My error. (was comparing to the 996)
I stand by the other improvents though . There are quite a few of them

I also raise this question on the engine alone .. Is a newer 997S NA engine with possible remaing warranty a better choice over an out of warranty 10 year old 996tt .. for a guy who is trying to save money in costs ?

I would still pick the 997S .. too many things point to it.

 

I just test drove 2001 996 turbo today. I didn't like it at all.... it feels nothing like 997s in terms of refinement. Turbo is no doubt a faster car but it lacks so many things. If the acceleration is only thing that matters, go w/ turbo of course. If I may compare, 911S feels more like a running back compare to turbo which is more like a strong body builder. After driving the turbo today put an end to all future turbo. For that money I would get a GT3 over Turbo. This is just my opinion. I am also searching for 911S for myself and it's not so easy. I wanted to buy 06 c2s for around 50k but there is nothing around me. I am currently looking at 08 C4S or may have to wait a little to get 997.S. 0-60 figure is about .4 second difference. But I am sure it would sound better. Does anybody have an experience in 997.2 over 997.1? Thx

 

Yes. Tried them back to back when we were looking. Preferred the dot two well enough to buy it. After the dot one we'd been ready to go to another dealer. That isn't conclusive, just our reaction, but it was pretty strong.

Gary

 

Agree - I'd go with the 997.2 if possible. There were noticeable improvements over the 997.1. If money is an issue, I'd even go so far as to prefer the 997.2 Carrera to the 997.1 Carrera S.

And some of us don't think of a turbo as an 'upgrade'. It's just different, not necessarily better.

So, here's your homework - drive a 996TT, a 997.1 C2S, and a 997.2 C2. Then decide. There is no wrong answer.

 

I wrestled with the same decision: newer 997.1 versus a 996tt. I drove both. The tt is clearly faster but the 997 is no slouch either compared to most other cars on the road, not to mention I don't plan on street racing with either of them.

In the end I decided on the 997.1 which is a 2006 C2S cabriolet. It had 11K miles on it and was immaculate, also came with 2 years/50K mile CPO warranty and I got it for mid-50's. The tt was a 2003 with 36K miles, also immaculate, private owner so no warranty and would have been 50K.

For me, getting a 3 yr newer vehicle with warranty and a little less miles was a big factor. Saving 5K and getting a cab in the process was the next factor. Lastly, I like to work on my vehicles myself and do my own performance mods like exhaust changes, etc. I was a little concerned about working on the turbo vs the na motor.

 

I knew many wouldn't consider the turbo an upgrade, which is why I put it in quotations....

I know I need to test drive them, but I do not know where I would find a 996tt to test drive without traveling. I live in the New Orleans area...I know there are some people on here from NOLA, but I don't really think anyone is going to let some random person test drive their car.....maybe a test ride....

 

I just test drove an 07 S... I really enjoyed it and think that's what I'm going to go for... Thanks for everyones input.

 

There is also a BIG difference from a stock 996tt and even a chip tuned which can add close to 80 extra hp by itself.
So you got from a comparison of 415hp \ 355hp to almost 500hp \ 355hp.
While you may say hp doesn't matter with regards to the other "refinements" I gurantee when you drive a car with 140 more hp than the other it will play a BIG part in your decision.
Some corner balanced PSS10's or the like will also massively improve your handling and the general feel of the 996 alone. Both of those can be had for an extra $3k on your purchase price.
The savings are pretty good considering the power and handling you get compared to the newer "refined" version.

Either way both are stunning cars and a pure pleasure to drive. I can't say enough about Porsche since owning one and I won't be buying a different car for a long time.

 

From what I've seen of the 991, I would go with an 997; an '09 if it fits your budget as Porsche made improvements in '09 to both the electronics and the flat six. I almost pulled the trigger on an '09 early last year but it was slightly beyond my budget. Had to settle for an '07 S Cab.. :-). Amazing car!