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997.2 vs 997.1 Turbo
In a recent discussion, someone asked me about 997.2 versus 997.1 Turbo.
Up until now, I have thought that any new model Porsche will be “better” than
previous model and will at least make it look obsolete.
(And if you’ve read my criticism of stock 997.1 Turbo’s suspension and exhaust,
you know I don’t pull punches just because I own this car.) It seemed the answer
should be obvious, newer is better. However the 997.1 Turbo has a huge trump card,
and that is the Mezger engine. Read up on google but essentially the Mezger engine
of 997.1 (named after the engineer who designed it) is easily Porsche’s most famous
engine in its storied history, with tremendous pedigree and heritage.
It is race derived, responsible for many victories, and its worth is well proven over
many years by Porsche’s racing teams. Between new turbo engine of 997.2
versus old Mezger turbo engine of 997.1, I used to think I don’t care which
engine as long as power is delivered, but the more I think about it, the
more I am leaning towards changing my opinion.
In another thread upgrading 997.2 turbo 6speed manual Tom of Champion was talking
about the internals of 997.2 Turbo engine and mentioned restriction of fuel system
and rods testing 25% weaker. What crossed my mind reading his post is…what ELSE
is weaker in the 997.2 engine?
The only exception I would add is this: with respect to suspension,
if you are NOT going to mod the suspension, then the 997.2 Turbo is the better choice.
997.2’s PASM system is the second generation and is much better than 997.1, which was
Porsche’s first attempt at PASM and somewhat of a design flaw
(why a number of people here use Bilstein coilover or lowering springs).
997.1’s PASM is either way too soft or way too stiff between the 2 suspension settings,
997.2’s PASM is a lot more usable and smoother on the stiffer setting.
There were a number of other revisions (spring rate, sway bar, PTM system)
that make 997.2 better - the advantage of 4 years of experience.
In order of suspension ranking I would rank thus, not for everyone,
only for those looking for a more aggressive handling car:
Bilstein 997.2 > Bilstein 997.1 > stock 997.2 >>> stock 997.1.
So, perhaps 997.1 Turbo, mainly because of the Mezger engine,
will go down in history as the best Turbo ever?
Perhaps owners of these cars should hold on and not sell?
Perhaps potential owners should look for low mileage samples of 997.1,
and not 997.2? For sure, for the purpose of modding,
there will NEVER again be an engine that is as mod-friendly and as
robust as the Mezger engine.(It is simply too expensive to be made nowadays.)
Unlike the Mezger GT3 engine, which has problem with RMS leak,
the Mezger Turbo is THE perfect engine.
Bottom line: IMHO anyone here looking to buy a used Turbo, if you see a low mile 997.1 Turbo,
with PCCB/Chrono/Adaptive Sport Seat — jump on it! All 3 years of Mezger Turbo’s,
2007 to 2009,are remarkably trouble free. Just look at this board (versus a BMW board for example)
then it should become obvious to you. The most common problem is leaking from the powered
steering and brake slave cylinder, but this could be easily and cheaply fixed and obviously
minor compared to other potential problems with drivetrain, engine, electronics, etc.
In looking at used cars, IMHO it is more important to get the DME readout and
check for overrev’s,and look for a CPO, low mileage, non-modded car, preferably with PCCB.
2009 is most desirable because it has the new PCM 2 with bluetooth and ipod functions and touchscreen.
You can add after-market bluetooth and ipod functions to 2007 and 2008 Turbo’s
(I use MoBridge in my 2008, work well in general and do all the functions but I don’t recommend
it because it has a beeping noise, a design flaw; Dension is probably the best choice at this point.)
but as in all after-market products,
they would have glitches here and there and will never be as good as OEM.
My opinions-YMMV: