993tt vs 997tt impressions
12-07-2007, 11:39 AM
#1
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993tt vs 997tt impressions
Having had the 993tt for a couple of weeks now and the 997tt for a year, I have had a chance to formulate some opinions of the differences/similarities between the 2 cars.
Body - the 993tt is a visual treat. Very sensual lines in a tidy package that is not overly garish. The shape of the car itself is pleasing to the eye and needs no tacky add-ons to make it a stunner. The 997tt is larger and more modern appearing, but has lost some of the distinctive lines. The 997tt looks like it needs some additional "flair" to catch the eye.
Interior - the 993tt has a nice "cockpit" feel, with the more upright windshield allowing the best visibility possible in a sportscar. Switchwork while not as ergonomic certainly still has a quality tactile feel. The materials are high in quality and the interior has held up very well to time. The 997tt interior has a better layout for the driver to reach all the controls, quality is high save for the annoying volcano-grey plastic trim paint.
Suspension - the 993tt HD/M030 setup is extremely compliant and great for a daily driver. It gives up very little comfort to a Mercedes, yet is amazingly free of waddle in cornering. This combo outshines any of the comfort/performance duality that BMW is so famous for in its sports sedans. The 997tt suspension feels tighter and more edgy. Turn-in is much crisper with less softness to the handling. Some of this may be attributable to the 19" roadwheels and short profile tires, but still the 997 setup is the sharper tool.
Engine - the 993tt motor is smooth, competent but not shocking anymore. There is mild lag and smooth firm torque thru the gears. The 997tt motor is much stronger and has more perceptible off-throttle lag, most likely since it is boosting to 1.2bar.
Overall the 993tt is a delight. I find myself reaching for these keys more than the 997tt. The car feels tight even at 75k miles. It does not rattle (I fixed the squeaking windshield trim with caulk filler foam), and the appearance is simply classic and majestic in a way that could never be dated (at the same time it could never be called garish). It is the "favorite blue jeans" vs the "chic European slacks" of the 997tt. I love this combo far more than the 997gt3/tt combo.
Body - the 993tt is a visual treat. Very sensual lines in a tidy package that is not overly garish. The shape of the car itself is pleasing to the eye and needs no tacky add-ons to make it a stunner. The 997tt is larger and more modern appearing, but has lost some of the distinctive lines. The 997tt looks like it needs some additional "flair" to catch the eye.
Interior - the 993tt has a nice "cockpit" feel, with the more upright windshield allowing the best visibility possible in a sportscar. Switchwork while not as ergonomic certainly still has a quality tactile feel. The materials are high in quality and the interior has held up very well to time. The 997tt interior has a better layout for the driver to reach all the controls, quality is high save for the annoying volcano-grey plastic trim paint.
Suspension - the 993tt HD/M030 setup is extremely compliant and great for a daily driver. It gives up very little comfort to a Mercedes, yet is amazingly free of waddle in cornering. This combo outshines any of the comfort/performance duality that BMW is so famous for in its sports sedans. The 997tt suspension feels tighter and more edgy. Turn-in is much crisper with less softness to the handling. Some of this may be attributable to the 19" roadwheels and short profile tires, but still the 997 setup is the sharper tool.
Engine - the 993tt motor is smooth, competent but not shocking anymore. There is mild lag and smooth firm torque thru the gears. The 997tt motor is much stronger and has more perceptible off-throttle lag, most likely since it is boosting to 1.2bar.
Overall the 993tt is a delight. I find myself reaching for these keys more than the 997tt. The car feels tight even at 75k miles. It does not rattle (I fixed the squeaking windshield trim with caulk filler foam), and the appearance is simply classic and majestic in a way that could never be dated (at the same time it could never be called garish). It is the "favorite blue jeans" vs the "chic European slacks" of the 997tt. I love this combo far more than the 997gt3/tt combo.
12-07-2007, 01:39 PM
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thanx, I was wondering the differences in the driving. pardon my ignorance what is "off throttle lag", and you get more of this with the modern tt?
again thank you for sharing
btw: In my opinion the best feature of the new one is the warranty!
what about the exhaust sounds? I thought that was the most disappointing thing about the 997tt when I heard it...I guess a bypass could fix that.
again thank you for sharing
btw: In my opinion the best feature of the new one is the warranty!
what about the exhaust sounds? I thought that was the most disappointing thing about the 997tt when I heard it...I guess a bypass could fix that.
