So I'm on the market for a new toy. Been considering 997, 996TT, AMV8 and even darkhorse bang for buck kings GTR and Z06.

To give you some background I've owned 993, Z4M Coupe, Lotus Elise, Mitsu Evo, Viper GTS, C5 Z06, 3 NSX, Z3 M Coupe, 944T, 968 to name but a few. Here are a few pics of past toys http://www.cardomain.com/ride/291976/2007-bmw-m

Some of the things I'm looking for are good handling, sound, build quality, pressence, reliability etc. - the usual stuff

I'm looking to spend $40-$70k. Yes I know that's a big range but I really could go 996TT on up to newer 997 or even a used 997TT. So I drove an 07' 997 Cab and was let down. I only drove a cab because that was all the dealer had. The exhaust note was ok, not special, steering was not as sharp as expected, suspension was soft and the chassis flexed. Which I can understand some of these because it was a cab which I wouldn't buy.

Nonetheless, this experience got me thinking that perhaps the 997 isn't as special as I thought... It doesn't have the pressence as things like AMV8, Viper SRT-10 Coupe or even - dare I say a C6 lowered on wheels. Then again I typically lower my cars on wheels and put an aggressive exhaust on it so perhaps this would transform the P-car.

So here are my questions:

1) What else did you consider?

2) Did you think the 997 was a bit overpriced compared to what else you can get for the $? i.e. 996TT, AMV8, GTR, Z06. For some of these it lacks exotic pressence and specialness (AMV8) but for the others it lacks performance and pressence i.e. 996TT, GTR and Z06).

3) Why do you feel buying your 997 was the best decision?

 

A 997 with Aero-Kit has presence, especially in red or another bright color.

A mean aftermarket exhaust really wakes up the sound of these cars.

I had an E92 M3 prior to my 997 which I just sold. I am now considering a TT, GT3, or GTR. Not sure what I will do.

Based on your list of rides, it looks like you are a hard person to satisfy.

Jason

 

mmmmm satisfy only u would know (with ur collection ) luv ur 993

 

The Porsche 997S is a fantastic daily driving 911 . It's not the best at anything .. but it's good at everything . A Turbo is faster . a Gt3 is more nimble .

It sounds like you are looking for greatness .
40-70K won't buy it in Porsche territory .

As for the other cars .. they are simply that .. "other cars" . The Porsche 911 is more than just a car . It's a machine .

Test drive a Gt3 or a PDK Turbo S then tell us if you are bored.

 

I'm not so hard to satisfy :-) Most of the cars I've owned have satisfied me for different reasons and they all were cool.

I had the yellow NSX for the longest at 3 years, Z4M Coupe at 2yrs so I don't switch as fast anymore.

Just looking for something new to fall in love with!

 

How about a 996gt3?

 

Quite the list of cars that you've had......I too have owned a few cars but definitely NOT the quality of cars you have owned!
I totally understand when you say...
"Most of the cars I've owned have satisfied me for different reasons and they all were cool."

Maybe a bit more info would be good...
Are you a track guy OR just a boulevard cruiser?


Sounds like you enjoy the looks of the car,first and foremost,performance second...?....due to wide variety of cars you've owned!
Because that is how I felt with all the owns I have owned!
It wasn't all about handling or power....it was about the feeling of owning and driving any one of them!

That is how I look at it anyway!

Coming from an NSX as well,and I have to say that it was one of my most favorite cars.......I have no regrets with my 997S.BUT please understand that IMHO,the two cars are worlds apart in looks and feel!
The NSX and the way you sit in the seat felt exotic....something that my 997S doesn't have BUT the 997S has that successful/mature look when people see you pull up,something the NSX never had here where I live!
PLEASE understand I MISS my NSX dearly.IF you are part of NSX prime...I really considered buying Biobanker's NSX a month ago to plop next to the Porsche....this way I could have the BEST of both worlds!!

Anyway...
Both cars are very capable and have plenty of power to get you into trouble BUT with a little more power,both cars give you that 'seat-of-the-pants' enjoyment,IMO!

