Thoughts of trading Grand Sport vs GTS
 

My local dealer just got a trade in of a 2017 Porsche GTS with only 2300 miles. My thoughts are maybe a time for a change... I love my 2017 Grand Sport , but at 58 sometimes you want a change. So my question to you Corvette owners and probably former or current Porsche owners is if this would be a mistake. Obviously, there is a good deal of money to put up, but what I really would like feedback on is to hear the pros and cons if I made the trade. I really appreciate your time and opinions before I might regret my decision. Thanks in advance!!!

Is it a 911 GTS? If it is have a look to see how you are going to take a wheel off it if you have a flat in the middle of nowhere..That fancy nut system requires a special socket wrench and a big bar to generate 450 lbs of torque.

I thought about getting one also but changed my mind when I saw the price at almost twice what my GS cost.

The GTS is a great car and as you know comes at a bit of a premium. I'd say go for it, nothing wrong with trying out something new. If you keep it a few years you can still trade it in for what may(hopefully) be a C8 if you find you it's just not to your liking. Service on it will be a little more but it's not horrible.

I am really more interested in speed, comfort and daily driver comparisons if anyone has or heard opinions.

Listen to the practical reasons to not do it, then make a decision. If you ask me, you're at least half way there: you're thinking about it. And I can't fault your logic that at your age, who knows what could happen, and why not try it?

It's not like someone has said if you leave the Corvette fold, you can never again return (or, that you must pay twice the price of what everyone else is paying at the time). So, there's no penalty even if it turns out you think it was a mistake. A little money, pride maybe, but that's it. You'll never know if you like "living" with the P-car unless you try it, right? (I didn't say taking it out for a test drive, or riding in a friend's P-car)

My wife has a new Boxster and I think they have the same seats as the 911. We find them to be nowhere near as comfortable as the Corvettes GT seats.

We can go all day in the corvette and about 3 hours in the Boxster.

You better drive it and see for your self. It is an intriguing car.

GTS?

Which GTS? A 911 GTS, Cayman GTS, Boxster GTS? Kinda makes a big difference which model it is.

911 gts

I had several Porsches and Corvettes. Currently have both a GT4 and C7 Z06.

If your interested in 'speed' I'd say stick with the any C7 Corvette. You won't get the same performance from GTS.

Comfort is a toss up. Both are comfortable to me. Someone said they didn't like the Porsche seats, but I find them slightly more comfortable that the C7 GT seats.

As for daily driver, the Porsches feel smaller and lighter so they feel easier to drive around town.

If your looking for a change, and leaning towards comfort, try the GTS. If you like higher performance and speed, stick with a C7. You really can't go wrong with either car.

^^^ This....

[QUOTE=mjcourt;1596644266]I had several Porsches and Corvettes. Currently have both a GT4 and C7 Z06.

If your interested in 'speed' I'd say stick with the any C7 Corvette. You won't get the same performance from GTS.

Comfort is a toss up. Both are comfortable to me. Someone said they didn't like the Porsche seats, but I find them slightly more comfortable that the C7 GT seats.

As for daily driver, the Porsches feel smaller and lighter so they feel easier to drive around town.

If your looking for a change, and leaning towards comfort, try the GTS. If you like higher performance and speed, stick with a C7. You really can't go wrong with either car.[/QUOT

^^^^ I have had several Porsche's and I agree with the above answer..

Agree, everyone should be a car enthusiast and buy the best car they can afford regardless of brand. :thumbs:

One problem I have with the non-turbo Porsches is that their torque band is pretty high. Around town you need to be at 5-6,000 RPM to be in the band. That is great for the track, but most people don't drive around town revving their engines that high. The new 2018+ cars are all turbo (except the GT3) and their torque feels strong down low.

I track my 2016 GT4 and it's great for that, but around town it's not impressive.

