GBG

A low mileage '04 996 turbo can be had for the same price as a new 997 C2S. I think all would agree that the 996 turbo is a better perfoming car-- how much better is perhaps the subject of debate-- but at least a little bit better is probably a uniform view among all car enthusiast. (Recognizing of course a huge price differential between the two cars when bothare new).

So, the two most obvious reasons for buying the C2S are (1) new car vs. old and (2) 997 styling vs. 996. Any other reasons? Or perhaps reasons to buy the turbo? My buddy is trying to decide between the two cars, so I thought this thread may help.

I'd like to see him in a 996 TT, but I figure you 997 guys would have the best arguments to the contrary.

MrBonus

I preferred the feel of the 997S. It feels more nimble and light while the TT felt more like a GT. I also liked the full balance of factory warranty and frankly, I expect the 997S to be more reliable once out of warranty.

ELUSIVE

Much much much nicer interior.

irish guitar

Yeah, the inside of any 996 has always been a turn-off for me, too.

Targa Tim

996TT is a slightly faster and better handling (4WD) car than 997S, but not necessarily more fun to drive. As others said, 997S has much better interior for daily use, it looks better (to me), and has more than enough speed for most people. BTW, I can easily keep up with all stock 996TT on the track, so its speed advantage to me is insignificant.

Edgy01

I'm not quite sure that the 996TT is the better handling car. It's tough to beat the 997S. I have no use for the HP from a 996TT.

texas911

Very shallow, but I loved the look of the 997. And I think that after the "facelift" I'll like the original 997 look better. And the interior fits me better than the 996.

Dave07997S

The 996 just never did it for me..that's why I went the E46M3 route back in 01 instead of a 996. When the 997 came out with the wider stance much better interior and a trip back to the glory days ala 993 I was hooked. It took alot to get me out of my M3 which I just loved.

Dave

stom_m3

GBG - Myself and 3 other people I know of went through this exact same question. I can tell you that 3 out of 4 of us went with the 997S. The one that went with the 996TT got a great deal on a slightly modded very clean X50 packaged 996TT. If you don't mind the interior of the 996, it's going to be easier getting more power out of it. I personally love my 997S and have no regrets about passing up the 996TT.

Paul S.

Why would all agree the 996 Turbo is a better performing car?

I am the poster child for this switch. I have one of the Club Coupes (997 S with X51 power kit). The day of the drawing was the day before my 01 996 Turbo was due back off lease. Of the two, I prefer the Club Coupe because it's lighter, steering feel isn't as heavy (the heavier steering is a byproduct of the turbo's AWD), it sounds amazing and revs quickly, and because of the lack of turbo lag, is actually comparable to the Turbo 0-60 mph, if that's what you mean by "performance". On neither car would I abuse it--e.g., on the turbo trying to lower it's eta's by dropping the clutch or with a tip, power braking. That's just plain stupid, as it's hard on the mechanicals.

Now granted, you don't get the slam your head back acceleration that occurs once the turbos spool up. But there are those who prefer normally aspirated power to turbos and having owned one of each, I'd take the 997 S.

And there's the difference in styling and better interiors too. The 997 full leather interior is much better than special leather was in the 996.

dgcate

Exactly...

More entertaining.

rfedele

I disagree with your premise about performance.
check out Dave's web page and specifically the Best Motoriong chapter 6 video under the 997 section.

http://www.coochas.com/porsche/911vids.html

Also, I went from a 2005 C2S to a 2007 C2 and don't find any noticeable drop off of performance, but that's another story discussed in detail under other past threads.

RonCT

Nurburgring times I have bookmarked show 7:59 for 996 TT and 7:56 for 997 S. That's over a very long and complex track. Reduce that to one of our regular tracks like VIR, Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, etc. and there may be no net difference in performance. If you are talking about straight line / drag racing, then the TT probably wins.

Einstein

just get the turbo!

Graygoose997

you can also ask why did we get 997 c2's and not the 997 turbo. if you are spending 90-100 K on a car it's funny money anyway..hopefully not the kid's tutiton. it's not always about the money