Got to decide on which to pick. I've had 3 996's from a 99-02 but only in the 3.4 and 3.6 c2 na. For the money now, I can either pick up a 996tt or 997.1 c4s. Not sure where to go... I have always wanted the tt but money was an issue, now that it's in reach the newer look (and wide body) of the 997 is calling out to me too... I know the 997.1 has the m97 engine so it has a potential to go boom and I've heard the tt engines if maintained are pretty bulletproof... Speed or style....

 

As if the 996 TT doesn't have style?

I dunno man. I mean yeah, it could be said I'm still in the honeymoon phase after only having the car for a few months, but I've loved the 996 TT from the moment I first saw it more than a decade ago.

The 997 just comes across to me as too... some mix of modern and comfortable and automated, whereas the 996 just felt more connected and pure.

That, and I'll take performance over style any day. As if the 997 C4S doesn't have performance.

-V

 

Dude u dont have to ask this question, 996tt is much better looking than 997 4s even the 997turbo

Solid car fast, well built style legend.

Pull the trigger on 996tt because u are moving to something special , 997 great looking car but not better than 996

 

I just went through the same thing.
Drive both and then make the decision.
The 997 looks newer and has an upgraded interior.
The 996tt is raw. It more of a joy to drive, and you feel more connected.

My choice....I went with the 996tt and in a year or two Ill upgrade to 997tt.
I was coming out of a 400+ HP BMW 135i and wanted something that was comparable in terms of power.

 

I have been in a somewhat similar situation recently. I have a 996TT and LOVE IT! It also has about $60k in upgrades and 558hp, so not exactly stock.

I decided I might want to upgrade to a 997TT. Test drove about half a dozen and I have to tell you, the 997's just feel soft. Of course none of them had all the upgrades and I realize that, but the car just doesn't have that raw edge to it like the 996TT does. Sure, it looks newer and to some people better, but I couldn't connect with a 997. So I've now moved onto to possibly a 997 GT3RS, but that's an entirely different discussion.

For my money, buy the 996TT. You won't be sorry from a driving experience. Just make sure to have a PII done and watch out for the 2nd gear pop-out.

 

The 997S was on my radar as well. I drove the more powerful 997.2S and still bought a 996TT. Heck, I even drove a 991S and it still doesn't feel that fast; all the power is up top; it lacks torque.

If the 997TT is too expensive, don't compromise and just get the 996TT.

 

PM Porka, and he can give you the his scoop. He has owned a 996 Turbo and a 997 C2s.
I have had the luxury of driving his 997 c2s extensively as fast as my heart contents…

Pros of the 997 c2s:
Light from the factory
Feels very nimble
Nice power after his headers/exhaust combo.
Great value compare to any other sports car’s in the market
I love the sport suspension button. Soft when I want it, etc.

Cons:
It doesn’t feel electrifying after driving a well setup 996t.

Summary:
In terms of the interior, of how it is more “updated” … Porka stated the same, and I thought the same thing at first. After months of his
Ownership, the 997 interior has turned boring and dull to me. I don’t find the interior exciting or sexy anymore. I actually don’t like it.
The exterior I like a lot. I like the big rear hips, the new tail light design. I have never been a big fan of Porsche’s front end, but I like the *** of the 997 a lot.



When Porka and myself trade cars up in the hills ripping it through, and I mean ripping it through. We always want to keep driving the 996t.
Granted my 996T is perfectly setup. I would say it is the most perfect setup car for handling in the 996T turbo forum of active members. ( in terms of chassis.)
I love driving my 996T, and so does Porka. After he drives his 997 c2s and then he gets into my 996t and drives it, I have to yank him out of the driving seat or else
He just won’t leave the drives seat!

Once I refresh my motor, oh boy! Can’t wait!

 

stock 996tt's don't have much of a "raw edge" either but 550 hp is roughly where the edges begin lol

 

I just went through this. I gave up my Spyder because I wanted a 911. I was only looking at 997C4S and possibly well priced 997TT's. I was about to pull the trigger on either an 07 Targa 4S or a 12GTS until I saw the 05 TurboS Cab in the local Porsche showroom...it was a no brainer. I fell in love with the classic styling, the interior(believe it or not) and the performance was fantastic. I love the looks of the 997 but there is something really special about the 996. I have no regrets...and I saved about 30k!

 

Took me almost a year to make the decision between a 996tt and a c2s. I came from an e46 M3, and to me, the m3 "felt" more fun than the c2s and the power wasn't much of a departure. The 996tt, on the other hand....is an "oh sh$$t" feeling. Turbos just have a mystique to them and will always. Once you drive it, you quickly forget about the styling cues many people complain about. No doubt, C2s/C4s are capable cars, but you will always get asked the question "Is that the turbo model?". Overall, I am very happy with my decision to go with 996tt. Just gotta find what you value more. Good luck.

 

I went through the same evaluation in 2011 and 2012, culminating in the purchase of a 2004 996 Turbo in May of 2012.

In the end, the solidity, feel and performance of the Turbo won me over compared to the newer 997.

I think the concerns over the interior and exterior are overstated. The 996 Turbo has a great look and imposing presence. The 996 interior in full leather holds up quite well compared to a base 997's vinyl.

I like it more and more each day I own it.

 

I picked an 04 TT cab over an 07 C2S cab and haven't regretted it for one minute. Go big or go home.

 

I would buy a nice modded 996tt, best of performance and money

 

^ it's astonishing the level or reliability and performance the 996t has for the money. 996t's for upper 20's? or 30's? is incredible. it's like gold. took a hit, but they'll bounce back. some day lol

 

Yeah..it's looking like I'm in the same boat. My theory is: for about the same money, I can have a stock (maybe flashed) 997tt or a super bada$$ 996tt with probably twice the power...I have an idea which way I'm going...time will tell...