The GTS is a great car, no doubt. I think it is faster than a GS, but new costs about $140k MSRP with a fairly standard list of options. A good discount on a new 911 is about 8%. I have a Porsche and have had them in the past, and I have a GS too.

A few observations:
- I don't view a Porsche as a car you can put a significant amount of miles on. More things will break vs a Vette and they will cost far, far more to fix
- The build quality and luxury on a Porsche are better, but the Vette is pretty good now in this regard
- The maintenance costs on a Porsche will make you cry, and they make it very difficult for you to even change your own oil. Figure on roughly $400-450 for the oil change at 10k and 20k miles. If it has PDK figure $1500+ at 40k, and $1000+ at 30k. And this is if nothing needs to be repaired.

If you can afford it go ahead but you will be back no doubt. Personally for me, I hate high maintenance costs and while i have no personal experience on it I believe it to be rather high on most porsches.

They are as long as you keep up on the maintenance (although they have had isuues) especially once you have racked up some miles. The cost of this can get pricey

:ack:

Wow that's high. What makes it so expensive ? Is there a lot of labor/interference to remove just to get to the oil filter or something ?

OP: If you have the means, I would go for it. I've never driven a Porsche, but everyone says the handling is amazing.

Hard to say, but if you’re thinking about the trade, then you’re not completely satisfied with the Vette. Don’t settle... if it’s the color that you want, and equipped to your liking, then go for it. If it’s not, then you’ll be on a Porsche forum asking the same thing in few months.

Yes I would take the 911 GTS over a GS if the price was right.

Yes, an oil change will cost you, but so too anything else with Porsche! Not only is the cost of admission high, but to stay there is very high too.

Doubt I'd go back to Porsche. I thought of getting the Cayman before my Z51, but the base was more expensive.

It's a great looking car and like someone posted earlier here, it's also smaller and easier to maneuver around tight spaces. I had a Cayman, which sure isn't anything like the car you're considering, but if spending beaucoup $ for the car and beaucoup $ for maintenance isn't a concern for you, go for it.

Throw caution to the wind and report back to us on how you like driving the 911 vs GS!!!

When I got my vette I was considering a Cayman as well and they were pretty much a toss up in most ways, though the maintenance is absolutely nuts if you drive the car.

Its just a different world, Sales guy told me when I asked how much oil changes were, he said not that much. Only like $400.

I drive 30k a year in my car so that was a real knock on the Porsche.

Time for a change since the C7's are becoming boring with no significant changes since 2014.

The Carrera hasn't changed much since 2004 aside from infotainment. It's still beautiful, but IMO 2005 was the last major change.

There is a redesign on the 911 coming for next year. A few leaked pictures on the Porsche sites show a change on the rear.

Sorry but I only drink Corvette KOOLAID!:D:yesnod::flag:

I fell in love with Porsche about 15 years ago, found a nice little 944 (nothing like the GTS) but it would haul butt... The radiator had a leak after I put about 3000 miles on her, I took it to a Porsche mechanic and $3,000 dollars later I got a used car back with a "aftermarket" radiator because they no longer made them any more... seems they leaked / broke all the time and you had to take the front of the car off to replace it...

Porsche is still the same, as long as you have deep pockets and can handle a 400 dollar oil change or a 3000 dollar radiator or a 10,000 to 50,000 dollar engine then go for it.. if buying new make sure you know the warranty terms, if you race it on the track people have said the warranty is voided for some parts...

You want to change the spark plugs on that?

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...fde237c197.jpg

BTW, do you track your car? I wanted a Porsche but went GS when I saw what things like an engine costs. $20k for a new motor (not installed) is on the low end. That's just simply out of my price range and I wouldn't be able to enjoy the car.

With my car, if I screw up real bad, it's a shitty expensive day, but it's not the end of the world. It's probably $10k with upgrades.

Helped a buddy change his..., which was actually easy. Plugs are accessible from underneath the car.

