I am in the market for a Porsche and I debating whether I want to get a 996TT vs 997. I had my heard set on a 99t turbo since I always wanted one and the prices have dropped considerably. However, the 997 interior is so much better and I love the 997 GT2 front and will prob go that route if I got a 997. Did any of you 997 owners have the same "debate" as me? Share your thoughts...thanks

Edwin

 

There have been threads on this subject probably on this forums and the other Porsche forums. I think the consensus is 997. I know my brother had 996TT and now is the very happy owner of a 997 S.

 

I also had to face that choice. The insane power potential of the 996TT vs. the look and feel of the 997.

No regrets for me as the car is fast enough - I'm not a street racer or 1/4 miler. On lapping days it's more about the driver than the car.

The 996 headlights and interior just don't do it for me either - to the point of being a dealbreaker.

Obviously ride is not the #1 consideration in a Porsche but the 997 is a lot more comfy too. Just think of it as a bonus.

Warranty was also an issue for me - I picked up a CPO'd C2S for additional peace of mind.

 

Yes I did have the same debate. I drove both and felt that the 996tt felt only marginally faster than the 997 C2S. The turbos on the tt of course are awesome when they kick in. I felt the handling of the tt was perhaps a little better than the 997 C2S perhaps due to the understeer of the 997. The interior of the 996tt just plain sucked though and that was THE big turnoff for me. I also think the 997 looks much nicer than the 996. As much as I wanted a turbo, it came down to whether I wanted a 2002 996tt or a 2006 997 C2S as a daily driver. I felt the 997 is the better choice given it almost being as fast, having a much nicer interior, and also better looking on the outside. But if you are planning on modding the crap out of the turbo (600+ hp) then turbo by all means. I plan on getting a 997tt probably in 4 yrs btw.

 

I really lusted for a 996TT when they were in their prime but when the 997s came out, there is no comparison (no offense to 996 owners!) but the interior and body is much more pleasing IMHO. Plus the C2S is more than enough grunt for me on the street as I don't much HPDEs these days. I too went the CPO'd C2S route.

That said, get what you would enjoy and wait for the right deal!

 

With the deals there are on the 996tts, it's so hard to make this choice.
you can't go wrong with either one IMHO.

-raja

 

General consensus has been you go from 993->997 and there are good reasons for it, not just a coincidence. I had a 996TT prior to my 997S and I am much happier now in the 997S. Don't get me wrong, I loved the power potential and the highway pull of the Turbo, but overall, I felt the 997 was a better choice for someone that'll spend a lot of time in it and a better put together car in general.

i too will pick up either a 997GT3 or 997TT in the next 2-3 years when I'm done with this law school nonsense and i can stop doing engineering crap. It'll be the best of all worlds. If stop light racing will make/break the deal for you, buy the 996TT, otherwise you can't go wrong with a 997.

 

I chose the 997S over the turbo because I couldn't stand the 996 headlights and interior, no offense to owners, just wasn't for me. I also felt the 2 wheel drive of the 997S was more exciting, and gave me enough thrill, although the turbo is a whole other car in terms of power and speed!

I'm also part of the majority above: waiting for a used turbo in the future once the 998 comes out.

 

If the 996 TT is a one owner, low mileage, adult driven car with no mods or body work and has an extended warranty (this is very important as these cars cost a small fortune to repair) get it as the extra torque is intoxicating and the engine is built/engineered to much higher standards than the 997S's.

 

I also am looking at those two cars. Out of curiosity, what is the performance differance between the two? For example 0 to 60 or the quarter mile? Thank you, Rodbuster.

 

if performance is a strong factor, then get the 996TT. it's significantly faster. 0-60 will only tell half the story due to the short gearing of the 997S.

a good parallel comparison would be like my old E46 M3 compare to my recent E60 M5

night and day in terms of raw acceleration

 

If you are all about performance, get the 996TT and get full suspension and Protomotive or EVO TT kit. You'll smoke anything that comes next to you.

If you drive it everyday and want the newest 911 with a good interior and classic 993 looks modernized for today, get the 997.

I have zero regrets from my decision.

 

I had a 997 C2S and now a 996 turbo. The 997 interior is nicer overall, but the turbo has full leather (which my C2S didn't) which kind of equals things out. IMHO, the body style of the 996 turbo is not that different than the 997. Probably because the turbo styling is a little busy as it is.

I loved the C2S, but after driving the turbo- Wow. The torque and acceleration are in a different league. Simple mods- flash and exhaust, will bump up HP/torque to 500. Right now, the 996 turbo is a steal. 70 grand will get you a low milage, excellent condition turbo.

 

honestly for a DD, I would prally go 997...but as my car is a track car...well, you CANT beat the performance...PERIOD...


If your going to start doing stuff with the seats and etc, I would say get the 996 as IMHO, the dash isnt pretty on either of the models(definitely a bit worse on the 996 for sure though) but the seats are really great in the 997 and for long trips/day to day toils I dont think they can be beaten!


fwiw, the turbo is generally easier to drive faster in up to a certain point...