Hi guys,

I've been reading this site for a very very long time and have read virtually all the 996tt vs 997tt threads in existence...lol. That being said, here's where I'm today. After so many years of ownership for a number of you, your opinion is greatly appreciated.

I have budget of $65K to get my dream car since a kid, a 911 Turbo. My ultimate Turbo would have been a 1985 Turbo but maybe later in life.
This car will be driven 3-4 times a week max as I have another vehicle that I would use the rainy days or days that I need to park near idiots...lol. And most definitely will not be driven in the winter months (salt+snow+ice+idiots, not a good combo, lol).

If you were in my shoes would you and why?

1-Get the 996 turbo and modify it (with the budget above in mind)
2-Get the 997 turbo and leave stock for a number of years (cant modify as budget would used up).


Cheers boys,

 

higher mileage 997.1tt and tune/exhaust stat! and dont look back

 

For 65k get a 997tt, it doesn't cost as much to modify as people think you won't have to wait years, simple tune and exhaust will open it up.
If your goal is REALLY big power and upgrades then starting 996tt might be better.

 

Thanks for the reply guys. I plan to keep the car for a very very long time so reliable power is more important that just big power. Also I wont be modifying the body at all. I love P-cars just the way they are whether 996 or 997 I love them both they each have their unique beautiful touches (996 sexy curves and 997 front end for example).
I have read in a number of threads that driving the 996 "feels" more like a p-car (a bit more raw) and that both need some suspension work (997 more so) or they feel too soft thus was making me consider the 996 more as I would have been able to change the suspension with the budget in mind.

Did I understand or read that correctly? Would you still get the 997 and live with the stock suspension for a while?

 

If you are not tracking the car I don't think it will make much of a difference, but I do think (unless you're getting a gt3 or gt2) the 997tt is too refined in stock form. I think the 996 is more of a "drivers" car, with having less electronics and gadgets. But as far as looks I will admit to liking the overall appearance of the 997. Don't get me wrong I love my 996, but when I bought it I was looking at the best bang for ur buck, and the 996 is clearly the winner there.

 

I hear you on the bang for buck. I am a finance person by nature and doing the math on those two makes the 997 a terrible choice on paper...lol.
I just worry that if I get the 997 for such a large price difference, I'll be looking back later and saying to myself ...was it really worth 40% more in price vs the 996? I could have banked that difference or make the 996 an even more amazing car.

first world problems indeed.

 

The 997TT is the better platform to start with. Simple mods will yield you more power and if you want more in the long run it may be cheaper than building a 996TT to handle the same power (800+)

I have hope that the 996TT will become the obscure 911 and spike in price one day, but the 997TT will very likely hold its value or even mildly appreciate in the coming years

 

It depends so much on what you want, and how you will drive it. Will you need to mod it to fulfill your dreams, or is stock(ish) enough? An exhaust and tune will go a long way, on both X50 and non-X50 996s.

Having a financial mind rarely matters when it comes to pursuing your automotive dreams - we have a way of justifying every single cent we "need" to spend. Again. And again. And again.

For my part, I like the '6 more than I do the '7, from its aesthetics to its roadside manners, to its more analog feel. So a "911 Turbo" wasn't my dream car, it was a 996 Turbo.

Good luck with your deliberations, it's a good problem to have.
-V

 

honestly if you have 65k to spend i'd go for 997 just because it is newer, and you can drive it for a while and then mod it. i had both and i dont think the difference between 996 and 997 is that big. only reason i say get 997 is because 996 price are up now close to 50k for nice cars and 997s start at 65k ish.

when i bought my 996 the price difference was $40-45k between the two, so essentially you could buy 2 996TTs for price of 997tt at that time. the way i looked at it was is it really twice as good of a car? nopeee. is it 15k better than 996 , yah i guess i'd say so.

 

great feedback.
my exact case is like this:

1- Private seller with a 996TT (has exhaust on it) and will probably end up paying $47k or less depending inspeccion, records, etc. A very well cared for car with only 43k miles on it.
2- 2007 997 Turbo for $67k with 40k miles on it.
3- 2007 997 Turbo for $70k with exhaust and <30k miles.

As you can see there's +$20K gap. I can do both no problem but I promised I would not go over the $65k budget ($70k will cost me with my wife...lol). I will likely keep the car forever as I get attached to my stuff and baby the crap out of them. So in the long run both car will look old at some point. I will likely never track them and they will be driven spiritedly for sure.

 

u shouldnt let 5k make or break the deal on the RIGHT car. if u know u r going to keep it for a long time don't settle. find the color that u want and the options that u need. as far as them looking old, everyone always asks if my 997 is brand new. 911s never look old

 

talk/cajole/threaten the seller with the 997.1 w under 30 k miles to 65/67k tops and there's nothing to talk about.


the last of the mezgers will be SOUGHT after while ours are the next to last. the 997.1tt will be legendary, over time. get it now if possible.


plus the 997tt forum has better seats lol

 

997 with flash and exhaust... simple

 

lol what I said 1st post. it IS that simple

 

Why is that, is it just the better turbo's along with better intake?

If both share the same 3.6 gt1 engine wouldn't a full build make same power regardless of 996 or 997?