Okay fine- timing belt :lol:

Seriously, asking this question on a Corvette Forum what kind of replys did you expect? Are you just hoping someone would talk you out of dumping your Vette? Only you know for sure what is right for you.

Yeah, that might be a little difficult :lol:

Oil changes are really easy to do yourself. Spark plugs, a bit of a pain. Good info available online for most service items.

Go for the Porsche,,,you won't be sorry.
After owning 2 different Corvettes I switched to Porsche and drove them for 15 years. What a car. Now I'm back in a C7 Z-51 and like it a lot but still miss my 911.
They both get the job done but C7 is like a Mike Tyson where 911 was like a Bruce Lee.
Keep us posted.

Once saw $200,000 car at auction go for $70,000 or so. As the remark was made, no matter how good the deal, when you take it to the dealer for service, it's still a $200,000 car.:D

I say go for it. They are some really nice cars on a different level than the C7. Of course maintenence is going to be a bit more but its to be expected. If you can afford the car, im sure the maint. won't be a problem either. Never has for anything I've owned.

if CPO Give it a try!
 

I've owned a few 911's. They were very reliable and were 100% fun. I did sell both right as the certified pre-owned was expiring. Repairs after that all were going to be $$$.

I bought my current C7 over a Porsche largely as I've never owned a vette and felt like as a car guy you have to own one at least once.

Let us know, either way!

Not a Porsche, but when I purchased my Mercedes, the cost of an LOF was $135(in 1999)at the Mercedes dealer.

One time was enough. I found out that it was no different than on any other car except for the aero belly pan under the engine.

On my Mercedes, four screws removed and the 3 pound plastic belly pan is out of the way and the drain plug removal is no different than on any American car. Actually, the oil filter is easier(less messy) to R&R than on my Z06. Then another couple of minutes to replace the belly pan and 6 quarts of full synthetic oil(~$30 at Walmart) and a $10 WIX oil filter, and my $135 oil change became $40. But to be upfront with you, I do have two four post lifts to use to change my oil(standing up). At 75 years old, I'm too old to be on my back trying to do that crap.

In 19 years of ownership I have had one repair made to my Mercedes. MAF sensor replaced. At the Mercedes dealer it was ~$800 plus labor to install. I purchased a new OEM Bosch MAF from Amazon for $145 and it took 20 minutes to change out in my driveway.

Before you discard the notion of a 911 GT3 being too expensive to own, do some research first and get the true facts.

I need to change one ignition coil on a 987 (P0354 and P0304). The wheel well should come off first ! :ack:

PIWIS? Purging Inside Wallet Into Salary.. ? :lol:

Nothing wrong with a 911 GTS, does not have that raw power of a C7, completely different driving experience between the two. Bottom line is going to be $$$$$.

It's 450 HP in a lighter car that can put the power down more efficiently. Less torque though. I've read 0-60 as low as 3.4s for the PDK. Not too shabby.

2 Gallons of Synthetic and a Porsche Mechanic / Shop
I sold my last Porsche for one reason only. Even though I enjoyed the car, the insulting premium cost of every little thing irritated me.

3.4 is the Porsche number. They are usually conservative. Most of the test reports on the PDK are 3.0 to sixty. Even the heavier cab is testing at 3.0.

Two Porsche 991.2 s on my block. One is a GTS and one is a vert s model S.
They love the Porsche brands. One is on his third recently 911 model S after owning a 1998 c5 convertible z51.

The other just sold his 2002 911 turbo and bought the GTS targa...as he couldn't bring himself to buy a pdk only 911 turbo which is pdk only model. He loves his model GTS.. I think his was around 140 grand...


We chat often and they both love vette s but also wanted a change ..and both seem happy.

They are a decade or so older than you but seem quite youthful and vibrant. Nice guys and I admire their choices as I'm not specifically just a corvette enthusiast. I'm really a sports car enthusiast myself..

