I am looking to buy a GTS 2011 and found one in the area to drive.

Some what let down in the steering, clutch, and tans shift (manual) as it was extremely light and soft as a Japanese car is.

I was surprised, though the car had plenty of power and stopping was remarkable.

I was told the GTS has parts used in the 991 and was wondering if the steering etc. was the approach used in the newer car.

If so would a Carrera 997.2 2009 - 2012 be a more engaging experience.

The GTS cars are high in price and was wondering aside from the 408 hp and wider body, and bits if the $15k - $20k higher asking price is worth it?

Seems a low mileage GTS goes for around $80k depending.

Thanks, Ralph

 

Since the 2011 GTS is also a 997.2, I believe it shares all the steering components of other 997.2's. I think the 991 went to electric steering.

 

That's right. I think the OP's complain about the steering on the 997.2 is the first I've ever seen.

 

At what speeds was the steering light?
If only at speed it could be poor alignment (e.g. Too much toe out)

I would not consider 997.2 steering to be light at all. Direct yes, light no.
I have a Panamera and Cayenne also, and both have lighter steering than the 997.2, but even they are way stiffer and connected than many cars out there.

 

It was to me (I have a '12 GTS 6MT), it was the jhbrennan, and it was to sandwedge all on this thread. Only you can make the decision if it is 'worth it' to you.

This is also the first complaint i've ever read about the 997.2 steering. It shares nothing of the 991 since the 997.2 is hydraulic and the 991.1 is electric. The 991 is actually panned mostly for the overly light and muted feedback of its electric steering.

There are a few unsprung suspension component designs shared with the 991 like the aluminum knuckle and two-piece LCA. That would not affect any 'lightness' but you may notice less direct feedback with the rubber bushings. However, all stock 997s outside of the GTx cars use rubber bushings so moving to another 997.2 will not change that feel. Also, did you have PASM on? That may have helped any vague feeling if you had turned it on.

"Would a 997.2 '09-'12 have a more engaging experience?"
Well they have the exact same steering. Outside of a few different suspension bits on the GTS (stiffer, hollow sways and droplinks) they are exactly the same from what I understand (outside obvious differences between PASM/SPAMS and S/standard.

Hope that helps. GLWP

 

I had a 997.2 GTS for 3.5 years before recently trading it on a 991 GTS. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the steering on a 997.2 GTS. I have no idea why it felt light, like a Japanese car to you. The 997.2 GTS is a fantastic 911.

There are no parts used on a 997.2 GTS that are common to a 991, at least no major components such as drive-train, engine, or steering.

 

I'd suggest you consider driving another and the non-GTS as well. Maybe that one had bad alignment, bad/old/hard tires, or some customization(s) or misadjustments that made it feel off. Don't judge the line based on just one car's test drive.

 

OEM tires? As I have just switched over to an All season type tire from the OEM summer performance tire I would say it has a lighter less precise feeling. Or could they be very over inflated? Not sure you d feel that unless you have lots of track seat time?
I doubt anyone would put an AS tire on a GTS though, kinda defeats the purpose, LOL.

 

Thanks for the comments,

I was just surprised how light the steering felt along with the feather like shift throw of the manual and of course light clutch.

In driving the GT3 2011 I found the feel more in keeping with what I expected. My last manual was a '88 M6 and one of the heaviest clutches around, but enjoyed it.

My other car is a 328 Ferrari and has a moderate weight clutch and the gate shifter is its own animal.

Just drove another GT3 and really enjoyed the car but I'll be using this next car as short/medium trip car with the wife and puppy. So the GTS is the choice.

Thanks again for your help.

 

It's all relative. The steering in my 997.2 felt light to me initially compared to my 996. What car are you coming from?