I'm considering adding a few mods to a 997.1, including ECU, exhaust, and suspension. It's about $8k in spend. The car has low miles, but I keep thinking it might be better to keep it stock... And the trade it in with a 991?

 

Well, it's a good decision to grapple with but with only the information you've provided, the mods will cost you quite a bit less than upgrading to a 991. Breaking each down into separate decisions might make the choice easier:

1. Upgrades are purely owner desire. I've done some upgrades to mine but did so because I wanted to, knowing full well that any money I put into upgrades will likely never be recouped when selling the car and I'm completely fine with that. So keep that in mind when you upgrade your car. If you are upgrading to increase value, probably not worth doing. If you are upgrading to enjoy the car and extend the life of your ownership of it (i.e. you are modifying to address areas that you'd seek in a 991), go for it.

2. The move from a 997 to a 991 is not going to be inexpensive. Especially via trade-in. Without knowing much about your 997, I will go ahead and assume you've got a (on average) delta of about $40-$60k between the value of your car and what it would cost to get into a 991. So ask yourself, do you love the 991 enough to cover the delta? I didn't. I opted for the 997.2 because I loved the body style, wanted the upgraded components on the gen 2 car and negotiated a good deal that made me feel the delta between cars was worth the money to me.

In the end, personal preference and only you are qualified to make the final call. Either way, it's good to own a Porsche!

Best of luck!

KS

 

I assume you are asking this as a serious question not as a "joke"
These are 2 different cars. 2 generations of technology and about 8 years.
At least 50 hp, much better weight distribution, lots more electronics and warranty (on the 991)
$$ much bigger for 991, however bigger depreciation and tougher to sell than a "cheaper 997.1"

Mods, you will not get your money back, maybe very little and it will make it less appealing for some buyers. No warranty and tear and wear.

 

let's face it - you could spend a hell of a lot less than a 991 by modding yours to outperform one (add a turbo, suspension, bigger brakes etc and youre still under 991 money). BUT at what "cost": engine longevity, other OEM parts and structures that werent built to handle long term effects of performance upgrades, sensors and electronics not designed with aftermarket products in mind, outdated comfort and convenience shortcomings, and on and on and on. it's a trade off. modify if you want like the rest of us idiots on the slippery slope we can't seem to get off of (!!) but it would probably be more rewarding overall to buy a 991.

 

And get like 10hp, save some more and bolt a turbo on it, if you really want to have fun with your 911. You will get raped on trade in, the 991 is nice but not enough to trade in a perfect low mileage 997. It all depends on your financial situation. If you got plenty of money to burn then Ynot.

 

Weird question as they are two totally different cars.
997.1 to 997.2 I can understand but a 991?
It's longer, wider, electric steering vs hydraulic etc.

 

as one commented lets take this as if its not a joke. obviously only one answer, if you are asking this question, seriously, then you can afford to upgrade to the 991. that is the only answer.

 

If I had the choice between modifying significantly my 997.1 I.e something beyond an exhaust or few interior or exterior body pieces or changing car to other 911 I would change.

The choices I think that may present themselves for me before a 991 is a 997.2 or a 997.1 turbo. I am a fan of the 991 but it is still basically double the price of my 997.1 c2s cab even for a second hand one. Whereas in a year or two those other cars will be 10 to 15k upgrades I recon.

 

Have you driven a 991 yet? I HAD a 997.1 with only slight cosmetic upgrades, and I made the "mistake" of driving a 991, both base and S. I was in a similar situation as you are, where my warranty had just expired and I was now free to do whatever I wanted to the car. I went to my local dealership, who always treats me right, and we started talking. I ended up settling on a great deal on a 991, but not before i investigated a 997.2 also. For me, the 991 was the best. The new interior is amazing, the technology is finally up to par, and the drive is incredible.

I couldn't be happier with my decision.

 

Agreed, thanks for the feedback. After visiting a tuning shop yesterday, I plan on keeping as is, and go with a big spend for the 991 next year. If for some reason I don't go forward with the 991, I'll change up for a "gently" used 997.2 4S.

 

That makes total sense to me. Now get out and enjoy that car!

 

+1, he made the right decision.

 

Never driven one but watching tiff hoon around in one while comparing it to the new jaguar f type and u know I want a 991.

check it out on evo tv on youtube

 

I personally love our .2 4S. However, in 3 or 4 years will likely look at a used 991 4S to see what that would feel like. I really like the 4S cars - duh

 

I bet .2 4s would be a really nice upgrade from mine one day