Like you,I've owned an E46M3. I've owned a 996T as well. Both cars are great but deliver their performances differently. I felt the M3 was a more visceral experience than the 996T. Top end was definitely where the Turbo dominated. Build quality was nice for both. No issues with reliability. I am currently back in the market for a toy and the E46 M3,996GT2,and 997 fit the bill nicely. Pure driving experience:997 over the M3 because of weight.

 

Faced the same dilemma and went the Turbo route.
Coming from a 996C2, the 996TT is an incredible step up. Granted that the interior is only slightly better (because of more options in my case), but things go so much faster that I need to keep my eyes on the road anyway.

Get a real Porsche, with an engine derived for a true race car !

 

996tt

 

996tt is the way to go........ if you have the money, then make it a 997tt......

 

ok even though it seems as though its against popular decision...i think im going to go with the 997 c2s....

my reasoning lies within two main points...i like to have whats newer....but between the 996 turbo and the 997 c2s the 996tt is a lot better looking outside and so much more aggressive styling...however.....the inside is a main point for me...and i dislike the simplicity of the inside..i like the update with the PCM--thats important for me!

second and also as importantly....id like to get at least a year or two...or even more if its cpo'd....of warranty left....i like having the peace of mind!

in regards to the trip, i live in ny....and with the traffic, i have no time to balance driving stick, talking on my phone, drinking my coffee and having a cig! haha jk...but...traffic is insane and driving stick would drive me equally as crazy!

 

Why don't you drive both & then make your decision. You can still get a cpo'ed turbo.

 

Your call. If everyone liked the same car it would be a boring world.
The 6tt is a f'in beast

tw

 

u guys have all great points...the 997 has won though for me..i know you may think im stupid but the winning factor was the interior....the 911 is my dream car...n im also a technology freak and i love the interior of the 997 v 6...so hopefully i wont get bashed for my logic! ha....now the search begins (or continues rather) for a c2 997! im so excited !

 

the search is the funnest part

 

Turbo ................ Ftw

 

997 is a much more refined car, not only is the interior 10 times better, but many of the 996 issues have been fixed (RMS leak for one). Shifter is better. I also understand that it is easier on tires, although that is probably a function on foot and gas pedal disease. My 996 has a horrible maintenance record.

 

Did we say get the turbo

 

Here's another alternative to looking at this dilemna: Why not enjoy the luxury (interior) of your Cayenne and get the 996TT for the raw power??? That way, you have th best of both worlds....Just a thought

 

Try driving a Turbo if there's one near you. Within 5 mins or so you'll know if it's for you. If you plan on keeping your car for a while, the current 997 is also going to get about as dated as a 996 with time.

 

The 996tt is the bastard child. It didn't have round headlights!
with 10k in mods this car is freaking ridiculous

tw