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12-07-2007, 02:06 PM
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Dan,
the 997tt seems to take more time to achieve full boost from part throttle than the 993tt, which I think is because it needs to get to 1.2 instead of .8 bar. Granted, this is from memory because my 997tt has been tweaked a bit. I certainly do not think the 997tt has outclassed the 993tt - simply sharpened the concept to a degree while admittedly sacrificing a small bit of the "magic"
the 997tt seems to take more time to achieve full boost from part throttle than the 993tt, which I think is because it needs to get to 1.2 instead of .8 bar. Granted, this is from memory because my 997tt has been tweaked a bit. I certainly do not think the 997tt has outclassed the 993tt - simply sharpened the concept to a degree while admittedly sacrificing a small bit of the "magic"
12-07-2007, 02:14 PM
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Nice.
If someone said here take this 997tt for your 964t (assuming I can't ever have a 964t again), I think I'd say no. Same goes for 993tt.
With some tweaks, I think you can make these old dinosaurs perform only slightly behind the new models but with the classic look and lines. Probably more difference at the track, but at 90% street, I'll keep it old school.
993 and 964 will never go out of style. Even 930s are catching my eye much more. 997tts are hot but the 996tt doesn't even get a second look from me. I expect to feel the same way for the 997 as they get more common.
That is stock for stock btw. A tricked 996tt will get four or five looks.
If someone said here take this 997tt for your 964t (assuming I can't ever have a 964t again), I think I'd say no. Same goes for 993tt.
With some tweaks, I think you can make these old dinosaurs perform only slightly behind the new models but with the classic look and lines. Probably more difference at the track, but at 90% street, I'll keep it old school.
993 and 964 will never go out of style. Even 930s are catching my eye much more. 997tts are hot but the 996tt doesn't even get a second look from me. I expect to feel the same way for the 997 as they get more common.
That is stock for stock btw. A tricked 996tt will get four or five looks.
12-07-2007, 03:58 PM
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Eclou
The very reasons I enjoy my C4 Cab, although lacking in power compared to the Turbos and the reason I almost did a deal on the 993TT S. I feel something is missing with the 997TT and
is a description I can truly relate to and the reason I like the CTR-2 so much.
The very reasons I enjoy my C4 Cab, although lacking in power compared to the Turbos and the reason I almost did a deal on the 993TT S. I feel something is missing with the 997TT and
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It is the "favorite blue jeans" vs the "chic European slacks" of the 997tt.
12-07-2007, 05:57 PM
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Levino,
If my 997tt was still stock, I probably would not drive it at all now that I have the 993tt. With the ECU, exhaust, PSS10's and B&M short shifter, it is on a different level. Still, the 993tt has this charm that simply cannot be matched. Everyone told me I would get bored of the 993tt quickly and be disappointed in the experience. It is true the 993tt has a "softer" driving feel to it but it is not necessarily a bad attribute. I can drive the 993tt all day long thru traffic and in & out of parking lots and ramps without hassle. It is just so practical as to never be wearisome.
If my 997tt was still stock, I probably would not drive it at all now that I have the 993tt. With the ECU, exhaust, PSS10's and B&M short shifter, it is on a different level. Still, the 993tt has this charm that simply cannot be matched. Everyone told me I would get bored of the 993tt quickly and be disappointed in the experience. It is true the 993tt has a "softer" driving feel to it but it is not necessarily a bad attribute. I can drive the 993tt all day long thru traffic and in & out of parking lots and ramps without hassle. It is just so practical as to never be wearisome.
12-07-2007, 06:05 PM
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Long live the 993!
12-07-2007, 06:05 PM
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I am still contemplating doing a 993TT and adding PSS9 and the 100 cell cats plus the CG 490 Kit just for fun. Still talking to myself about it.
I will be upgrading the ECU on the 997TT in the spring and probably Bilstiens as well.
I will be upgrading the ECU on the 997TT in the spring and probably Bilstiens as well.
12-22-2007, 12:57 PM
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Eclou and LAT
Can you share some more 997tt v 993tt experiences and impressions ?
The idea of the new technology: safer in a smash, awesome aerodynamics, cleverer 4WD, easy to bump up to 540hp - appeals when written down on paper and makes the rationale of running a 993tt daily driver seem a curious decision. Can you put some meat on this ?
Also what about the tuned 993tt -LAT, your CTR beast, can you quantify, identify the stuff which lifts that above a modded 997tt ?
TIA
Can you share some more 997tt v 993tt experiences and impressions ?
The idea of the new technology: safer in a smash, awesome aerodynamics, cleverer 4WD, easy to bump up to 540hp - appeals when written down on paper and makes the rationale of running a 993tt daily driver seem a curious decision. Can you put some meat on this ?
Also what about the tuned 993tt -LAT, your CTR beast, can you quantify, identify the stuff which lifts that above a modded 997tt ?
TIA