Money is not an issue for these gentleman so maintaince cost is something's I haven t discussed with them....I don't think for the First few years costs are an issue...

The new turbo engine is a hoot.

If you feel got the coin laying around for the trade differential why the hell mot..?

The turn in is great. The acceleration is extremely strong with the new turbo motors, the pdk is extremely fast and can literally take thousands of abusive launch control starts in a row...it's designed that way. The quality inside the Porsche is quite apparent. It's an undeniable experience. Go for it.

Have fun..and down the road if you want to sell and buy a new corvette you can always do that.

These two guys dig corvettes and both love their latest Porsche purchases.

Based off their love affair with porsches I'd recommend you test Drive And you ll know what's to do...

Like I said earlier, they are absolutely terrific cars with better build quality and luxury versus the Vette. The performance is excellent and they are comfortable. The downsides are (1) insultingly high-priced service, most of which you have to do at the dealer, and (2) if you plan to put real miles on the car, say 80k+, then you are into stratospheric repair costs. *Start* with $10k+ to replace the turbos...

Why not, you only live once! And if you don't like the GTS you can can always come back to a C7.

Other factors to consider...

Everyone mentions on the maintenance costs of Porsches, which I agree are high at the dealership, but in our medium size town their are several great independent German garages that use only Porsche parts and charge less than half what the dealership charges.

Trade in value... Although Porsches dealerships don't normally give big discounts on new cars, the cars hold their value. Used GT4s and GT3s can be resold at close to MSRP. A C6ZR1 that cost $125K are now selling in the 50k range. You can pay for a lot of Porsche parts with that $75,000.

If you are even posting this question.....please go buy your Porsche.

I had a 911 Carerra S and sold it, but miss it all the time. Loved driving it. But For daily driving, I preferred my Vette. The GTS is a very different car compared to the GS. But, if you have the cash, I’d say go for it. After the Porsche goes off warranty, they can become costly to maintain compared to a Chevy.

test drive it . only you can decide. your use of the vehicle, what bang you want for your bucks is very personal decision. thinking of touring the usa ? corvettes can be serviced anywhere in the country any good mechanic can work on a corvette. 911 gts not so much. just a local car with service available , no issue. money no issue? i would be swapping sport cars every year . lots of nice rides out there. gs bang for buck is hard to beat.

Good points, I think.

OP, two things:

1. Can you afford it?
2. Have you test driven it on some of the routes you'd usually drive it on, and liked it?

Answer yes to both and I would say go for it.
Answer no to either, don't bother.

:cheers:

If you’re a car guy like most of us are, you owe it to yourself to have owned a Porsche 911 at least once in your lifetime.
Porsche has been refining this car since the mid 1960s. It truly is the only “super car” that can be driven anywhere and parked on the street, and nobody will give it a second look..
If your ordering a new Porsche, the sky is the limit. Their option/build sheet goes on and on and on. So many option that don’t necessarily make the driving experience any better but will make your car extremely personalized. You will never recover the astronomical additional cost of these options, when you sell or trade in.
Life is short my friend, and if you can afford it, GO FOR IT!

You will miss the sound of the V8.

Ask me how I know.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...943294538.jpeg

While my wife’s turbo S will literally wipe the floor with my car in the Performance DEPT., mine sounds better and looks better to me.

The Grand Sport should be faster. I had no problem keeping up with GT3s.

I really don't think the GS and GT3RS are as neck and neck as the VIR lightning lap makes them out to be, but it can definitely run with a GT3

also, do you have carpet in your garage?

I have driven a 991.2 GT3 and Turbo. From my experience I would say the interior quality is much higher, the driving dynamics are definitely different due to engine placement, and I would say if you are ready for a change OP, I'm sure the GTS will provide a satisfying experience. If all your financial boxes are checked and your spouse (if you have one) is on board: go look at them today.

Just lease the car and give it back when you are done so you don't deal with an out of warranty turbo motor.

