I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Turbo, currently have a 997 C2S. There are NO cars around to test drive and I have one main concern. I've read that the Turbo clutch is very light and lacks modulation. C&D did an article and said that at some point in time, everyone who drove it stalled it. This is a problem on my Audi S4 and really takes away from the driving experience. Was this perhaps an isolated problem to C&D's car, or is this the way the clutch is on the Turbo?

Anyone who upgraded feel that 1) it wasn't worth the $$, or 2) regret the decision (and if so, why)

I've done a search but haven't found a lot of useful info.

Thanks!

 

i have driven mnay cars.... many sports cars..... and the porsche 997 turbo is one of the greats.... u will not regrett this at alll

 

I currently have both. The clutch takes a few minutes to get used to. It is very light and you barely have to press it to change gears. Whereas, the 997S, you have to press down above 1/4-1/2 down. I don't regret the decision at all, no regrets. As far as the $$, the window sticker was close to $160,000 with all the options I selected.

 

I did exactly what you are comtemplating. I had a 997C2S and upgraded to the 997TT. I am extremely happy with the upgrade. As far as the clutch goes, I actually like the 997TT clutch better. For my tastes it's got great feel and overall it feels easier to make fast and smooth gear changes (I also have the short shift kit on the turbo, it wasn't on my 997C2S , so I'm sure this effects it as well).

The motor is just awesome compared to the 997C2S. I also have PCCB brakes on the turbo and they are just as awesome as the motor!

The other biggest difference I felt is in the ride and handling. The turbo rides a lot better in day-to-day driving but in hard driving, the steering lacks some of the excellent feel in the C2S. The turbo is very sticky in the corners but again lacks some of the great feel you get in the C2S (probably due to 4WD vs 2WD).

Finally, if you get Sports Chrono, the sport setting gives you the over boost for the motor and tightens up the suspension a bit. The sports setting in the turbo is less extreme than the C2S and is a setting I use a lot. In the C2S I tried it once and then hardly used it at all becuase it was just too stiff for public road driving.

Hope this helps.

 

I agree with rockamoto 1000% regarding the difference between sport in the TT and C2S. My TT is on a boat as we speak but have driven the TT about half a dozen times.

I thought it was me the first time I drove the TT regarding the differences in ride in sport mode with the TT vs. the C2S. I confirmed it each time I drove the car. The C2S is almost impossible to drive around with the suspension set to sport. I'm pretty sure I will drive the TT with it on all the time.

The clutch is different but after a few minutes you'll be used to it.

I would also agree about the "feel" between the two cars. The TT is not quite as "direct" as the C2S. I'm pretty sure I made the right move and if you can swing the $$ then go for it.

I'm sure user Gradyex will chime in as he also recently came out of his C2S and into a TT.

 

Thanks guys. I've already started negotiating with the dealer, and since doing so, started reading up on the car only to find this clutch "issue" which really worried me. As much as I love my S4, sometimes I hate driving it because of the clutch and still stall it once in awhile which drives me nuts. I've never stalled the C2S and love the clutch feel in that car. I agree that sport mode is unusable unless you're on the track in the C2S. I always turn it on for PSE, but then have to hit the other button to return the shocks back to normal.

Thanks again guys. Now I have to await my dealer's response to see if they'll meet my price point.

 

Yup, I'm a 997C2S to 997TT convert. Yes the clutch is very very light. Its power assisted on the TT. It took me all of 2-3 gear changes to get used to it. Don't let that be the deciding factor. I guess Porsche gave it power assist because it would have been to heavy otherwise.

You'll love the upgrade.

 

Thanks again guys. Now I have to await my dealer's response to see if they'll meet my price point. [/quote]

Be prepared for a lot of pain

 

Ahh yes Chris, its about time I chime in here. I will briefly write the pros and cons to each and will elaborate more when I have more time. If you don't already know I sold my 2005 997S several months ago to make room for a 997 TT that arrived just a few weeks ago. I too could not find a car to test drive and I think that is BS. Porsche should make it mandatory to have dealers keep launch cars only for test drives untill a certain period. They did this on the 997S and I had no problems test driving the black 997S with PCCB's fairly loaded for $99,999 MSRP.

OK now back to the comparison (part 1). The turbo and the 997S are 2 very different cars. If you are looking for a "step up" and want to keep the direct feel of the 997S a turbo is the wrong move, you need to step up to the 997 GT3. If back seats are a must, and your looking for a more plush ride with all the "leather goodies" on the option list then the Turbo is the right move. The TT is a car with dual personalities. On one hand you can drive it normally with not much in the RPM department and it feels like a luxury sport car with adaquate power, nothing more nothing less. As a matter of fact during my 250 mile break-in I was a bit disapointed in the power of the car. I also felt the turbo lag that is still part of the experience and although minimized its there to constantly remind you that this car is special. Step on the gas, build up the turbo boost, get into the upper range of the RPMS (4500 - 6000rpms) and the car turns into a beast and the first time I felt it my initial dissapointment began to diminish. Keep in mind I also felt the same toward the S coming from a 2002 M3. It was quicker but not by much UNTIL I put 8k-12k miles on it and every day the car felt stronger in Porsche fashion. I'm sure the turbo will treat me to the same experience. Now for the details:

 

The 997S is more direct both in steering feel and the way it lays power down on the asphalt. If your familiar and comfortable with the 2 wheel drive set-up the turbo might feel less direct but at the same time more confidence inspiring. The TT is easy to drive fast and the 4 wheel drive set up feels like your on rails. Don't let this fool you this car is fast and can be dangerous in the wrong hands. I notice when punching the Turbo on the freeway you literally feel the torque in the steering wheel which is very sensative so take it slow. Its hard avoiding tickets in an S. Its extremely hard in a turbo because it just feels more isolated and the ride is more controlled. The stiff suspension setting on the S is ridiculous in my part of town. The TT is also a bit too firm for me and the normal setting coupled with sport chrono engaged is the way I like to keep the settings.

1. Clutch in the turbo is different (softer) but once learned its easier to drive.
2. The engine in the turbo is a true dry sump and feels/sounds more like the old air cooled engines of the past. I had the sport exhaust in my S but I do not miss it because although the turbo is not nearly as loud it sounds more "Porsche-like" to me. BTW, I think Porsche has improved the TT exhaust note but is not telling anyone (I cannot be certain about this). The exhaust on the TT is a keeper for me and yes this is not the consensus of others just myself.
3. The TT's all wheel drive takes a little something away from the feel of the car's handling + extra weight but it gives back more confidence in return so its a trade-off. The TT feels heavier than the S but I would not say that it is not a nimble car. It still feels light on its feet but remember its only been 2 weeks. The suspension on the TT is softer than the S but its a give and take battle that Porsche plays with confort vs handling and they did a great job.

 

4. The brakes on the TT are much better than the S (6 piston on the front vs 4 for the S). They look huge in comparison to the S. I have the reds (steelies on both cars) and the S with carrera classic wheels was a pain to keep clean. The brake dust would show up right away. On the TT the rim is painted med grey inside and it tends to look cleaner longer because it hides the brake dust better. If you go with PCCB's that is not an issue. The rims on the TT are superior IMO and I love the way they look. I also like the front end of the car better.
5. My final observation for today is a cost comparison of the 2 cars. Is the Turbo worth $40k-$50k more than the S.............I really truely feel that it is! Is the Turbo worth $80k more than the S.......probably not if money is a factor! For instance: If you have to come up $80k and your S as a trade in you are paying too much for the difference in 2 cars. I sold my S on my own and got a fair price. The dealer would have given me 10k less on a trade in. I also got 5k off MSRP on the turbo (because I am a good previous customer). Those 2 factors played a major role in my decision to "go for it". I loaded my TT up with a lot of leather goodies. Probably to subconciously make me feel like I moved "up" to a nicer interior even though they are both the same. Fit and Finish on the S is very good inside and out. Fit and finish on the TT is excellent inside and very good outside. I have a few vibrations/noises that the dealer is looking into tomorrow plus my TT needs an alignment as I sometimes feel the car drifting or pulling slightly to the left. To be continued..............

 

I thought long and hard about making the move, but the giant hit ($60K or so) coupled with the fact that there is NOWHERE here to exploit the added HP led me to keep my 997S. It's a great car, but the Turbo will always linger in the back of my mind.

If you can do it, go for it!!

 

Financially you made a smart move, Chris. Its the mental part that you have to be comfortable with. I blame 6speedonline myself.LOL! Seriously the turbo is a nice upgrade from the S but test drive them as much as you can before taking the plundge. Good luck! Stay away from these sites or you'll catch the fever too!Lol!

 

Thanks for the detailed write up. After reading all the responses, I am having second thoughts about getting it. That's not necessarily a bad thing and I hope none of you feel like you've turned me off of the Turbo.

I defected from a C5 Z06 over to the Porsche camp. I am extremely happy with the C2S. It's much more useable as a daily driver type car than the Z06 even though I don't use it as a daily driver and certainly not in the snow. Everything about the car is great, but I'm addicted to power, and in that respect, the Turbo with sport chrono is so appealing. Also, I love the looks of the Turbo. I definitely don't want a plusher or cushier ride, and although I've never heard the exhaust note, I'm sure it doesn't compare to the C2S with PSE. I think what I probably really want is a GT3, but that still doesn't have the stump pulling torque that only displacement or forced induction gives. I live too far from the track and would feel like a poser getting a GT3 without tracking it. Also, having back seats is nice for my 8 yr old son. I'm in Canada and the Turbo starts at $170K here. With my car on trade plus our two taxes coming in at 14%, yes you read that right, 14 f&%king percent, it will cost me close to $80K to get into the Turbo.

I'll have to give this some serious thought. Thanks guys.

Oh and since I said I'm addicted to power, don't anyone tell me to go back to a Z06. I know I could sell the C2S, get a new Z06 and have some money left over. Not interested.

 

The best way to experience this car would be to rent one for the weekend. Unfortunately few places offer them for rent and prices would be very high. my guess would be $700 per day. An S would probably rent for $500 per day and should be easier to locate). Thats a small price to pay if you are not certain about the purchase. One day is all that you would need. Test drives aren't the best way to experience the car but better than nothing (in my case I had nothing).