I'm lucky to have this dilemma, but it's a dilemma nevertheless.

I trying to decide between leasing a 2015 base model 911 Carrera with PDK or purchasing a 2008 997.1 TT with Sport Chrono, 34,200 miles, 6 speed manual, CPO warranty--2 owners, both purchased the car from the local Porsche dealership and maintained it well.

The car will be used for a daily short commute to work and weekend fun driving (but no track driving).

The 997.1 is, to me, a Porsche for the record books; but with my lifestyle and mostly grocery-getter driving, maybe the 2015 911 is the better choice. Ultimately, I guess it just comes down to personal preference in this case and what driving experience I want, but any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

For what it's worth, I'm 60 years old and have owned/driven high-hp cars many times.

 

I owned 2009 C4S PDK and went to a 2009 997.1 TT 6MT and will never look back. For the last three months my TT has been a DD and it is a blast. Also I am 55yrs old and have owned a few fast cars over my life time. Good luck with your decision but "Once you go Turbo you never go back"

 

True that!

 

This horse is beat to death about every week or so but I will throw in my .03 cents.

You are comparing 2 cars that other than a Porsche crest on the hood have almost nothing in common.

Pros 2015
Brand new
Modern comforts
Modern electronics

Cons
Slow comparatively
Base model
Costs more
You will eat 90% of the depreciation

2008
Pros
Very fast and there is literally no limit on how fast you can make it
Almost all depreciation is gone
Looks 100 times better (personal opinion)
Most likely well optioned
20k cheaper or more especially when you include sales tax

Cons
7 year old car
Radio and navigation are fairly poor

The other question is transmission which is 100% personal. Do you want a manual trans or the PDK? I am 38 now and I am thinking when I am 60 I won't want to be using a clutch (even though the turbos clutch is very very light)

It sounds like you WANT the turbo but you are trying to talk yourself into the carrera because it is more practical. The turbo is very practical. You don't have to be at full boost all the time but holy **** what better way to enjoy going to get groceries than hitting the sport button and getting 17 psi of awesome in the seat of the pants!

Other than the modern convieniences the Aturbo wins every other category hands down.

 

You even said it....the 997.1 is a Porsche for the record books.

We aren't spending $70-90k for a practical car...weare spending that much to have a once in a lifetime experience.

 

Thanks for the responses. They're good food for thought.

It sounds like you WANT the turbo but you are trying to talk yourself into the carrera because it is more practical.

You are exactly correct. My heart is with the Turbo, my head the Carrera. (My wallet isn't too fond of either of 'em.)

Transmission is a factor with me, but not a big one. I've never owned an automatic, so my comfort zone is manual. Nevertheless, after banging gears for 45 years, I can see some appeal in the PDK.

I am also mesmerized by the styling of the Turbo and prefer it over the new 911.

 

You just answer your own questions sir, go for the turbo and you will never regret it. Most of us are extremely happy with our 997TT, the 991 is too big and kinda ugly compare to our 997TT. Also, don't discount the Tiptronic tranny, it not as good as PDK but still very good.
PS - don't forget to post some pix when you get the car

 

Not to be contrarian but in certain cases there is something to be said for going with one's head over one's heart. Going by your description, you will use the car for (i) daily short commute to work and (ii) weekend fun driving (but no track driving). You allude to a more serene lifestyle of mostly "grocery-getter driving". All of the above suggests that you would be more than content with a new '15 Carrera.

IMHO the primary joy in the 997TT is it's wicked acceleration when "turbo boosting", plain and simple. The more times you do it, the better it feels and the feeling never gets old! It doesn't sound like you intend on hitting the throttle much on your drives.

You end by saying it comes down to "personal preference and what driving experience you want". It appears that styling is the leading advantage the 997 has over the 991 for you. From a driving experience standpoint, you will likely appreciate the 991's much more compliant ride with its longer wheel base and wider track over the 997.1's and the much better interior, creature comforts (incl. better technology/electronics) of the 991 platform over the 997.

I think the opposite is true, based on how you positioned your original post, it sounds like you actually WANT the 991 Carrera but are trying to talk yourself into the turbo! Given all that you said, I think you would be more than satisfied with the newer 991 and this is coming from a guy who owns a 997.2 turbo S. If however you intend on more spirited driving than your original post indicated then by all means go turbo and never look back...