I posted this in the 997 section to get some honest feedback from non-TT owners as I was "afraid" TT would just say "get the TT"...... which I can't argue with .

I started my 911 quest by looking for a nicely optioned 911 C2S and then I fell in love with the wide body look. After a couple of weeks, the boss raised my car budget (translation wife said I can spend more) and we have been looking at C4S' in the 65-75K price range and then we drove a few turbo's in the 75-85K range. The TT's can be had with low miles and there seem to be quite a few of them around. So...... assuming the cars are clean and within a few dollars (and the wife doesn't change her mind), would you buy a 2007 TT or a 2009-2010 C4S and why? Note a found a VERY low mileage C4S (.2) at a very aggressive price. (the TT would def be a 2007)

As an aside, I drove both yesterday and have a few thoughts on the differences; however I am new to 911's and I thought posting this in the 997 section (rather than the TT section) would yield honest results (actually no responses in the 997 section and I am hopeful TT owners will be honest.)

Please keep in mind the C4S is basically brand new (with BT, Satellite, touchscreen NAV, etc) v. 2007 TT with approx 20K miles.

 

The C2S, C4S and turbo are all great cars. It’s easy to understand how one changes their mind after both driving and seeing these cars, especially when you’re at a dealer that has each model, which can be viewed next to each other. The wide-body look is awesome (IMO), and then the turbo, GT3 & GT2 continue to take the look to another level. Performance aside for a moment, I simply prefer the front and rear panels/spoilers that come on turbos, GT3s and GT2s. The factory aero-kit is a great add on too.
<O</O
You didn’t specify but I don’t use my turbo as a daily driver. For that reason, I’m not concerned about blue tooth, touch-screen, etc…to some these options are very important though. That’s not to say the 07 turbo doesn’t work great with its features...its simply not as up to date as the 997.2 models in that regard.
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For me, in the end it came down to performance…After driving every model I could afford, I simply couldn’t resist the power and style of the turbo. No car has ever made me smile the way this does, and I assure you it has nothing to do with the great Bose stereo or navigation. I’ll let the tech guys here explain the 997.1 turbo engine details…but I know it’s one of the best Porsche has ever designed.
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For what it’s worth…of all the guys I talk to about 911s…none talk to me about their interior features…they talk about performance (e.g…suspension, engine, turbos, wheels/tires and more). Look at most of the forum thread headlines and you’ll see what I’m talking about.
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Good luck and enjoy the search!!!
<O</O

 

Michael -

I was in your exact situation, so feel free to send me a PM and can discuss in more detail. You raise a great question, and there's no one right answer...it's all based on what factors are most important to you, how you'll use the car, and at the end of the day what you consider "fun" to be. There should also be a few detailed threads on this exact topic that will have additional info, so I would do a few searches.

Here are a few quick thoughts:
1. Depreciation: 07 turbo has come down on price more, so overall is a better value if you're looking for resale some time down the road
2. Under the skin, the 07 turbo is a completely different (upgraded) car. Porsche is equipping the turbo with their GT1 Mezger (dry sump) engine which is proven to be one of the strongest/rugged engines built, and is only used in the 07-09 turbo, GT3, GT3RS. Search this forum for detailed info on this engine, a lot of passion on the subject and benefits of a true dry-sump engine. Bottom line is you'll be getting one of Porsche's best motors..get one while you can!
3. The added tech options on the newer C4S are nice. Just opinion, but if driven easy as a daily driver and you're already used to BT and ipod integration, then they are nice to have built in with the C4S. Note that the 07 turbo can have them added aftermarket (members here should have specifics if needed). If the driving experience is more important to you than the tech, then nothing beats the thrust and low end torque of the turbo. Once you experience the power it's hard to step away from.
4. Obvious one, but test drive both...multiple times.

After looking at multiple 09C4S and 07/08 turbos, I ended up getting the 09 turbo (only year with the GT1 engine and added BT/ipod tech). While I enjoy the added tech features, what really makes me want to grab the keys and go for a joy ride is not the tech at all, but the pure power of the turbo, and owning that incredible engine. The tech is a 'nice to have' but is an afterthought to why we are really buying these cars.

 

I picked an 07tt 6 spd because I think it is a lot like the last of the 993s - an end of an era - and exiting before it "jumps the shark.". The new models are destined to be more luxury liners and less visceral drivers. Not saying I won't get one some day, but I wanted the experience of driving the last of the beasts. It's the only car I've ever been in that can make my ears pop from stomping on the loud pedal.

An 09 c2/4s is a nice car, but it isn't a turbo.

 

RNS-
Thank you for the honest feedback. FYI - I have an X5 which will handle the snow, rain, ice and days that I don't feel like taking the "other" car which at the moment is a 2007 M5. You raised some very good points and I am looking at another TT tomorrow. It has more miles than the othes but it very competitively priced.

I would like to point out that during my "back to back" drives yesterday the TT felt a little different on the front end. I would say it was lighter with less feedback than the C4S. Also, the clutch feel was a little lighter. Salesman said it was normal due to the type of steering in the TT and the type of clutch. Truth?

When am I allowed to PM? How many posts?

 

It's so funny you said this. My wife was in the back, salesman riding shotgun and I'm driving. I'm on the highway in 2nd gear, RPM's at 3K (or so), sport on and I nail it and my ears pop....... so did my wifes. We thought it was cause the driver window was open a little and the sales guy said, its not the window, its the G forces on your ears...... I think that is when I secretly (not a secret anymore) wanted the turbo. Just struggling with passing on a C4S (really low miles) 2009-2010 v. 2007 TT. I think I know which way I'm going.......

 

My dealership was repairing my 996 cab and they gave me the 07 tt as a loaner. The first time my ears popped, I thought to myself "that's odd". The second time, I realized the cause. I confirmed it to myself on the third through tenth tries that day.

When I returned to the dealership, the guys all asked how I liked it. I said "you bastards" and they all laughed.

I didnt want a silver car and I wanted a cab. Oh well.

I enjoy my car so much, I miss it when I'm on vacation.

I concur with your observations on the front end feeling somewhat less connected, but the hydraulically boosted clutch was a big plus for me. I have to drive in traffic and it prevents the car from getting annoying.

 

I don't think there is anything to even compare, the dry sump Turbo is the last of a breed. Not to mention the power differential is night and day, and I'm not even talking about flashing the Turbo then it's ridiculous!

 

Michael,

I had a C4 before getting my 2007 TT and I couldn't be happier. The power of the the Turbo is addictive and you won't be disappointed. Great DD and fantastic track car with some suspension upgrades. Good luck with your decision and let us know what you decide.

 

Michael:
New to this site but not Porsche, I debated on a C4 vs Turbo, for all the reasons already
mentioned and just the joy of driving a super car with daily driver manners get the Turbo.
Guarantee you'll never regret it. Best of luck!
Jeff

 

I assume you are getting a PDK for the C4S. The car is newer, PDK is so nice, new gadgets are great. Still in warranty, etc. Turbo has 95hp more and a modified C4S will never keep up with the power TT has. I am actually in the same boat as you. I have a 07 TT stick and I am thinking to get a PDK c2s or c4s. But I probably won't do it. I would wait for the 991 c2s. Well this is just me. Are you getting the stick TT?

 

i'd defo buy a turbo over a 4S
more fun lots of aftermarket things !!

 

Turbo, no better satisfaction than flashing a FI car.

Ken

 

i used to have a '06 cab C4 for a few years but sold it and got a '07 TT. it was fun but no way to compare with the Turbo. go for the turbo

DL

 

There really is no option here TURBO! hands down