Should You Consider A 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Over The 992.1 911 Turbo? - story Go to full screen story Fullscreen

Should You Consider A 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Over The 992.1 911 Turbo?

With similar performance numbers, find out if its worth spending the extra cash for the outgoing 911 Turbo, or wait for the upcoming 911 GTS

by Amreetam Basu on July 25, 2024, 17:00

The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS is making a grand entrance, not just as a new model but as a technological trailblazer within the iconic 911 family. Its groundbreaking T-Hybrid system is set to become a mainstay in the upcoming 992 models, which is perfect because it all runs in the background, and you wouldn’t feel any difference apart from increased engine responsiveness.

The 992.2 911 Carrera GTS isn’t your average hybrid, as it focuses on enhancing performance more than efficiency. There’s an all-new 3.6-liter flat-six that’s augmented by a single turbocharger with an e-motor stuffed inside it for eliminating turbo lag; this technology is straight out of Formula 1. There’s another e-motor stuffed inside the eight-speed PDK gearbox, which draws power from a 1.9 kWh battery pack.

But here’s where things get really interesting. This new 911 GTS isn’t just giving the base 911 Carrera models a run for their money; it’s edging closer to 992.1 Turbo territory. Yes, the Turbo name still carries a certain prestige and performance pedigree, but the gap is narrowing. So, the question on everyone’s mind is: is the hybrid GTS a viable alternative to the mighty 911 Turbo? Or are you better off sticking with the pure, unadulterated power of the pre-facelift 992.1 Turbo?

Let’s break down the pros and cons of each model, diving into the nitty-gritty of performance, handling, technology, and, of course, that all-important question: to hybrid or not to hybrid?

Performance differences between the 992.2 911 Carrera GTS and the 992.1 911 Turbo

Should You Consider A 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Over The 992.1 911 Turbo? storyboard - image 188138

Let’s get down to brass tacks and talk numbers. The 992.2 911 Carrera GTS, with its hybrid powertrain, boasts a potent 532 horsepower and 449 pound-feet of torque. This translates to a naught to 60 mph sprint in a claimed 2.9 seconds. However, we cannot confirm the timing for the all-wheel drive variant, which could be around 2.5 seconds, given the added advantage of traction.

Impressive, right? Well, hold onto your beers because the 992.1 911 Turbo (not the Turbo S) churns out more power than the new GTS, thanks to the 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six. We talking about a total output of 572 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque. The 992.1 Turbo can accelerate to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds and can reach a top speed of 199 mph.

Now, on paper, the Turbo clearly has the upper hand regarding raw power acceleration. But in the real world, the difference might not be as pronounced as you’d expect. For example, the 911 Turbo is quicker to 60 mph than the 992.2 911 Carrera GTS because the former comes exclusively in AWD. Very soon, we’ll have the 0-60 mph figures of the AWD-equipped Carrera GTS, and we’re sure it’ll perform similarly, if not quicker than the Turbo. And while the Turbo might have a slight edge in top speed, both cars are capable of reaching speeds that are, frankly, absurd for public roads.

2025 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS 2024 Porsche 911 Turbo
Engine 3.6-liter single-turbo flat-six w/ e-motor 3.8-liter twin-turbo flat-six
Horsepower 532 hp 572 hp
Torque (lb-ft) 449 lb-ft 553 lb-ft
Gearbox 8-speed DCT 8-speed DCT
Drive Type AWD AWD
0-60 (mph) 2.9 seconds w/ RWD 2.7 seconds w/ AWD 
Top speed (mph) 194 mph 199 mph

It’s all about the driving experience, right?

As for the actual driving experience, these two 911s couldn’t be more different. The 922.1 911 Turbo, with its twin-turbo flat-six, delivers that Porsche punch - raw, visceral, and undeniably thrilling. However, you might notice a slight hesitation at lower revs due to turbo lag, but once those turbos spool up, hang on tight!

The 922.2 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid is like a caffeinated athlete, always on its toes and ready to sprint. Its T-Hybrid system eliminates turbo lag, giving instant throttle response, like a naturally aspirated engine. This should make the 911 Carrera GTS feel incredibly eager and responsive, especially on the track where it consistently outperformed its predecessor in Carwow’s (link above) back-to-back track driving sessions

Let’s not forget the added fuel efficiency bonus, thanks to the electric assist. Of course, Porsche states that the T-Hybrid system’s purpose is to boost performance and not efficiency. However, we think the hybrid system should return better efficiency because why not? Instead of pushing the engine to make those extra horses, the e-motors (even the one inside the turbocharger) contribute to the total output. We don’t have the EPA figures yet, but we bet it will be better than the 992.1 911 Turbo.

Could a long wait and price be a dealbreaker for you?

Should You Consider A 992.2 Porsche 911 Carrera GTS Over The 992.1 911 Turbo? storyboard - image 188139

If you’re eager to get your hands on the 992.2 Carrera GTS, be prepared for a bit of a wait. As a brand-new model, demand will likely be high, and wait times could stretch out for months. However, if you’re patient, the reward could be worth it, as you’ll be one of the first to experience Porsche’s electrified future.

The pre-facelift 911 Turbo, on the other hand, is a more established model. Dealers might have inventory on hand, and you might even be able to snag a deal if you’re lucky, as the 992.2 911 Turbo models are almost here. The starting price of the 992.1 Turbo is $197,200 for the coupe and $210,000 for the convertible model. Now, you’d want to be spoiled by Porsche’s configurator to make your 911 Turbo represent your taste in style, increasing the price tag by at least $30,000 without you realizing it.

Personally, if I had to pick, I’d roll with the new 2025 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid, that has a much lower MSRP of $164,900. Here’s how I’d spec mine 2025 911 Carrera GTS. Yes, the price is absurd! It’s got the perfect blend of performance and everyday usability, not to mention that sweet, sweet electric torque. Plus, you can geek out about the fancy hybrid system at every car and coffee meet-up. Seriously, who doesn’t love showing off a little tech wizardry? But hey, if raw power is your jam, including the analog tachometer and the traditional Le Mans-style ignition knob, then the 992.1 911 Turbo is still an absolute beast. The choice is yours, my friend. Happy driving!

Amreetam Basu

Amreetam Basu

While Amreetam hustles during the week, free time means one thing: hitting the open road. He dreams of cruising the Alps in a German masterpiece – a Porsche 992 911 GT3 RS or an F87 BMW M2 would be ideal! This 26-year-old automotive journalist loves every part of the job. Read full bio