I am a first time Porsche buyer. I am looking at 2005 and newer 911's. I have been told that the Turbo engine is much better built engine. The turbo versions are much more money. Am I going to see a noticeable difference in the engine durability between the two?

 

You will certainly notice A LOT more fun with the TT engine.
But my opinion is biased. Love the TT. I'm sure you may be able to mod the C2 engine but to me the TT is one of a kind.

 

go with a normal Carrera, you have no experience nor knowledge of what a TT is all about. learn about P's first then you move to the TT

 

You're right. But what about the differences in the two engines? Is the reliability of the non-turbo engine as good?

 

What better way to learn about a TT, other than research, is to own one.
I'm assuming the OP wants to know the difference to avoid having to purchase something that he / she won't be satisfied with.

 

Don't think it's a question of durability.......... I don't know what cars you have owned in the past or whether you have any track time experience.......both cars are performance cars....both are good, reliable cars. The straight up 911 is about 325hp versus 450hp for the turbo....also ..awd. Big difference......

I have had 3 Pcars before my current 4S. My 4S can still out perform......me

So....think about it.

 

This is an interesting thread. I love the TT cars and they have become more affordable (early 996 cars). However, I decided I want to do some autoxing and have heard they can be a bit much. If I was going DD I would love the AWD and power of the turbo car.

Take this all with a grain of salt as I am a complete newb who is just starting the learning process.

 

Well, first of all, I would encourage you to read everything you can get your hands on about these cars. You're looking at a sizeable investment of time & money and more knowledge is always a good thing. It's surprisingly easy to find reviews from magazines, autoblogs etc. on even older 911s. Additionally, there are many books available on both 996 & 997 models.

As to the issue of reliability, by 2005 all 911s had been upgraded with the more reliable 3.6 L engine. Earlier 996s with the 3.4 L block had issues with leaking rear main seals, among other things, but by 2005 Porsche pretty much had those issues sorted out. The twin turbo versions are obviously much more money, but I believe that they cost more because of the remarkable technology that goes into ringing 450 HP or more from a flat 6 cylinder engine, not because inferior parts or design are used on the NA cars.

 

If you can afford it... turbo!

 

The engine in the turbo (and GT3) is derived from the 1998 GT1 engine; it is different than than non turbo versions. The base engine is the one that had issues, the turbo engine is much more bulletproof.
dhc3