@benleoni1770]

What year is this one? a 2010 or 11? And is there any differences between the years? I just ordered my 997.2 C2S Coupe. I'm ecstatic! although It's gonna go right into storage till spring.

[@lastrasp]

Hey Ben. Not sure to be honest. I think it's a 2010. Great news that you've got a C2S on the way! that thing is going to be amazing. Make sure you get a good alignment. My mate who owns this car just had the alignment redone and says it has transformed it, particularly the front end on turn in.

[@antsyd76]

It’s a 2010 👍

[@Bite-Size-Tech]

What are the tail lights being used? And fog and headlights?

[@lastrasp]

All standard. Any strobing is just what happens sometimes with the frame rate and shutter speed when filming those kind of LED lights.

[@sgttombailes3380]

Actually, I prefer my 996 Gen 1 over the 997. The 996 Gen 1 was the last analog Porsche .Hands Down !

[@lastrasp]

That's the great thing about these cars. When you drive them all, the qualities that you prefer raise to the top and you can determine the 911 that best suits your needs. If the 996 answers that brief for you then it absolutely wins! Enjoy it mate.

[@mikemccormick8115]

Best looking? Not really, but the 997.2 is the sweet spot that best satisfies all variables of performance, refinement, size/weight, convenience, technology, luxury, fun factor. Great great car! Give me a Carrera S PDK. Perfect.

[@lastrasp]

Well looks are of course subjective aren't they? I just find the proportions of the 997 so lovely and the enhancements in the Gen II cars just set it off (in my eyes). But yes, like you say, it just satisfies across so many variables.

[@mikemccormick8115]

@@lastrasp I agree. 👍🏻I like the smaller proportions of the 997 vs later models which have gotten too big over time. Like the rear of the 1970s, slant nose, but Im quibbling. The 997 to me is best overall. 😊

[@YelloTrailers]

Looking for the duck...Thought he said 997 duck 2 lol

[@lastrasp]

Haha. That’s funny Andrew.

[@donkeyshot8472]

the 997 is the last of the great porsche 911s: after this one, the modern 911s all look like some giant out of "jack and the beanstalk" stepped on...and flattened them.

[@lastrasp]

Hah! Not sure I entirely agree but you're right - the 997 is such a perfectly proportioned car and still feels light and nimble on the road.

[@joechiro]

Pound feet?

[@lastrasp]

It’s the sound feet make when running on the pavement. 😉

[@ak203]

I have an '09 997.2 C4S Cabriolet (also have a Cayenne). I love it for all the reasons mentioned in the review here. The steering, handling and overall roadfeel are fabulous. I think the 991 and 992 exteriors are nicer and the nav in the 997.2 relies on Sirius in the US and is awful. A dream car to me is the 997.2 feel, the 991 exterior, and the 992 interior with its fabulous PCM screen. But such a car doesn't exist, alas, so for now I'll just remain happy with what I have.

[@lastrasp]

Haha that’s quite the wishlist Alex! Could you update the PCM in yours?

[@michaeltang4219]

Let's wait for the Porsche Classic PCCM for 997!

[@lastrasp]

Ah my mistake! I thought that was out already.

[@ak203]

@@lastrasp All the PCMs for this model are junk. So I replaced with a Kenwood radio, rear camera and now I sue Carplay and the wonderul Google maps instead of the awful Sirius ink Porsche gives.

[@TimToussaint]

When comparing to a gen 1, the rear lights are ‘different’ but don’t look better. The front early style LED daylight running lights look cheap and dated by today’s standards.

[@lastrasp]

It’s funny isn’t it. Style is subjective. I much prefer the tail lights in the second gen car.

[@James_Sovereign]

I don't see the point of spending the extra on the 997.2 if you're buying a manual, just buy a 997.1 instead. JMO of course ... and to be fair, if it were my money, I'd be buying a 996 turbo anyway.

[@lastrasp]

It's definitely a fair point James. I think it depends on what you're wanting from the car and, as you point out, all about personal preference. I think the interior upgrades on the 997.2 make a pretty compelling case.

[@slytherben]

You're night time footage was remarkably good! But your review is too ordinary. If you can come up with a more exciting niche, you'll go far with your videography talents!!

[@lastrasp]

Thanks for the feedback Ben. I do the best I can filming on my own, juggling work and family. Always trying to make my content better. 👌🏼

[@olivervaldes4223]

997.1 Turbo. These have bore score issues.

[@lastrasp]

Always a good idea to have a PPI from your local porsche specialist or dealer when buying a car of this age for peace of mind.

[@pierremartin9048]

Then why are bring a trailer 997.2 prices shit, there super low and they sell (buyers there) for all kinds of shitters.

[@lastrasp]

In the Australian market their values have been steadily climbing and they’re selling at those high prices.

[@guser7137]

@@lastrasp good on you for translating whatever that was into English.

[@flat6croc]

Plastic interior. 19s. These cars do not drive nicely on 19s. It's pretty remarkable how few people who purportedly by these cars for the 'feel' and the 'analogue' experience etc don't notice how little the big clunky 19s do for the drive. Oh and the 997.1 interior is virtually identical. The changes are very superficial. Put it this way. a 997.1 with extended leather is a far nice place to be than this 997.2 with plastic dash and door cards. Eugh.

[@lastrasp]

Fair points. I can say that having driven first and second gen I appreciated the interior upgrades whether superficial or not. The owner of this car has never once said to me he bought it for 'feel' or 'analogue' experience. He just loves driving it and puts plenty of miles on it on rallies and regular weekend drives. Not your flavour? That's okay.

[@flat6croc]

@@lastrasp But what are these interior 'upgrades' you speak of? It's only the panel in centre console with the multimedia and aircon controls. And that's it. Literally everything else in the interior is identical. Almost nothing changed. And I bet if you ask your friend why he bought that 997.2 and not something more modern, what he'll say will boil down to 'feel' and 'analogue' even if he doesn't use those specific words. And I do very much like these cars. I just find it odd that so many owners opt for what they generally view as an old school analogue choice and then compromise the experience with huge fashion wheels.

[@lastrasp]

@@flat6croc Oh mate it's been a while since I made this and I'm not a 997 owner so I can't list the interior features that added up to an upgraded feel. I can simply say I was struck when I drove a 1st gen 997 by the interior feeling more dated than the second gen. Steering wheel on second gen is new too. Anyway, it's just the vibe it had. As for my friend's motivation for buying a 997 I can tell you he's more interested in the modern stuff than chasing an analogue (pick your synonym) experience.

[@flat6croc]

@@lastrasp Fair enough. Or kind of not. A manual 997 is a very odd choice to park that much money if he's more interested in modern stuff! He could buy a much more modern driving experience for the money! And, apologies, I do not mean to rag on your content. You do a very nice job.

[@lastrasp]

@@flat6crocwell when he bought the car, 997’s were a far cheaper proposition compared with 991’s. Anyway really appreciate the comments 👍🏼

[@channelgreen5949]

In the begging of the video, those shots were awesome….but you wasted it by putting a music smh 🤦‍♂️ jeez man horrible

[@lastrasp]

Can't please everyone 🤷🏼‍♂️. Appreciate you watching just the same.

[@964Luftballoon]

The 997 with an FD Motorsport exhaust would be perfect. I certainly agree with wanting a 997.2. Hopefully in the future I could replace my daily driver to one of these.

[@lastrasp]

Yep, fister exhaust would sound magnificent on this car!