Impressions of my 997 vs the old 996
#1
10-28-2013 | 11:18 AM
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From: Bellevue, Washington
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Impressions of my 997 vs the old 996
Hi all, after several days of to-be or not-to-be a 997 owner thoughts, I decided to pull the trigger and bought a 2005 997 in Guards Red. I traded in my 99' 996, also in Guards Red - something is definitely in that colour that keeps drawing me back 
The car had an engine rebuild from Body Motion here in NJ due to a catastrophic engine failure (IMS). Other than that it has a documented service history, recently had new brakes, rotors, tires etc. Not a lot of options on it, but it has full leather (beige), heated electric seats, Xenons, BOSE stereo (those are all that I care about).
Compared to my 996, I definitely see quite a bit of refinement. All the bad press about the 996 made Porsche go back to the basics with this is what I'd like to believe. Window controls on the doors, not the centre console. A gear **** that feels good in my hand (simple ball) - hated the one in the 996. Seats where I could sit into rather than sit on, a glove box where I can actually keep stuff, and finally.. round headlamps Probably that's the biggest reason that made me buy a 997. I see refinement in the styling also - esp the rear of the car. Sure, for a regular on-looker all Porsches look the same, but the subtle differences in the curves and the panels makes all the difference Even the door handle - which can be opened from above as well now and, the more aggressive rear spoiler (which somehow can't be seen that easily in the rear-view mirror unlike the 996).
As far as the driving is concerned, again I see a lot of refinement. The ride is firmer, but not rigid (996). Even with 19" wheels, and NJ roads, its not that bad on the highways. The power delivery seems smoother - not just a big lump at the top end. Engine sound is good as always - but I do miss my Fabspeed mufflers on the 996 (maybe a fister/gundo hack on the 997 should do). The steering feels really good - I think Porsche fiddled with it a bit - so it feels more connected to the road than my 996. The same for the ride/suspension as well. Gear shifts feel good to do - for some reason in my 996 all I felt that the gearbox was hesitant to shift (could have been just my car).
Overall, here's how I feel about the car - you know when you go to a shoe shop to buy a new pair of the same model that you had before (because you're just too obsessed with them - I really am). Not only do you find out that they're still making those, but they've made them better in many ways.. and yet feel the same as the old ones
This is my 3rd 911, and I believe that there truly is no substitute!
Here are some pictures for you guys so you will believe my story :P
Compared to my 996, I definitely see quite a bit of refinement. All the bad press about the 996 made Porsche go back to the basics with this is what I'd like to believe. Window controls on the doors, not the centre console. A gear **** that feels good in my hand (simple ball) - hated the one in the 996. Seats where I could sit into rather than sit on, a glove box where I can actually keep stuff, and finally.. round headlamps
As far as the driving is concerned, again I see a lot of refinement. The ride is firmer, but not rigid (996). Even with 19" wheels, and NJ roads, its not that bad on the highways. The power delivery seems smoother - not just a big lump at the top end. Engine sound is good as always - but I do miss my Fabspeed mufflers on the 996 (maybe a fister/gundo hack on the 997 should do). The steering feels really good - I think Porsche fiddled with it a bit - so it feels more connected to the road than my 996. The same for the ride/suspension as well. Gear shifts feel good to do - for some reason in my 996 all I felt that the gearbox was hesitant to shift (could have been just my car).
Overall, here's how I feel about the car - you know when you go to a shoe shop to buy a new pair of the same model that you had before (because you're just too obsessed with them - I really am). Not only do you find out that they're still making those, but they've made them better in many ways.. and yet feel the same as the old ones
This is my 3rd 911, and I believe that there truly is no substitute!
Here are some pictures for you guys so you will believe my story :P
#7
10-28-2013 | 05:17 PM
Registered User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 267
From: Burlington VT
Rep Power: 39
Congrats, I had a 996TT and 996C4 before getting a 997C4 now and pretty much what you said applies exactly.
A friend that was use to going around in the Merc S550 I had when she was along commented the other day climbing out of the black 997 "If this car was a piece of clothing it would be a little black dress" one of the coolest thing I have heard a lady say about an automobile...
A friend that was use to going around in the Merc S550 I had when she was along commented the other day climbing out of the black 997 "If this car was a piece of clothing it would be a little black dress" one of the coolest thing I have heard a lady say about an automobile...
