I just picked up my 997TT this week and thought I'd share some initial impressions.

First a caveat: this is my first Turbo car, and it is not broken in. I have tried to stay at least 1K below redline, and my shifting is not as fast/smooth as it could be.

In a nutshell: I think the TT is about as fast as the M5-- but not a ton faster.

M5, when going 60MPH in 3rd if you hammer it, the power is on instantly and it pulls steady to the redline.

In the TT, same situation, you get a smaller initial burst of power, which builds as the boost builds, but full TQ/boost only last for a brief time (especially when not running all the way to redline). Certainly higher peak TQ, but doesn't feel a ton faster. And, for me, the peaky TQ makes that car feel less composed. Maybe I just need to get used to this.

Last night, my brother and I did several head-to-head rolling pulls in 3rd and 4th. These tests confirmed my impression: neither car could really pull that hard on the other.

I acknowledge that Gustav's videos show a different outcome, and that the TT when broken in and driven harder should ultimately be a bit faster.

Nonetheless, the bottom line for me is that the stock TT is not (and very likely will not ever be) noticably faster.

Obviously there are ton of other factors, and I love the Turbo, but I just wanted to pass along the thought that, in a straight line, the M5 holds its own very very well.

I will re-do these tests in a few weeks after full break in and then again after getting my Stage III kit put on the Turbo.

 

Ok great! I'm not sure what to do with this valuable info...

 

How about from a standing start? How does that compare?

 

It could save your life someday.

Just sharing what I thought was interesting, but obviously my view is skewed by the excitement of getting a new toy and perhaps some irrational loyalty to my old toy.

 

I am 100% positive that the TT would kill the M5, but I have not done a hard launch yet (maybe post break-in). Low-end TQ on M5 is a joke plus RWD, 500+ extra pounds, etc, etc.

 

i wonder how much stronger this motor pulls after break in mileage? I heard that after a few thousand miles (3000-5000), the motor loosens up more and runs even stronger? any thoughts or experiences on these 997tt?

 

That comment was uncalled for and rather silly. Is there not some leftwing tree-hugger board that the Prius people all flock too?

 

Just wait...all the fun comes after you've broken her in!

 

Well, my TT is well broken in with 5k miles - a buddy has an E60 M5 - we did a few runs - the TT is always well ahead and it's total annihilation from a dig...cracks me up with all the gyrations he has to go thru' to launch

 

It's well documented that the 997TT walks the M5 from any speed.

From a dig its high 3's vs. low 4's which translates into a decent amount of space at 60mph between the pair.

 

[quote=chrisn]I just picked up my 997TT this week and thought I'd share some initial impressions.

First a caveat: this is my first Turbo car, and it is not broken in. I have tried to stay at least 1K below redline, and my shifting is not as fast/smooth as it could be.

In a nutshell: I think the TT is about as fast as the M5-- but not a ton faster.

M5, when going 60MPH in 3rd if you hammer it, the power is on instantly and it pulls steady to the redline.

In the TT, same situation, you get a smaller initial burst of power, which builds as the boost builds, but full TQ/boost only last for a brief time (especially when not running all the way to redline). Certainly higher peak TQ, but doesn't feel a ton faster. And, for me, the peaky TQ makes that car feel less composed. Maybe I just need to get used to this.

You have to get use to being at least at 4500 rpm with the turbo or the lag will get you beat by the M5 everytime. That is just the difference between a turbo and non-turbo car. Get that rpm up to 4500, recognize the 6600-6700 cut-off, and you'll beat the M5 big time, everytime.

 

sorry...but this is kind of a useless compare...your cars not broken in...your not the best at driving it yet....and you arent even going to redline....

BEST PART!!! is that it still his hanging which rocks!!! hahah Imagine when it blossoms and you know all the ins and outs of what its telling u, like your Bimmer...

Enjoy!!!!

 

Its almost impossable for an M5 to be faster then a 997TT, I have a 02 TT with just exhaust and everything else stock. I race with my friends E60 M5 quite a few times on the freeway and he can't even beat me. We ran pretty hard a few times and we're pretty equal with me having a slight edge below 120mph. Never driven a 997TT, but just from reading, its faster then the 996TT. I think after you break in your 997TT, you will be suprise with what it can do.

 

Several buddies have raced E60 M5s in their S4's (stg 3) and pull on the M5. The Porsche is lighter.

 

At least I have the ***** to post what I drive... even if it is a Prius.