What are they asking for the GT3? My guess is $125k, which would make it just a bit more expensive than a Vette. It should be nice for that price.

:lurk:

Yes, 125,000.....for that I just buy the ZO6 and be done!

Not much of a discount. If the MSRP is $140 and you get an 8% discount (which is achievable on that car) it brings you to $128. It's a great car and I'd like to have one, but I would probably want a 15% discount, and it would need to have the color and options I want. Otherwise I'd order a new one.

Just why I just bought an Audi RS3 very fast and 4dr and practical.
new to the USA! Mag ride and switchable exhaust and on cold roads it is hard to beat with 4 wheel drive.
easy maintenance.

Although I am not considering switching brands just for sake of changing I fully understand your little dilemma..

I would consider your driving habits first and foremost. Are you a 1K annual driver, 10K, or more?

As it has been suggested already (correctly IMO) I find the 911 GTS "statically" very pleasing: heritage, well built, with keen attention to interior materials. A great weekend car that speaks luxury better.

I think the GS has the upper hand in the sport/grand touring department (versus luxury). Mostly for its larger more spacious cabin, and long range driving dynamics. The roof off experience should be a wash if you are considering the targa version..

Cheers. P

Had a 911 4s for last two summers. Really missed the vette and community of people around it. Sold the 911 and went back to a 17 stingray 3lt. The Porsche was totally different car but fun in its own right. Expensive and expensive to maintain. The Porsche was more driver centric and easier to enter exit. If I had the space I would have both but can't. Try the p car you might love it or you might end up back in a vette as I did

Porsches cost TWICE as much for similar performance. As others have said, oil changes, maintenance costs etc are a lot more etc. That said, if you need to scratch the itch to go the porsche route, by all means do.

FWIW, I too wanted to try out a porsche after being a life long vette junkie. Sooooo …… in 2003 I bought a brand new 996 turbo, drove it for 5 years and replaced it with a new 2008 C6 Z06. IMHO, the Z06 was more fun and gave a more " one with the car " experience than the porsche at HALF the price.

The smarter move IMHO, is replace the GS with a Z06. I recently was ready for a change and replaced my 2014 Stingray with a lightly used excellent condition 3LZ Z06. As we all know the Z06 is on a completely different performance level than the Stingray/GS. If you have to have a porsche, get a lightly used 911 turbo that has taken a HUGE depreciation already, other wise you're liable to get lured into trading that GTS after a short time as you just have to see how much more the 911 turbo has to offer. Back in the day, I almost bought the base 911 instead of the turbo and so glad I just went straight to the turbo.

Anyway, have fun as you pursue your performance car addiction just like all the rest of us.

As a prior 911 Carrera owner, driving a Porsche is like an extension of your self, very high driver's involvement specially at the track or while doing spirited driving, is why always they score highly on MT best driver's cars. Very light and with extremely high handling dynamics. But you would miss the V8 strong power and its great sounding engine exhaust noise, while idling the 6 cyls engine of the Porsche would sound like an old washing machine, and the cost of maintenance and bad reliability of the car would empty your pockets. When I left that car for an American muscle car, I swear to never go back to an European car. By the way the C7 Stingray has better looks and most people wouldn't be able to distinguish 911 model years. Lately I have been curious about Caymans. Good luck in your decision, it would depend on how deep is your pocket and like my Porsche's mechanic used to say, "there is no low cost Porsches".

I'm in the same boat. Looking for either a gently used Z06 or Turbo S. Whichever pops up first.

Woodranch, I have been there myself. I traded in a 09 911 4S for a 09 Vette. Hated myself after i did that, then came my first oil change. I was like OK, thats a good price for an oil change for a Chevy. Have had 3 Vettes, since then and I love them. My only complainant with the 911 was price of service, and the tightness of the cabin. So my answer is keep both and have the best of both worlds.

Have the tool. No pdk. no problem. The tool is far less than one dealer oil change.