hello:

I need your guys expert opinion. Since I just recently sold my car, I am in the itch of getting into another porsche. I currently own a 95 993 and I want to add additional car into my collection.

Since 996TT (2001) and 997S (2005) is roughly about the same price range, I would like to know what will you pick?

Assuming that you prefer 997S over the 996TT, I would like to know whether 997S experience the same problem as the non Turgo 996 (IMF, RMS failure)

Thanks

 

I picked the 997S over the 996T, even though originally I thought I wanted a 996T. The big factors that converted me to the 997 were:

* Turbo lag on the 996. The 997 has a very crisp and and responsive throttle (esp w/ sport mode), which I find a lot more satisfying to drive.
* Closer ratio gear box. Or at least it feels that way. On test drives the 997S would bang through gears like a sport bike compared to the 996T.
* Interior improvements.
* The 997 performance numbers are so close to the 996T that most people won't be able to explore the differences on the street.
* PASM. Two cars in one!
* Sport button. Again, jekyll/hyde in the same car.
* Better look.
* Much better exhaust note, especially with sport exhaust.
* Suspension seems better sorted on the 997. In comparision the 996T always felt looser and less assuring to me.

All that said, if you want to mod and go after pure straight line speed then the 996T is your best bet.

 

This is the same dilemma I've stewed on, but the 2nd gear pop-out of the 996TT (brass synchro "issue") is what has been steering me towards a late model 997S.

Any similar items of concern on the 997s, either turbo or non-turbo?

 

i was just at my mechanic's gettin an oil change, and there were a lot of 911's lined up and in the bays... right next to my car was 2 996TTs that I had a chance to inspect up close... just on the looks of the 2 cars alone, I was SOOOO happy to have my car vs. a 996TT and you could not pay me to trade for one. No offense to 996TT lovers, but the car looks dated, moreso than the 993TT (which will be a forever classic - and also why a nice one will cost you over $60K!!!). The 996TT will never be a classic IMO. The front lights are horrible, and the interior is not nice. Since my car is a daily driver, i want to feel good and feel comfortable in the car I look at everyday... and for that the 996TT would not have been the answer. I know people talk about the GT1 motor and how great it is, but the M96/M97 suits me just fine...

 

I would ask the same in the 996TT forum.

Power wise, there are some groundbreaking members of this forum (ranging from SC to Turbos to drilling holes in dashes - that's you, Cattman) who have have pushed beyond 500hp on the 997/s for around $10-$15K. It's less time-proven than the 996TT tuning options, but it's there if you need it.

 

Yes, there were reported isolated cases of IMS failure in 997 produced before 2006, have not heard much about RMS problem in 997.

Other than that, no major problem with 997. Definitely prefer it over any 996 (except GT3/GT2).