The 997.1 vs 997.2 are 2 great options if you are interested in a semi-new Porsche 911. Actually, most of the people think that the Porsche 997.2 owns many outstanding features because it is improved from the Porsche 997.1 such as LED exterior lights, Direct Fuel Injection, PDK transmission, a new design of the engine, more Hp, and upgraded Telemetrics (Bluetooth). Even it’s considered as the best one on the 997s market currently.
However, the updated Porsche 997.1 has its own merits. This longer, and wider model is more powerful thanks to the upgraded 9A1 engine, especially the improved PDK, interior, and chassis, so both have their own benefits. That’s why you need answers to the questions: what are their differences? And which one is the best for you?
You can find out what you need in my post by learning their pros and cons:
The differences of 997.1 vs 997.2
The Porsche 997.2
According to several lovers and owners of the 997s, the Porsche 997.2 is a classic model in the future. It’s designed with a hydraulic steering wheel. Besides, when it comes to 997.2 Turbo, GT3 variants have a Mezger engine. In the future, while Porsche and all cars will be turbo-charging, improving gas emissions, and electric steering, you can still own an old-school 997.2 which is the best sports car.
As I mentioned, the engine of 997.2 – 9A1 came from the 997.1. The information that the engine introduced Direct Fuel Injection (DFI) to the 911 is critical, but it’s more special that this engine is removed all IMS problems which are in being M97 (the previous engine of the 997.1).
The combination of 9A1 engine and the new PDK transmission dramatically improve the 997.2’s performance, but it’s still provided the six-speed manual. Moreover, compared to the Porsche 991, the hydraulic steering of 997.2 is better than its current electric steering.
The design of 997.2 is small so how the interior is designed brings an intimate feeling. Furthermore, in spite of the top-notch materials, its body reminds users of the classic design of the Porsche 993.
The most important thing is that Porsche GT3 and Porsche Turbo have kept the Mezger engine offered a six-speed manual which is applied for all 911s afterward. The performance and efficiency history of this race-bred engine has been long.
In sum, the Porsche 997.2 is for those who love a traditional design and are interested in its components such as a Porsche 993-like body, a small footprint, Mezger engine, and the hydraulic steering.
The Porsche 997.1
At first glance, the 997.1 model seems to be better than 997.2 due to its newer, larger, and longer design, technologies (electric steering), more performance. However, there are some aspects which aren’t better than 997.2
Generally, the advantage of this model is that despite the similar weight, its performance is better. When it comes to engine, it is same to the 9A1 engine of 997.2. But, currently, it’s added HP and improved PDK that aim the daily driving improvement. What’s more, what I love this car also includes its modern interior such as the latest technology do-dads and the speedometer.
Generally, the advantage of this model is that despite the similar weight, its performance is better. When it comes to engine, it is same to the 9A1 engine of 997.2. But, currently, it’s added HP and improved PDK that aim the daily driving improvement. What’s more, what I love this car also includes its modern interior such as the latest technology do-dads and the speedometer.
The longer and wider chassis is a significant improvement from the Porsche because it absorbs and handles the road better. The improvement of PDK and the update of the engine have proved this is the world-class sports car.
In spite of a great car, it looks like a grand cruiser more than a sports car. That’s also the reason you can comfortably drive to work and hit a curvy road. The outstanding feature of 977.1 is the Porsche GT3 which just offers PDK transmissions. Besides, it also has 9.000 RPM ripping NA engine and wheel steering.
Which one should you choose?
Depend on the different need of each user, you can choose an appropriate model between 997.1 vs 997.2 because both have their own advantages. For example, the 997.1 brings you an iconic Mezger engine which is worthy of your budget (though 997.1 is less comparable than 997.2). Meanwhile, if purchasing the 997.2 model, you can own the last manual Turbo as well as a reliable powertrain.
Related: The Porsche 911 GT3 Vs GT3 RS: A Look at Their Differences