I thought the handling on the 997 (edit) 911TT's handling was softer (and for me handling is more important than pure straight-line speed), maybe because of the 4WD idk; or do I need to go get on some ginseng or other brain medication??

I do see on Road & Track's data page that the C2S's slalom speed was 2mph faster than the 911TT, so maybe I'm not nuts?? I'd love to go with a GT3, but I need a back seat for a babyseat (life, you know how it is).

 

which 911tt? 996 or 997?

 

997, it was a 2007.

 

Get a GT3 and a second car for the baby seat. I have two kids and the food, drinks, dirty shoes, just make a huge mess of the inside of the car.

 

I don't think you're crazy, UCLA95. When I was at the dealer last week to get the bad news about my build date changing, they put me in an 09 Turbo for a pretty extended test drive. Offering to deal on an 08 TT they have on the floor.

No doubt it's a powerful car full of advanced technology, but I didn't like something about the feel of it. I think it's the AWD; I've never gotten used to that feel, although I'm sure there are stalwart defenders out there.

Also, the turbo kicks in and it goes like heck, but most of my recreational driving is on narrow twisties, and I can't see harnessing all that power for that purpose. There are probably better drivers out there who can explain how to use the turbo band on mountain hairpins, but I just liked the feel of the C2 better.

 

AWD cars have leaden steering that the RWD cars simply do without.
Also there's a willingness with the RWD to change directions - flickability - and the AWD dulls this feeling.
The AWD cars feel much more "planted" and stable upon corner exit than the RWD cars.

I'll take "flickable" over "planted" any day.

It must be said, though, that a turbo car is better served by the AWD chassis stability. RWD likes smooth consistent power more than instant punch. This is why the GT3 continues to be the favorite over the TT. The GT3 has the perfect specs.

RWD+415hp+8500rpm=happiness

 

You're not being fair to the TT owners. They are driving a boat on wheels. The C2 is more of a sport's car requiring better driving skills to reach the same level of track performance than a TT which is equiped with factory installed training wheels.

 

You're not crazy at all. I too (as do many other Porsche tt owners) feel that the 997tt is too soft. I liked my test drive(s) of the C2S better than I liked my previous 997 turbo. Even the power of the new C2S feels better than the claimed 385; closer to 400+ to me. I don't know if you test drove a C2S with SPASM or not. If you have not you need to.

The new C2S is very close to the 997.1 GT3's performance.

 

I test drove the 997TT for about 4 or 5 months at various dealerships and wound up getting a 2009 C4S 997.2. In my case, I actually wanted the AWD and the extra HP as I don't track and simply wanted everyday driving performance. The turbo was too heavy in feeling, and there seemed to be an extra layer between me and the motor in the turbo. I know most would specifically call out the AWD, which does also add a layer to the overall feel, but I specifically wanted AWD. I did test drive the 997.2 C2 twice, and the 997.2 C2S, and found the C2 non-S to be a phenominal car. I would consider the C2 in the future over the turbo when I grow up a little and care less about the numbers (HP/TQ), which is truley of no consequence in any of these cars. The TT is awesome, and gets you to 100 before you can blink twice, but just too much for me.

 

Congrats on your new car!

Your last sentence is what I loved most about my turbo.

 

The stock suspension on the 997tt is soft (valid complaint /easily and inexpensively resolved) The car is somewhat a luxury power car UNTIL a few tweaks are done.

For the soft suspension a $700 set of Techart springs would have turned your test drive around in a flash . Pss10's are going on my car as we speak but springs are cheap and change things quickly.

An exhaust an Ecu Tune can take 480Hp and lift it off the ground . Add intercoolers /intake and plenum and you are near 600 . Do the VTG upgrade and it will smoke almost anything on the road .

On turns and corners it's I can come close to the Gt3 . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAxksl0fIUo


At the ring it beat the Gt3. 7.38 vs 7.39
http://www.supercars.net/PitLane?fID...3&viewThread=y

 

The ideal setup is both cars . Whatever it takes .
I'll take looking in my rear view over chasing.

 

Damn you! Now I likely have to buy the Turbo - I'm going to tell my wife to PM you with the financial complaints...

 

If you ask thse questions on the Turbo forum many have come from 997S cars with same view only to figure out ways to resolve it.

In fact handling can also be improved with a Gt3 spec alignment on coilovers . See Cannaga's and Eclou's posts on the subject.

 

This is old hat, but they are 2 different cars not comparable. After 2 turbos years ago (a 1986 and a 1992) I've stayed with the NAs; for me more fun, more feel, more finite control. Reminds me of the endless debate: coupe versus roadster - in true sports cars if you want to drive a car get a coupe and if you want to ride in a car get a convertible; the performance differences are unarguable. Lastly, I've 'enjoyed' watching na 911s and Caymans consistently outperform turbos in the PCA autocrosses (but the turbos can surely beat the hell out of them getting away from the track). All depends on what you want.