The other day, I wrote my impressions about the 911 GTS, but this time I’d like to share my husband’s thoughts on the main topic.

GT3 and GTS: Similar but Different

Regarding the 911 GTS (991 late model), my husband compared it to the GT3 (991 late model) and said this:

This GTS came equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, just like our GT3. So, I compared the ride comfort under the same tire conditions, and at low speeds, the GTS definitely feels less shaky.
But once you pick up speed, the GT3 rides more comfortably. That might be partly because the GT3 has PCCB brakes, but the GTS felt a bit rougher on the tires. When driving fast, the difference becomes even clearer—the GT3 is incredibly flat and glides forward as if there’s no tire resistance at all. The GTS is smooth enough, but not quite to that level.

That was his impression.

Even though they both wear the same Cup tires, the GTS and GT3 feel different. As for driving on winding roads, he said:

Taking it on winding roads, the GTS is impressively quick, as expected. Not only does it have power, but the cornering is stable, and it turns exactly as you want. You don’t need special technique; anyone can confidently maintain a lively pace.
On the other hand, when pushing it a bit harder, knowing the GT3, the GTS doesn’t quite have that same ‘bite’ on the road surface. The initial response speed and overall responsiveness are about half a beat milder, especially in terms of front-end grip and confidence. The GTS naturally lets the front end in, but the GT3 feels more forceful there.
It’s like the GT3 aggressively carves in, while the GTS tries to turn more smoothly.

He said.

Driving the 911 GTS with Paddle Shifters

He also shared his impressions of driving with paddle shifters:

The PDK shifts quickly. Not quite as fast as the new 992, but still very quick. Putting it into Sport Plus mode and shifting with the paddles, hearing the sharp “bashun, bashun” sounds as it accelerates, gives you goosebumps.
The engine sound is clearer than the new 992, focusing more on exhaust notes with less mechanical noise. The volume is impressively powerful, fitting the GTS name well.

Next, he tried driving on a small winding road with tight corners, similar to one he recently drove in a 718 Cayman…

There, the power is almost too much. You mostly stay in second gear and rarely shift into third. And if you try to rev it up even in second, you quickly end up overspeeding, so it’s honestly not that enjoyable.

He said.

Husband’s Overall Impression of the 911 Carrera GTS

Finally, I asked my husband to write his overall evaluation of the GTS.

The GTS model is priced just a bit below the GT3(and can exceed it depending on options), but for town use, the GTS definitely offers better ride comfort. You can easily use it for everyday shopping or school runs.

The GTS is clearly a model that maximizes sports performance within the limits of daily usability. On the other hand, the GT3 is a model that’s fully focused on the circuit but can also be used on the street.

That difference is significant, and I think it’s fair to say there’s a big gap between the GT3 and GTS. With the GT3, commuting distances might be okay, but I wouldn’t really want to use it for local errands.

This is just my feeling, but the difference between the GTS and GT3 feels bigger than that between the 911 and Cayman. If anyone is torn between the GTS and GT3, I’d say: “If you mostly drive in town, go for the GTS without hesitation.” The GT3 is really a different beast. Unless you’re a serious driving enthusiast, it’s hard to tame.

GT3 and GTS: Similar but Different

By the way, this GTS didn’t have PDCC(Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control), but I think having it would change the impression quite a bit. If you’re choosing a used one, I recommend getting one with PDCC.

That’s because I had the chance to drive a 991 early model GTS with PDCC around the same time, and it was very easy to drive with even better ride comfort. Despite being an earlier model, its chassis was as good as or better than the late model. It really made me realize that options don’t lie.

Handling:	(4.5 / 5)
Straight-line Stability:	(4.5 / 5)
Low-speed Comfort:	(3.0 / 5)
High-speed Comfort:	(4.2 / 5)
Engine Feel:	(4.0 / 5)
Engine Sound:	(3.9 / 5)
Brakes:	(4.0 / 5)
Transmission:	(4.3 / 5)
Average:	(4.1 / 5)