Porsche 997 Gen 1 vs Gen 2 Comparison 

Thanks for the comprehensive video. I couldnt even afford a 997 so opted to go for a 996.2 and modified egg light delete and other changes, flat 6 for life or until IMS fails lol, not when you change oil every 3000km take car of any car and it will reciprocate!

Both are equally beautiful - I'd go with the 997.2 for multiple reasons.

I was between a .1 S manual vs a base .2 and I went .1 and I could never be more happy (55k miles 8 years ownership) which I drove from Michigan to Miami then Miami to LA .. then LA to Oregon ❤️

If you want a manual car, then the 997.1 is fine. But if you want automatic, then it's no contest - PDK in the 997.2.

Wow that Gen 1 C4s looks stunning and very well sorted car. For me the more mechanical Gen 1 is preferred

Definitely one of the most informative 997.1 vs 997.2 comparison videos I've seen. Nice job!

I've driven both and ended up owning a 997.2 C4S - 6 speed manual. I think this comparison was a bit unfair as the 997.1 in the video was the 3.8 'S' engine and the 997.2 was the base 3.6 engine. The 997.2 'S' 3.8 engine has a very noticeable 30 more horsepower than its 997.1 counterpart and I think is more responsive due to the direct injection. I have the PSE (Porsche Sports Exhaust) and with a simple Sharkwerk's center muffler bypass, it sounds great. It doesn't quite howl like the 997.1, but has its own great sound and is plenty loud with that modification. Other reasons to prefer the 997.2 is that with the 9A1 engine you don't have to worry about IMS failure or bore scoring which was perhaps even more common in the M96/M97 engines especially if you live in colder climates. The PCM is much more modern and there were many other small beneficial changes. I didn't like the standard .2 wheels, but thats an easy fix. Mine came with .1 Turbo wheels. Of course, the .2 costs more, so you have to factor that in. If you can find a 6-speed in the 997.2 know that is relatively rare as less 997.2's were made overall and less of those had 6-speeds so that is likely to help hold its value. Personally, I like the wider body from a looks perspective and I put spacers on mine to improve the stance. But I wish the wider body was available back then on the RWD versions as RWD is probably a more pure driving experience than the 4S.

I stayed with 997.1 All its need from day one is proper running in which I did up to 5,000 miles proper maintenances better than standard lubricants are all you needs. The 997.1 is the real last 911 for fun and exciting sounds and drive especially the 4S.

Great information my friend. I was curious about the difference between the 2 cars and you did a phenomenal job explaining. Thank You for sharing. Free Agent From Washington DC.

Gen 2, more power, more tech, led lights etc etc make sure it has PSE and all is good, mine sounds great!

If anyone is looking at buying a porsche 100% got to invictus porsche very nice people brilliant customer service and the cars are spot on i brought my 911 from them and still have it now as a daily

Great to get your opinion and to see your love of the engine sounds and why the 997.1 ..which I have, the base Carrera, which I love and the 3.6 block is supposed to be the one to have!! 👏👌

I own the 997.1 base Carrera manual. It’s correct what you stated. Mine has 44k miles with no issues. It’s visceral and raw. I feel like I’m driving a 911 not a Hoover. Every time I drive it feels special. Some cars have a little magic and this is one of them.

I love the extra add on at the end... "Refined dyson hoover".... Brilliant. Humour aside, excellent video.

Excellent and honest comparison - thank you!

Great Video Basheer. Top info. Hope you are keeping well. Anyone can feel confident buying from Invictus Motors. Top guys. And great to deal with.

I’m hoping to get a 997 but wasn’t sure if to get .1 or .2 and your video is very well made & easy to understand the basics.

This was a GREAT comparison video!! Made me laugh too!! Love the honesty!! 😂

Thanks for the great video.

Get a gen 2 if you want an “investment’” car. If you like driving, get a gen 1 with a rebuild. That’s what I did. Thanks invictus!

355bhp on the 3.8l... I just bought a gen 1 06 plate C2S with a Dansk exhaust with a very extensive list of work done, and it drives amazingly and it sounds brilliant! The steering is so sharpe and precise... It's my first Porsche and what can I say, what a car😎! Mine is going to be kept for some time...

