I picked up a 2003 996 Turbo about a week ago. This is my third Porsche, but first 911. I previously owned a 2006 Cayman S and a 1987 944 Turbo. I'm most recently coming from a Mercedes C63, and most of my impressions of the Turbo so far are in the context of the past three years spent with the AMG.

This is the car:



It's Polar Silver/Graphite Grey and is equipped with X50 Power Kit, Aerokit and interior carbon fiber.

Thoughts from my first week of ownership:

I think the lines of the 996 Turbo have aged very gracefully over the past decade plus. It's still such a beautiful car.

Power delivery is pretty dramatic and very fun. The K24 turbos have noticeable lag at lower rpm, but once they are spooled up the push in the back is nicely satisfying. On boost, it feels like it's accelerating harder than the C63. Fully lit, it's even a bit of a challenge to avoid running into the rev limiter. In contrast, the C63 has awesome throttle response and torque everywhere. Anytime you dip into the throttle, the C63 bolts down the road. Going fast requires some planning ahead in the 996 Turbo, and I'm adjusting my driving to take this into consideration.

I'm also enjoying the handling. My one canyon road drive so far took the car nowhere near its limits, but it was enough for me to experience the steering feedback and response, body control and brake feel. This is a very capable machine for covering ground rapidly over twisty roads. It's not the most playful feeling car, though. My C63 had a limited slip differential at the back, and it did not take much provocation to get into fun, controllable power oversteer. My sense is that I would have to be pretty brutal with steering input and power application to get the 996 Turbo to swing its tail.

My biggest complaint so far is the lack of support in the seats. Were all sports car seats this flat back then? I'm thinking that my first mod will probably be a set of Recaro buckets.

Overall, I'm very excited about the ownership experience. I want to keep this car for years and gradually learn all its secrets. I'm really looking forward to engaging in the 6speed 996TT community and taking in the great wisdom of my fellow owners here.

 

Congrats on the pickup, where abouts in SoCal are you?

 

Welcome back. Yes, they're great cars and you'll have a lot of fun with it.

IMHO I would flash the car (tune) and it will transform your driving experience. The flash makes a night and day difference. Also, I highly recommend a short shift kit. Seats are personal preference. Have fun!

 

Welcome, and congrats on the new ride. Looks great.

 

congrats on the car. looks clean and the x50 and aero are always a bonus. youre lucky in that you're in socal with the best canyons anywhere so enjoy it! though you're 100% right about the k24 lag. it is ill suited to quick spooling up/down hills but there's so much you can do the car in stages, and it'll reward you every step of the way.i had a k24 car before and i'm glad i switched turbos on this current car but it's a fun learning curve for sure. again congrats.

 

I'm in Irvine.

 

Congrats. I just recently bought an 03 Aero X50 myself.

 

Congrats man!

A flash alone will really liven up the car. Maybe an exhaust as well, and if that is still not enough for you K24/18 are a good choice for an X50 car

 

Congrats! I agree that the seats are pretty rough and share your sentiments about wanting some nice Recaros. I did see some Recaro Sportster CS seats in a 964 last weekend and they looked really clean.

 

Congrats. I almost bought a C63 in place of my Turbo.

Will you be using yours as a DD?

 

Yes, it's my DD.

 

I am trying to work up the courage to use mine as a DD.

Yours is a beauty!

 

Love the Aero looks clean!

 

Nice car, congrats!

 

Congrats on a nice find. Nice write up too. You will love this car even more especially when you become one with it. They really grow on you.

I am in LA. If I can ever help out with anything let me know.