Porsche 997.1 vs 997.2: What Are the Key Differences?
The key differences between the Porsche 997.1 and 997.2 are mostly under the skin. The 997.2, built from late 2008 to 2012, replaced the earlier M96/M97-family engines with the new 9A1 engines, which have direct fuel injection and no intermediate shaft, and swapped the Tiptronic S automatic for the seven-speed PDK. Four-wheel-drive models gained a new system, and the lights, bumpers and cabin technology were updated.
In short: The Porsche 997.2 looks much like the 997.1, but its 3.6 and 3.8 litre 9A1 engines are a new design with direct injection and no IMS bearing, and bore scoring is much less common on them. PDK replaced Tiptronic S, four-wheel-drive models moved to an electronically controlled system, and both generations kept hydraulic power steering.
Porsche 997.1 vs 997.2 at a glance
The table below compares the Carrera models of each generation. The Turbo and GT models followed their own timelines and engines, so they are left out here.
| 997.1 | 997.2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Built | 2004 to 2008 | Late 2008 to 2012 |
| Engines | 3.6 (Carrera) and 3.8 (S), M96/M97 family | 3.6 (Carrera) and 3.8 (S), 9A1 |
| Fuel injection | Port injection | Direct fuel injection (DFI) |
| Intermediate shaft and IMS bearing | Yes | No |
| Bore scoring | A known risk | Much less common |
| Manual gearbox | Six-speed | Six-speed |
| Automatic option | Five-speed Tiptronic S | Seven-speed PDK |
| Four-wheel drive (Carrera 4 and Targa 4 models) | Viscous coupling | Porsche Traction Management (PTM), electronically controlled multi-plate clutch |
| Power steering | Hydraulic | Hydraulic |
| Lights | Original 997 design | LED daytime running lights, redesigned LED rear lights |
| Infotainment | Earlier PCM, no touchscreen | PCM 3.0 with touchscreen |
How can you tell a 997.1 from a 997.2?
The quickest way to tell a 997.2 from a 997.1 is the lights. The 997.2 has LED daytime running lights at the front and redesigned LED rear lights, along with redesigned door mirrors and reshaped bumpers with bigger front air intakes.
Inside, a 997.2 with Porsche Communication Management (PCM) has the newer touchscreen unit. On automatic cars, the gearbox settles it: PDK means a 997.2, and Tiptronic S means a 997.1. Check the car itself rather than relying on the registration date, as the changeover happened during 2008.
What changed in the engines?
The 997.2 replaced the 997.1’s 3.6 and 3.8 litre M96/M97-family engines with new 3.6 and 3.8 litre 9A1 engines, which use direct fuel injection. Both 997.2 engines produce more power than the ones they replaced, and Porsche also made them more economical.
For owners, the more important change is inside. The 9A1 has no intermediate shaft, so there is no IMS bearing to worry about. Bore scoring, the other well-known weakness of the earlier engines, is much less common on the 9A1. Our articles on IMS bearings and bore scoring explain both issues in detail.
None of this makes the 997.1 a poor choice. A well-maintained 997.1 engine can give long service, and if one does develop a problem, it can be put right with an engine rebuild. It does mean a 997.1 needs a little more care when buying, including an endoscope inspection of the cylinders if there is any doubt.
How do the gearboxes differ?
Both generations offer a six-speed manual gearbox. The difference is the automatic option: the 997.1 used the five-speed Tiptronic S, a conventional torque-converter automatic, while the 997.2 introduced PDK, Porsche’s seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
PDK changes gear far more quickly than Tiptronic S and is smooth in traffic, which makes a PDK 997.2 easy to live with every day. Shifts are made with the selector or controls on the steering wheel. PDK oil changes appear in Porsche’s maintenance schedule, and the clutches run in their own oil circuit, separate from the oil for the gear set. Our article on PDK gearbox maintenance covers what that involves.
What changed with four-wheel drive?
The 997.1 Carrera 4 and Targa 4 models use a viscous coupling, which sends a varying share of the drive to the front wheels. The 997.2 four-wheel-drive models switched to Porsche Traction Management (PTM), an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch of the kind already used on the 997 Turbo.
With PTM, the share of drive going to the front wheels is controlled electronically, according to grip and how the car is being driven. If you are looking at a four-wheel-drive 997 of either generation, a diagnostic check will show any stored faults in the drivetrain.
What changed inside and in the chassis?
The cabin layout is broadly the same across both generations. The main change on the 997.2 was the PCM 3.0 system, with a touchscreen, optional hard-disk navigation and Bluetooth.
Steering is a common source of confusion. The 997.2 kept hydraulic power steering, just like the 997.1; electric power steering arrived with the 991. The 997.2 also had revised suspension settings, and the range later added the Carrera GTS, a model the 997.1 never had.
Which is the better buy, a 997.1 or a 997.2?
The better buy is the one in better condition with the better history, whichever generation it is. The 997.2 removes the IMS question and reduces the bore scoring risk, and PDK is a strong reason to choose one if you want an automatic.
The 997.1 still makes a fine car to own, provided it has been looked after and its engine checks out. A carefully kept 997.1 with a clean cylinder inspection is a better purchase than a neglected 997.2. A specialist pre-purchase inspection tells you which kind of car you are looking at; for ours, the car comes to our workshop in High Wycombe. Our guides to common 997.1 problems and buying a used 997.2 cover what to check on each.
Common questions
Does the Porsche 997.2 have an IMS bearing?
No. The 997.2 Carrera models use the 9A1 engine, which has no intermediate shaft and therefore no IMS bearing. The IMS bearing question applies to the 997.1 and other cars with M96 and M97 engines.
Did the 997.2 get electric power steering?
No. Both the 997.1 and the 997.2 use hydraulic power steering. Porsche moved the 911 to electric power steering with the 991, which replaced the 997.
Is the 997.2 more reliable than the 997.1?
The 997.2’s engine removes the two best-known weaknesses of the 997.1, the IMS bearing and the higher risk of bore scoring. Other wear items, such as cooling system parts, suspension and brakes, are much the same on both. The condition and history of the individual car matter more than the generation.
Is the 997.2 PDK gearbox maintenance-free?
No. PDK oil changes appear in Porsche’s maintenance schedule, with the interval depending on the model and year. Keeping to that schedule, and choosing a car with evidence it has been followed, is the best way to look after the gearbox.
Talking it through
If you are deciding between a 997.1 and a 997.2, or want a specific car checked, Lawrence is happy to talk it through. With over 40 years working on Porsches, he knows both generations well. Our pre-purchase inspection covers every aspect of the car, and once you own it, our specialist servicing follows Porsche’s schedules with genuine parts and PIWIS 4 diagnostics. You’ll find us in High Wycombe, a few minutes from the M40. Call 01494 534834 or see our contact details.
More on this model: Porsche 911.