Which is why I had the both cars supercharged and the NSX also had nitrous.....to me that woke them both up and brought a NEW level of excitement to driving them!

Bottom line ONLY you know what will ultimately satisfy you...BUT IMO you will be happy with a Porsche.....whichever model you choose!


Cheers,

Stacy

 

I am more blvd cruiser but suspect I will eventually get the track bug as well.

 

I think that with Sport mode on the coupe the car is as solid as a rock... no roll here. I also agree that if you have the Aero Kit, it will get more attention and have the presence you are looking for. I personally think that the rear on these cars with an Aero Kit is very exotic looking.

 

i m surprised u didn't think the handling was precise..

try a c2s/turbo with full leather at a different dealership.

i've noticed some dealership's used cars are not well inspected/fixed.

the first Pcar i test drove was night and day with the car i actually bought..

also, feel free to rev upto 7k rpm..since the most power is felt between 5-7k.

however, if that doesn't do it for u, perhaps u are looking for more power..

its hard to beat the gtr or vette for pure power for the money.. but its not the best looking inside and out..

the aston has great look and presence..but that's about it, IMO..

look like u already owned a viper before..

if u want everything, i think u gonna have to step up to ferrari/lambo..

and the headaches that go with them..lol

otherwise, it sounds like the GTR is for u.

keep us posted.

 

When I was looking for another sports car, the Aston Martin Vantage was my first option the 997 was second. I love how the AM looks, that was about it. I've never driven one, never sat in one, just wanted it for pure looks. The 997 is sportier, faster, more reliable, and less to maintenance. I opted for the Porsche instead after many nights of research, no regrets. The regular 997 doesn't stand out, most of us here will tell you, sometimes it doesn't even get a glance. Get a body kit and that will change. I get plenty of looks, sometimes more attention than I want.

Although the 996 style was what got me into Porsche in the first place it started looking very outdated when the 997 came out. The headlights looks bad, the interior isn't as nice. The Z06 interior looks like cheap plastic, just couldn't get over it. The GTR is too big for a sports car IMO, but I'm starting to warm up to the looks. Get what makes you happy, good luck in your search.

 

I think someone has already said this, but have you considered a GT3? I sold my 997.1 C4S to get my GT3 and there is a really big difference in them. For raw power and performance, the GT3 is a standout. I loved my C4S, but the GT3 is a totally new dimension. Just my $0.02.

 

GTR is about as comofrtable as a box of rocks. That car is terrible for daily commute IMHO. I am a young guy and for the first time in my life I felt my lower back get sore after driving the GTR for over 30 minutes straight. Seats are absolutely terrible. Many owners are very unhappy with them.

 

I'm thinking GT3 would be the way to go as well. Not sure if I could get one for $70k so would have to extend the budget for GT3.

Regarding the feedback about how uncomfortable the GT3 is... My old Z4M and Evo had umm, shall we say "focused" rides as well. I'm thinking the GT3 would be better than these no?

I think I need to drive one.

Also, I wonder if it is much cheaper to harden a C2S or even a base 997 via suspension, exhaust, wheels? $3k in wheels, $2k exhaust?, $2k coil-overs. Added to $40k 997.1 and I'm done for $47k...

 

I think you will be in for more money in mods just to get close to the GT3 performance with buying a C2S (and never really getting there). I would stretch for the GT3 and it will end up saving you more $$$$ in the long run. The ride is great on the 997 GT3, but incrementally more stiff than a C2 or TT. I was in the market for a TT and then I drove a GT3 and fell in love. IMHO, the GT3 is more visceral and has ***** where they count (track and overall performance). The TT is great as well, but in a more refined way. I just like the GT3 more. You do need to test them before making your decision. I have driven everything Porsche offers (excluding the new GT2RS, or GT - I dream of that, but those cars are not in my league) and I am a GT3 advocate. You should be able to pick up a 2007 for just a bit more than your top-end budget. An 07 is still plenty fun as compared to a gen II GT3 (I tested both and found there wasn't a lot of difference unless I am trying to shave 5/10 of a second off my lap time).

Good luck with the search. It is a fun time!