If you want a manual - Gen 1. If you NEED an automatic, get the PDK Gen 2. Done deal baby.

991.1 base Carrera with simple Tubi muffler replacement howls like a GT Mezger engine! I love it!

Gen 1 looks and sounds better and 15k cheaper I'll take my chances with bores

I have owned 997.1 GT3 since 2007. I am the original owner and it is an amazing car. Other than going through lots of tires, a few clutches, and some brake pads, it has been a flawless trouble for your car. And it is ridiculously fast. I drive with a lot of the other GT 3s all of which are newer, including some 992’s. Straight line blood in the turns absolutely as fast as they are. My car is a little more raw, and requires a little more skill, but the fun is amazing!

A very refined hoover 😂😂😂 love it. Just bought a 997.1 manual cab and it’s a cracker of a car to drive. Only time will tell if it’s reliable. Keep you posted. Stephen

This is an outstanding video. I’m in my late 60s…and still own my 944S2 Cabriolet. I love the car….I bought it the year that I turned 50 which coincided with the year I was promoted to US Navy O6 Captain. I’d be lying if I didn’t own up to some 911 envy….but I just could never justify the price of a new one. Fully retired now, from both the Navy, AND a follow on career in Federal Law Enforcement, I think it’s time to “pull the trigger” and buy a 911. So I’m looking for a low mileage / no accidents model. Great job, on discerning the difference of these two generations….I’m also looking at the next generation. I’ll find the right car at the right price, eventually! Bravo-Zulu on this great video, sir….very well done!

Very very informative Ta,

Another very passionate and honest review. 🙏🏿

Great commentary- luv that Gen II. Just thinks it’s nicer looking.

Ah the big debate! Driven both, own a 997.1 manual. This vid doesn't mention there is about £10k between same spec cars. If closer I'd have a 997.2. it's not as raw but you worry about it a lot less!

Great vid thanks

Nice comparison, but some of this was apples and oranges. In that the generation 1 here was a C4S, which is curvier (my preference aesthetically) and also has the sport engine. I personally have a 997.2 Carrera 4 with the same coloring as the 997.1 in this video. The one thing I have done aftermarket is alter the exhaust because yes, the Gen 2 is quieter stock. But otherwise, there are many advantages to the Gen 2 and it’s direct injection engine, lack of IMS, less frequent bore scoring issues, and others. Not to mention the added power when one compares apples to apples. Cheers.

Good comparison. The 997.1 is the one if you are looking for the 911 which retains more "911"! A friend with a 997.2 is desperately looking for exhaust mods to get it sound "more like yours". I have Milltek exhaust 😉

Great video. Im very envious that UK seems to have lower prices 911s w greater variety of colors & extra options vs US offerings.

Very informative. I wasn’t aware gen 1 had a wider shape than gen 2. After your video I now prefer the gen 1

I recall mention on a forum that the BMW nicosil issue causing bore scoring, was due to high sulphur petrol. However petrol is now low sulphur.

Nice video 👏🏽👊🏽👍🏽🥂

Hi i have the Gen 1 from 2007 with 27.000km only. It is fantastic and you are right ! The Sound is fantastic compared to the Gen2 and i personaly don‘t like the Led‘s on the Gen2, look like „poor tuning“. I love the 997 C4S MK1

Sem dúvida, o 997 1 é o mais bonito, mais simples e tem câmbio manual, o que o torna sensacional, na pilotagem. É um carro mais raiz.

I would love to buy my first porsche but would require some assistance - Would you go for a Gen 1 Automatic or Gen 2? I have a bad knee so changing gear really isn't for me - Alternative is a boxter 2013 model? Bare in mind my bank account isn't unlimited

I’ve had a 997 .1 c2 for 5 years now , and I cannot understand why you would need anything more than this car . Mine is a manual, and I absolutely love it .

