I began my “search/education” in early Fall 2013. Going in, I knew two things (1) I wanted a Carrera (my first Porsche) and (2) I wanted AWD/wide body, so I started researching the C4S Cab. It offered the wide body, AWD, more power “S” and dual personality with the Cab. It didn’t take long for my search to zero in on the 997 Turbo S. I hope this helps others who are considering either a first time purchase or an upgrade…

C4S vs. Turbo (“S” in my case)
It would be easy to sum up the decision to power gains alone, however that would omit a crucial factor…the way the power is delivered. While the 145 hp advantage is nothing to sneeze at (997 Turbo S vs. 997 C4S), the feeling you get when the turbos kick in, is simply amazing! I've driven fast cars (Benz AMG V8s etc.) this is on a whole different level! After the back-to-back test drive, I knew...


997.1TT vs. 997.2TT(S)
This came down to Mezger vs. new DFI engine. Three factors drove my decision (1) I don’t plan to heavily mod my car (i.e., shoot for big HP). This negated the primary advantage offered by the GT1 Mezger engine’s heavily mod friendly durability IMO, (2) I knew going in that I would likely own this car for 3-4yrs tops before “upgrading”. Another nail in the Mezger coffin, if I planned on keeping the car for 10yrs+ then maybe the bulletproof Mezger scores a few more points (3) PDK was only available for Turbos from the 2010MY and newer so I had no choice…997.2!

6MT vs. PDK
While I really wanted a PDK, I’ve driven stick and did give it a fair shake (ok maybe not so fair). I chose PDK over 6MT primarily because I’ll be driving 60% city/town and 40% highway. I really didn’t want to bother with manual shifting for extended periods around town + for what it’s worth, PDK is faster and the way of the future (the PDK will shift faster and better than I ever will manually, so why fight it).


Coupe vs. Cab
Much debated and initially I actually wanted a cab. I’ll start off by saying that the oft repeated knocks on Cabs are overblown. I test drove a ’12 TTS Cab extensively (roof up & down) and the car was brilliant. (a) hardly any road & wind noise (although there was a slight consistent wind noise from the small window area BEHIND the driver seat), (b) structural rigidity/flex etc, while it may exist I couldn’t feel it and I doubt most of us would...most aren't really pushing their cars beyond 5/10th (3) Practicality – honestly the word practical and “super car” don’t really belong in the same sentence. Enough said. Why did I ultimately buy a coupe? (1) profile, it is simply better looking than a Cab with the top up IMO. The classic profile won me over and (2) while I don’t expect to track the car anytime soon, the bug may hit me once I get “accustomed” to the power, so a coupe left the door wider open to aggressive DE and other track events.

Turbo vs. Turbo S
This was purely a value trade. I doubt I would feel the extra 30HP (especially at the top RPM range where it really matters) so it simply came down to getting a bunch of options as standard that I would have to search for in a TT (e.g., PDK, PCCB, PTV, dynamic engine mounts, dynamic cornering lights etc.). I do like the consistent 516 ft/lbs of torque though (now, that I can feel). Plus I won’t lie, that “S” next to the “turbo” on the rear sure looks good!

I left out other decision factors such as exterior color, interior color, options etc. as these are largely subjective. I will say that options that I “desired” and made sure to get were (i) the sport steering wheel with proper shift paddles, (ii) adaptive sports seats, (iii) 19” spyder CL wheels and (iv) clear taillights. Nothing anyone can’t live without but I wanted them.

So what’s next? A few mods of course…I’ll be installing an EP exhaust (Stef already contacted) and IPD plenum in a few weeks (videos and review to come). I don’t plan on an ECU tune yet. I’ve read and been told by Mike @ IPD that a tune “wakes up the car” (i.e., earlier & more audible turbo spool, better linear acceleration in the critical midrange torque band etc.). I guess I’ll just have to wait a while to experience these. It’s not concern over the warranty, I just don’t think I need an ECU tune at this time. Gotta save something for later...

Many thanks to many fellow 6Speeders, from whom I learned more about Porsche Turbos than any magazine or web article. My gratitude.

My car: 2013 911 Turbo S coupe: Basalt Black Metallic: Turbo Aerokit: Adaptive Sport Seats: Sport Steering Wheel: Clear taillights: Natural Leather Interior (two tone Espresso/Luxor Beige): CL wheels: among others...(got the clear side markers quick..haha)

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Congrats and welcome!

 

Thanks Longboarder, the result of your volunteered test of the IPD plenum is a major reason why I am having one installed! Keep burning rubber and chasing those times!

 

nice post man, she is an all around beauty, congratulations

 

Thanks Slawek. That Speed Yellow really pops!

 

Aero kit sets the car apart

 

Thanks C4S. Funny enough, an aerokit wasn't on my wish list for a TTS but once I saw one (on a Speed Yellow TTS) I was impressed. The best part is the wing is fully functional, it provides ~ 20% increased downforce at triple digit speeds vs. the standard motorized TT wing. That's good enough for me...

 

Thanks , you showed me yours I show you mine he, he.
again, your car is stunning

 

Gorgeous, love the interior! Is that terracota or a deep natural brown leather? Now, that's what they call the "wow factor"

 

CONGRATS!!!! Looks greats!

 

Amazing car !

Very nice interior

 

Looks great! Congrats on the purchase.

 

Thanks Doc.

Thanks ET777, at first I was cool to the two-tone interior (the brown/beige two-tone can look pretty "busy"), however once I saw it in person I warmed up to it. The espresso brown is a nice dark brown which provides a nice contrast.

 

thanks, it is terracota-black interior.

 

Congrats OP, she's a beauty and enjoy her in good health.