First off, this is my first post here. Great forum with a wealth of information to search. I am a life long car enthusiast my last sports car was a 1994 Mazda RX7. I owned for 13 years and built it into a 500rwhp monster, but after more than a decade of fun I decided to move on. So, here I am with a decent budget, but not enough cash to buy a new 997.

So I can afford a used 997 non-turbo, or a hunt for a nice clean 996tt. I have access to some great twisties (Rockie Mtns), and love to let my cars rip when conditions permit. I really like to power of the 996tt, but am definitely drawn to the 997 styling and interior.
Anyone have experience with both cars?

 

Here is a link to some more links:

https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...decisions.html

 

High altitude favors Forced Induction. The 997 NA will lose HP and performance when it is in the Colorado mountains. The updated interior and exterior certainly has its appeal.

How would you feel when you let it "rip" and a 996TT blows by while you are up in the mountains?

 

The 996 TT vs 997 NA questions seems to come up a lot, and you can find several threads on it. My impression is that more people favor the 997 (and I'm one of them), but turbo certainly has its appeal also. Whatever flavor you pick, the 911 rocks. Good luck!

 

Check out the interior of both. Power is good, but you won't be impressed by the dated 996 interior.

 

I came across a 996tt Midnight Blue with tan interior, and I may have a winning combination. I am going to test drive a 997 4S tommorrow, so I can compare the two.

 

Given thse two choices (997 non Turbo vs 996 Turbo).

996 Turbo -- Plus
1) Gt1 Dry Sump engine
2) Can be modified to high hp.
3) Can be daily driver

9974S -Plus
1) exterior structural and cosmetic upgrades
2) interior superiror quality
3) newer car .. possible warranty or CPO coverage
4) also can be a daily driver


996 tt Negative
1) atrocious interior -dated and lacking the same quality as 997.
2) the bug eye lights are not only pitiful .. but can be stolen (mine were ) in minutes.
3) turbo lag significant .. modding is expensive .. cheaper to buy a stock 997tt.
4) repairs on a 8-10 year old out of warranty car -- potentially adding cost to ownership.

997S Negative
1) RMS /IMS potential
2) not a gt3 .. not a Turbo .. lacks greatness where those two shine the most

Topic of debate -- (opinion based)
Sledgehammer acceleration Vs NA seamless precision .. Which do you prefer ?

 

A related consideration is that quite a few cars provide sledgehammer acceleration, including some relatively inexpensive ones (eg, American muscle cars). By contrast, seamless precision is harder to achieve and thus less common, and IMO that's where the 911 is meant to excel.

 

An x50 996TT would be my option...

 

Turbo lag....You dont know lag until you run 30psi Rotary! Go from 180hp to 500hp in 2 seconds!

I like the 996tt's power, and am afraid the 997 might be too big of a drop off for me. I paln on staying pretty tame with this car as far as modding goes. I don't want to ruin a great car with excessive complications.

 

If you are coming from RX7 interior, then I do not think 996 interior will be an issue. If you need and are used to power and not looking to be within warranty then 996tt is probably a good option for you.

I mean you really can't go wrong with either car and a Porsche Turbo will always be a *!PORSCHE TURBO!* no matter what year it is. If I could have both, I would.

 

Just bought an 06 c4s w/ x50, last car was an 02 996tt. The first thing I noticed, and this is really profound (sarcasm), was significant power difference. The 996tt was slightly modded, ecu & exhaust. The power of the turbo is unbelievable, for me anyway, almost Couldn't believe a car could be that fast. Having said that, the 997 is a better car in every other measurable way. Handling, fit/finish, comfort, etc etc, etc. The exhaust sound w/ the x51 & sport exhaust is unreal. You can't go wrong with either car. If possible, drive both to help decision

 

I have never driven another car which has the same level of refinement under the high Hp categories in this price range . The AWD mated to the Turbo is just astounding . Most of the other cars lack something .. some lack grip , others lack the overall comfort and luxury , or the same level of customer service . Others might show wear with aging , or rattle , or have a blind spot or some other slight imperfection that the Porsche doesn't. . In short the Porsche Turbo hits high marks in every category of ownership on top of being rocket fast. It's well built for safety , reliability, handles with confidence , and has a manufacturer that backs its product with top tier service .

When i buy this type of car it's not just because it has performance . Its because it delivers a full range of quality that i feel separates it from the rest .

 

Thanks eveyone! Lots of great advice.