I waited so long to get my Porsche I am torn between the 997.1 and a997.2. I think I’m gonna go for the 997.1. And hope for the best I want to have the Porsche experience I want to have the rumble and feel like a roller coaster

997.1 any day, could look at it for hours, the rear lights just look so much better than the .2 and of course like you say, that exhaust note👌🏼👍🏼

Thank you

Good review. But? Pro and con... i can afford to run gen1? Can you aford borescore, ims repair ans so on? I truly think gen2 is much cheaper to run... Main different between the 2 is the stearing

Hello there, is the C4S still for sale?

The lobster wheels are my favorite wheels after classic Fuchs.

Well done for the charity donation 👏

Can the newer PCM from the 997.2 be back ported (fitted) into the 997.1?

. 2 manual is the the one.

997.2 is an overall better car inside & out. 40% less parts than Gen 1 is important & shows efficiency. Both have variable steering which is raw though not as much as a 993; but far more engaging than 991 onward. I've owned both & both are great cars, but 997.2 evolved from the market crash (2008) therefore more rare, less produced.

I'm going for a gen 1 997. Still deciding about Cabrio vs coupe, what's your thoughts about that?

“Engine sounds like a hoover” 😂😂😂. I have a 997.1 C4S. Powerful raw car! C4S is 385bhp btw

The ones with bore scoring make noise they clack when they get hot if the scoring is bad.

Gen 2 hints at the styling of the Panamera

I purchased a 2006 997.1 in 2009 with approx 3,000 miles on it. It was the most reliable car I have ever owned. I sold it in 2015 with 21,000 miles on it. That being written, the IMS and scoring issue was constantly on my mind. Even though I didn't have problems, I worried about it constantly. I didn't really want to wake up one day and have to write a check for $20k - $25k to repair an issue that is basically non-foreseeable and gives very little, if any warning. I wouldn't purchase another 997.1. I am currently looking for another 911. It will be a 997.2 or 991.1 only.

Great video

The motor being a flat six doesn’t mean “physics tells you you might get a puff of smoke” 😂

I'd rather have a 997.2 base over a 997.1 Carerra S. Comparing S to S, 997.2 all the way, hands down.

997.2 has PSE, right?! Maybe putting it on “against” .1 4S would be better comparison ;) but agree with you that .2 has a milder sound (I got one and I compare it with my other 993 4S :)) Nice videos! Keep on!

997.1 looks so much better to me.

What year is the blue 1 an with the wide body is that AWD

One day I’m hoping to upgrade my 996.1 to 997. or 996 turbo.

So the gen 1 is wider? 997.1 4s is wider then 997.2 4s?

Lovely to see the different opinions. I chose the Gen 1 as I loved the noise better and I love to looks of the Gen 1. But you need to have a good one with good history and research. And if you heat it up and maintain it, you can really let it scream and drive. But you need to take care of it. They are not cheap to drive. And most of the time there it goes wrong. Drive them with no budget.

Great video, I have a 997.1 C2 manual, sounds amazing, I didn’t know the Gen 2 ‘s sounded any different to the Gen 1 but video demonstrates the differences well, I agree the gen 2 sounds like a Dyson hoover😅

Compare a 997.1 4s vs. 997.2 "Carrera" why???

That 4s is slower to 60, partly due to extra weight of 4WD

IMSB and bore scoring are reason enough to AVOID the 997.1; the engine is a fatal flaw for these cars. Also variable steering sucks as does PASM. Try a high speed bend in a PASM 997 and you will notice the unstable feeling. A 996 is way more locked down and has direct/precise steering.

Its interesting that someone knows so many details about the car but can not pronounce the brand correctly. It's not "PorschAA", it's Porsche.

I keep my 997.1 S

comparison not fare even more when he seem to have gen 1 as favorite

Goof job thank you

His point about bore scoring is a lie. All 997s will eventually develope bore scoring because of the material Porsche used to make the engine bores.

997.2 has much much better and reliable engine.

Bash that 997.2 engine is filthy - at least clean it up

Original is always best

Bore scoring? It is just a matter of no proper warming!

Why would you want direct injection? So you can deal with carbon buildup and a fouled up engine? Id rather have less hp than deal with that bs.

Probably a Porsche 911... and what about the 997 model

Why this guy stutter so much

the more I watch , the less I want one ,,, it seems like your buying a monkey in a cage , playing with a hand grenade.