I have a modified Ducati Diavel (muscle bike) next to my 997 GTS. The Porsche doesn't feel at all fast like the bike, but it's still quite fun.


Because of the bike, I'm actually less interested in a TT as I can already go plenty fast on two wheels. I needed a daily driver with four seats and really just wanted a car that felt great to drive. While I love the idea of the torque of a turbo, perceptible turbo lag really reduces how involved I feel in driving, and AWD doesn't sound as fun as RWD.


Maybe I'll want a turbo if/after I get a dedicated race car...

 

I had 997S, I was in love with that car, I spent a good amount of mods to make it unique and it was fast, fun and reliable. However, I came from BMW M6, I feel the torque on the C2S wasn't fast enough, I test drove 997TT and bought it on the same day. The turbo feel bigger, look menacing, and very comfortable for street use. The suspension is much softer than 997GT3 but if you have sport chrono it will stiffen up the suspension and remapping the throttle for much more responsive than normal driving mode. I think the turbo is way too fast for street use but that torque when you need a little boost to overtake the traffic or passing another car at 80 mph is priceless and effortless. If your not convince yourself about the need for a turbo DO NOT TEST DRIVE because you will always think about it.

 

My Humble Opinion

I came out of a Stage 2 Renntech E63 making 550hp with a NA motor. Living in Chicago
I NEVER got to use the power. As the previous poster said it was more about stroking my ego.

I drove a 997.1 TT 6 Speed (All stock with aftermarket stereo and 23,000 miles) the same day I Drove the 997.2 C4S 6 Speed with (18,000 miles Sharkwerks X, Gundo and Numeric Short Shift)

The TURBO is FAST as the previous poster said 3 seconds and a ticket. I mean the feeling when you are pinned to the seat only a few cars can give you (but how often can you use it)

I immediately (1hr 45minutes) later drove the C4S. It wasnt as fast but it was quick enough to make me grin plus the sound of the exhaust on the car WAS and IS AMAZING!!!

I can rev the C4S up more without hitting the dangerzone (go immediately to jail) especially in a 6 Speed. With the sound of the exhaust and the overall feel it felt more traditional 911 and I took a moment to reflect on how much I used the 550hp in my AMG and maybe 5 times.

To date I am happy with my purchase especially the color but I do think about the Turbo as a next 911 just to say "I owned 1" but I am really just not sure it is worth all the extra expense when it comes down to being able to use the power and actually getting to use it, cause as long as I live in and around Chicago it will never happen.

Call me an old man for 35 but I believe I made the right choice, but if I was asked to make the decision at 27, I would have bought the Turbo not knowing any better and because it was always in my posters as a kid.

 

Power on a Turbo is useless in public roads. My C2S feels super fast but is a little more tamed. There is also less maitenance on a normally aspirated engine than a turbo. Lastly, the sound is much better on a NA engine.

 

Out of curiosity, with 20 yrs perfect driving record how much is insurance for the TT?

 

Drove my friends 09 Turbo and that was a mistake. When I drove home in my C2S I was already wording the for sale ad in my head. Bought an 09 Turbo after I sold my C2S. The additional torque is what did it for me...the C2S felt slow. After a couple of weeks I had thoughts about selling the Turbo because the exhaust noise was bull****. In hopes of not selling the Turbo and taking a loss, I bought a used EP exhaust and that helped a lot although still give the edge to my C2S with AWE cats, X51 headers and PSE mufflers.
Fast forward 2 years and I got a chance to ride a 2010 GT3RS about 2 months ago. Awesome car for sure but was not thinking to myself that I NEED one afterwards. Once again, got back into the Turbo and my immediate thought was I love the torque! The GT3RS premium is not worth it to me.

I think a good compromise is a 997GTS...

 

bollocks. I use it all the time.

you don't have to go WOT from 1st to 5th every time.

Even just dipping into the throttle in third gear and seeing 6 psi gives you the addictive thrust.

 

Depends where you live, but the premium over a 997s was very modest. With geico you can quote it online in 5 minutes.

