comparing the interiors of the 991 and 997 GTS
A subscriber suggested comparing the interiors of the 991 and 997. It was an excellent suggestion. I thought it would be interesting to focus on a “Top 3” for each of the cars.
Let’s start w/ the 997 since it’s the older of the two. The interior of this car feels more open vs. the 991. Much of this feel likely stems from the height of the center console. It’s lower in the 997. Even though it seems marginal in the photos comparing the two, it makes a difference in the way the cars feel. Sometimes less is more, and this is one of those times.
997 Interior
991 Interior
Second up in my list of three is the analog gauges. Both cars have the typical 911 style set-up with a tachometer in the center flanked by two smaller gauges on each side. All five of the gauges in the 997 are analog. Porsche began the shift to digital with the 991 which includes one digital and four analog gauges. In the 992, only the tachometer remains in analog form. Perhaps it’s similar to my impression of the interior. Analog just feels more inline with the ethos of the 911.
997 Gauges
991 Gauges
Last on the list for the 997 is the alcantara. People either love it or hate it. I’m with the former group. It wears well. It’s easy to clean, and it gives you a bit more friction than leather which helps to keep you in place on a spirited drive. The one exception is the steering wheel. It feels and looks like an old sweater. I could replace it with a leather wrapped wheel. The bolsters of the seats are in leather, so it would integrate well.
Let’s turn our attention to the 991. I love the GT steering wheel. It was added by the original owner of this car which is great because I probably wouldn’t have opted for the switch myself. It has a smaller radius and more girth. You notice it. I prefer the feel so much that I’ll likely replace the wheel in the 997 with a GT wheel as well.
Alcantara seats are standard issue in the 911 GTS. The original owner of the 991 opted for leather ventilated seats. As much as I love the alcantara in the 997, the ventilated seats are fabulous on a hot summer day. In comparing these two GTS cars, I’ve described the 991 as more T and the 997 as more S. Ventilated seats are great in a grand touring car.
Rounding out the list of three for the 991 is the lip on the backside of the rear seats. It helps to hold the cargo in place when you are using the rear seats in a folded down position. I like this feature because it shows the spirit of 911 design. Aero and power are always in focus as Porsche refines the 911 from one generation to the next, but so are features as seemingly insignificant as the back of the seats. Everything is important.
