There is a rare 993 model, Europe only, started around 1997. Next was the 996, basically started in 2002, but some Euro 2001's were imported. To get to 500 whp you would need to upgrade the turbos, flash ecu upgrade and a few other items, about $10k.

 

Looks, and about 65 more hp. Both are 4wd vs GT2's are 2wd. 996's have completely different headlight assembly from any 911 ever made. Some like it, some don't.

In your budget, start with a 996 GT2, around 30k plus miles, be patient, only about 300 brought to the USA. Engine block is very strong, and you could easily tune to more hp than you will ever know what to do with.

Winter is coming, prices will drop and the Economy sucks, it's a buyers market and you will love the car, I love mine.

 

Get a low milage 996TT. Forget about the 01, no glove box and bumper warts. Look for an X50 package. With an exhaust and tune it really wakes up. Aerokit is also nice. PCCB are iffy. Expensive as hell to replace, stop like you needed it yesterday, last along time, no good for the track. The nav and bose suck but are passible if you don't want to change the entire sound system.

GT2 are a different breed. 2WD, no sunroof, (some have no AC or radio), no back seats, almost no sound insulation. Suspension is different and very adjustable. It's a wolf in wolf's clothing.

 

The Turbo's are AWD, the GT2 is rear wheel drive. The GT2 variant has more horsepower than the turbo stock.
Mechanical differences you might care about 996tt/997tt:
1) hill-assist on manual trasmission on the 997tt (none of 996tt)
2) the 997tt has more power and almost no turbo lag as the turbos change their blade angles and spool all the time (996tt has substantial turbo lag)
3) navigation is standard I believe on the 997tt
4) sound system is much better (especially the upgraded one) on the 997tt
5) electronic adjustable suspension on the 997tt (a button inside) I believe with the sport chrono pkg

 

but which gives you the biggest grin on your face when driving? 996TT or GT2?

 

one other question- how does the GT3 differ?

 

for that money i would hang tight and get a 997 tt . i know the market will be at 65-70 k in less than a year.. and if you can't wait dig a little deeper.. you can get 540 to the wheels with a tune and an exhaust and call it a day...

 

That's the one on the other thread right? The one with the accident on it's history.

OP, beware of any GT2 priced too good to be true, chances are something is not right or there is soemthing in the history.

From the likes of it a nice clean 996TT will fit you just right and I think it is something you will be happy with. The GT2 is great but it's a specialty car and it's meant for a narrower market of drivers and most drivers will not like it, it is not as friendly as the turbo and will not be as compliant or do as much in as many situaions. The 993 Turbo or 964 RS America, or Turbo/S rare and great but they are like fine wine, takes going thru a few Porsches to really appreciate thos cars

 

what differentiates a gt2 from a gt3?

 

for educational purposes to know what i am looking for, is this a 997TT?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MINT-650HP-911-TURBO-S-RARE-LOW-MILES-CLEAN-HIST-AWD-40K-UPGRADES-/150672537770?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item2314c878aa

how about this one? (997TT)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2007-...item43aa2de243

 

The short answer is a GT2 is turbo-charged and the GT3 is normally aspirated. They handle a little differently, but both are awesome street-legal track cars...sort of. They still have interiors and some conveniences.

 

my thoughts exactly, the 997 is a car thats a beast but still good as a DD, it has the awd for everyday use, bose sound system, updated navi, big brembo brakes, HID lights, durable long lasting leather, and in some of the 996's I see a lot of cracking in the seats(my .02) and its super fast, I had a great experience with mine I cant wait for the new Turbo 991's to come out their going to be sick....

 

2004 996 911 x50 RUF Cab, HID, with x74 suspension,TiptronicS, GT3 wheels.
Makes a great first Porsche.

 

Link?