 

Totally. The only people that think you can't use the power haven't driven one.

Not sure I agree about a GTS as a substitute. Haven't driven one, but I think the power is even peakier than a standard S. I think they are the best looking alternative though.

 

I totally agree on getting used to power - after just a bit of time you adapt to anything a modern street vehicle can do. We aren't talking about 5+ g's posing some kind of genuine physical challenge or anything.

The Ducati doesn't make me feel surprised or anything anymore as I've gotten used to the speed. I do still get a big fat grin on my face whenever I tear off the line at full bore though. If I were to get that in a car, I expect it would have to be faster than a stock or mildly modified 911 TT. It might need to wheelie

While it's a reasonable alternate choice, I don't view my GTS as a direct substitute for a TT; I think it's just down too far on acceleration. I find it to be quite a fun car though with lot of the right sensations for a sports car - really a great DD. My wife likes it, and our little child can fit in the back so it's fun for the whole family.

I really do wish they would have just dumped the power kit altogether and made the GTS instead be a Carrera with a GT3 motor and some standard options. And it doesn't count if you would need to buy a 918 to get one. In the all-turbo era that would be even more appealing.

 

I drove a 991 TTS on the track at one of those supercar experience things. The torque made me giggle and stepping back into my 997.2 C2 made me feel like I was riding a scooter. When I got home I immediately fired up a spreadsheet to figure out what assets (or non-vital organs) I could sell to buy one the next day.

The next day I grabbed my keys and took the 997 to some of my favorite back roads. I quickly realized that the TTS would do little to enhance the experience. Some roads are an exercise in frustration even with "just" 345hp.

So, in answer to the OPs question, I don't think the TT is necessary, but the power and torque are absolutely seductive. In my weaker moments I dream of owning one, but it's quickly remedied by driving the 997 which is brilliant fun in any situation. I will own a TT one day but I'm in no hurry.

 

Perhaps a bit off topic but tells how I feel about the issue.

I got an itch this spring/summer to get into a flashier, faster car.

I was going to look at a used Lambo Gallardo, 2007-2009 range, and a few 997.2 Turbos. A big move up from my black on black 997. I tested some and clearly a test drive does not give a full sense of the car.

Still, the turbo is a better car in almost any way I can think of and well worth an upgrade. So what changed my mind?

Well I got pulled over three times with my 997 between June and August. I pride myself of being a responsible driver and I would hate to hurt anybody.

However, one or two accelerations in a 35 mph zone without traffic or visibility problem, were enough to put me at 48-50 mph. One time I got stopped "just because" - seriously - since the ticket (unreasonable and unprudent speed) was dismissed in court.

So if power is what drives you to upgrade, think about it twice if you live in an area such as mine where you will have little opportunity to experience it and a non turbo might be more than enough, unless tracking is your goal.

Now, flashier, that would be a different story. But a 911 might not be the answer, turbo or not.

I ended up updating my daily driver and bought myself a Range Rover Evoque, nice comfy prestige model. I saved some money, got a good DD and nobody looks at me. I kept my 911 and plan to do so for the time being.

 

Well said sir.

 

Nothing like the sound of a sweet supercharger and still keeping the beautiful exhaust notes compared to the muffled Turbos! IMO

 

Mr. Price's post was great, and sums it up nicely. Do an honest assessment of your driving and then answer that question for yourself. The driving dynamics between a C2S and a TT (meaning suspension, ride quality, handling, steering feel, etc) are going to be similar to each other at legal or just beyond legal street speeds. If your decision is based solely on the driving experience, chances are if you live anywhere in the US and have at least a passing respect for traffic laws you won't get to experience the differences in power very often. If you want to be faster on the track, or want a TT because it is a higher-class car in reputation and prestige, or if you simply don't give a **** about traffic laws, then those are all reasons that the Turbo may be the better car for you.

If money were no object whatsoever, I'd probably get the TT too (and a host of other cars that I'd never be able to drive at 10/10ths)... but for me and my driving opportunities/abilities, it isn't worth the price difference.