I got to drive a friend's new 997 Carrera last weekend. I had once driven a 996 a few years ago, but this was my first real time in a Porsche. My Gallardo had blown a hydraulic hose on a Sunday morning run an hour from home and the 911 owner was feeling sorry for me and let me drive all the way!

I was very impressed with the car and the roads were a good test for it with plenty of winding roads to get home. The power was not as strong as the Gallardo but was fine - plenty really. The car just felt good right from the first gearshift. The steering and handling was super smooth. User friendly, and not as edgy as the Gallardo. A car for all seasons - better daily driver than the G and plenty of fun out of town too.

I must say, it has given me fresh interest in the Porsche as maybe my next car. I'd love to try a Turbo - quick question, is the Turbo's clutch much heavier than the standard Carrera? The car I drove was excellent in clutch weight and feel but I don't fancy pushing a really heavy pedal all day long (G is e-gear).

 

Cool review, always glad to hear coming from someones first Porsche experience, they are awesome cars indeed And the turbo's clutch should feel identical to the 997 and S. The GT Porsche's are not hydraulically assisted, meaning they are MUCH heavier, but so damn precise in feel and engagement! Goodluck

 

i would prob agree with martin to a greater degree, BUT i always noticed when i had my C4 that the clutch was slightly heavier in feel than either of my dads 996TTs. some food for thought there. congrats on the new interest in what i feel are easily some of the best sports/exotics ever build.

 

I owned a 2005 997S, sold it, and bought a 07 TT. The clutch on the TT is much easier than the S and more user friendly in city traffic. The TT and the S are very different animals even though they look the same basically. The TT is probably the best Daily Driver of the bunch but if you like the rear wheel drive setup of the Carerra, test drive a GT3 before making the final decision. Where I come from thats very difficult and its really a shame. I am happy making the upgrade and the TT has been growing on me every day (especially now that the alignment is fixed)! Good Luck.

 

Clutch is extremely light on the 997 Turbo but still with plenty of feel.
Since you own a 4WD car already I believe you would be very happy wiht the Turbo. I like it a lot.
The GT3 clutch is heavy. I own a Turbo (997) and a GT3 RS (996) and both are extremely enjoyable cars but the difference in the clutch is big. The clucth makes the turbo so very comfortable (along with many other things) and was a big+ when I was deciding on my next buy. It truly is a great car.

 

I would agree with all the comemnts on the 997TT. It's really an amazing car and I have tried most everything. It's so good, I am considering giving up my Audi S8 and using the 997TT as the daily driver (and I love my Audi S8). I test drive a new gallardo spyder the other day and I was quite disapointed in the overall feel of the car. Sound was great, seats very comfortable, but did not feel even close to as fun as Ferrari.

 

or even as close as a Porsche.

 

my history is exactly the same of yours.
bought Cs changed it for a 997 turbo...

clutch much lighter than CS ... why? i dont know!


TT is out of world. PERFECT!

 

The clutch on the TT is just perfect. Its a bit more assisted than the CS and Porsche probably has its reasons for doing so. The clutch on the 997S is far from being too stiff. It feels a bit heavier but not by much, both awesome cars!

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. Another question - is the Turbo heavy on tyres? My Gallardo really eats the Pirelli Corsas.

 

I usually get a little over 10k (including track days) out of mine ..

 

I have not driven the 997TT so assume some of the comments on clutch feel mean that the 997TT clutch has less power assist than the 996TT?

IMHO the 996TT clutch has too much power assist......is much lighter than a reg 996, Box. and way lighter than 993.
I have gotten use to it, but on the track it's a challenge (for me anyway)......basically I find it too light & loose.......with too much travel.

Tires........the street-bling 19s get 7-8K....maybe

 

My 997TT is gone but the clutch on mine, and on another I drove did not catch till it moved quite a bit. My C2S catches right away just like my RS does. RS clutch is a lot heavier than the C2S but after a few min it is out of your mind.
As far as 997TT vs Gallardo, listen to the exhaust. You will miss the sound of your G.
You will not miss the sound if you go into a GT3 though.

 

Yes, the sound is a concern as it is one of the Lambo's best features. In a perfect world, I'd like to try a Turbo and a GT3 side by side, but the dealer has all his cars sold before they arrive. Your feedback is very valuable.

 

I have a 997 s and recently drove a 997TT. I was suprised at how different the clutch felt. I think I like my clutch feel better, but I am sure I could adjust either way. Go for the TT.