I bought a 997 C2S coupe this week (thanks to board posters for advice on purchase price and leverage). I have only had a few chances to drive...but I thought I would give first impressions.

Background...this is my third Carerra. First was an '86 (Meteor grey/black). Great car...fun to drive, but no real creature comforts. Basically a fancy go cart. You felt like your *** was dragging on the pavement...and that was part of the fun. Steering was heavy, but very tactile...lots of feedback. At 120K miles, doors shut with a tight thud and ran like a champ. A friend of mine is still driving that car and loving it...

Second was a '97 993...Arctic/Black. Huge step up in creature comfort...huge step up in horsepower. Car (and ***) was a little less connected to the road, but a great car. You still had to keep in mind that it was an air cooled car, but not as much as the '86. Long lines at a drive thru...lhmm...let's park it. Sold the car to do a tour of duty out of the country for work...sad day. Been w/out for about 6 years...

Bought a car monday...arctic/black C2S coupe. Basically same car as the 993, but updated to the 997 (yes...I know, kind of boring to repeat, but I like it and haven't seen a better combo from a looks/maintenance/resale perspective). I have probably only logged about 50 miles, but I think I am starting to get a read on it.

First impressions...
No real down side. Engine is great, transmision is great, handling is tight, ****pit is well laid out.
Similar to the update from the '86 to the '97, the power increase was noticeable. I didn't however feel that it came with a decrease in road feel or connection to the road, potentially it actually improved. The 6 speed (short shifter) does take a little getting used to...end up in 5th a few times, then you learn your lesson.
About the only downside that I can throw out there is you lose a little visibility vs. the 993, especially in the side view mirrors. It's minor, and I am sure that I will get used to it...but on the earlier models, you feel like you are in the pope-mobile...360 view around you. I'm not saying it's a lambo...but coming from the earlier models, you feel it.

Anyhow...thanks to the board for the help. It made me a more confident buyer having board feedback.

I will post some pics once I have had a chance to detail...

 

Thanks for the comments, and congratulations on your purchase. Before long you will be "one" with the car. I love mine more every day I drive it. Enjoy.

 

Great post . Congrats . I shared a common car . I also had the 993 (white/gray) and a 993tt (polar silver/charcoal) . The offset pedals and traditional old school interior I happened to love . It was so simple and basic yet got it all done . The Turbo had this amazing growl and in its time was so far ahead most cars in its price range . I still miss that car so much .

Your 997S is a beautiful car . The slight visibility differences won't take long . I found that almost all of the 911 series have mastered the lack of blind spot better than any other car I have driven.

Isn't it a great feeling to get into a car which is 10 years newer and still feel somewhat at home ? That's part of what makes thse cars so fantastic - it feels timeless to me.